Jean-Michel Cliché, Lexi MacRae and Jesse LaPointe have all moved to big cities to pursue further studies in theatre. The three Theatre St. Thomas alums told how the university prepared them for these programs and what it’s like to pursue acting careers after leaving Fredericton.
Cliché moved to Toronto to focus on stage fighting. Now a student at Rapier Wit academy, Cliché discovered his love of stage-fighting when he was working on a production of Hamlet several years ago.
“It came around to the director I had some experience with fencing, so I was given the opportunity to choreograph the final duel. I fell in love with it,” he said.
In Fredericton, Cliché studied at St. Thomas while also working with theatre companies like Theatre St. Thomas and the physical theatre company The Coop. He attributes his success to both Fredericton’s “open and welcoming” theatre community and guidance from director Lisa Anne Ross and Lesandra Dodson while at The Coop.
Cliché plans to make a career out of stage fighting while building on other techniques.
“I would encourage theatre artists to try any and all workshops that [they] are able to get to,” Cliché said. “Everything feeds into your work.”
MacRae, also living in Toronto, first discovered her love of theatre in fifth grade, and she’s pushed for her dreams of working on the stage ever since.
MacRae credited St. Thomas and its facilities for helping her understand professional theatre. TST introduced her to the right level of dedication, while STU taught her many different styles, techniques, and “the importance of camaraderie among a company,” she said.
MacRae currently studies at George Brown Theatre School, and intends to fully tackle professional acting afterwards.
“Within two weeks of being here I’ve already had opportunities to work alongside the professionals at Soulpepper,” she said.
MacRae ultimately stressed the importance of going to a proper school for those pursuing arts.
“It’s impossible to be a successful artist if you’re uneducated, and STU gives you knowledge and the skills to succeed in what you decide to do.”
She said her attraction to STU was the practical knowledge and skills taught simultaneously, and advises others to constantly challenge themselves while seeking out their best options and keeping their skills sharp.
“Believe in yourself and push yourself. You followed this path for a reason.”
LaPointe now lives in Montreal and is continuing his theatre studies at the National Theatre School of Canada. LaPointe said acting is a way for him to reach out, and he believes he is growing as a person the more he continues on with his acting studies.
“It’s easy to think of yourself as an imposter sometimes … but ultimately you’ll get more out of everything you do if you just open yourself up and you don’t concern yourself with if you should or shouldn’t be there,” he said.
LaPointe sees himself moving to Toronto or staying in Montreal after his three-year course, and wishes to one day appear on television or in a movie, though he also expressed interest in voice acting and teaching.
“Hopefully I can continue the tradition of successful Frederictonians,” he said.
LaPointe urges young actors to read plenty of plays, watch shows “all the time” and go out of their way to meet new people. He promises reading and watching will spark the imagination, and meeting others who share your passion will strengthen your own.
“If you love theatre, keep that passion and nurture it. Its one of those things that can affect you across all parts of your life and can make you a better person,” LaPointe said.
