We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrienne Campbell-Holt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrienne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I had been an intern at a few different companies and learned quite a bit (Wooster Group/Performing Garage, GAle GAtes et al, Williamstown Theatre Festival) and I felt ready to do things my way – and make mistakes sure – but BUILD something. I was also super excited about the opportunity to support and produce artists that were fresh, bold, and deeply original – and weren’t being produced widely yet. I love leading an organization where I can help shape the culture and values, as well as identifying the talent. Colt Coeur’s developmental process on new plays is quite unique in the American theatre landscape — and I’m super proud of that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I came to theatre through dance and my years of spending more time with music and silence than with people talking – made me hungry to explore how much story can exist without words. I love words and dialogue – though I tend to be attracted to plays where there is a good amount of negative space on the page. I love making theatre out of dialogue and out of silence. I’m compelled to tell stories that I haven’t seen before – from voices and perspectives that are under-represented, that are rare and strange and messy and complicated. I love comedy and drama and I love swinging between the two. Colt Coeur, the company I founded, makes theatre that “pulls you close and doesn’t let go. As close as a whisper in your ear or a stranger’s hand brushing yours.” We make theatre from scratch using a unique development style where designers, actors, playwrights and director create the plays together from the beginning. This is not easy but it is so special – and the process and products are powerful. One of the challenges I’ve faced is people assuming I make a certain kind of theatre based on how I look, or my stature. I’m a petite woman. On more than one occasion people have said, “how did YOU direct THAT?” The projects in question ranged from a “muscular” all-male dark comedy to an ambitious 25-person musical. I always respond the same: “I used my brain, and my heart.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Ohhhh love an itinerary. In all honesty I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old so we’d probably hang out in the playground a bit… but here are some other spots I love:
Chelsea Hotel Bar – iconic, spectacular aesthetic, delicious cocktails
Great Jones Spa – I love the waterfall and steam room with its LED lights and the giant sauna – I always feel like I’m in ancient Rome or something – plus it’s a great place to hang out with a friend. I’ve even had design meetings here!

Morandi or Lil’ Frankie’s – I love the spaghetti al limone
Joseph Leonard – my now husband used to live next door and I have so many fond memories of dates here – I love going back
Film Forum or the Lincoln Center movie theater – I love movies and these cinemas always have excellent programming
50 Norman – I haven’t been yet but love Japanese culture and can’t wait to go
Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel – I love this hotel and the food and drinks here are so yummy
Playwrights Horizons, Clubbed Thumb, or BAM – let’s go see some great theatre!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The brilliant director Anne Kaufman. I had the pleasure of being Annie’s associate on SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION at Williamstown Theatre Festival – which was the show I met Tim Daly on. I loved the experience of watching Annie work with playwright John Guare, the designers, and the actors. Tim and I have worked on 5 shows together now and I love the trust and artistic shorthand we’ve built over 10+ years. I really admire Annie’s work and appreciate how comfortable she is saying ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’m not sure yet.’ It takes great confidence to own that in a room where 50+ people are looking to you to have all the answers.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to the wonderful director Alex Timbers. Alex gave me a ton of encouragement and was a really trusted sounding board early on- and his recognition helped me gain confidence to keep going and make a go of directing as a career.

Website: adriennecampbellholt.com // coltcoeur.org

Instagram: adriennech

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennech/

Twitter: adriennecolt

Facebook: coltcoeur

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLN1JYPcH4tTISfHbOljsrA

Other: https://vimeo.com/coltcoeur

Image Credits
Robert Altman, photographer for all except Sara Krulwich (two young women on the floor in bathroom)

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