For over two decades, Richard Louis-Pierre has been working as the music director at Nightingale Theater Company, guiding students in developing their vocal skills and stage presence.
Mr. Rich’s journey into music began from childhood. “I’m a child of immigrant parents and they made me play piano.” He aspired to be a biochemist, but while attending Stuyvesant High School, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in music. “It was my safe space and that’s probably why I became a teacher. […] So now I try to create that same safe space for others.”
Over two decades ago, Mr. Rich started working at THHS as a rehearsal pianist under music director Walter Birkhold. After realizing the spotlights were in poor condition, Mr. Rich stepped up and took on responsibilities beyond his original role. “I asked if I could help because the kids were putting in way too much work into the show not to be seen [on the stage].” Over time, his involvement in productions continued to grow.
After Mr. Birkhold left and became an Assistant Principal at Forest Hills High School, Mr. Rich took on the role of music director. “I help with tech and I just do whatever needs to be done to make the show get off the ground,” said Mr. Rich. “You can do a show 100 times. It will be a different experience every time. I’m not going to lie, it’s hard, but it’s worth it.”
Assistant Director and Producer William Lacker noted how essential Mr. Rich is to maintaining the program’s traditions. He described Mr. Rich as one of the “pillars” of the musical, explaining that his experience helps guide newer staff members. “It’s very nice to have people in place, and rely on people who have been doing it a lot longer and know the systems here,” Mr. Lacker said. Although Mr. Rich has a vocal-centered role this year, he directed musicals in the past, and even played in the pit orchestra before Nightingale included student talent.
Mr. Lacker said, “[Mr. Rich] did not disappoint.”
Assistant Principal of English, and former Director of Nightingale Mr. Dunbar said, “There have been times where we are struggling with something in terms of tech during S!NG. He’s not involved with S!NG at all, but we’ll still call Mr. Rich and be like, ‘hey, what’s going on with this?’ He has just this institutional knowledge of the theater that to me has been so incredibly valuable.”
Mr. Rich’s coaching plays a key role in helping students take on demanding roles and improve their vocal abilities. “Mr. Rich has been a huge help for practicing vocals for this role,” said junior Lukas Cooper, who is currently starring as Ren McCormack in the musical. Ren is “a high tenor with a lot of very high and belty notes,” so Lucas focuses on expanding his vocal range with Mr. Rich’s guidance.
As a freshman, “he helped me go from someone who couldn’t sing at all to someone who’s getting leads and doing community theater,” said Lukas. “I honestly don’t think I’d be here today without his guidance.”
Lukas said Mr. Rich encouraged him to audition for Rockaway Theater Company, a community-based theater organization that produces local performances and provides opportunities for actors to gain experience outside of school productions. Mr. Rich is also heavily involved in the production process for the Rockaway Theater Company. “It was an absolutely incredible experience, and it really gave me a good look into more professional theater,” Lukas said.
Alumna Julia Waters, class of 2025, worked with Mr. Rich on musical productions throughout all four years of high school. She said, “I loved working with Mr. Rich because he was a great piano player and taught me and the rest of the cast vocal techniques and [gave us] confidence when performing.”
“Mr. Rich also told personal stories about his time working in the musical theater industry,” said Julia. “Hearing about his experiences helped me understand performance and feel more confident about it.”
Mr. Rich said the best part of working with students is seeing their growth. “To see the kids learn how musicals work and learn the amount of cooperation that has to go into putting a show together,” he said. “You learn skills that help you in life, you make art, and hopefully create some bonds with people that you’ll never lose.”
