We’re looking forward to introducing you to Richard Hitchler. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Richard, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Connecting with nature is a sure way for me lose track of time and find myself again. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or biking through the country, or kayaking on the river, I can easily find myself reconnecting with my inner self and creativity. I like to refer to it as a “nature bath” and often before starting a creative endeavor, I will hike or bike a good distance to “find myself” and my creative spark for the project.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Richard Hitchler is a visionary artistic director and community leader. He is currently the Executive and Artistic Director of Theatre 55, Minnesota’s only full time theatre for seniors.
Previously Hitchler was the Executive and Artistic Director of SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development from 1997-2015. Under Hitchler’s leadership, the theatre commissioned and produced more than 60 new plays by local playwrights.
In 2018, Hitchler learned that art participation was missing for one particular age demographic – Seniors. Although seniors make up the majority of audience members, Hitchler discovered that they themselves were missing from
participation; not by desire, but rather by lack of opportunity. So, Richard Hitchler founded a new theater, Theatre 55 to fill the need in the Twin Cities and Minnesota: Theatre performed by seniors. Formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education.
Theatre 55’s vision is to enrich the lives of elders as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatre performance and education. Theatre 55’s inaugural production of HAIR, performed by those who lived it!
Sold out it’s three-week run and received unanimously positive accolades from The New York Times, Minnesota Public Radio, Next Avenue, The Star Tribune, SPNN, Minnesota Playlist, and Broadway World. Packed spring classes, a
contract with EPISCOPAL HOMES residence, and subsequent sold out productions of PIPPIN, URINETOWN, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
Richard is an alumni of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute, led the St. Paul A.C.E. facilities
committee, and has served on Minnesota State Arts Board panels and the St. Paul Cultural STAR Board. And he has won several awards including the Sally Irving Ordway Award for Education in Theater, the Ann Shaw Fellowship, and
Pollen’s 50 over 50 theatre award.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Theatre, by its nature, is a very collaborative activity. I’ve learned the most about theatre by doing theatre and by the people involved in the collaboration: Casts, crews, designers, and audiences have all been my teachers and my collaborators. Every production has taught me more and more about the play or musical itself and it taught me more about the craft and about people.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Theatre is a hard business. When I graduated from college, there were about 600 theatre students. Of that number, I believe there are maybe two handfuls who are still doing theatre. There have been many times that I almost gave up. I began my career as an actor, which means that you have to have a tough skin. You are rejected nine times out of ten, which can be very difficult on your ego and self esteem. And every time you are rejected, you want to give up.
However, I did not give up. Instead, I began to embrace the rejection and turn it into a positive learning experience. I realized that I had more to offer to theatre and dedicated myself to learning more.
The biggest lesson I learned was that theatre could be used for much more than entertainment. Theatre builds life skills and creates community. It is also a way to spread a message, open minds, and create dialogues.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! I don’t play poker for a reason. The public version of me is the real me. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and express myself with honesty.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I guess I feel most at peace when I am in nature; hiking or biking. Connecting with nature connects me to my creativity and to the natural beauty that exists in life. There is a purity in nature that cannot be matched anywhere else.
I also feel at peace when a production/a play or musical comes together and the audience reacts positively. The human connection that is created between the performers and the audience brings a peaceful feeling and a sense of accomplishment that is unlike anything else. It is a natural “high” that cannot be replicated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theatre55.org
- Instagram: Theatre.55
- Facebook: Theatre 55
Image Credits
Photos by Richard Hitchler and Jolie Olson
