Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Hall.
Wendy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was hired for my first professional theatre show when I was 16 years old and shortly after that was accepted at the Boston Conservatory into their BFA program. Armand Marchand, founder of New Bedford Festival Theatre, hired me for their inaugural production of La Cage Aux Folles in 1990. Since that time, I have worked with NBFT, moving up the ranks from chorus member to dance captain to choreographer to director. Over the 29 years I have been a theatre professional, my career has always weaved in and out of NBFT and I have always remained a huge supporter of the organization. Recently I was hired as an associate producer at NBFT, allowing me to be a part of the highest level of theatre production.
Has it been a smooth road?
Never! I don’t think anyone has a smooth road, especially in the theatre industry. But I feel the road bumps early and this made me much tougher and more resilient, preparing me for what I’m doing right now. For every role I didn’t get or every job that I wasn’t chosen for, it has helped me look closely at what I can change to be better and what I can’t change. This allows me to do the very best I can with my talents and not dwell on what isn’t there or cannot be.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
New Bedford Festival Theatre is a professional theatre company that has produced 39 major shows since 1990. The company’s guiding mission is to bring the best of Broadway to the South Coast of Massachusetts. I was proud to be in the first cast of the first show ever produced, La Cage Aux Folles, in 1990. Throughout the years, I have moved up the ranks, from cast member to dance captain to choreographer to director and now to associate producer. We perform in the Zeiterion Theatre Performing Arts Center in downtown New Bedford and we are regarded as a destination place in the summer. Festival Theatre has been awarded “Best Professional Production in New England” in 1992, 2008, 2015 by the New England Theatre Conference. In addition, our production of Hairspray (2012) was awarded Moss Hart Memorial Award “Best Professional Production in New England” besting all productions on all levels throughout the entire 6 state New England area, also awarded by the New England Theatre Conference.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Southern MA is a great place for theatre! We have a diverse community, open to all forms of theatre and we are proud to serve their artistic needs. We employ many locals’ individuals, from stage, to backstage, to management, etc. Its great place to start out (just look at me!) to learn from area to regional to national professionals.
Pricing:
- $39.00
- $45.00
- $52.00
- $59.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 684 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740-6200 - Website: http://nbfestivaltheatre.com
- Phone: (508) 991 -5212
- Email: NewBedfordFT@aol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbfestivaltheatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewBedfordFestivalTheatre/?hc_ref=ARRDLFZbPiLE9zUao8-2TethAN0uHeQqeNYdbr_aCORSwZjJQqdXtHpwvb3z-RrgYD0
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewBedford_FT
Image Credit:
Inspired By Time Photography, George Charbonneau
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
