When I ask myself who, among the countless people I’ve worked, would qualify as my “mentor,” I always come back to my high school drama director, Francis J. “Brother Ted” Piperno. He was the individual who had the most impact on my choosing to be an actor.
In 1970, I auditioned for my first high school play: “Death of a Salesman.” It was to be directed by Brother Ted, a Christian Brother who was not only the wrestling coach and the school principal, but the sole director of the school plays and musicals.
We rehearsed for over six weeks but, alas, he ultimately canceled the production when he felt the seniors (playing the leads) were afflicted by “senioritis” and lacking in discipline. The following year he directed me in “The Music Man” and “My Fair Lady.”
Ted was a simply extraordinary director. His understanding of stagecraft was enormous. The productions he mounted were superb; the quality was brilliant. His standards could not have been higher.
Many years later, we reconnected through a fluke, and remained in close touch until his passing.
If not for Ted’s influence, I’m not at all sure I’d have pursued a career in theatre. He taught me discipline, professionalism, and an appreciation of and love for the highest standards.
