Hickory – Eric Seale, the first of four candidates vying for the job of replacing Pamela Livingstone as Artistic Director at the Hickory Community Theatre, will be in Hickory the weekend of January 18 & 19. There will be three opportunities for members of the public to meet him.

The first opportunity is for local actors. Seale is holding a workshop for actors on Saturday, Jan 18 at 1pm in the Firemen’s Kitchen at HCT. The workshop is limited to 20 participants and advance registration is required to participate. To register email [email protected].

This workshop is called “Process and Rehearsal”. It’s a workshop on performance techniques and rehearsal exploration, focused on the process of theatrical creation. The session will feature group and individual improvisation as well as scene work and character study utilizing a script from a contemporary new work, and another from an American comedy staple.

For the general public, Seale will be conducting a “TalkBack” following the matinee performance of American Buffalo on Sunday, Jan 19 at approximately 5pm in the Firemen’s Kitchen. This event is open to all, regardless of whether you have attended the show that day. If you do plan to attend the show, tickets may be purchased online at hickorytheatre.org or by calling the box office at 828-328-2283. American Buffalo is rated R and has very rough language throughout.

Following the “TalkBack” there will be an open reception upstairs in the main lobby for anyone who would like to attend. The Guild@HCT is providing light hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Seale’s theatrical career has had a focus on directing and administration, but also includes extensive work as a performer, designer, and producer.

He served three seasons as the artistic managing director of Central Kentucky Theatre (CKT), where he orchestrated a company rebranding as well as overseeing a massive renovation of the performance space both in style and performance capability.

Before joining CKT he served five seasons as artistic director of Actors Guild of Lexington (AGL) where he created a new performance venue for the company and eliminated debt while building and developing a new thriving audience.

Eric had previously served AGL in their old space first as director of audience development and then as associate artistic director. Before that, he was a founder and executive producer of The Balagula Theatre and the artistic director of the “Surprise Theatre” series.

PHOTO: Eric Seale is the first of four candidates for the Artistic Director position at the Hickory Community Theatre. For more information email [email protected] or call 828-327-3855 ext 103. Photo provided by the subject.