VASJ Drama Club has opportunity to hear from Tom Hanks live and in person

By Grace Carlson ’17

The VASJ Drama Club had the unique opportunity to visit Tri-C’s campus to hear Tom Hanks speak about media productions and the world of the theater. Almost 60 schools and 800 students attended the one-hour question and answer session. The event was sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and moderated by St. Joseph Academy senior Jonae Williams. 

The session started off with an enormous amount of energy stemming from the entrance of Tom Hanks which then quickly radiated out into the entire auditorium. Mr. Hanks, one of the most successful actors in the industry, reminisced about his humble beginnings. After not receiving his preferred role in a college production, Hanks said he remembered being “completely bummed out.” He then proceeded to give the students, especially those involved in theater, some great advice. He said, “The things I did not get, led to the things that I did,” and eventually went on to say, “When you don’t get the role you want, you’re allowed a 72 hour mourning period, then after that you move on with your life.” 

Besides advice about theater, Mr. Hanks provided insight about voice acting (and how painfully awful it really is), how he keeps his secrets in the realm of Hollywood, and what he’s currently reading. For a brief moment he also went on about his unending love for typewriters, which included a story about the first one he had ever purchased. 

The questions asked were pr- written and sent in by the students and adults attending the session. They started off pretty easy with “What is Tom’s perfect pizza?” He responded with a light-hearted, “olives, pepperoni, green onions and extra cheese.” The questions soon became deeper and more inquisitive, especially when someone asked, “Do you have any regrets in your career?” Tom laughed and said, “None! No!” He recalled on the fact that he had grown up near San Francisco and wondered if he shouldn’t have moved. He then returned to the moment happening about a week before hand when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

On the topic of privacy, Hanks said, “There is no such thing as privacy. You have to accept that stuff will be said and written about you.” 

By the time the session was over, no one wanted it to end. It was an experience enjoyed by all. 

“It was extremely interesting and I learned a lot,” says VASJ senior Sara Morgan. 

Many documented the experience on social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram so that they could look back and either brag about the experience or remember that time when they were in the same room as Tom Hanks.