As another year at Iona comes to a close, a new group of seniors will turn in their many hours of hard work for graduation caps. Steven Pearce, most known for his dedication and work for Iona’s theatre programs, answered some questions regarding his time before, during and after Iona.

1. How and why did you first get involved with theatre?

Junior year, I enrolled in a class called “American Studies,” with two teachers that I’ll be forever thankful for; Ms. Heather Banas and Ms. Amanda Lister. After a thoroughly enjoyable year, one of the last assignments was to research a famous historical figure from the early 1900s. After the research was conducted, it was required to dress as this person and improv a scene with one my peers. I guess it went over pretty well because Ms. Lister, the director of my high school’s fall play convinced me to audition the falling year. I suppose it was that moment that sparked my interest in making others laugh and embodying a different person.

3. When you came to Iona, what inspired you to join Iona’s various theatre groups?

Once I walked around campus [on a tour of the school], I was almost immediately convinced I wanted to come to Iona. It was a combination of Iona’s beauty, meeting Professor Donnarumma and Professor Damergis, and the location in relation to Manhattan that all drew me to spend arguably the most important four years of my life at Iona College. Obviously I wanted to continue acting in college, but I chose this safer, and somewhat more cowardly road by not majoring in Theatre. I actually auditioned for “Crime and Punishment” my second week of college and didn’t land a role. The ensuing weeks were tough, I guess you could say, because I specifically moved here to act. Then I discovered I had another shot to audition for the Iona Players fall comedy a few weeks later. Needless to say, I fortuitously got my first college acting role. Otherwise, I may very well have transferred back to my home state of Connecticut, yet here I am, eighteen productions later.

4. What was the best experience you had in the Iona Players or Theatre Ensemble?

Being with all the friends I’ve been able to make through both organizations has to be at the top of the list. I think some of my favorite performances were “True West,” “The Glass Menagerie”, “Don’t Drink the Water”, and “Anything Goes”. Also, serving as the President of the Players has probably been the most honorable and gratifying experiences. Winning Program of the Year for this year’s musical has got to be the most humbling parts of my live. The Players have always been a special group of people, this year especially. I owe every moment of it to them.

5. What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I’m going to try my hand at acting. I have somewhat of a step-by-step plan, with monthly and yearly goals set for myself. I think it’s critical to have a detailed strategy for me to tackle this risk. By no means do I ever want to be famous, nor do I expect that. I’ve been so privileged over my four years and so fortunate to have so much support going forward. I’ll be moving to the Bronx to live with my wonderful grandma to occupy her spare bedroom. She’s a saint to welcome me with such open arms and to help me start my journey. With the overwhelming encouragement, I am going to be an actor.