We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Ridgeway recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberly, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
First being a lover of language, it was first important to me to be able to articulate my ideas, ideals and opinions without feeling judgement – and I understood at young age that just by being a person of color, the expectation of my understanding of language and proper grammar was likely low and my intelligence could be dismissed if I wasn’t “articulate”. That pushed me to make sure that I could strip those prejudices and biases in order to even be heard. As I aged, I realized that this should not be my burden to shoulder, but I also began to realize that effective communication is not about knowing the Queens English, but by understanding how others communicate. And the easiest way to communicate effectively with others is seeking out how they best receive communication, feedback, etc. As a director, I have a team of actors and designers with all different backgrounds, upbringings, ages, personalities…and I found that catering the way I communicate to each person, as well as being clear and concise, especially in my feedback, has made for not only effective communication, but helps to foster respectful and rewarding working relationships.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been able to excel as a director, playwright, actor, and producer. I’ve writing, producing, and directing full-length the stage plays Prospect Place, No More Secrets, The Gigolo Chronicles, and The Drowning Pool. I’ve directed projects for esteemed Bay Area theaters like Altarena Playhouse, African American Shakespeare Company, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, Dragon Productions Theatre Company, Ubuntu Theatre Project, Bay Area Performing Arts Collective, Bay Area Drama Company, SF Playhouse, Town Hall Theatre, Playwrights Center of San Francisco, SF Playground, Theatre Rhinoceros, 3Girls Theatre and TheatreFirst; as well as regionally for Three Willows Theatre (TX), National Black Theatre (NY), and Spokane Civic Theatre (WA). Some of my favorite acting roles include The Revolutionists, The Piano Lesson, Colman Domingo’s DOT, Wonderland (World Premiere), The Human Ounce (World Premiere), All The Way, and my award-winning portrayal of Camae in Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop.
I am also the Brady Fellow Recipient (3Girls Theatre) for my play Soulmates, the recipient of the Theatre Bay Area (TBA) Art Leadership Residency (Central Works) and the Artistic Associate at the Altarena Playhouse. I’ll also be making my directorial debut at New Conservatory Theatre Company (Unpackin’ in P’Town, March 2024) and Central Works (Accused, July 2024).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities/skill sets that are most impactful though my journey as a theatre maker are: Preparedness, Professionalism and Patience. Being organized, coherent, competent and composed in all that I accomplish, whether it be directing, acting, writing or producing empowers others and fosters an atmosphere of trust. This has allowed me to succeed and become an individual who is sought after. I am blessed to be able to have that reputation, which has had me working, pretty much non-stop, for the last 10 years.
For those who are early in your journey, continue to learn. If you are an actor, keep honing your skills, be open to direction, and listen and watch: even those who are green may show you something you can take with you. If you are a director, know that you don’t know everything. Have a clear vision but be collaborative. If you are looking to become a director, shadow other established directors; be an Assistant Director as much as you can to not only see how projects are produced from pre-production to closing night, but also each director’s style is different. Take as much as you can from everyone, and then make it your own. More than anything: BE PROFESSIONAL. You want your reputation to proceed you in a good way,
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I’m an introvert, so when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I disconnect. I schedule “I AM LEGEND” days, where I pretend I’m the only person left on earth. Meaning, no laptop, no phone, no nothing. This is how I recharge.
Understanding that others recharge differently, my advice for when others are feeling overwhelmed is to look at ways to build boundaries, lessen your need to be obligated to people or tasks, and schedule “me time” as often as you can. You can’t be your best to others if you have not been the best to yourself. There is no shame in a little selfishness every once in a while. You owe it to you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @khaoss15
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyTridgeway
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-ridgeway-b34b144/
Image Credits
Headshot: Lana Palmer Doubt, Mountaintop and All the Way: Marilyn Langbehn Hedge: Mia Carr-Sledge Piano Lesson: Eric Fraisher Hayes Race: Pat Kapowich
