New Jersey Stage - September 2014 | Page 84

Changing The Way People Look At Camden SHARE BUTTON Starting any theater company is a risky venture. Imagine trying to start one in a city with a heavily damaged reputation like Camden. Joseph M. Paprzycki was given a golden opportunity to do just that and the Camden native jumped at the chance. Ten years later, the theater company is going strong and is bringing people to the city — many, for the first time in years, if ever. New Jersey Stage By Gary Wien The story of how the South Camden Theatre Company came about is like a fairy tale. Paprzycki was a prolific playwright who attended Sacred Heart Church in Camden. At the time, he was shuffling back and forth to New York City for his productions. One day, Monsignor Michael Doyle asked him why he never did any of his plays in town. Paprzycki asked him where would he put them and Doyle said he September 2014 pg 84