As an academically strong senior at Chaminade High School, a well-regarded Catholic school in Mineola, New York, Daniel Pavacic knew that his fellow students were applying to many of the nation’s most recognized colleges and universities. Likewise, Dan was also planning for his future. “I wanted to go to Suffolk,” he says. “Both my brother and sister started at Suffolk and had great experiences. I sensed that I could also have a similar experience without burdening my parents with a lot of debt.”
Daniel Pavacic
Hailing from Holtsville, New York, Dan Pavacic is now a first-year theatre major with an emphasis on acting at Suffolk County Community College. So far, his experience has been somewhat of a whirlwind. In addition to carrying a full course schedule, he was already cast in two College productions, including the renowned musical “Gypsy,” as well as “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom,” an edgy, progressive play about video game addiction. In addition, he also was asked to join selected members of Suffolk’s Theatre Department at The Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region I in Washington, D.C. this past January. Each year, this festival brings students and faculty together to view some of the area’s strongest productions, to participate in theatrical workshops, and to celebrate theatre in general.
“I’ve been very busy,” acknowledges Dan. “But I’ve been enjoying every minute of it. I’m blown away by the talent of my fellow students and Suffolk’s faculty. I have so much respect for my teachers. For instance, one of my favorite professors is from Yale and I’m getting the benefit of his expertise at the price of a community college education! I can confidently say that I would put our theatre program up against any in the country.”
Although Dan hasn’t been studying acting long, his talent is quite evident. He participated in his first production as a senior at Chaminade last year and was immediately hooked. Although he had been classically trained as a singer for years, it was only recently that he began to take acting lessons at the Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County in Bellport, New York. As a result of his talent and commitment to the craft, he has already been contacted by two nationally recognized talent agencies for professional representation.
“He’s a natural,” says Steven Lantz-Gefroh, Professor of Theatre at Suffolk. “He’s one of the hardest working students I’ve seen. There are a lot of talented waiters and bartenders in New York, but he has the drive and type of work ethic that will set him apart.”
“I can already see myself growing,” he says. “Being allowed to audition for roles and participate in productions as a freshman has been an amazing experience because I have been able to apply what I’ve been learning in class.”
After graduating from Suffolk, Dan aims to earn a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) at Pace University’s Actors Studio Drama School. But first, there’s more work to do and countless experiences to enjoy at Suffolk. “I’ve had to work just as hard [at Suffolk] as I did at Chaminade,” he says. “In fact, it’s even more time consuming. Sometimes it seems that I’m here from 8 a.m. to almost midnight. But I’m doing better than I ever have because I’m doing what I love and am surrounded by people I love.”
To learn more about the Theatre Arts Program at Suffolk, simply call 631-451-4111 or visit www.sunysuffolk.edu/Enroll.
- Drew Fawcett