ASU-Beebe theater major shines on and off the stage
BATESVILLE — Tremere Shell is clearly at home in the spotlight, projecting a commanding, charismatic presence onstage. Off stage, his soft-spoken, humble nature immediately puts individuals at ease. It is not surprising that people naturally gravitate to Shell.
It was these characteristics that led David Mayes, Arkansas State University-Beebe vice chancellor for Student Services, to encourage Shell to become a tutor mentor for the Upward Bound Math Science summer program.
“Tremere has a natural charisma and leadership ability,” Mayes said. “I found him to be a difference-maker when a student needed special attention from the staff. I was impressed with the level of attention that he gave to the students in the program. He knew everything about them, and his students were successful.”
Shell said students come to him with a variety of struggles they are dealing with, many of which are not related to academics.
“They ask for guidance just about life,” he said. “A purpose that I’ve developed over time is to inspire others. It’s always nice to inspire someone and have them inspire you as well. I just try to allow them to be the best they can be, and to do it in a healthy way.”
Originally from Rockford, Illinois, Shell grew up in Searcy. He was an active member of the theater program at Searcy High School and portrayed several key roles, including Mr. Darling in “Peter and Wendy,” Boris Kolenkhov in “You Can’t Take It With You” and Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book.”
“I’ve always had a passion and talent for theater,” Shell said.
Ryan Gibbons, assistant professor of communication and theater, met Shell when he was a sophomore. Recognizing his talent on the stage, Gibbons recruited Shell for the theater program at ASU-Beebe.
“Tremere has a large personality and really stands out. I felt like with the right opportunity, he was really going to shine,” Gibbons said. “He’s been in five or six shows at ASU-Beebe and has held some lead roles. He sings well, he dances well, he acts well — he’s the complete package. He’s also the student with a very big heart. When I lost my mother recently, he was checking in on me to make sure I was doing OK. He has compassion for everyone.”
Mayes echoed Gibbons’ sentiment regarding Shell’s compassionate nature.
“Tremere and my son, Justin, were teammates in track,” Mayes said. ‘They ran the 4x800 meter relay. Justin was the youngest and smallest on the team, and Tremere always looked out for him and treated him like a little brother.”
Shell also took his acting talents into the athletic world, serving as the mascot at Searcy. He’s also filled the role of ASU-Beebe’s mascot, Van the Vanguard. Shell said he enjoys the freedom that the anonymity of being a mascot gives him to be silly and have fun with the character.
“I think the kids have the best imagination with it, so it’s always fun to high-five them or do some type of goofy dance with them,” Shell said. “You don’t have to be reserved. Just be open and really friendly. You can be as charming and as goofy as you feel like being.”
In addition to his acting and mentorship, Shell has filled multiple student leadership roles on campus, including serving as a student ambassador and as vice president for the Student Government Association. He is also a member of TRIO. Shell plays saxophone and enjoys songwriting. He said he draws his inspiration from a variety of life experiences and tries to create fresh content.
“I don’t like to do something that’s been done over and over,” he said. “Everyone wants to write a love song, and I don’t want to do that. I like to cater to a lot of different genres like hip-hop, R&B and jazz. I dabble in a little bit of rock as well.”
Shell is pursuing an Associate of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in theater. He also takes psychology courses and plans to continue his education at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“I’ve always wanted to work with people,” Shell said. “I’m interested in the study of the human mind and what makes us tick.”
Shell said that throughout his college career, Mayes, Gibbons and Frank N. Taylor II, assistant manager of the ASU-Beebe Student Center, have served as sources of inspiration for him.
“They’ve really helped me be in the place that I am right now,” Shell said. “We’re all human, and they’ve gone through hardships, but it’s how they carry themselves. Their perseverance is really motivating.”
Shell said he tries to encourage his fellow students to remain positive and keep moving forward.
“That doesn’t always mean be happy, but there’s always a good way out of things,” Shell said. “You have to seek it, though. Don’t let yourself be defeated. Take your time with what you do, and don’t try to grow up too fast.”