In the bustling world of St. Paul's School's theater scene, one name shines bright: Mason Deas '24. With a repertoire that spans from gripping dramas to uproarious comedies, Deas has captivated audiences and earned acclaim for her remarkable talent both on and off the stage.
As the captain of the theater company, Deas has left an indelible mark with each performance. She has been involved in all of the Fall Plays during her time at SPS since her Fourth Form year. In Bluestockings (2021), Deas’s portrayal of Mrs. Welsh added layers of complexity to the production, earning her praise for her nuanced performance. Her portrayal of Catherine Donohue in These Shining Lives (2022) showcased her depth and emotional range, while her embodiment of Miss Scarlet in CLUE (2023) left audiences guessing until the very end. In addition to her contributions to the annual Fall Play, Deas also made a presence at the SPS community favorite, Student-Directed Winter One Acts. She brought to life student-written characters: Samantha in Honeymoon (2022) and Julie Davis in In the Crowd (2024). On top of her role as a performer, Deas took another step to direct The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (2023), demonstrating her creative vision and leadership. Deas also is actively involved in the SPS musicals as she took on the role of ensemble member and assistant director of the 2023 Spring production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
While her theatrical activities may leave you in awe of her dedication to the arts, the theater is by no means the only way Deas contributes to the SPS community. If she is not on stage expressing heightened emotions at you, she is on the paths of Millville asking how you are with a smile that makes you doubt how she can act such a depressing character. In the dorm, Deas is a shining example of leadership and dedication as a Prefect of Armour House, where she brings the same passion and commitment that she displays on stage.
In response to questioning what the start to all of her artistic endeavors have been, Deas notes: “I started theater when I got to St. Paul’s in Fourth Form, honestly, because I didn’t want to play any of the Fall sports. But I stuck with it after because I was inspired by the really wonderful group of seniors in the theater program that year.”
Although started on a whim, Deas’s love for theater is truly undoubtable. Deas says: “As far as what I like about theater, there’s so much. I love the sense of community we have within TCo. here. I also really love the intellectual side of acting. I’m really passionate about building characters that feel human and using the work I do as a sort of exploration of human instinct.”
As Deas prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey at Columbia University next fall, the St. Paul's School community wishes her continued success and looks forward to seeing her light continue to illuminate stages far and wide. Here's to Mason Deas, a true star in every sense of the word!