In Ten Years, Performing Arts Office Leaves Lasting Impression

CORRECTION: As the result of editor error, the photos appearing on the either end of the graphic to the right are of Theatre Department performances, not PAO shows.

For the past 10 years, Suffolk’s Performing Arts Office has provided some of the greatest forms of entertainment for the school. And with the support of past and current members, it seems like it will continue its legacy for years to come.

Last month, PAO celebrated its milestone tenth anniversary with a party held at the Hard Rock Café. The party brought together current performers and alumni, and celebrated the spirit of an office that was founded on the concept of unity.

In 2000, then-Dean of Students Nancy Stoll - now the Vice President of Student Affairs - realized that at over 90 years old, Suffolk University did not have a formal office for the handful of performance groups at the school. She wanted to provide access and opportunities to those who wanted to pursue the performing arts, and also create a singular office that would unite the performance groups together.

Chris DeStefano was appointed director of the newly-formed PAO, and remained so until 2005 when Kristin Baker, the current director, took over along with the help of assistant director, Kathy Maloney. DeStefano is credited in the founding of Seriously Bent, the Children’s Theater, and Vocal Bliss. Over the years, the additions of the Dance Company, Jazz Ensemble, Ramifications, Techies Union, Voices of Zion, Wicked!, and STEW brought the PAO group total to ten.

PAO has achieved great success in a short amount of time, due mostly to the “athletic model” that was created to keep the groups in shape, said Baker. Similar to the sports teams at Suffolk, there is a coach for each team: typically a member of the Boston community who serves as a professional advisor for each PAO group. The coach will meet with the groups once a week but many of them rehearse independently 1-3 times a week.

“It’s a fantastic model for Suffolk,” says Baker, who also mentioned that Suffolk is the only Boston school that runs on this type of model, Harvard being the closest.

PAO puts on performances all year long, including dinner shows, dance performances, freshman orientations, Fall Fest, and the Spring Showcase. Some of its groups have received local and national recognition, including Seriously Bent, which placed second nationally in a competition for college improve troupes.

“If it wasn't for PAO, I wouldn’t be here at Suffolk today. I went into Suffolk planning to transfer that December, and after my first Fall Fest I was hooked and couldn’t get away,” said senior Sarah Flanagan. “PAO has brought so many amazing groups to our campus that serve as the entertainment to our small school on the hill.”

In the spring, there’s usually a PAO-sponsored show performing every week, and if it weren’t for the dedicated students in the programs none of it would be possible, said Baker.

“The arts play a great role in exploring the self,” Baker remarked of how the students in PAO grow over their time at Suffolk.

Jared Cain, a graduate of the class of 2008, evolved throughout his Suffolk education under the guidance of PAO, primarily performing in the Dinner Theatre.

“One thing I will always remember about Dinner Theatre was the fun-filled approach that Kathy had in directing everyone. ‘As cheesy as possible,’ was her mantra, and we certainly spared no expense in bringing on the Wisconsin charm,” he said. “We were all there to let loose and to entertain. There was very little that we weren't allowed to express in our rehearsals and final performances. We were all like a family, albeit a dysfunctional one. ”

Mike Miccoli, also an alumnus of 2008, had similar experiences during his time in PAO.

“I've always had great experiences with the PAO. Kathy and Kristin are, without question, two of the best people at Suffolk University, so I always felt as though I was in tremendous hands,” said Miccoli. “In the past, I had performed with the Theatre Department and while they provided an excellent experience for me, nothing could touch what the PAO has to offer.

Baker and Maloney, Miccoli added, are the keystones to the group’s success.

“I was a part of Kristin's first production at Suffolk, Painted Alice, and knew from the first rehearsal that she was somebody who was going to take Suffolk by storm. Four years later, and it's evident that she has. Kathy was always my go-to person whenever I had issues with Suffolk. Her open-door policy and friendly demeanor played a big part in getting me through Suffolk alive.”

Cain’s experiences with PAO gave him leadership skills that later led him to co-found the Suffolk Voice alongside Miccoli, become a Teacher’s Assistant for SU101, and also the President of SGA.

“I am thankful for the leadership that PAO taught me, and I will never forget the enormous role it played in pushing me one step further in my schooling, and even my current profession,” he said.

“Anyone involved can walk into that office and immediately feel like they are home,” said Flanagan. “You end up making lifelong friends and there is a feeling of family that surrounds you throughout your time here at Suffolk. I know that when I graduate in May I will miss this ‘home’ so much.”

Not all of the performances are done on Suffolk’s campus. PAO tries to integrate the Boston community into the office’s programs, often providing discounted tickets for students to shows in the Theater District and other surrounding areas. It was all the more reason to house the 10th Anniversary celebration at the House of Blues, a Boston entertainment hotspot.