Another Dunbar begins an acting career

Editorial Department Sarah Saunderson - 1503 • Published 27 Aug 2009 09:00 2 Comments

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Enniskillen student Stefan Dunbar has secured a place at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Greater Boston, majoring in Theatre.

The 20-year-old, who has appeared in a number of local productions with the Enniskillen Light Operatic, Island Productions and recently a joint schools production of 'The Pajama Game'.

Director of the Theatre Programme, Mr. Joe Cabral and the school's Admissions Director, Mr. Mike Bucco, met Stefan at a workshop when The Pajama Game was in rehearsal last year. Stefan departs for the United States at the beginning of September.

There are strong links between Walnut Hill and Enniskillen through Jeanne Munroe, who was Musical Director of The Pajama Game production and used to teach full-time at the school in the Theatre department. Now based in Enniskillen, she still teaches in the summer musical programme at Walnut Hill.

Ms. Munroe commented: "Congratulations to Stefan on his acceptance. He certainly belongs in a programme of this calibre and, I'm sure, will make Enniskillen and Fermanagh proud".

Former Walnut Hill students include those who have gone on to attend prestigious US institutions as Julliard, Carnegie Mellon University, Cincinatti Conservatory and Boston Conservatory.

Former students can also be seen appearing in Broadway productions as well as on US television. The school not only has a Theatre Department but also Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Creative Writing. It has a yearly showcase at venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, New York as well as Harvard University and New England Conservatory.

While taking a full time arts programme, students like Stefan will also be expected to maintain a full academic schedule. It is regarded as a very demanding course and is exceptionally competitive.

Reacting to the news, Stefan said: "I am over the moon. I can't wait".

A son of Liam and Laura Dunbar, his uncle is Adrian Dunbar, the Enniskillen actor who has made his name in television, film and stage acting. Stefan said that his famous uncle had indeed inspired him, as has his grandmother Pauline Dunbar, who has appeared many times on the Ardhowen stage.

"I have been wanting to do this since I was 10 years of age. I can't wait to get out there and start acting," he said.

Stefan has studied Media at South West College and is a former student of St. Joseph's College.

Past productions he has appeared in include the musicals South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, Oklahoma and Fiddler on the Roof, all with Enniskillen Light Operatic and the plays Dancing at Lughnasa, The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Playboy of the Western World, all with Island Productions.

"I like musical theatre and straight drama as I enjoy the serious side as well," he said,

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 27 Aug 09

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karen
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Mar 1, 02:46
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go stefan!!!

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karen
Unregistered User
Mar 1, 02:47
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go stefan!

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