Alpine students Brice Cloke, Claire Doucet and Cody Harris describe famed London stage actor Dean Chisnall as unassuming.
“He is so unassuming but also smart. He provides a really interesting look at things, finds a way to go beyond and just takes us to the next level,” Cloke said.
Chisnall has played to audiences throughout the U.K. in notable roles such Shrek at the Drury Lane Theater, and Les Miserables’ Jean Valjean at the Queen’s Theatre. However, a recent Thursday had him in a backstage classroom at Steele Canyon High School, workshopping character development with students in preparation for their upcoming production of Shrek, the Musical.
“You guys are brilliant, utterly brilliant. I did this in rehearsal in England with Shrek and I wasn’t nearly as good, I hadn’t thought up my backstory yet. You’re all brilliant,” Chisnall said.
This is actually a return trip to Steele Canyon for Chisnall, who previously visited the school in March, 2019 when the students were mounting Les Miserables under the direction of music director Heather Luck and theatre director Nicole LaBella.
Seated back on house left, he describes this second visit to the theater department as a return to a comfortable pair of slippers, says the hardest part of spending the week with the students is having to go home.
“My dad was a head teacher for 30 years and I feel it is important for me to give something back. I say this with full modesty: I would have longed for someone to come like I now have the opportunity to do, to give back. I’m very excited to be here,” Chisnall said.
Chisnall said that the students’ energy is great and that he is rewarded just by being around them as he feels so appreciated.
In fact, this is the only school where Chisnall has developed this type of outreach, from working with the budding actors to spending time with the young orchestra.
“We did a mock studio recording and it was so much fun. I am more understanding of the young actors but truly, I’m on hand for both. It isn’t about my strengths or what I’ve done in life. I’m here for the kids now, entirely, not here for me. I love it,” Chisnall said.
“Resilience is a really big word in this industry. There’s always a way to land your dreams but you have to invest in yourself,” Chisnall said.
