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• 1 media/KateThomsen.jpg 2020-12-04T08:41:01-08:00 Kate Thomsen 6 Actor & Acting Teacher plain 2021-05-09T14:34:31-07:00 What parts of the industry are you involved in?

  I am an actor and an acting teacher.

  Are you currently involved in any theatrical or artistic projects?

  I would consider my work in the classroom tremendously creative presently! We are approaching the training with a child-like sense of 'what could it be?' rather than falling into any old habits because 'that's just the way we do things.' Art tends to respond well to things like that. 

  I've recently shot a few commercials and felt like that sector was responding creatively to these new circumstances - though I'm not sure I would call my own contribution there 'artistic'! 

  I'm participating in a new play reading on Zoom through The Purple Rose Theatre Company, where I am proud Resident Artist. They are regrouping and revitalizing their commitment to new plays - it will be tremendously exciting to see where the writers find their stories emerging through this new filter.

  How has the COVID-19 epidemic personally affected your artistic opportunities?

  I've had to release attachment to a couple of productions I was tremendously excited about - including attachments to our production offerings at WMU Theatre. But amidst that release of 'what was' there are renewed possibilities of 'what could be.' 

  What do you think is in store for the industry? Will it be the same post-COVID?

  Nothing will be the same post-COVID - and that's tremendously exciting! We have the opportunity to rebuild and revitalize an industry that really works for both our audiences and the artists involved in production. I would predict the stories get more relevant, the gathering of audiences gets more joyful, and questions of equity in representation stay appropriately in the foreground. 

  What words of advice or solidarity do you have for other artists in the theatre industry?

  It seems to me that the world is likely never more ready to listen and reflect than in moments of universal 'reset.' We are having a global communal experience. There will need to be stories to help us process that. How thrilling that artists get to participate in that joyful work.