Holy Cross Senior Theatre Majors Plan to Take on New Stages Post-Graduation

Two College of the Holy Cross’ senior theatre majors, Shannon LoCascio ’14 and Patrick Simas ’14, will continue their passion for acting in distinguished acting programs next year. LoCascio has been accepted to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art’s (LAMDA) master’s program in classical acting for the Professional Theatre program. Simas will be taking part in the Williamstown Theatre Festival"s Acting Apprenticeship for the 2014 season.

“The Department of Theatre is extraordinarily proud of majors Patrick Simas and Shannon LoCascio,” says Lynn Kremer, professor of theatre who has worked closely with both student actors. “Their hard work, perseverance, and openness to change, coupled with their amazing talents have won them these prestigious placements.”

At LAMDA, LoCascio will be involved with many workshop performances and scene study. Her program also includes a range of classes in acting, movement, voice, textual, contextual studies, stage combat, and historical dancing. LoCascio will also be enrolled in master classes taught by visiting actors and directors.  The program ends with an individual thesis performance and larger production of a classical text, which will then continue to be performed in a showcase tour in London, New York City, and Los Angeles for casting directors and talent agents as well as the general public.

During her time at Holy Cross, LoCascio has been challenged with various roles in different performances, notably including leading roles in "The Changeling," "Shackled Spirits," and "The Wild Duck."

“My learning curve at Holy Cross has been very long,” describes LoCascio. “I had not taken a theatre class before arriving on the Hill, and my knowledge base four years later has been expanded beyond measure.  I can find my way around both the technical and emotional aspects of the art now, apparently well enough that a very [respected] grad school accepted me.”

Simas, who is a double major in theatre and English at Holy Cross, will begin taking theatre classes with resident artists in addition to master classes with some of the featured actors of the upcoming season’s Williamstown Theatre Festival. He will work backstage and take responsibility for various administrative positions throughout the yearlong season. Simas will also have the opportunity to audition for productions being presented on the Festivals’ two theatres, the Main Stage and the Nikos Stage.

“I'm so excited for this opportunity simply because this department has helped me to better understand and more fully love the performing arts. These professors have sharpened my senses, enlightened me, and most importantly, taught me how to relax and have fun. Whenever I step on stage I am filled with love and respect for their teachings and I want to keep diving into as many projects as possible," he says.

Simas’ more recent performances include "Antigone," "Spring Awakening," and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."