How does a science teacher jump from E=MC2 to professional theatrical production? And in his spare time, how does he leap from writing text books to organizing theatrical company?
It’s looks easy if you name Frédéric Patto. On any given day, this spirited multitasker teaches physics and chemistry at the Lycée Français of San Francisco. But then he shifts gears and organizes professional theatrical and movie events at the school’s 300-seat auditorium.
Back in 2008, he convinces the administration of the high school to create a theater section for the students who prepare the baccalaureate.
One fine day in 2013, the talent and audacity of Frédéric Patto cross luck; he meets Jean-Marc Dumontet, a successful producer and owner of numerous performance halls in Paris. He manages to persuade Dumontet to play the piece called “Unknown to this address” with Thierry Lhermitte and Patrick Timsit at the Théâtre du Lycée Français of San Francisco in May 2014.
Since then, we have seen Clémentine Célarié, Francis Perrin, Pierre Richard, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, Jérémy Ferrari and many theater companies rewarded by Molière awards or present in the famous Avignon festival.
For 10 years, the adventure of the TLF is only possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers and the school. Therefore every year, Frédéric does a fundraising campaign which has among other things, allowed the modernization of the auditorium in 2018.
And as if that was not enough, our insatiable teacher has decided since this year, with the help of Emmanuel Texier, Head of the Lycée Français and the collaboration of Arnaud de Fontenay of the FACS to screen French movies alternating with plays!
He continues to teach physics chemistry because as he told us “I see the profession of teacher as that of an actor. I play in front of my students”.
We propose you to find the programming of the Theater of the French School of San Francisco on the site of the TLF.
His favorite places: Chouquet’s restaurant, Blush wine bar, Spikes coffee in San Francisco and Playa in Mill Valley. And to relax Lands End in San Francisco, Stinson Beach and Mount Tamalpais in Marin County.
