Westminster and the West Wing Connection

Jackie Meade, director of the Westminster College Career Center, put the word out that television's popular series West Wing would need Westminster's help, and nearly 20 faculty, staff, students, and alumni responded.

"I serve on Board of the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency, and when the Pittsburgh Film Office called looking for locations with particular kinds of farms and houses, I quickly sent them pictures of the area," said Meade. "I also made arrangements for the casting director to use the Orr lobby for the casting call, and was promised a part as an extra."

"My daughter and I were at the casting call early enough to be in the first round of interviews," said Carol Eberhart, communications assistant in the Communication Services Office. "The following week everyone I knew got a call but me, and I was afraid that Audra (1995 Westminster graduate) and I weren't going to make the cut. But then late Wednesday afternoon I received an e-mail indicating that we were both expected at the taping."

Some extras, like James Cherney, instructor of speech, and Gene DeCaprio, director of the celebrity series and 1949 Westminster graduate, received special duties

"I was a stand-in for Richard Schiff, who plays Toby Ziegler in the show," said Cherney. "I was chosen for this part because of my physical likeness in height and weight to Schiff. The seven days I was on the set were some of the longest and most tiring I've ever worked."

"I was one of the eight people on the platform behind Martin Sheen, and that was exciting," said DeCaprio. "I was there 15 hours the first day, and 12 hours the second day. It really takes the glamour out of show business."

"I was chosen to do specific things for a few scenes, such as walking past one of the main characters while he spoke, and sat in the center of the front row during Sheen's speech," said Erin Halpin, junior broadcast communications major from White Oak. "There's a good chance I will be seen during the show."

"Richard Sprow (professor of English) and I are part of the background scene when the campaign speech is over," said Meade. "We were assigned to hold hands and stroll happily along together,' which we did at least 18 times while the scene was shot from many different angles."

"When we were called to the set, we settled in as directed on the comfortable folding chairs facing the decorated platform," said Bill McLaughry, 1999 graduate of Westminster. "That's when the fun really started. Everyone quickly entered into the spirit and technique required. We soon got very good at providing the audience reactions needed during the President's address."

"I really enjoyed my experience," said Loretta Shelenberger, wife of Ralph who is Westminster's upholster. "My highlight was meeting Martin Sheen and Allison Janney, who plays C.J. She is really very shy."

"Sheen was really very accessible during the breaks," said Eberhart. "He took the time to pose for photos and sign autographs with anyone who asked. He doesn't fit the stereotype of the hot-tempered, aloof actor. I know I will always remember our conversation, and show our photo to anyone who is willing to look."

"In spite of all the performing artists I've encountered over the years, Sheen seemed a larger than life figure, but with a common touch and a genuine interest in everyone there," DeCaprio said.

"At one time Martin Sheen left the stage, walked over to the New Wilmington band students and started shaking hands with them," said Shelenberger. "I'm sure they will never forget that."

"Everyone on the set was friendly, open, and often quite humble," said Cherney. "The directors often took time to explain to us novices why something was done in a particular way."

Extras were instructed to bring books, cards and other things to keep themselves busy during the breaks, but most people never took those things out of their bags.

"It was interesting to watch the technology and equipment they used," said Meade.

"One aspect that was unexpected was meeting so many people as we waited," said Kate McLaughry, retired Westminster employee and 1993 graduate. "We had a chance to chat with total strangers who became friends. It was a real treat to get to know such a variety of people."

"I'm glad I had the opportunity to be part of this adventure. It was a great way to spend a sunny summer day - conversing with old friends and making new ones," said Eberhart. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Other Westminster family members in the extra pool include: Robert Allen, a sophomore theatre major from Niles, Ohio; Jessica Brown, a senior broadcast communications major from Slippery Rock; Justin Bryan, a sophomore music major from New Wilmington; Thelma DeCaprio, wife of Gene DeCaprio, Mary Ann Harms, wife of biology professor Clarence Harms; Richard Marmura, sophomore political science major from Moon Township; and Jane Perkins, retired library employee.

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