Michael Palmieri thinks back fondly on his career at TJ. photo by Ayla Ensz
Michael Palmieri departs as director of TJ Theater in order to start a new life path.
Palmieri will miss many things about directing theater. He loves the whole process of directing a show, including “pursuing and choosing shows, designing sets and blocking, creating lighting plots, and of course, watching the magic happen on stage.” Even though he will miss these things, Palmieri will continue teaching drama classes at TJ, so he still gets to experience the field of drama. Sophomore actress Jordyn Chappell added, “I think he will be missed, and he did a lot for the department, but I think it was a good idea for him to retire because it seemed like a lot of work and that he needed a break.”The main reason Palmieri is stepping down is because he wants to spend more time with his family. Palmieri now has two granddaughters, and wants to spend a lot of time with them and be a big part of their lives, which is difficult while spending 75 hours a week at school during a typical production’s run. Along with spending more time with family, Palmieri wants to spend his time doing other things. He wants to help out more around the house, take up photography, and eventually write an autobiography. When his grandchildren get older he hopes to go back into theater or pursue another life project, but he does not see this happening for another 7-10 years.
Although the beloved theater director is leaving the program, the department is taking a new path. TJ choir teacher Tambyr Reed will be stepping up as the new director for TJ Theater. Next year, Reed plans “to carry on the tradition of awesomeness and high standards that TJ Theater has already established.” In the 2014-2015 year there will be only one production, with auditions starting as early as October and opening at some point in March. The main reason for this is to allow theater members to partake in other activities. Another reason is to avoid the late nights and stress as opening night approaches. The play has yet to be announced, but Reed knows that it will be a real hit with the TJ students. Technical manager Bryan Wright contributed, “I’m excited to work with Ms. Reed and the new ideas she has with the performing arts, and she’ll bring a fresh new face to theater and encourage student involvement.”
This is the end of a big part of not only Palmieri’s life, but the life of TJ Theater as well. Palmieri has transformed the performing arts department during his time here, but change is inevitable, and the role of theater director will be left in good hands. A bright new future is in store for TJ Theater.
