McNeese Theatre Acquires New Name
By Angie Kay Dilmore
Next to her family, Anita Tritico’s life revolved around the theatre. She was an avid supporter of many art institutions in Lake Charles, but she was devoted to the McNeese performing arts program. For this reason, Tritico’s daughter, Annette, will host a ceremony on Dec. 13 to rename the theatre in McNeese University’s Shearman Fine Arts Annex the Joe and Anita Tritico Theatre.
“To have this theatre named after them is the greatest honor they could ever have,” says Annette.
Anita Tritico worked tirelessly as the McNeese Theatre’s production coordinator for 31 years, and was devoted to the performing arts program and the students who studied under her watch. She died on March 22, 2011, at the age of 82. 
The idea to name the theatre after her came to Annette and friend Joy Pace, coordinator of McNeese theatre, as they sat next to Anita’s hospital bed in 2010, as the theatre was being built. Tritico and Pace formed a committee, mostly of McNeese alumni, and formulated a plan to raise the necessary funds.
“We launched a buy-a-seat program to secure the naming rights for the new theatre,” says Annette. Donors have a seat in the theatre with a brass nameplate inscribed as they wish. (The buy-a-seat program is on-going. For more information, contact the McNeese Foundation at 337-475-5588.)
When Annette first talked to her mother about the possibility of naming the theatre for her, Anita was initially reluctant. She was a humble woman, and never liked to be the center of attention. While she dabbled in acting, she preferred to work behind the scenes.
In the wings, she coordinated almost everything — publicity, promotions, exhibits and make-up. Because she loved to host parties, she organized the after-show receptions outside Ralph Squires Recital Hall and Bulber Auditorium. She was also the department’s archivist, cataloging 31 years of plays and performance photos.
“She not only helped promote the theatre, she helped preserve it,” says Annette. Anita also worked 35 years with the Lake Charles Little Theatre.
Ultimately, Anita agreed to her daughter’s plan for the new theatre, with one condition: that the theatre be named for both her and her husband, Joe. Joe Tritico passed away in 1994, and was also a pillar in the arts community. He served on the board of the Lake Charles Symphony for many years.
A Love Story To Commemorate
Tritico describes her parents’ marriage as a special love story.
“My dad adored Mom, and encouraged her to follow her dreams and passions,” she says. “He wanted her to be everything she could possibly be. She had been in radio and television at the University of Texas prior to their marriage in 1948. He knew she loved working in the theatre department.
“But theatre work is evening work. Dad selflessly gave up his time with her in the evenings so she could be at the theatre. And he never missed a show at either the Little Theatre or the McNeese Theatre.”
The students who attended McNeese in the performing arts department also loved “Ms. T‚” as she was affectionately known.
“She touched the lives of hundreds of students,” recalls Annette. “She taught them not only about theatre, but how to live their lives and be successful. She taught them about love and acceptance.”
A Champion For The Lake Charles Arts Community
Born Anita Nail on March 14, 1929, in Crawford, Texas, Anita was a 1945 graduate of Crawford High School. Following studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, she enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, and graduated in 1948 in communications with an emphasis in theatre arts.
Her love of the arts did not stop at the stage. She served as president of the local Junior League, and the Lake Charles Symphony was formed during her leadership. She produced the television show “The Wonderful World of Dance” on KPLC-TV, and coordinated the Junior League’s Art Appreciation Series in local schools. She served on the Junior League’s Arts Council Search Committee, and became a charter member of the Arts and Humanities Council, serving four terms.
She also served on the board of directors of the Lake Charles Symphony, Art Associates, the Lake Charles Ballet Society, and the Imperial Calcasieu Museum.
The theatre bug never rubbed off on daughter Annette, who is a registered nurse. But her parents’ leadership, love and passion for others made a huge impact.
“They were so loving to everyone, in every walk of life. They never met a stranger,” she says.
After four years of spear-heading the campaign to name this theatre in honor of her parents, Tritico’s dream will soon be a reality.
“Their name will live on there,” says Annette.
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