Visiting Prof. Draper lights up stage, classroom

Author: Dina Magaril

An addition to the list of graduates who just cannot get enough of Middlebury, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Alex Draper '88, has returned to teach acting and co-direct as well as star in the fall faculty production "The Bewitched". Draper, the son of a diplomat, spent his childhood abroad in places such as France and Africa and attended the Yale School of Drama after receiving his B.A. from Middlebury. Upon earning his M.A., Draper moved to New York City, where he pursued various acting projects. "I spent most of my time doing stage work, but most of the money I got from TV and film roles," said Draper. Among his many stage achievements, Draper lists his involvement in "Scenes from an Execution" which was directed by Middlebury Professor of Theatre Richard Romagnoli and won the regional film festival, as particularly memorable. Other stage productions included "Oedipus," "The Alchemist," "The Seagull" and "Golden Boy" among many others. Draper also guest-starred on HBO's "Sex and the City and NBC's "ED" and "Law and Order." Some movie roles include "Simply Irresistible," "Hysterical Blindness" and "The Photographer."

Draper is currently teaching two classes - "Voice Movement" and "Script Analysis and 20th Century American Drama" - for Isabel Mettler Professor of Theatre Doug Sprigg, who is on leave. "It's funny," said Draper, "but I'm replacing [the professor] who I took Acting I from." Draper added that he was extremely impressed with the diversity of talent he encountered while working on the fall production. "[The Bewitched] is the third show I've co-starred in with Middlebury students and of the 30 students everyone is just so talented," commented Draper. According to Draper, however, it is not just those in the theater community who give the best performances. "What's great about students here," said Draper, "is that they're not all trained in acting. They have a lot going on, and what they want to say translates really well through theater."

When asked how hard it was to break into the acting world after graduation, Draper offered much encouragement. "Middlebury has a very good reputation in the professional world," he said.

Draper, who will be back to co-direct the spring faculty production of "The Pillowman," said he is thrilled at the opportunity to now be colleagues with his former professors.

"[Richard Romagnoli] and I kept in touch throughout my life in New York, making it about 20 years that we've known each other," said Draper.