FIVE QUESTIONS FOR … THE THEATER BUFF

Forensic Sciences major Caleb Cloud ‘25 has a passion for science and mathematics, the law … and theater. Cloud, an avid theater buff who has clinched roles in several Chaminade productions, says acting centers him and gives him an outlet for his creativity. Plus, he loves stepping into another life—and taking an audience with him.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY FORENSIC SCIENCES? Forensics fundamentally is the pursuit of the truth. I've heard many stories about injustice in the court systems, from convictions of innocent people to the release of guilty ones. I hope to use forensic science to prevent such injustices from occurring and do my best to help people.

YOU’RE A BUDDING TOXICOLOGIST AND WANT TO PURSUE A PH.D. WE HAVE TO ASK: ARE YOU A “CSI” FAN? I have actually never watched “CSI”! But I am a fan of other crime and investigative shows like “Bones” and “NCIS.” Admittedly, it has become a little bit harder to watch them after taking some of my classes because I can now see all the inaccuracies that occur in them.

SPEAKING OF DRAMA, YOU HAVE ACTING CHOPS! HOW DID YOU GET INTO THEATER? The first time I got involved with theater was in middle school. In sixth grade, I took a theater elective and fell in love. Since then I have participated in theater just about every year. What I enjoy the most about acting is being able to evoke emotions in others to portray a good story.

I enjoy all aspects of theater, from being an audience member, an actor, or a back-stage technician. My time at Chaminade has particularly grown my talent in set design and theater technician work. My favorite Chaminade production to work on was “Things Go Wrong.”

Another great production was “Write Me a Murder,” the first from our Chaminade Drama Club, and it was especially challenging because we produced it without the involvement of any staff—100 percent of the set, acting, lighting, sound, and directing was done by students.

DOES YOUR THEATER WORK MAKE YOU A MORE WELL-ROUNDED PERSON OR BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE? I would absolutely say that having a variety of interests has made me a more well-rounded person. Theater has taught me to have good public speaking and communication skills, both of which I intend to use in the forensics field when testifying. My experience as a club officer has definitely taught me leadership skills and given me experience with managing people.

AND WHAT ABOUT AFTER GRADUATION … ANY LONG-TERM ACTING DREAMS? Theater will always have a place in my heart. I do not plan to pursue theater in any career sense (but) I do think a good retirement job for me could be as a consultant on movies and TV shows that display forensics as I would have a good blend of backgrounds