Recent first place winner of the DeSales Shakespeare Competition, Pascal Portney gives us some incite as to the competition and his experiences being involved in theatre.

Q: First off, congrats on winning the competition! Can you tell me a little bit about the Shakespeare competition?

Pascal: Alright, so North Penn brought “Team Shakespeare” to the competition which was held at DeSales University. The competition consisted of 3 rounds, where we were able to get notes and critiques from the judges after our performances. People performed then after the 3 rounds we participated in a variety of workshops taught by the judges that ranged from vocal techniques to improv. Then we were able to ask the panel of judges and some of the university’s students about life as Theatre Majors. People were then chosen to perform their pieces in front of everyone in the showcases. This was the first year all of the participants from North Penn were able to showcase! We were all so proud of ourselves!! I know I can speak for the entire team when I say that we worked extremely hard for these past 2 months and it was well worth it!

Q: How does it feel to have won first place in the competition? 

Pascal: I was completely in awe when I found out I won first place in monologues. It was such an incredible honor and I was so ecstatic that all my hard work paid off. And I was even happier to learn that our team as a whole won first place! But not only did I earn first place, my name was also called to receive the $4000 scholarship. I was literally at a loss for words. I was so blessed!

Q: What are you most excited about The Music Man; Can you tell me a little bit about your character?

Pascal: Now for The Music Man, I can tell you that I’m excited for the entire experience of putting such a huge show together. The music, the dancing, and the characters- everything is so entertaining! My character, Marcellus Washburn, is an ex-con man who finds himself in River City, Iowa. He’s settled down and fallen for a “nice comfortable girl.” He still has a little spark in him and when Harold arrives and starts to stir up the town, he can’t wait to do it all one last time. He’s such a convivial character! I also get to sing the iconic song “Shipoopi’! I love it so much!

Q: How many North Penn productions have you been apart of?

Pascal: The Music Man is my 4th North Penn Production! North Penn Theatre is such an essential experience. It’s helped shape my personality and I’ve met so many amazing people. Everyone involved is so authentic and levelheaded. I have no idea where I would be without it.

Q: What inspired you to first get involved in theatre?

Pascal: Hmmm, that’s such a difficult question to answer! My first show was in 7th grade and I kind of did it just to get involved in school and then I got a lead in 8th grade and I was like “hey, I really like this!” So I guess that fueled my passion! Since then, I’ve discovered a million and one different reasons to love it. Being able to play and explore a variety of different characters and situations is so enticing. One of the best qualities of North Penn Theatre is that I have the chance to work with the coolest people around and they always have my back. We’re the biggest family.

Q: What other activities do you enjoy besides acting? 

Pascal: Besides acting, I play a couple of instruments (Piano, Alto Saxophone, and Violin), I participate in the North Penn Chamber Singers, and I dance. I also love spending time with my friends.

Q: Are you thinking about possibly pursuing a career in theatre after high school?

Pascal: I’ve been beating around the bush for awhile on this subject, but with the outcome of the competition and my recent experiences in theatre, I’ve decided that I really do want to pursue Musical Theatre in college and (hopefully) for the rest of my life. It’s such an invaluable experience. There’s nothing like it. You have to experience it to really know how I feel.

Congrats Pascal and best of luck with The Music Man and all of your future endeavors. Make sure to watch out for North Penn’s spring performance to see Pascal and all of the other amazing cast!