Alumni Inspiration Nichols Connections Come Full Circle

Nichols alumni returned to campus to film “Mirror of Matsuyama” with the help of Nichols students and faculty.

When director James Grachos ’13 wrote “Mirror of Matsuyama,” a contemporary, poetic adaptation of a Japanese folk tale by the same name, he imagined his former Nichols acting teacher, Kristen Tripp Kelley, in a supporting role. As a testament to the strength of Nichols’s connections, reaching out to Kelley to gain her participation led to Kelley mobilizing her professional contacts in the Buffalo theatre community—and eventually filming on location at Nichols and inviting students to participate in the production as interns, assistants, actors, photographers, and extras.

“The Mirror of Matsuyama” follows a high schoolaged boy through his waking life and lucid dreams as he comes to terms with the recent death of his mother. The four days of filming took place during December when many other Nichols alums were home on break and visited the set to pitch in and support the production. “You can always count on the Nichols network,” said Grachos. “It wouldn’t have come together without the incredible commitment of the teachers and students working behind the scenes—and in front of the camera.”

When asked what inspired the desire to film at Nichols, Grachos spoke of how the beauty of the campus made it easy to stand out visually in a short film, and producer Elizabeth Cappuccino ’13 shared some advice she was given early in her career. “Send the elevator back down once you get to the top. Mentoring is incredibly important. This is a difficult industry, and we want to share what we’ve learned to make it easier for other Nichols students to develop their artistic talents and passions.” Director of Photography Michael Thompson ’13 also stressed the value of his Nichols mentors. He credits film teacher Andrea Mancuso for helping him attend a summer film program and win a grant to make his own film. “Teachers who inspired me and let me create my own things helped me know I wanted to become a filmmaker,” said Thompson.

During their time at Nichols, Grachos, Cappuccino, and Thompson took classes that fed their love of the arts, nurtured their creative talents—and still impact their work today. During filming, they created a welcoming, constructive, and professional environment for the student actors, production assistants, and extras. Students highlighted how kind Grachos, Cappuccino, and Thompson were on set, a reflection of Kelley’s teaching, who encourages students to “share their individual strengths while working to uplift and support one another.” When interviewed, film intern Liam Stine ’23 said the experience cemented his desire to study film in college.

Knowledge shared while filming “Mirror of Matsuyama” will live on in the work of Nichols students and faculty. “Andrea and I are currently planning a film collaboration for our film and acting classes that was absolutely inspired by our time working with James, Elizabeth and Michael,” stated Kelley. Grachos spoke of his Nichols student volunteers in glowing terms, “We were thrilled to provide opportunities to the next generation of creators, but they had to deliver quality work—and they exceeded our professional expectations. We’ll be working for them someday.” n

Nichols School Participants – Film Interns: Henry Chambers ’23, Tommy Maidment ’24 (also production photos), and Liam Stine ’23, Actor in the role of Elle: Trinity Chatwood ’25, Actor in the role of Melanie and pre-production assistance: Kristen Tripp Kelley, Upper School Theater Teacher, Extras: Kate Coburn ’23, Ethan Jaffri ’25, Bri Hiller ’23, Henry Chambers ’23, Tommy Maidment ’24, and Liam Stine ’23, Film Intern Co-Ordinator: Andrea Mancuso

1. Kristen Tripp Kelley takes direction from her former student and director James Grachos ’13, in a transformed Rand Dining Hall.

2. Trinity Chatwood ’25 on set in a supporting role.

3. Alumni Elizabeth Cappuccino ’13, James Grachos ’13, and Michael Thompson ’13 pose for a picture on set.

4. Nichols Acting and Film students served as extras on the film, “Mirror of Matsuyama.”

5. Grachos ’13 reviews angle of mirror with film extra.

6. Film assistants adjust lighting to get the perfect look for a scene.