BWW Interviews: Bill Feehely, A Life in the Theatre

As co-founder of Actors Bridge Ensemble, Bill Feehely has been responsible for bringing to Nashville audiences some of their most provocative theatre experiences as well as ushering some of the city's most noteworthy world premieres to the stage. Earlier this season, he was the narrator for Actors Bridge's staged reading of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, and next month he'll star in the company's collaboration with Belmont University Theatre on a new production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.

Yet despite all of his directorial efforts and acting performances, Bill Feehely is perhaps best known in Nashville theatre as one of its most sought-after acting coaches and his influence on other actors will continue for years to come as a result of his work in that area. Luckily, for Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com readers, Bill took time to ponder and peruse our list of questions for this week's installment of "A Life in the Theatre"...read and enjoy!

What was your first taste of theatre?

My first taste of theater was during high school, when I went to see a performance of Alice in Wonderland at the Performing Garage on Wooster Street in New York City.

What was your first real job  (or responsibility) in the theatre?

My first professional gig was at the Crossroads Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?

Not until college; got a part in a musical because no one could hit the high notes.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here?

Nashville has offered me the great opportunity to co-found a theater company and teach, act, direct and write in a great creative ensemble environment. I am glad I came.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mountany production...what would it be and why?

n terms of acting, I think I would like to do Faith Healer. I love Friel's words. In terms of directing, something scary that I haven't tried yet.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story?

Dennis Hopper

What's your favorite play/musical?

My favorite play is Moon for the Misbegotten Musical; my favorite musical is Company.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the theatre, who would you choose and why?

I would love to dine with Eugene O'Neill, Anthony Hopkins and Richard Harris. I just think we would have a blast without getting too heady.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own theatrical dream...what would you say?

I would ask what other choice they had. If they couldn't answer with one I would say, "Then own it."