‘Crowning gem’: Homan’s love for theatre passed on to Trine students, audiences

Lou Ann Homan believes everything she has done in her life — teaching, writing, performing — has led to her current role as director of Trine University Theatre.

“It is the crowning gem in my career and all that I know and all that I am,” she said. “I have the absolute privilege of passing it on to future generations.”

Homan, who is in her third year of directing Trine Theatre, is preparing with the cast and crew for the upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” which will be performed Nov. 7-9 on the Ryan Concert Hall stage in the university’s T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.

Macy Bonifield, an elementary/special education major at Trine who is part of the cast, said she enjoys the sheer love of theater that Homan brings to the role.

“Every single correction or piece of direction she gives to her actors in rehearsal comes from a love of whatever show she’s putting on, and the desire to put on the best show imaginable,” Bonifield said.

‘It was a big decision’

Well-known as a performer, writer and lecturer before she took the helm of Trine Theatre, Homan said Sarah Franzen, Ph.D., then dean of the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences, “wooed me into her office to make her plea for me to take over the theatre.”

“It was a big decision for me and I did not answer right away,” Homan recalled. “I guess I was a bit intimidated a first and I wondered if I had it in me to make the magic that needs to happen for our Trine Theatre and our students.”

Current and former cast members say she’s made that magic and then some.

“My favorite part of working with LouAnn is the energy and charisma she brings to each meeting or rehearsal,” said Katie Woolley, an elementary/Montessori education major who was part of last year’s production of “The Matchmaker.” “There is no one better than her to direct our program. Her undeniable love for performing and her deep care for the students is unmatched.”

Sean Carpenter, a Trine alumnus who has returned to serve as stage manager for “The Mousetrap,” said Homan’s passion for performing is obvious and her energy is contagious.

“I think she has spread the love for theatre and worked to get people not only interested in our program, but to develop them into really good actors,” he said. “Prof. Homan puts her heart and soul into this, and literally breathes theater.”

Three-month process

Homan said a typical production takes three months from auditions to performance.

“Rehearsals are three to four times a week for at least two hours,” she said. “Sometimes they last longer, and then comes tech week, which is a full week with sets and costumes before the show.”

Lydia Roop, a Trine alumna who has served as Trine Theatre’s assistant director since last year, said the two have formed a close bond that helps keep everything running smoothly.

“A simple look at each other, and we know what the other is thinking,” she said. “That sort of bond between a director and assistant director is so important when putting on a show. It ensures there is a level of cohesion and understanding in every decision we make, which we see in the payoff of a wonderful production.”

The schedule can be challenging to work out with student actors, who may be involved in athletics or student organizations, or work part-time.

“And then they have classes and lots of work to do for those,” Homan said.

Homan also has to allow for the stage’s lack of curtains and has to coordinate schedules and space with Trine’s music department.

“That has never been a problem, but sometimes it gets crowded backstage!” she said.

The absolute worst thing about theatre, Homan says, is when the show closes.

“It is so hard to spend so much time with each other, getting to know one another, building trust with each other, working hard with each other and then it is over. It is a very difficult transition,” she said.

Many memories

Homan said she can’t pick out one favorite theater memory from her time so far.

“Sometimes we all just fall apart laughing so hard and then we get right back to work,” she said. “Working with the students are my favorite moments no matter what happens. I find my acting students so delightful and hard-working.”

“I do love it at night when they have all left, to have the stage all to myself to dream about new shows or the current show and what still needs to be done.”

She hopes her theater students have a great time, have pride in putting on a wonderful show, and form lasting friendships.

“Theatre kids bond rather quickly, and it lasts throughout their lifetime, even though they don’t know that yet,” she said.

She also hopes their experiences in Trine Theatre “transcend into their adult life so that someday they may want to participate in community theatre.”

Her goal for audiences is that they “have a really great time.”

“Theatre is a place where the world can stand still for a couple of hours, and we are transported to a different place and time,” she said. “I want my audiences to love theatre so much they will come back show after show.”

As for Trine Theatre, her vision is that it will continue to thrive long after her days as director are done.

“I want our Trine Theatre to hold a place of prestige in our community and I hope the directors in the future have the same strong vision,” she said.