Drama Society

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Robert Astudillo, ’06, to discuss the Hudson Catholic Drama Society. While students read over their lines nearby, Robert told me about the history of the current Drama Society, where they are now, and his hopes for the future.

Brian Slattery: What sparked your interest in theater?

Robert Astudillo: Directing. I am a Media Arts major at N.J.C.U. and am studying to become a movie director and screenwriter. I love film; so I like to do whatever I can that involves media and theater. I felt that by returning to H.C. and getting involved with Drama, I would get more directing experience and give back to the school that opened up a lot of opportunities for me. It has been a blessing to get to work here and get the experience I need to become a successful director. (It beats having to get coffee for some random person at an Internship.)

BS: What is the history of the current Drama program at Hudson Catholic and how did you become involved?

RA: In 2003, a group of students decided they wanted an organization where they could act and show their artistic skills. Opening with its first production in over 30 years, the Hudson Catholic Drama Society (under the supervision of Mr. Dennis Miguel and Ms. Aman) performed This is a Test. The following year brought Game Show. In 2005, Mr. Tango, ’00, became moderator of the Drama Society. I joined the Society as a stage crew member and was also head of public relations. The experience was great and I learned how to manage money properly and create a budget for our productions. We put on the third production of the Drama Society: The Outsiders. Several successful productions followed. As time went on and moderators left, I eventually moved up to be director. In the fall of 2008, with new teacher Ms. Bridget McCarthy’s assistance, Matthew Heise and I directed Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, considered by many to be the best production ever at Hudson Catholic.

BS: How many students are currently involved in the Drama Society?

RA: There are currently over twenty members in the H.C. Drama Society. Most of the actors are seniors, who, I also might add, will be returning as members of the new executive Drama Society Committee I am starting. We expect the number to grow next year when Hudson Catholic goes Co-ed.

BS: What would you hope the students involved—both actors and technical crew—will take away from their involvement in the Drama Society?

RA: As anyone would, I would hope that they succeed in life and pursue their desired careers. I do not expect everyone to do something involving acting on stage, but what I hope is that they leave with a taste for the Arts. I believe that since we do not have any acting, music, or film theory/production classes, they would at least have an appreciation for the Arts.

BS: If someone were interested in donating time, resources, or money to the program, who should they contact?

RA: We are self-funded and are on a tight budget, so we can use any help we can get. I am currently working with my co-director Ms. Bridget McCarthy on our program, and our goal is to give Hudson another successful and memorable play. In order to contact us, e-mail me at RAstudillo88@yahoo.com. I would ask that you indicate in the subject line: H.C. Drama Society.

BS: What is your next production? When are the performances?

RA: Our next production will be House on Haunted Hill, a classic horror/thriller, which will be performed on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 7, at 3:00 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to show time. We hope to see you there!

BS: Is there anything you would like to add?

RA: Yes. The Hudson Catholic Drama Society is one of the most precious and important organizations at the Hawks’ Nest. It is a club where students can come and express themselves freely through acting. We proudly call ourselves a society, because we look out for one another and are all in this together. Our motto is: "Where one goes, we all go!" And we stick to that, even far beyond the stage at Hudson Catholic. We will do whatever it takes to get more of the Arts into the school curriculum.

To purchase tickets in advance, contact Robert Astudillo at RAstudillo88@yahoo.com.