Page 39 - The Hunt - Winter 2019/2020

hair design, and the Laird Center’s Neidig began working with Showcase when he was a University of Delaware sophomore. Since then, Neidig has done lighting and stage-tech work
in New York, toured with Delaware-bred rocker George Thorogood, and traveled with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. “He’s probably the main reason I keep coming back,” says Neidig of Chipman. “He reminds me of one of the best teachers I had in high school. He’s a student’s teacher—he makes it about the process. It’s not ‘my way or the highway.’ He throws it open to collaboration.”
It’s worth noting that Chipman isn’t stepping away because of his dwindling affection for Showcase. Although a successor hasn’t been selected, he promises to be a resource—though
he doesn’t want to intrude. He’ll enjoy the renewed contact with his “kids” as they honor him in his final year. He’s also preparing for more free time with Robin and his son, Zachary, whose wife works at Tatnall. The couple has two children there, and Zachary helps with stage design for Showcase productions. Chipman also has a daughter, Hannah, who works in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
Chipman admits that he’s giving up “a third” of his professional self. And he still looks at Showcase as a growth experience. “I’m proud of what we’ve done,” he says. “But we’re still improving.”
Students laud Chipman’s teaching style for its
mix of education and entertainment.
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