As WAM celebrates its fifth season, we take a look back at the people who helped get us here.

Nick Webb can truly say he’s been a part of WAM since its inception. The husband of Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven, Nick has helped out in various ways over the past five years; from production to the board, to helping out pretty much whenever and wherever is needed. WAM’s fifth season is especially exhilarating to him not just because of the theatre’s success but seeing the seed of his wife’s extremely hard work continue to bloom and inspire all involved.
How did you get involved with WAM? How long total?

I was there in the beginning, when WAM started, so I’ve enjoyed every one of our first five seasons.

What work do you primarily do for WAM?

I am the secretary of the board, so I record all our meetings. In the first two years, I was the founding board President and lighting designer for all WAM shows. I also designed the logo. So, I guess the answer is “anything that’s needed.”

How do you feel about WAM turning five years old? What’s your hope for the next five?

WAM turning five is absolutely amazing and thrilling. Not just the achievement of making WAM a success in that time, but the growth we’ve managed and the art we’ve presented. We’ve achieved the goals of being financially stable, ethical to the people who work with us, and artistically satisfying. As for the next five years? Bigger, better, faster, stronger, more impactful, more people, more art, and more money donated to organizations that impact the lives of women and girls. And that’s not just a pipe dream; this is a company with a plan.

What’s your favorite WAM memory?

It seems trite to say that there are so many, but it’s true. If I had to pick one it would be our first ever production: A WAM Welcome. We didn’t know if we would have an audience, if the WAM two-fold philanthropic model would work, or if it was just a crazy idea. That first production turned us from an idea into a real theatre company, and set us on the path to where we are today.

What woman inspires you and why?

I have to cheat and choose two. My day job is as Professor of Computer Science at Union College. As a computer scientist, and one who actively campaigns for increased participation in science and engineering by women and other underrepresented groups, I am inspired by those women who made such significant contributions to the development of computers as we know them. In particular, women like Grace Hopper, one of the first computer programmers, developer of new programming languages and the first ever compiler for computer languages, A-0. A truly remarkable woman.

My second choice is even easier; my wife, Kristen van Ginhoven. As a company, we are driven by Kristen’s effort, ability, enthusiasm, skill, and vision. Personally I am continually amazed by all that Kristen achieves with a combination of hard work, dedication, absolute genuine passion and real talent. She is my inspiration.