An artist in the house
Long-time instructor steps into new role
December 6, 2006
Linette Schut
Long-time instructor Ron Reed has taken on a new role at Trinity Western University this year as the Theatre department’s very first artist-in-residence.
With experience both professionally and artistically, Reed is well-qualified for his new role. In 1984, he founded the Pacific Theatre in Vancouver, where he is currently both the general manager and the artistic director.
Reed is artistic at heart, and always makes room in his schedule to be involved in acting roles, as well as writing plays.
As the Theatre department’s first artist-in-residence, Reed has also had to allow more time in his schedule for TWU. In the past, Reed had only been on campus on Monday’s, packing in a full day of teaching and making time for students. This year, however, he has been far more involved and active at the school. “I’ve carved out more of my time,” he noted.
Some of his new responsibilities include attending faculty meetings with the rest of the Theatre department and giving guest lectures in various non-Theatre classes.
Reed recently delivered a public lecture on campus about “the calling of the artist.” He strongly believes that artists have just as much of a calling from God as missionaries or pastors.
“I believe God called me to be an artist,” he said. “I feel this is exactly what I’m supposed to do.” He wants to inspire other artists to feel this way as well, he added.
As part of his new role, Reed will be directing a TWU play for the first time. “I’ve always wanted to direct a show at TWU,” he said.
This season, he will direct Remnants (A Fable), which will be produced in association with Pacific Theatre and performed on the Pacific Theatre stage from May 17 to June 9. The play will feature both apprentices from Pacific Theatre and TWU actors.
Reed is also currently writing a book called Soul Food Movies: A Guide to Films with a Spiritual Flavour. Although this is not an official part of his artist-in-residence role, he said TWU would definitely be included in the acknowledgments.
Reed believes that it is a great advantage for TWU’s Theatre department to have an artist-in-residence, and to be able to develop strong ties with a professional theatre such as Pacific Theatre. The connection creates opportunities for prospective actors in the department to become involved in professional theatre roles, he said, adding that it would be beneficial for every university department to have such a link with the professional world.
In the near future, Reed hopes to continue to stay involved at TWU and is looking into directing another emerging artist showcase, such as Remnants. His next work as a playwright will most likely be a stage version of Les Miserables.
For more information, visit Reed’s blog at soulfoodvancouver.blogspot.com.
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