Patrick Carriere is making his first appearance on the Theatre B stage as Duci in The Sweet New. Patrick also directed Theatre B’s production of Storefront Church last season. When Patrick is not working in the theatre he can be found spending quality time with his family.
Theatre B (TB): Tell us a bit about yourself.
Patrick Carriere (PC): I was born in Marquette, MI., but I grew up in Bemidji, MN. Four years ago I moved to Moorhead to teach in the theatre program at MSUM, where I teach acting, voice, directing and theatre history/literature. I have also spent a good deal of time overseas in Russia, England, Greece, Cyprus, China, and Japan. This is my third project at Theatre B; I have worked here as a dramaturg (Scrooge MacBeth), director (Storefront Church), and now an actor.
TB: How did you first get involved in the arts (performing or otherwise)?
PC: I think my first real interest in theatre came while watching a performance of Godspell put on by our church. I must have been 12 years-old. I am Catholic, so I was raised in a very theatrical religious tradition. My first performance was as the Mayor of Dogpatch in Lil’ Abner when I was in 9th grade.
Patrick in ‘The Sweet New’. Photo courtesy of Kensie Wallner Photography.
TB: Tell us about your arts training (what’s your focus, etc.)?
PC: I have been fortunate to have had a number of diverse training experiences. I was in graduate school at the University of Kansas where I studied acting, directing, and scenography. I can’t explain fully how much I got out of that experience, but through KU connections I was able to study kabuki and noh performance; train, perform, and direct classical Greek tragedies and comedies in ancient theatre spaces; train and perform with several Russian artists; and study and perform at the Royal Shakespeare Company. My research there led me to study with the Michael Chekhov Association, and I am a graduate of their training program.
TB: I know your studies have taken you to a number of different places, what would you say is your favorite and why?
PC: I get this question a lot, and I still cannot give a definitive answer. I have gained a great deal from each of my travels, and I treasure the friends I have made and all I have learned. I don’t have a favorite, but I have spent the most time in Japan (3 years), and I was really lucky to be able to immerse myself in the language and culture of this country. In Japan, I started my study of the martial arts, and this has had a great impact on my life.
TB: Why were you interested in getting involved with The Sweet New?
PC: I began to get to know Ray, our playwright, when I was working on a production of Romeo and Juliet that focused on issues of gender identity. When he wrote The Sweet New, we discussed it a bit, and I wanted to be a part of the process. For the past eight years, I have been heavily involved in the new play program of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and I have become extremely interested in the development of new works, this experience also influenced my desire to work on The Sweet New. I am also a third-generation Italian American, so I was drawn to the story on that level as well.
Scott Horvik and Patrick performing ‘The Sweet New’. Photo courtesy of Kensie Wallner Photography.
TB: What have you enjoyed most about working with Theatre B?
PC: The people. There is a really great community within and surrounding Theatre B.
TB: What are your hobbies, or preferred free time activities?
PC: Free time? I love watching movies and spending time with my family. I like to cook – and one thing that I have taken from my travels is an understanding of a number of cooking traditions. Food is about connection, love and family, so what could be a better use of time.
TB: Is there anything else you’d like our audience members to know?
PC: I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we appreciate their support and presence. Please keep coming as Theatre B finds its new physical home.
Recent Comments