My newest chat is with Kate Southerland of Dalton, who is the managing director at Artistic Civic Theatre. We talk about her work at the theatre and the upcoming 34th season. She shares with me three fun facts about herself and her favorite in a play.
Introducing Kate…
What do you love about your life right now?
The easier question would be, “what don’t you love about your life right now?” There are so many wonderful things and wonderful people in my life at this time. I am a new mom, my husband and I are about to celebrate our anniversary, we just purchased our first house, and I get to spend every day doing what I love (and I get paid to do it lol). I never dreamed my life would be as wonderful as it is right now, but I am thankful every day!
You’re the managing director at Artistic Civic Theatre. What exactly does your job entail?
The main purpose of my job is to oversee the daily and annual operations at the theater. This includes planning a season of 12-15 shows per year, fundraising, marketing, volunteer organization, and ensuring our facilities are in working condition. Each day is different, but at the moment I’m focused on the 3 shows we’re working on, finalizing the calendar and plans for our 34th season, and fundraising/organization for some really exciting renovations to our building!
If someone wants to be a part of ACT, how would they go about it? Like being a volunteer,tech support or an actor?
I love this question! Anyone who wants to get involved can reach out to us via phone call, email, or by visiting our website. Anyone is welcome to stop by ACT at any time and I’d be happy to give them all the information I can about ACT. We have 16 shows in our 34th season, so there is something for anyone and everyone that wants to be involved! We obviously offer performance opportunities, but we also have opportunities in every area of theatre! Just reach out to us! We would love to have you!
I recently saw the lineup of plays for your 34th season at ACT. Death of Salesman, Present Laughter, and Murder on the Nile are just a few I’m looking forward to. Do you help with the selection of the plays?
I do! I am technically the “chairman” of our Play Selection Committee that meets from January to March every year. This committee comprises ACT patrons, directors, actors, educators,and volunteers who have a wide knowledge of plays and musicals and a lot of experience with theatre in our community. We open up submissions in January for anyone that wants to direct. The Play Selection Committee then discusses all the submissions and votes on a season! I then take the season to the board of directors who vote on it as well. I then we complete and pay for all the licensing and the season becomes official.
Which one are you looking forward to the most?
That is a hard one! I think it’s a wonderful lineup and I’m excited for all the shows, but if I had to choose, I think I am the most excited for Death of a Salesman. We are taking a one-act version of this show to the Georgia Theatre Conference in Macon. It will be the first time we’ve participated in a competition, and I’m excited to have ACT represented!
You’ve acted and directed many plays at ACT. I’ve seen you perform as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. You’re a phenomenal actor. What do you enjoy about acting?
Thank you! I loved being Beatrice! Truth be told, I really don’t like acting. I love theatre, but performing is not my favorite thing to do! I know that sounds bad, but I grew up between two sisters who were both insanely talented and awarded performers. Both of my parents are also stellar actors and vocalists, and I never felt up to the same level as everyone else in my household. I love acting from time to time if it’s a “dream role” so to speak, but I have found that my strength is in administration and behind the scenes!
Was there a particular actor or play that inspired you to become an actor?
I wouldn’t consider myself an actor, but I think the biggest inspiration for me as a theater advocate was my grandparents. I’m sure that during my childhood, they spent more time at ACT than they did at home. My Bubba (Rick Martin) did everything he could at ACT. From directing a show to building and painting sets to taking the trash out every single night after everyone left, he was a model leader and volunteer. My Mimi (Sandy Martin) was the costumer for more shows than I can count. She worked at the box office and baked cookies for intermission for more than a decade. They gave many of their golden years to ACT because they loved theatre and they loved this community. I feel very honored to get to continue what they started.
If possible, do you have a favorite role you’ve played?
Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing! I loved that part, but it was a really special show because my sister, Meg, directed it. She had a unique and creative vision and it was so rewarding to see it all come to life! She is a super talented director and performer and I’m really proud of her!
Who are your biggest supporters?
My husband is my biggest supporter. When I need help with a project, he volunteers. He is patient through all the late nights at work, and he listens when I need to vent. He is my best friend and the best husband! I would be remiss to not mention my parents as well. They give the best advice. I call them multiple times a week with questions about anything and everything, and they always answer! My mom is easily the smartest person I know, and I really would not be anywhere without her!
This month, we will celebrate Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to you. Your baby girl is so precious and beautiful. How does it feel to be a mother, and is it everything that you dreamed about?
Thank you! We are so in love with our daughter that it feels unreal at times. Motherhood has been challenging in the very best way. My daughter and this new role have pushed me to be a better version of myself. I have learned so much about patience, grace, and love in the 5 months since she was born, and I cannot wait to keep learning! She is the greatest gift I’ve ever received, and I cannot believe how lucky I am to be her mom.
Alright, Kate, this is one of my favorite parts of the chat. Tell me three fun facts about yourself.
That is so fun!
1. I wear almost exclusively all black. I really don’t know why lol. I started doing it on accident about 10 years ago and now almost all of my clothes are black. Some people make fun of me for it, but I don’t care. I like it and it makes me feel powerful.
2. I love pickleball. I’m very competitive and it’s one of my favorite hobbies. If you haven’t played, you should definitely try! It’s so fun!
3. I will never forgive Panera Bread for taking the pumpkin muffin off their menu.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dependable
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what message would you want to convey to millions? What would it say and why?
“Love one another. That’s all, just love one another.”
This is a line in Pamela Parker’s Second Samuel, and it really stuck with me at an exceedingly difficult and challenging point in my life. I think we could all use a little more love and a lot less noise.
I love ending the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you can share with my readers?
“A life with love is a life that’s been lived.”
This is from an Ed Sheeran song lol, but it’s always stuck with me. It helped me through the loss of both of my grandmothers, and it describes the lives of the greatest people I’ve ever known.
Thank you for reading my chat with Kate. If you want to be involved with ACT, go check out their site here.