Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeThespian stars as new professor
September 21, 2009 —
SVSU has a new star on its stage: his name is David Rzeszutek and his latest role? Professor of theater.
“He is a perfect fit for us,” said Ric Roberts, associate professor of theater.
Rzeszutek, previously a fouryear lecturer from Buffalo State University, was hired from a wave of about 50 applicants.
He brings experience and knowledge from the world of acting. A member of the Professional Actor Union and the American Federation of Television Radio Artists, his skills range from fight choreography to dialect coaching. He also has a master’s degree in professional actor training and psychology.
Rzeszutek said he’s excited to teach at SVSU because everyone on campus has made him feel right at home. He loves improv and hopes to start a program he calls “Friday Night Live.” He will be the fourth on-staff director at SVSU.
He met his wife in undergraduate school and costarred with her on the set of “The Swan,” a production at Buffalo State. They have two children, and in his spare time he enjoys being with them, reading, fishing and barbecuing.
Given his history, it’s clear he not afraid of the spotlight. He has been in a couple of commercials, was a pedestrian in HBO’s “Sex and the City,” and has made appearances on ABC’s “General Hospital” in a variety of roles. He joked that he should be an actual doctor because he has been cast so many times. His specialties are the main stage and straight plays. He brings advice to students with aspirations to act.
“Pound the pavement and have a lot of networking to showcase yourself,” Rzeszutek said. A bit of advertising is the best way to get your name out, he added.
“Be specific and bold in choices in every character you play,” he said, mentioning that a great script will get anyone motivated.
His first production, “As Bees and Honey Drown,” by Douglas Carter Beane, will be performed starting in late February. He said he has big hopes for the production.
His favorite part of directing? “Seeing the light bulb come on and watching the student become the character.” Throughout his life he has been a performer, but he teaches so he can see students take on the craft.
This semester, he teaches courses in introduction to theater and voice articulation. Beginning this winter, he’ll offer a Mask and Movements course along with a brand new class: Acting for the Camera.