Entertaining Austin: Mainline Theater Project By Susie Watson, ’04 Josh Painting, ’99, co-founder of Austin’s Mainline Theater Project, recalls his amazement at being cast in a show during his first day as a student at St. Edward’s. To him, it typifies the intensive educational opportunities that St. Edward’s provides for theater majors. Painting credits the inspiration for Mainline Theater Project to the education that he and fellow alumni co-founders Jeremy Sexton, ’97, and Bryan Peterson, ’97, received at St. Edward’s. Since St. Edward’s has the only undergraduate Actors’ Equity program in the nation and offers students opportunities to work on stage with professional actors, Painting says it’s understandable that young, aspiring actors are drawn here. (from left) Peterson, Painting and Sexton
“St. Edward’s prepares students to become producers, designers, actors and technical directors,” said Painting. “Plus, alumni and faculty from St. Edward’s are running things at theaters around Austin. Everywhere you turn, there is someone from St. Edward’s.”
Painting, Sexton and Peterson put their well-rounded knowledge to use to produce David Mamet’s Edmond in January 2002 at FronteraFest, an annual event sponsored by Hyde Park Theater — a performance space and production company co-founded by Annie Suite, adjunct instructor of theater arts and business manager for Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s. Encouraged by the success of the production and a favorable review from The Austin Chronicle, the three men co-founded the independent, nonprofit troupe. “We have joined together to create quality art,” Peterson said. Sexton, who grew up watching world-class performances at the Alley Theater in Houston, concurs. “I would love to see Mainline Theater Project produce at that level of professionalism here in Austin.” The troupe’s work will not be confined to one genre or to productions that are “easy,” according to Painting. “We want to produce works of theater, film and music. We believe it is important to push ourselves as actors and directors, to perform new and classical works, and to strive to perform at the highest level possible.” This commitment shone through in the troupe’s November 2002 three-week run of Billy Budd at the Dougherty Arts Center. They coordinated every aspect of the production, including design and assembly that transformed the stage into an authentic 18th-century warship.
Students discover how their work can be socially and ethically relevant. The space also is a resource for local artists and the community, he says. “Austin doesn’t have many galleries for local artists, and our space is accessible to them. Plus, we try to draw artists not only from the region but also from around the nation.” Austin provides abundant source material for students in photocommunications, as well. “Every fall, I teach Photography in the Humanities, where students identify a project that has a social purpose,” said Miller. “I’ve had students photograph the work of Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity in Austin. Part of the project includes giving the organization the option of using the images in their publicity materials. Students learn from observing the organizations they are documenting and discover how their work can be socially and ethically relevant.”
Mainline Theater Project is working toward owning its own theater and producing at least four shows a year. They have no political or social agenda — their goal is simply to produce quality works of art that attract the novice as well as the seasoned theater lover in Austin.
he university’s civic investment — in business, human services and nonprofits, education, government, and the arts — underscores its mission of service to the broader community. The many alliances between St. Edward’s University and the city of Austin strengthen the educational experiences available to students at St. Edward’s. Together, as neighbors and partners, St. Edward’s and Austin are shaping one another and transforming lives. ■
Mainline Theater Project’s next production, Saved Or Destroyed by Harry Kondoloen, runs Thursdays–Saturdays, March 20–April 5 at The Off Center in Austin. Tickets: www.austix.com or 454-TIXS.
Compiled by Carrie Johnson with reporting by Mia Allen, Stephanie Bazan, ’02, Stephanie Elsea, Sherri Fox, ’96, Stacia Hernstrom, Michelle Martinez, ’01, and Susie Watson, ’04. Illustrations by Dan Clayton. Photography by Jon Pattillo.
Working on a low budget out of necessity, they have become professionals at all aspects of the theater business. Peterson acts, designs and produces. “We aren’t doing our own writing, but we are interested in working with local playwrights,” he said. Sexton has plans to pull back from acting and devote himself to directing and writing a screenplay for a feature film. Painting is currently focusing on acting. While Mainline Theater Project keeps them busy, their day jobs pay the bills. Sexton is a dispatcher at Action Traffic Services, a company responsible for road closings. Peterson works in sales at local software company journyx Inc., and Painting works at the Hyatt Regency, also in sales.
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selecting and arranging the work to managing mailing lists and designing invitations. The course helps students develop portfolios and professional practices that will serve them throughout their careers,” explained Irvin, who directs the fine arts exhibit program.