We had the good fortune of connecting with Genevieve Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genevieve, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Hello! I actually have two favorite quotes that I often think about. The first one is something that Phoebe Waller Bridge’s mum told her; and that is “Darling, you can be anything you want in this world – as long as you’re outrageous”. I love this, because firstly, she is outrageous in the best of ways, something I admire! And secondly, it’s such a wonderful reminder to be bold and be sure not to do anything half-heartedly.

The other quote I love is a Turkish proverb that says “No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back.” Sunk-cost fallacy can be really damaging to your momentum as creative and an artist, and sometimes it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to re-route or change your mind!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Absolutely! There was never any doubt in my mind that I would end up in the theater world! As long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to theater, music, performing and trying to create cool things with cool people. As a Theater Director, my journey has been a little unconventional. I take a lot of pride in my work and how I’ve overcome challenges to get me to where I am, and I’m excited to share this with you!
I started as a classically trained pianist in Australia, which was my first love. I draw so heavily on this part of my life and I’m so grateful that I’ve always had such a strong passion for music, and that I was always encouraged to play from a young age. It didn’t take long before I took up singing and theater, and my love for the entire performing world was solidified. When I was in my late teens, I made the sidestep into jazz – which was incredible. Something about the non-rigidity of jazz felt so wonderful, and from there I learned the skills to create my own compositions. It felt like I’d been given the tools to explore freedom of expression and playing impulsively, which helped me to write music that felt truly like me.
I studied Musical Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne before moving overseas to New York City on a scholarship to continue studying acting at the New York Film Academy.
I founded my own company that taught Music and Theater to kids and was able to integrate many multi-level programs into schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn, which still run today.
From here I focussed more on my own composing work, and began writing original scores for short films, animations and eventually larger pieces of moving art. I wrote the original score for the award winning web series Ghost Girl, composed additional scoring for the festival nominated film Pulling Wool, and wrote the music and score for The Longest Road: A CATAN Parody Musical, to name a few of my favorites. Composing felt like a really pivotal moment for me as an artist, because it was during this time I learned how to be selective with who I collaborated with, as I saw that good collaboration equals better art. This is not a solo world, and it was refreshing to be able to trust those around me. I learned so much and was able to grow alongside other talented people, and it only reinforced how much joy I find in teamwork.
Leaning back on my improvisational skills, I turned to live scoring. I was the singular accompanist for the award winning, internationally touring musical improv team, Night Captain, where we were tasked with devising a 45 minute musical each week on the spot. This skill only expanded as I added several other teams and performers to my accompanying rotation and played shows at Club Cumming, The Pit Loft, 54 Below, Don’t Tell Mama, Blue Note, Piano’s, Mercury Lounge, UCB, Asylum and so many other great NYC venues. I quickly appreciated what made a compelling narrative, how rhythm and pacing affect emotion, and most importantly, reinforced my trust in good collaboration!
It was also the perfect environment to pivot into Music Directing pre-written musicals (what a concept!), and in a beautiful full circle moment, I was placed firmly back into the theater scene as an MD. I was fortunate enough to be a Music Director for years, select shows include Wonderland, The Longest Road, Spelling Bee and the New York Premiere of Bubble Boy.
Transitioning permanently into Directing from Music Directing felt so natural, as through my time in shows behind the keys, it became clear to me that it was the Directing side of it all that brought me the most joy.
It was a privilege to be the director for a reading at the Australian Theatre Festival 2021, which felt like home working alongside other Australians! And most recently, directing the Off-Broadway workshop production of SKIN, a new musical by Andrew Strano and Yuriko Shibata, (two names you’ll want to keep on your radar!) which we sold-out our run at RattleStick Playwrights Theater after just a 3 week rehearsal process.
When I think about myself as a Director, I think about the kind of work I’m excited by and why. I’m always drawn to new compelling stories about unconventional relationships, giving voice to authentic queer stories, theater created for and by women as well as meaningful and deliberate commentary on life.
In relation to what sets me apart; I believe a good show is a side effect of the team that’s curated and the environment that it’s developed in. When I take on a project, it’s vital to me that the room is ego-free and comfortable in every aspect. Are we the right people to tell this story? Collectively, do we have enough viewpoints to keep the room safe and open? Creatively, can everybody in the process bring their best selves into the rehearsal room everyday? These are complete non negotiables, and I know that our final products are more authentic because of the environment that we insist on upholding together.
I’m so excited for my future – I feel like I have so much to do! The more I dive deeper into theater, the more I learn about people and the stories they have to tell. Having the privilege of sharing moments in rooms with wildly talented performers, writers, composers, actors, storytellers and artists is all I’ve ever wanted, and it’s not lost on me that I get to do this. I’m always looking to challenge myself as a director, and because of this, I’ve been able to find more joy in the specifics of myself within the theater world. Learning that all the little things that brought me joy over the years are only adding to my assets as a creative is exciting and unique, and I feel so lucky! Everyone has their own lane, which makes theater so rich and when you realize that it’s not a competition – that there is room for everybody, I get wildly excited about what’s next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, so I take everyone I know to LAUT, a Malaysian restaurant near union square where I’ll make you order the Ultimate Curry Laksa – hands down my fav meal in the city! I’m a big foodie, so I’d also suggest Cull and Pistol at Chelsea Market for Oysters, Community Food and Juice on Upper West side for Brunch, Cafe Mogador in Williamsburg for literally anything, and then in the evening, we’ll be heading out to St Mazie’s in Williamsburg for the best jazz and cocktails (also my fav cute date spot!).

Then on a lovely sunny day, we’ll be grabbing a coffee and wandering all over the city – nothing beats it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely – I’ve been really lucky to have had many wonderful mentors and supporters throughout my life so far, but I’d love to give a special mention to my long time, very dear friend, Corey Allen – a wildly talented, warm and thoughtful human with a truly beautiful soul. He’s been nothing but inspiring, kind, and generous to me with every pivot and change I’ve made, and always given me that extra push when I needed to hear it. I’m beyond grateful for you, C!

Website: www.genevieve-wilson.com

Instagram: @genevievewilson

Twitter: @gengenwilson

Image Credits
SKIN images by Matt Davies Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.