As live, in-person theatre returns to the greatest city in the world, we're spotlighting the NYC theatre artists who make it all happen. Today's spotlight is on Max Hunter, Artistic Director of The Bridge Production Group and director of [title of show], which comes to The Brooklyn Navy Yards August 13-22.
What do you do in the theatre world?
In addition to being a freelance director and performer, I am the Artistic Director of The Bridge Production Group, a nonprofit theatre company in New York dedicated to the active reinvention and structure of theatrical storytelling.
What’s one part of your job that might surprise people?
When creating a theatre company, knowing how to use MailChimp is more important than having a BFA or MFA.
What was the last live production you worked on before the theatre shutdown?
I was in a production of King Lear at Northern Stage in Vermont. The Bridge Production Group had planned to take our 2019 production of See You to the Edinburgh Fringe the past two summers, but those plans were unfortunately derailed due to COVID – creating the perfect opportunity for The Bridge Residency at the Brooklyn Navy Yard!
What was your quarantine hobby?
Taste-testing each and every alcoholic seltzer on the market. (Bud Light Strawberry is the best; don’t judge me – you don’t know me.)
What was your first show back?
I saw multiple fantastic outdoor youth performances produced by Standing Room Only in upstate New York; I saw the second preview of Broadway’s Pass Over. I am excited for [title of show], I Am Your Masseuse, and A Golden City to be someone else’s first show back this August!
What show are you working on now?
Currently directing and acting in The Bridge Production Group’s [title of show] at the Brooklyn Navy Yards.
What would you tell people to encourage them to come see it?
Live theatre reminds us that we are still capable of sharing in communal moments of connection and joy! Also, everyone will be vaccinated or show proof of negative COVID status: taking safety precautions allows us to then relax and enjoy live theatre again!
What aspect of your job are you most excited to get back into?
The vibrating energy of an audience right as the house lights dim (or sun begins to set, in our case) and the actors first take to the stage. No artifice, no divide, just everyone sharing the space for the next ninety minutes.
What’s a new or returning show you’re not involved with that you’re excited to see?
You can shoot Marianne Elliott’s new production of Company right into my veins, thank you.
[title of show] runs August 13-22 at Brooklyn Navy Yards. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.bridgeproductiongroup.org/titleofshow.html.
