“He got quite the awards at last year’s department awards,” Theater Director Georgia Well stated on Tyler Tingley’s participation in the theater program. “Tyler contributes as an actor or behind the stage.”

Tyler received three major awards last year at the theatre awards provided by the faculty in the theater department.

He was named best supporting actor, best stage manager, and the theatre award for most valuable theatre student.

When asked about how he felt receiving such prominent awards Tingley replied, “[It’s] an honor– nice to have recognition for the hard work I put in the theater department. Nobody usually wins all three–  it feels awesome!”

Tingley has attended Cerritos College since spring of 2006. He started acting in his senior year of high school, and continued on at Cerritos College.

The first play production he acted in was “Comedy of Errors,” as the character Balthazar. He also came out in plays such as, “De Donde,” playing two parts– Randy, and an INS agent– “Merry Wives of Windsor,” playing Slender, and was recently cast as Reverend Perris in “The Crucible,” showing at the Burnight Center Theatre Oct. 8, 9 and 14 to 16 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

While acting is what he is known for at Cerritos College, Tingley also works at Disney Land and is a full-time student majoring in theater arts. After work he comes back to campus Mondays and Wednesdays for rehearsals until 11 p.m.

“I stay up until 2 a.m. like many other students finishing up homework and other assignments,” Tingley explained.

When asked how he does it with so much on his plate, he replied, “It’s pretty much prioritizing your own personal schedule and your own social life. It’s not easy, but theater is my passion so I make it work.”

Though acting on stage is something Tingley likes to do, he also likes to work backstage and watch the plays come alive. “As much as I like acting and being on stage, I also like doing all the behind-the-scenes [work].”

Directing is another direction Tingley is going toward. He directed his second play called “Up and Down,” written and co-directed by Franchesca. The play premiered in November and December of 2009. It was a 25-minute long romantic comedy that took place in an elevator.

Though the play went as planned, Tingley found it hard finding his right cast along the way. “The hardest part was casting. Depending on who you cast, it does affect how the show will go.” He then confirmed he had “an awesome cast for Up and Down.”

Eventually Tyler wants to transfer to Cal State Fullerton and continue his passion for theatre there.

“I want to major in directing and minor in stage managing,” Tingley said.

“I’m one of the few students that acted, stage managed, assistant stage managed, directed, house managed, [did] tech work, built scenery and painted stuff onstage. If you name it, I’ve pretty much done it for the theatre department,” Tingley explained on some of the reasons why he believes he received such awards from the faculty members in the theatre department.

“Tyler deserves all the awards he received. I worked closest to him when he stage managed ‘Intimate Apparel.’ He ran efficient rehearsals  and called a tight, seamless show every night,” Kevin Hoggard stated.

Tingley has done a lot in the theatre program and plans to continue doing what he enjoys and has a passion for anywhere he goes.

“Tyler has already made it far in the theatre department. I expect he will move on to a university and distinguish himself there, as well,” Hoggard stated.

“No matter what you do, if it’s something you enjoy to do, you have to give 110 percent, because that’s the only way you’re going to succeed in it. Just do it– it does pay off,” Tingley concluded.