Arts
George's World is the Stage
TODD ROBSON
Winter 2008 |
Pothitos has announced this will be his last season at the STC.
He has been named the artistic director at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. But during his time in Sudbury, he has reshaped the artistic mandate of the STC and attracted some gifted actors and directors.
With the help of general manager, Kathy Heimbecker, he has managed to keep long-time subscribers happy while whetting new audiences’ appetite for theatre.
A native of Ottawa, Pothitos attended Queen’s University in Kingston, and went to grad school at the University of Toronto before sailing across the pond to study at the esteemed Webber-Douglas Academy of Drama in London, England.
Upon returning to Canada, Pothitos worked as an actor, a stage manager and a director. He built his career working on more than 85 different stage and screen productions over the span of almost 20 years.
“I came to Sudbury not really knowing what to expect,” says Pothitos. “I was here in a city with a fair-sized population and given the opportunity to manage my own operation.
“To be able to creatively steer a theatre centre and combine all of my talents and experience was an opportunity I wanted, but it was intimidating.”
Responsibility for the artistic vision and staffing the creative departments while staying on budget is not a day at the beach. Pothitos dove into his new job, and has not looked back. His first production his first season was Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and it was met with local and critical acclaim. Since that production, Pothitos has gone on to do almost 40 plays at the STC.
“In the time I have been here, I have learned so much about people, the theatre and this community,” explains Pothitos. “I have come to realize and appreciate Sudbury is a diverse group of people. So each season, I try to avoid having any specific theme or direction with our productions. This lets me essentially pick and choose some great plays and musicals with themes and stories I think are meaningful and the community will like.
“Because of this, I think the community will now take some chances and appreciate some productions they may not have given a chance in the past.”
Beth Litchfield is currently in her fourth year as a member of the STC board of directors. She agrees Pothitos’ keen eye and attention to the needs of the community have attributed to the theatre’s success.
“George is so well read and well versed in theatre,” says Litchfield. “He just knows what might work and appeal to the greater audience and a community like our own.
“He has a unique way; he does not tell people what they should like. He seems to just know what it is they might like and tries to expand their theatre-going experience...”
Productions such as last season’s The Buddy Holly Story appeal to a wider audience, many of whom may never have attended a STC production before, and it is hoped they will return.
“Under George, the STC has gone from operating in the red and into the black,” says Litchfield. “And that financial stability can be attributed to his direct understanding of this community and how a theatre needs to operate successfully.”
Pothitos doesn’t hesitate to give credit where it is due. “At the STC, we have a great pool of artists and technicians who help make the magic of theatre happen. Many of our technicians have made Sudbury their home and some try to learn as much as they can and move on to bigger markets.
“When I see a talented individual, I make a point of doing everything I can to teach and encourage them to reach their potential and follow their dreams in whichever path they may choose in the theatre,” says Pothitos.
Director Malcolm Black credits Pothitos’ enthusiasm and vast wealth of hands-on experience for his success.
“The thing about George is he has done just about everything a man can do when it comes to theatre,” explains Black. “And that is why he is so great at running and managing the show in Sudbury. He’s acted, directed, worked behind the scenes in just about every capacity. He is one of the people in theatre today who understands the mechanics of making theatre successful.”
Black is excited to return to Sudbury this fall as a guest director of Salt-Water Moon (Oct. 30 to Nov. 9) before returning to Philadelphia to direct A Street Car Named Desire as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of that city’s historic Walnut Theatre.
And if there is anyone qualified to comment on what it takes to strive and succeed in theatre, it’s Black. A native of England, theatre has been part of his life since he walked through the front doors of London’s Old Vic Theatre 60 years ago. Black has worked in Europe, the United States and across Canada.
“Working with George is a tremendous opportunity for anyone in the theatre business,” says Black. “George is unique in that he gives anyone who seeks an opportunity the chance to learn and grow. If you want to expand your role in theatre, George is the first to help and encourage people to blossom. He’s not afraid to see people under him succeed, and even leave if they must, to pursue their careers.
“If anything, George Pothitos is one of the few people in this industry who is secure in the craft and is not insecure or bothered by the success of others.”
Pothitos considers himself lucky in that his job is a gift and a joy in his life. And when life becomes too busy or the workload too hectic, Pothitos keeps it all in perspective.
“At the end of the day,” explains Pothitos, “I like a good laugh.” Self described as “perpetually curious,” when not working, Pothitos, a skilled photographer, enjoys travelling in the United Kingdom, Greece, the Netherlands and the United States.
“I photograph things that catch my attention,” says Pothitos. “In particular, architectural detail interests me. I find discovery invigorating and relaxing. For me, there’s nothing better than allowing myself to roam through a new city, museum or art gallery at my own pace without a clock ruling the day. And for a change of pace and utter tranquility, all I have to do is remember sitting on a beautiful beach on a Greek isle, sipping a nice cold Mythos beer and listening to the waves smash against the rocks.”
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