When the warm tones of bagpipes fill the air at formal McKendree events, guests stand in reverence to the regaled administration and faculty who follow. Leading the esteemed procession, dressed in Royal Stewart tartan, is McKendree junior Rick Fagan, of Mascoutah, Ill.
The spotlight has always called to Fagan. He recounted dressing up when he was younger and performing mini-shows for his friends and family. “I’ve always wanted to entertain,” said Fagan. “But I didn’t want to try the stage because I was scared.”
Fagan changed his mind about the stage when he came to McKendree and decided to major in both psychology and theater. He has appeared in four performances in Eisenmayer Auditorium, including his first McKendree theater production, “The Dining Room.” Fagan also appeared in “MacBeth,” “Death in England” and “The American Dame.”
Fagan has had experience playing multiple ensemble roles, but, like many actors, he prefers to play a single role. “In ensemble roles I get to use all my personalities. Even if they’re smaller roles, it’s still pretty difficult because you have to go back and forth,” he said. “In a central role, you put all of the emphasis into developing one character.”
Five characters challenged Fagan in the McKendree theater production of “The American Dame” last October. “When you have multiple roles, it’s still something you have to develop—you need to become those people—but I take on the challenge,” he said.
Fagan holds a special place in his heart for Eisenmayer, but he can hardly wait to perform on stage at the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. When he first entered the building, Fagan said he was “blown away.” “I got chills,” he continued. “It’s amazing—the spiral staircase, walking the catwalks… Even though it isn’t, the first time I entered [the Hett], it felt like it was mine. I was so proud.”
Fagan works with Doug Magnussen, technical director of the Hett. “Working for Doug gives me a behind-the scenes look at the wiring, the lighting, and ways to produce different shows.”
In addition to his piping prowess and stage performances, Fagan also plays percussion for the McKendree band. He has been part of the cymbal line for two years, and recently took over the bass line.
Fagan thinks the band facility is “gorgeous,” too. “We couldn’t ask for a better space,” he said. “I wish I could give Mrs. Hettenhausen a huge hug. Thank you!”