Interview: Dr. Billy Harden and Spectrum Theatre Company

Recently BroadwayWorld had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Billy F. Harden to discuss Spectrum Theatre Company which was founded in 2013. We asked him to give our readers a broader view of Spectrum Theatre Company past, present and future. Currently Austin audiences are enjoying Spectrum's production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

BWW: What is the history of the Spectrum Theatre Company?
BH: Spectrum Theatre Company was founded in 2013 by four veterans of the stage in Austin: Dr. Billy F. Harden, Jacqui Cross, Janis Stinson and Carla Nickerson. We came together in the summer of 2013 as we recognized that there was no consistency in the presentation of theater from an African American perspective in Austin since the demise of Pro Arts Collective under the leadership of Boyd Vance and then Lisa Byrd. This unique group brings over 132 years of experience in theater to this venture along with many performance award to include, but are not limited to, the B. Iden Payne Award, the Austin Critics Table Award and the Ostrander Award. We produced our first play, Charlayne Woodard's Pretty Fire in March of 2014. Since we have produced 2 additional plays - ReGina Taylor's Crowns and Douglas Turner Ward's adaptation of Zora Neal Hurston's Spunk. All three productions have landed the company and its members numerous B. Iden Payne nominations. We are currently in production of Lynn Ahren's Once on this Island.

BWW: What is your mission?

BH: To illustrate the many facets of the African American experience, by producing high quality theatrical productions that can serve as springboards for discussion, education and community building.

BWW: What are your goals?
BH: Spectrum Theatre Company's goal is to create professional productions that promote artistic excellence through thought provoking stories of the human condition as seen through the spectrum of the African American experience.

* To increase public awareness of the significant contributions of African Americans in creating a diversified American theatrical tradition.

* To encourage and facilitate a culturally diverse and all-inclusive America by using theatre to teach, criticize, comment and model.

* To use theatre to create an American mythology that includes African Americans and other peoples of color in every thread of the fabric of our society.

* To continue to maintain and stabilize a black performing arts community.

BWW: What is your background in theatre?

BH: I have 32 years of experience in theater in Austin. I began my career in a local production of Bubblin Brown Sugar at Zachary Scott Theater co-starring with legendary actor and director, Boyd Vance. Boyd then cast me in his directorial debut of Ain't Misbehavin. From that I went to a lead role in August Wilson's Fences where I received a B. Iden Payne award for Best Actor in a Drama. I have been blessed to work in over 15 different theaters in Austin, Texas.

BWW: Is this the first company you have run?

BH: Yes, this is my first attempt at running a theater company. However, I do have over 15 years of experience providing leadership in the education as an assistant principal and principal. I earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2013.

BWW: What is your goal with Spectrum Theatre Company?

BH: My goal for Spectrum is for the company to become the premier African American theater company in Austin providing opportunities in theatre and theatre education for all of Austin. Along with this, I would like for Spectrum operate its own theater facility providing quality production and rigor performance classes for all age groups.

BWW: What challenges have you encountered bringing a theatre to life?

BH: The major challenges are funding/finances and space for performance and rehearsal. We have relied heavily on local churches and schools for rehearsal space. We have also been fortunate to be given space for performance by the Austin Playhouse, who is our sponsor theater. Also, we often are unable to cast the more experience actors in the city because of their need to make money in the larger venues, so Spectrum often becomes their 2nd choice, if you will.

BWW: Where do you see Spectrum Theatre Company in 10 years?

BH: I see Spectrum as a viable and fully operating theater company with an education program that trains and educates people of all ages in theater and theater history. I see us in our own performance space with classrooms and rehearsal halls.

BWW: Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers of Broadway World Austin?

BH: Spectrum needs the community to support our efforts through financing and volunteerism. We also need your voice at City Council when we make our proposal to the City of Austin to become the resident theater company at the Boyd Vance Theater located on the campus of the George Washington Carver Museum.