Think beyond

Major: Theatre Arts

Q. So, Zach, what are you planning to do with your life?
A. I hope to earn an M.F.A. and become an actor/director/playwright/dancer/singer. Then, when I’m older, I want to own a restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, with my friends from home—seriously.

Q. Madison, New Jersey, is a long way from Jacksonville. How did you wind up at Drew?
A. One of my acting teachers in high school is a Drew alumna, and she told me that Drew has a fantastic theatre arts program that extends way beyond the academic major. Plus, I was interested in being close to the New York City theatre world.

Q. Someone told me that you wrote a midterm in iambic pentameter. For real? 
A. Yes! It was a midterm for Jonathan Rose’s class British History to 1714. The topic was Shakespeare’s theatre and business, and how the world around him affected his writing, so iambic pentameter seemed appropriate—and fun. Professor Rose is a creative and fun-loving guy, so I thought it would make him smile.

Q. Would you say that’s pretty typical of the scholarly community at Drew? How would you describe the school’s intellectual life?  
A. Drew is very active and forward thinking. We have such a collection of unique minds here. And the professors, in my experience, are so, so accessible. I mean, I’ve sat with them, had lunch with them, been taken out for coffee by them... I even directed a play written by a professor with whom I’d also been cast in The Tempest!

Q. What about the social life? Is there plenty of stuff to do on campus? 
A. You’ve got to find your niche. I’m in theatre, so my time is constantly filled with stuff to do. Plus, I’m a tenor in 36 Madison Avenue, or “Madave,” Drew’s all-male a cappella group. There’s usually a lot of fun on the weekends, and we’re blessed with having a beautiful, wooded campus that’s great to play on—especially at night.

Q. Let’s say you’re relaxing on campus for the weekend. Where are you likely to be found?
A. In my room in Riker, watching Sunday afternoon football. My roommate Dave is falling to his knees, cursing the Eagles, and I’m wishing we were watching the Jaguars. To me, that’s the most magical place on campus.

Q. Let’s say you are heading off campus for some fun. Where do you go?
A. Chili’s! Oh man, chipotle bleu burger!

Q. What’s the best-kept secret at Drew?
A. Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be very well kept anymore, would it?