The conclusion of Trinity’s spring play, “The Robber Bridegroom,” was a first for some actors and  and actresses, while a last for others.

Graduating from Trinity’s theatre arts program are seniors Cole Davis, Brandon Ryan and Patrick Schmitt.

Junior Loui Chang is already looking forward to his fourth year of theatre.

Although several people know Chang from previous theatre performances, many do not know his story. In a segment of “The Rock,” Trinity’s broadcast magazine production, this reporter talked with Chang about his journey to the United States and the cultural obstacles he had to overcome.  

Before moving to the United States from South Korea, Chang competed in speed skating and earned several gold medals. When he arrived in the United States, he knew little English; however, Chang did not let his poor English halt his academic or acting success. Starting in Trinity’s traditional English classes freshman year, Chang is now enrolled in the Advanced Program English language and composition class.

Along with theatre, Chang participates in the liturgy band and choir. He spoke about why he chose to pursue theatre.

Chang said, “I started theatre when I was young. When I do theatre, it kind of develops my imagination skills. Through acting I can become another person, so that’s a totally different world from what we were living in. I think I like those experiences.”

Chang would not be where he is today without the guidance of Artistic Director Mr. William P. Bradford II, who has worked with Trinity theatre for more than 40 years.

Chang said, “Currently, I’m working with Mr. Bradford, and that’s the best thing that I can experience here, right now, because he is the best director that I have ever had.”

During the three years Bradford has directed Chang, he has observed Chang grow as a person and as an actor.

Bradford said, “He has grown greatly. He understood from the very beginning about the theatre because he comes from tradition. His father is an actor. So he understands intuitively what the theatre is. He has taken on various kinds of roles, and through those he has explored himself and the culture. He has just grown from that exploration.”

Growing up with parents who continue to pursue careers in theatre, Chang began performing at a very young age.

Chang said, “I used to be on stage since I was four years old, with my dad, of course. I did several theatre works with my dad — and my mom being a musical director.”

Of Chang’s acting skills, Bradford said, “He’s willing to take risks. He doesn’t hold back. He always gives himself completely to what he’s doing. Particularly when he takes on a role, he searches through it and finds every nuance. And it does not matter about the size of the role — he will complete the task.”

With the spring performance under his belt, Chang is still deciding on where he will attend college.

He said, “After I graduate from Trinity High School, I’m planning to attend a college or university in the United States. I am planning to pursue a career in psychology and later on become a psychiatrist. If not, I will probably pursue a career in theatre.”

Check out a clip from the musical “The Robber Bridegroom” by Zac Brumback: