“There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.” --Warren G. Bennis

Patrick G.H. Schley is a second-year student in the BFA Theatre Management program at DePaul University. Since 1998, he has had extensive theatrical experience, both on stage and off. Behind the scenes, Patrick is experienced as a stage manager, sound engineer, and lighting operator, through work with First Stage Children’s Theater, St. Sebastian Parish, and Camp Manito-wish YMCA. For the past two seasons, Patrick has been the Production Stage Manager for First Stage Children’s Theater’s Young Company Productions and New Play Workshop Series, as well as working in the Marketing and Education offices. In 2005, he helped to create the Metro Milwaukee Young Playwrights Competition, which has become a highly successful program. Additionally, Patrick has served as a teaching assistant for creative drama programs at the Wisconsin Center for Gifted Learners. He currently is Director of Administration for Primary Colours Student Experimental Theatre, a completely student-run theatre company incubated at Bucketworks, in addition to coordinating operational support for Bucketworks' parent organization, The School Factory, Inc.

Recent off-stage credits include stage management of ACCORDION CRIMES (The Theatre School), THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT, and MACBETH (First Stage), lighting crew for LIFE'S A DREAM (The Theatre School), and front-of-house crew for SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL (The Theatre School/Chicago Playworks). Additionally, Patrick has served as producer for Primary Colours Theatre's recent productions of THIS IS OUR YOUTH, COMPANY, and SUMMER AND SMOKE. Stage credits include STONES OF WISDOM and SING DOWN THE MOON: APPALACIAN WONDER TALES at First Stage Children’s Theater. Patrick also serves as one of the Workshop Coordinators for The Theatre School.

Outside of the theatrical world, Patrick has taken leadership roles in several political campaigns, including a Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign, where he assisted with phone banks, literature distribution, rallies, and “get out the vote” activities. He was a senior consultant for a Milwaukee mayoral campaign and a re-election campaign for Milwaukee City Attorney. Patrick also is a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, where he has volunteered for the Faith Formation and Development departments. In addition, he works as a web and graphic designer, creating internet sites for 2 Loud Sisters Productions, Art & Soul Gallery, LLC, Barbara Haig Communications, LLC, and Dr. Susan M. Haig, Ph.D. He has designed corporate branding for 2 Loud Sisters Productions, Newman Chiropractic, and Transformations.

Along with his activities within The Theatre School, Patrick is involved at DePaul with the Student Leadership Institute and University Ministry. As a DePaul Leadership Scholar, Patrick does weekly community service and participates in leadership development workshops. He is also on the liturgy team for Catholic Campus Ministry. Additionally, he is a Catholic Studies minor.

A 2006 graduate of Pius XI High School, Patrick was born and raised in Milwaukee's historic Washington Heights Neighborhood, where he lives during the summer months. During the school year, Patrick resides in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood.

(photo by Molly Tumanic)