Unlike many theater professionals, Dr. J.P. Staszel’s passion wasn't ignited in childhood drama classes. Today, as an Associate Professor at PennWest, he directs departmental productions and teaches courses in Theatre and many other classes in the department of Visual and Performing Arts, guiding students toward their own discoveries. Growing up locally as a first-generation college student, his initial plans looked quite different. He enrolled at PennWest California (then Cal U) to study business initially. While proud of his roots on the family's dairy farm, he was eager to explore other potential career paths.

Life, however, had other plans. Two years into his business studies, a professor and legacy alumnus, Dr. Michael Slavin, saw potential in J.P. and encouraged him: "'You'd be great for this. Do this production.'" Taking an Intro to Theater class alongside that first show changed everything. He was hooked. That initial spark led him down an entirely new path, pursuing advanced degrees in theater and performance studies. His journey involved "working with as many artists and companies as I possibly can, developing myself" he explains.

Throughout his training and travels, J.P. maintained connections with his alma mater, often returning to give workshops. These connections eventually paved the way for his return, this time to the other side of the classroom, teaching "the things that I love and the things that weren't here before ever since."

He fondly recalls an early performance in The Nutcracker for hundreds of visiting schoolchildren. The energy of the young audience, combined with the magic of the production, crystallized his feelings: "Looking at the lights and going, man, this is work. Boy, it doesn't feel like it." That feeling – the joy of collaborative creation where work feels like play – is something he strives to share with his students today.

Dr. Staszel finds immense reward in working with students at all levels, from seasoned performers to those stepping onto a stage for the very first time, much like he once did. For newcomers, he sees the discovery as explosive: "it's like a firecracker. Once you light it, it goes off quickly." Experienced students become invaluable collaborators and mentors, bringing their own creative ideas. He credits key faculty mentors like Dr. Slavin, Dr. Richard Helldobler, and Dr. Michelle Pagnan for giving him "the permission to be me" during his student days.

Dr. Staszel’s story is a testament to the unexpected paths a university education can open. At PennWest, students have the opportunity to explore diverse fields, discover hidden talents, and find supportive mentors who encourage them to embrace their unique potential, sometimes leading them back to share their passion with future generations within programs like Theatre.