Interview with James and Kristin Hatt

Performance of "How the World Began" - part of the Fresh Takes reading series 2014.
Performance of “How the World Began” – part of the Fresh Takes reading series 2014.

James and Kristin Hatt are major donors to WAM Theatre, fans and supporters of our Fresh Takes Staged Reading Series, and we wanted to find out what appeals to them about our work and our mission.

“We love that WAM is so supportive of actors living in the Berkshires,” Kristin began, “There are so many wonderful performers here, and since WAM runs many events off season it increases their opportunities to practice their craft and the chances for audiences to enjoy their talents.”

“It was our interest in local actors that drew us to the inaugural season of Fresh Takes last year,” James chimed in. “Language spoken out loud takes on a completely different texture than when read to oneself. We decided that we wanted to be part how new work is brought here to the Berkshires, work we would never see here otherwise.

Also, Kristen van Ginhoven brings a level of intelligence, exuberance, hard work, and sophistication to the business of creating a new theatre that is hard to turn away from. Her energy defines WAM.”

“WAM’s double philanthropic mission is very important to us. We are huge fans of Half the Sky and the work that Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn are doing in the world,” Kristin added, “We would love to see this model duplicated in other parts of the country. It’s a different way to engage the audience and that is a difficult thing to do that these days.”

Citing the June reading of How the World Began by Catherine Trieschmann and directed by Tracy Liz Miller as their favorite Fresh Takes Reading of 2014, James and Kristin are eagerly looking forward to the 2015 series,  just announced. “We love the chance to stay and talk to the actors and directors, and to hear from other audience members. It is great for the community to have a chance to engage directly with the play and the creative team, instead of applauding, standing up and going home,” James said.

WAM’s mission is perfectly positioned to bring plays, by and about women, to Berkshire audiences and provide actors an opportunity to explore strong women’s roles.

“We were very excited that WAM was invited to take the enhanced staged reading of Emilie… on tour to Williams College, the University at Albany, and Pittsfield’s 10X10 Festival. This kind of cultural sharing is like pollen falling from a flower and spreading creativity,” James said.

Kristin spoke highly of the WAM production of In Darfur. “Kristen took a complex issue and made it accessible to people. The post-play discussions and audience engagement  series brought so much to our community. Emilie… raised questions of what education means to women, while In Darfur asked us to look at who are we as human beings.”

The Hatts hope that, in time, WAM will be able to do two major productions a year, along with Fresh Takes, continue to enhance its outreach and education program, and be fiscally viable while holding firm to its double philanthropic model.

In addition to Fresh Takes, the Hatts are looking forward with the rest of us to learning what the fall 2015 production will be, and who will direct it. “With WAM one looks forward to engaging in the process. It’s not like the other major theatres where you receive a season brochure and select the shows you want to see. There is an open process involved in shaping the season and engaging the community, and that is very fulfilling to be a part of,” said James.