Broadway Director Jeff Calhoun Gives Advice to Hometown Students

It was a typical high school scene, a bunch of students sitting around, sharing ideas and giving each other advice. Except one of those sharing ideas and tips was an award-winning Broadway director, although you would never have known it from his demeanor or attitude.

That is exactly what makes Jeff Calhoun so loved by the students at Pine-Richland High School.

“He acts like one of us. He doesn’t talk down to us, but treats us like equals, like friends,” said Katelyn Alcook, a senior at the school.  

It was an exciting day for many students at Pine-Richland High School when they met Thursday with Calhoun. The 1978 graduate of Richland High School visited with students, teachers and staff, “paying back” to the place that gave him his roots.

Calhoun’s visit was in part sponsored by the Thespian Society Boosters.

“Our role is to help facilitate Mr. Calhoun’s visit and recognize the generous time he chooses to spend in support of the students of Pine-Richland,” said Stacy Burris, president of the boosters. Burris coordinated Calhoun’s schedule, which includes an appearance on the KDKA-TV show, "Pittsburgh Live."

The boosters along with district administrators and a few students welcomed Calhoun with a breakfast Thursday morning where Calhoun handed out the International Thespian Society Honor Award to PRHS seniors Marcella McGuire, Jake Chavara, Katherine Boufford, Rachel Jones, Ben Gentzel, Matt Cuervorst, Kate Alcook, Emily Smith, Alysia Mohn, Mara Benson and Patrick McMahon.

“The actual award is a medallion and [winning it is] based on how many points the students receive for being involved in productions both on stage and off stage. It is the highest award from the International Thespian Society Honor Award,” said Burris.

Throughout the day, Calhoun talked to band classes, theater classes and he  attended the dress rehearsal/senior citizen show of the upcoming PRHS musical, He is scheduled to attend Friday's opening night show.

“It’s been a while since I was at school here, but I still hold the track record for the two-mile relay,” he joked with the students as he opened his talk to those in the band. “I played football until an injury sidelined me so I became the drum major in the band.”

Calhoun told the students how much the band and his now-retired band teacher, Bob Marshall, meant to him.

“When I got off the plane last night and was driving to my hotel, I wanted to make one call and that was to Mr. Marshall,” he said.

The reason behind his visit was to inspire the students, but also to provide them with a dose of reality.

“I try to scare those who want to be actors. You should really only be an actor if you feel there is nothing else you can do, that that is what will make you happy,” he advised the students.

Calhoun told the students he is a veteran of 14 Broadway shows as an actor, dancer, producer or director.

“My dream is to create a show that not only you know," he said, "but your children and your grandchildren (know).”

Senior Niles Brandon said Thursday's talk was the second time he has met Calhoun, and he was motivated by both meetings.

“I love him. He is just so down-to-earth, but also so inspiring. He shows us that it is a tough business, but if you love it, you can do it,” said Niles, who is headed to Berklee School of Music in Boston next year.

Calhoun also held an impromptu acting workshop with theater students. As junior Sam Bigley gave a monologue on stage, Calhoun gave her directions and suggestions.

“It’s obvious you are a natural,” said Calhoun.

“It was really cool," Sam said. "To have someone who is out there actually giving me advice was amazing.”

Burris said, “It is heartwarming to see a man of Mr. Calhoun’s professional stature take such time and interest in our students.  His devotion to the performing arts and his encouragement of youth is outstanding.” 

Theater teacher Michelle Bruno agreed.

“I think he is amazing, to come back and give to these kids. I wish we could get more people to be like him.”