BWW Interviews: Mary McCallum, A Life in the Theatre

Mary McCallum is a force of nature. As one of the most visionary people now creating live theatre in Nashville, she's constantly in motion - writing, directing, producing, acting - you name it, Mary's doing it. In true entrepreneurial spirit, when she saw a dearth of stage roles available to her, she made her own possibilities by finding a vehicle in which she could act and produce.

Through her SistaStyle Productions, she brings new and exciting theatre to the Nashville stage, opening doors for new audiences and new artists with every new venture. In celebration of Black History Month, on February 19, her new play about aviatrix Bessie Coleman - Fly, Girl! - opens at Darkhorse Theatre. Mary describes Fly, Girl! as a fictionalized account of Coleman's life (1892-1926), "the first African American to become a licensed airplane pilot, and the first American of any race or gender to hold an international pilot license. Fly, Girl! follows Bessie from her childhood picking cotton in Texas to Chicago and to France in pursuit of her dreams."

Directed by Barry Scott, Mary McCallum is producing the show while somehow finding the time to act in the show as well. Like I said, she's a force of nature. And an inspiration.

Somehow, in the midst of everything else she's doing this week, she found time to answer our questions and give the readers of Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com an informative look at her "Life in the Theatre"...read and enjoy!

What was your first taste of theatre?

Right after taking my first acting class, I was cast in an independent feature film shooting in Nashville. I ended up getting the lead role and caught the acting bug. After this film completed, I was told that in order to build my resume, I should do theater. At the time, the theater roles available to me in Nashville seemed limited, so I found a play I wanted to produce and started my own company, SistaStyle Productions.

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

My first play, I did everything...I acted, cast, produce, props, costumes,etc.

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

After that first production and the thrill of taking something from scratch and receiving the audience's reaction, I knew I was in love with theatre.

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

The artistic community in Nashville has grown tremendously since I first started nine years ago, especially African American Theater. There are so many opportunities now to get involved, and the creative energy is amazing here.

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

That's tough...I'm currently mounting an original piece - Fly, Girl! - I've written based on the life of Bessie Coleman later this month at Darkhorse Theatre, the first licensed African American pilot, so getting this production up and successful is my current vision and aspiration. My play The D Word is playing in New York City at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre Winterfest, March 17-19, so I'm in the midst of preparations for that as well. Making these two productions successful are my main goals at the moment.

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

Me, hopefully.

What's your favorite play/musical?

A Raisin In The Sun

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?

August Wilson, Lorraine Hansberry and Ntozake Shange - amazing writers and visionaries.

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 say "go for it"...its important to pursue your dreams and don't give up. If you work hard enough and love what you are doing, then you will succeed.

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