In fall 2005, Kaczorek was the light board operator for "Requiem for the Dead."

Alumna Profile

Name: Mary Kaczorek
Major: Theater
Minor: Math
Graduation Year: 2006
Hometown: Mahtomedi, Minn.

What made you decide to major in theater?

Theater is the best major of all time because of the diversity of classes and subjects. I'm interested in a lot of different areas, so being able to take costuming, history, literature, technical, and acting classes was very appealing. The hands-on requirements (like being involved in four productions) were especially helpful in understanding theater as a profession, as well as a fun way to earn some credits. Theater also serves as a great lens to learn about other areas like history, sociology, and psychology. Plus my best friends from college came from the theater department. The more appropriate question should be "Why would anyone NOT want to major in theater?"

Did you focus on any specific area of theater?

I didn't focus on any specific area because I knew I didn't want to pursue a career in theater. The CSB/SJU Theater Department is wonderful because it allows students to either pursue theater as a general area of focus for a well-rounded liberal arts education (that's what I did) or as a starting point for a professional career in theater (which many of my peers chose to do.)

How did you choose CSB/SJU for your studies?

I really didn't want to go to Saint Ben's because my older brother went to Saint John's, and I wanted to do my "own thing," but as soon as I went to visit him (and the theater department), I knew it was the school for me. The liberal arts experience appealed to me, as well as a school that was so community-oriented. The focus on social justice was also appealing, as well as the diversity in viewpoints. At CSB/SJU, there is a wide array of political and social ideologies that lends itself well to an interesting discussion. People at CSB/SJU also generally seemed really nice, genuine, and not affected.

What did you like best about the theater program at CSB/SJU?

I liked the amount of flexibility within the program. I was able to take every class I found interesting, and I didn't feel any pressure to take my education in a certain direction. The social aspect, though, is by far the best thing about being a theater major. You spend so much time with the "theater kids" in class, on stage, backstage, and at work that there is no way to graduate in theater and not have 20 best friends.

What kind of relationship did you have with your professors?

The theater faculty at CSB/SJU is wonderful. The atmosphere is open and casual, so I always felt comfortable talking to my professors about anything (class, personal things, what to do when I graduated, etc.). In addition to knowing about their specific areas, the faculty members were also all excellent teachers. 

How was the interaction between students in the CSB/SJU theater program?

Students get to know each other really, really well. This is great because you make some wonderful friends. It can be a bit overwhelming at times though, especially when you feel like you need some space. It's always healthy to have a few friends outside the program.

Was there an experience that you had at CSB/SJU that really stands out in your mind as outstanding?

My first year I participated in "The Crucible," which was a completely amazing experience. It was my first non-high school production, and it was really fun to take theater seriously and meet so many new people in such an intense setting. The show was really fun too in that it was completely stylized and unique.

Were you involved in any clubs or sports on campus?

I was on the lacrosse team for a few years, which was awesome in a lot of the same ways as the theater department (community, friends, etc.).  I also was in the improv group, The Attention-Starved Children, while at CSB, which again was great for making friends, but also helped a lot with my public speaking, interpersonal, and "being funny" skills.

What advice do you have for students that are just entering the theater program at CSB/SJU?

Don't feel like you need to do anything you don't want to do. There will be people more involved and less involved than you (I was definitely on the less-involved side) so don't feel like you need to conform your experience to what your peers are doing. If you don't want to spend 16 hours a day in the BAC (the building that houses the theater department), don't.

What kind of experience did you have while studying abroad?

I went to Galway, Ireland, and it was another great experience. In my opinion, studying abroad is the best thing you can do at college (aside from being a theater major at CSB/SJU) because it throws you outside your comfort zone. I returned from abroad a bit more sure of myself and mature.

What are you doing now?

I'm just finishing my first year of law school. Theater is a great background major for law school, especially as far as public speaking goes. (I actually won an award for my legal oral argument this spring . . . thanks, theater department!) I hope to pursue a career in elder law, public interest style.