Hey there, theater enthusiasts and fellow artists! It's...it's been a while...
It's been quite a journey, and I'm thrilled to share my latest chapter with you. After years of teaching and directing in conservatories and schools, I find myself stepping back into the world of professional theater with renewed passion. I'm still not entirely sure what the future holds for me...but I'm going after it.
As an actor, director, and teacher, my love for the stage has always been a driving force in my life. However, I made a conscious decision to focus on nurturing young talents and shaping the next generation of artists through education. It was deeply fulfilling, witnessing the growth of aspiring performers and sharing my knowledge with them.
But there always was a part of me that yearned to be back on the stage, to feel the exhilaration of embodying characters and collaborating with fellow artists in the pursuit of storytelling. The call of the theater became too strong to resist, and I knew it was time to embark on a new chapter of self-discovery.
Returning to the professional theater scene after a hiatus may seem daunting to some, but...who am I kidding...it's daunting. I don't see my time as working exclusively in schools the last five or six years as having "stepped away", but the business of performance is a strange place. People in theatre and film seem to think you went away. It's the same thing with leaving, or even taking a break from, the education world in schools. People seem to think you "left", even though, as my undergraduate directing teacher, John Manlove, always used to say about a life in theatre...
"Teaching is a part of the gig, baby."
During my so-called "time away," I've had the privilege of observing and guiding young minds, nurturing their potential, and helping them discover their artistic voices. These experiences have enriched my perspective as an artist and deepened my understanding of the craft.
But it's not just the stage that has called me back; I've also explored the world of film and television, bringing characters to life in a different medium. From gripping dramas to lighthearted comedies, each project has expanded my artistic range and fueled my desire to explore new territories. It would be nice to get back to that...
My past has already been full of national and international escapades. I've had the privilege of performing at renowned theaters across the globe. From the prestigious Utah Shakespearean Festival to collaborating with the artists who made up the "Without Gas" Theatre Company, which I co-founded 20 years ago, I've experienced the delightful chaos of international theater. We existed for a short while but managed to create works in Poland, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia, working at some of Central Europe's most well-known theaters.
As I consider moving forward, I'm focused on reestablishing myself in the professional theater community and reopening the roads that have led me to international stages. Picture me, armed with my Polish wit and charm (or excessive swearing that only a choice few can understand), ready to reignite those connections and turn the world into my theatrical playground once again.
While it may take time to rebuild connections, network, and immerse myself in the industry once again, fear not, for perseverance and a sprinkle of my New Jersey-born humor shall prevail. The challenge excites me, and the possibilities are as vast as the Polish winter.
The path ahead might have uncertainties, but that's where the true magic lies. Embracing the unknown, pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, and collaborating with fellow artists who share my fervor for storytelling—these fuel my spirit and ignite my creativity.
So, fellow artists and theater enthusiasts, join me on this exciting journey of rediscovery. Let's dive into the realm of possibilities and create transcendent magic together.
With unbridled enthusiasm, a pinch of Polish wit, and a heart ready to embrace the stage once more,
Mark Krawczyk