Member Spotlight:
Kaitlin Williams
Introduction
I'm an interdisciplinary theatre artist born and raised on the unceded, shared territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. I graduated from the acting program at the University of Victoria, and since earning my BFA, I've worked in many different aspects of the theatre: acting, directing, designing, dramaturgy and producing. I've been the Artistic Director of Pacific Theatre since 2020.
Above all, I value community, and I believe that the theatre is one of the best ways we can commune together--to bear witness to what it means to be human, grow in our empathy, and collectively attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
I'm head-over-heels in love with theatre people.When not in the theatre, I'm happiest spending time with my husband Ben and our spirited four-year-old daughter Mirren June.
Why does theatre matter today?
I think the theatre matters as it's a place where we get to share an embodied, uninterrupted, and screen-free communal experience. This is so rare! And needed! I believe in the power and potential of attending to the story of another human - perhaps someone who is living a completely different life than you - and through the story, our empathy muscles get a workout. It's safe; it's not *actually happening*, but the experience can work away on your heart - and it can transform. Of course there is power in the medium of the novel, or films, but nothing can take away from the immediacy and live-ness of life onstage in front of us. Humans have been doing this since the beginning, and I believe we will continue creating theatre - gathering and telling our stories to each other with our bodies - no matter what. I think the live and embodied parts of this art form are what make it matter most today. Theatre is one of the last places we can trust that something is actually real.
What first drew you to working in theatre?
I think I've been drawn into working in theatre by the people themselves. I sometimes laugh about how reliant we are on each other in the theatre. If I could have been a visual artist, I could just go sit by myself and paint! But no, I can't do it alone. I love the collaboration, the teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking that go into making a play. I love the structure of the process - there's always going to be a table read, and sharpened pencils and tape on the floor - and I love that inside that structure, a million different things can be created and dreamed up. As I've transitioned into administration and artistic leadership, I've been drawn to how a staff team can help create the structure to support artists in doing their best work. And no two days are the same when you work in the theatre - I like that.
What part of the creative process do you enjoy most?
I love rehearsal - working with the actors and designers to layer and create a new piece. I think that's why I like directing so much. Rehearsals are the best part.
What skill has been most valuable in your career?
Listening!
Upcoming Project
Son of a Preacherman
Pacific Theatre
November 10 - 14
Ins Choi and Pacific Theatre hit the road with Son of a Preacherman, bringing this award-winning show to audiences across Canada. Bursting with warmth, wit, and musical flair, Choi takes audiences on an intimate and engaging journey through stories of faith, creativity, and life as the only son of a Korean church pastor.
Kaitlin Williams
Cory Haas
Aaron Craven
