Lamar Perry ’12CPS

Though Lamar Perry majored in a healthcare-related field at St. John’s, his extracurricular activities on campus introduced him to the creative rewards of the performing arts. Those experiences led him to a position with one of America’s leading professional regional theaters.

Mr. Perry earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration (now Health and Human Services) in the University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).  As a member of Haraya, the Pan-African students’ coalition, he produced and starred in the group’s production of The Color Purple–The Musical. “The entire process—from rehearsal through the run of the show—helped me realize that theater was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Perry worked in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, sang with Voices of Victory Gospel Choir, and served as a Resident Assistant. “All these roles ultimately crafted me into a young man who, today, is not afraid to lead with his heart, does not compromise his principles, and walks assuredly through the world,” he noted.

After graduation, Mr. Perry accepted a position as a Producing Associate at The Classical Theatre of Harlem. Today, Mr. Perry is an Artistic Associate at The Old Globe, a Tony Award-winning theater company based in San Diego, CA. His work includes casting, new play development, and seasonal planning. “My day-to-day schedule varies from sitting through auditions and casting sessions to reading plays,” he said.

Mr. Perry said his courses in St. John’s CPS gave him an unexpected advantage—a strong business foundation that he uses every day. “Core classes like accounting and marketing really prepared me for running a business,” he observed. “That, too, has proven an essential skill set for an artist to possess."