Warm-Ups

BY JASON SCHUCHMAN, TUFTS UNIVERSITY, 1995-1999, ACTOR, FOREST HILLS, NY
As I read all of the recollections on this site, the more I realize how much Tony's students, friends and family meant to him. I barely knew him and he was always there for me.

Tony directed me in three productions while I was at Tufts. Although I was involved in theatre my entire four years there, I never became a Drama major. It was only upon graduating that I realized I wanted to pursue acting as a career.

I was hesitant to move to New York right away as I didn't feel I had the training and experience to compete with other young actors. Seeking some advice, I called Tony and he met me for dinner to discuss my future in the profession. He suggested I stay in the Boston area for a while and audition for the theatre scene there. He mentioned several other Tufts graduates who did the same thing. Sure enough, I was able to make a niche for myself with the local theatres, built up a resume, and gained the connections and experience I needed. Tony was a frequent guest at my performances and continued to support my career. Even when I travelled to do a show in Washington D.C., Tony made the trip and brought along some of his friends. They saw the show and we all went out for a lovely seafood dinner after.

The warm-ups I do before I perfom are the same warm-ups that Tony conducted with his casts at Tufts. They're the only warm-ups I ever done. It comforts me to think that I take a little bit of Tony on stage every night.