Red Cloud Senior at Prestigious Theatrebridge Summer Program

posted July 6, 2015




A Summer at Brown University by Sierra Concha (Class of 2013)

Traveling 2,000 miles is an adventure. Spending a summer that far away from home, however, is daunting. But Red Cloud High School senior Jacob Cousin ‘16 is loving every minute of it. That is because Jacob is in residence at Brown University this summer as part of their prestigious TheatreBridge program. A select few students from across the nation are chosen to participate in this 6-week course filled with acting and movement study. 

When Jacob’s English teacher, AmeriCorps volunteer Dominique Fenton, mentioned the program to him this fall, Jacob was immediately hooked. “Theater was something I wanted to do as a child,” Jacob explained. “So I thought it would be cool to have this experience.”

An active rising senior, Jacob’s teachers knew he would be a great fit for the program. During the school year, Jacob serves on the student council and is a spiritual formation leader. He is also a cheerleader and member of the track team. Staying active for the summer was definitely part of his plan. TheatreBridge has continued to keep him busy and push him to new experiences.

Each day students spend their mornings learning dance, improvisation or vocal improvement techniques. Afternoons include stagework, rehearsing their original plays and shaping their acting skills through different exercises. “I’d have to say [my favorite activity] is the dance class,” says Jacob. “They’re teaching us ballet, contemporary dancing—it’s a mixture—and it’s new and exciting.” 

Staying in the Brown University dorms has proved to be a window into college life for Jacob and his classmates. He is able to experience life on, and off, a college campus. “I definitely love to explore. I’ve been getting to know the kids in my program a lot more, so we hang out and do different exercises to bond and get closer.” And weekend free time allows him to leave campus and experience Rhode Island and surrounding areas.

These explorations are preparing Jacob well for his next goal: college in 2016. He notes he is considering both Brown University and New York University where he will major in business—so that one day he can open his own cosmetology company. And after this summer’s coursework, he is also considering a minor in choreography or theatre. He credits his years at Red Cloud with helping to foster that interest. “I like how Red Cloud pushes you. They want you to apply to programs like this and get these opportunities—most schools don’t do that.” 

Whether two or two thousand miles away, one thing is for sure, Jacob Cousin is ready to go the distance. 


READ MORE!

Red Cloud Junior, Inspired by Alumni,
Fills Summer with Stem Opportunites


Student Earns Scholarship, Looks Forward to
Helping Community as a Nurse

 


 ← BACK TO NEWS