Theatre North West's co-founder gets a kick when people see him in town and think he's back in Prince George visiting from his supposed residence in either Vancouver, Vancouver Island or the Okanagan, depending on who he talks to.
Ted Price, former artistic director, and Anne Laughlin, former general manager with Theatre North West founded the theatrre in 1994 and retired last June. But they didn't leave town, contrary to popular belief.
Price is working as a freelancer and it's more than he bargained for.
Right now he's directing Theatre North West's last play of the season Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Price then directs at Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island for their production of On Golden Pond, working with Bill McFadden of Charlottetown, one of Prince George's favourite actors, Price said.
"Working at Victoria Playhouse is a terrific opportunity," Price said, who has a special fondness for the Atlantic provinces and their theatre history.
In between directing for Theatre North West and Victoria Playhouse, Price heads south to adjudicate the Okanagan Theatre Festival, fondly recalling the last time he was there, just before moving to Prince George to start TNW. He's adjudicated for about a dozen festivals over the years.
Working at Theatre North West didn't really offer an ideal work-life balance and free lancing seems to provide it - as long as you're able to say no, Price said.
"So much work comes out of the blue," he added. "It's frustrating that you can't possibly schedule your activities to be available for every attractive offer."
He recently turned down assignments in Edmonton and Ottawa from the Canada Council for the Arts but is pleased about a recent standing offer to direct and design at Salt Spring Island's ArtSpring, with old friend and former P.G. resident, George Sipos as executive director.
"When I met with George the message was name your play and say when," said Price. "That kind of open-ended offer is prized by any freelancer."
Price will also direct Theatre North West's winter production for the 2012/13 season. Audience members will hear the new season's line up when they go to Brighton Beach Memoirs.
For now here's a hint. The production is about a topic that's important to every adult and their family, but the script is viewed from the unique perspective of two children.
