Jennifer Fogarty - Communication (Theatre)

In the summer of 2012, you may get a glimpse of Jennifer Fogarty '09 up on the big screen in her first film. She was a stand-in and photo double in "Ted," with Mila Kunis and Boston's own Mark Wahlberg, directed by Seth MacFarlane.

So how did Jennifer end up in the movies? She credits her experiences in theatre at Curry College and the connections she made through Curry's communication faculty. "Much of professional theatre revolves around who you know, and Curry faculty know a lot of people. Professors D. L. Garren, Gail Phaneuf and John Barrett invited me to performances and auditions, introduced me to their colleagues and showed me how to be a theatre professional after graduation. I've been able to get into the business because they opened the doors."

As a high school senior in her hometown of Marlbrough, MA, Jennifer tried out for theatre productions and loved it. She knew of Curry's competitive theatre program, with its "reputation for quality and talent" even without a formal audition process and decided to give it a try. "I walked in as a first-semester freshman, scared but ready to audition for the play 'Shared Guilt.' The playwright, Curry alumnus Mike Micelli walked by, introduced himself and encouraged me to try out. I ended up getting the lead role."

From then on, Jennifer performed in a Curry Theatre production every semester through her graduation in 2009. She also served as house manager, recorder and many other positions that led to her being named general manager of Curry Theatre during her junior and senior years. "My theatre classes at Curry were amazing," says Jennifer. "I learned acting techniques and the background about how theatre operations work. Curry professors want you to be exposed to the world of professional theatre outside of college, so my two years as general manager really prepared me for all aspects of my career. My professional colleagues who only focused on acting, singing or dancing have no idea how to put a production together."

Jennifer knows she learns best in groups where everyone can share, so she looked for a college with small class sizes, a solid reputation and one-on-one attention, which led her to Curry. "I love Curry's campus, especially the new Keith Auditorium/Theatre. Because Curry is so close to Boston, you can easily get to the city by the 'T' (public transportaion) every weekend to see shows, shop and just explore the area."

At Curry, "you feel like you know everyone, even the College president," says Jennifer. "He often congratulated me when I landed a role. Everyone is interested in you as a student and as a person. They're ready to help you and answer your questions. My professors still stay in touch and continue to encourage me."

Invited by Professor Garren to see a Boston theatrical production, Jennifer also visited with the show's artistic director. "He answered my questions, offered advice and gave me the chance to audition." Professor Gail Phaneuf, Curry's playwright-in-residence, offered Jennifer her first role outside of Curry - in the short one-act Phaneuf wrote, which Jennifer performed at the Playwrights' Platform Festival of the Boston Playwright's Theatre.

Recently , Jennifer appeared as Mrs. Pinkerton in "Pinkalicious," her fourth production at the Ogunquit Playhouse, an Actors' Equity theatre in Ogunquit, ME. Even before graduating from Curry, Jennifer made her first appearance at Ogunquit as Gabriella in "High School Musical." She then appeared in "All Shook Up" with Sally Struthers and followed with an ensemble role in "The Sound of Music." At the Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, SC, Jennifer appeared in "Rent." She performs next in "Monsters, the Musical," written by Curry's Gail Phaneuf, at the Deertrees Theatre Festival in Harrison, ME.

Jennifer plans to continue auditioning and performing. She returns often to Curry College to see productions and stay involved with theatre students and faculty. "Theatre at Curry is like a warm and welcoming family where you can go to anyone for help. They make professional connections, show you the ropes, offer support and stay involved long after you graduate. My experience at Curry has been fantastic."