2013 has proven to be an eventful year for the Toledo Repertoire Theater: the historic theater parted ways with former Artistic director Steve Burnette earlier this year (TCP May 1-13; “Stage lights, and an empty chair”). The vacant position has been filled by veteran actor and gallery operator, Eric Hillenbrand. At the recently-closed 20 North Gallery, Hillenbrand brought fine art exhibits to Toledo; as an actor, Hillenbrand has graced the stage with his charisma. Oh, and his killer baritone—Hillenbrand's turn as the Ghost of Christmas Present was a highlight of the Rep's annual production of A Christmas Carol in 2012. TCP sat down with Hillenbrand to discuss his history with the Rep and his plans for its future.
How did you come into your new position as Artistic Director at the Toledo Rep?
It was a fortuitous set of circumstances. After twenty years of operating 20 North Gallery, I was in a position where I thought it was time to move on to new things. The opportunity came up to apply for this position shortly after that. If it had come a few months earlier I might not have been in a position to make this move. I've always had a passion for the theater. This theater is one of the most venerable, not only in the city but, in the state, as we begin our 81st season. I just saw this as a wonderful opportunity to find a way to get back into the art scene and to contribute again.
You have some history with the Rep.
My first theater production was in A Christmas Carol at the Toledo Rep's first production [of the play] in 1985. I came about that through crazy circumstances as well; I was cast as an extra in a very small production of Hello Dolly at the Cathedral Players, an organization long since shuttered. I was in rehearsal, standing onstage when several people came into the rehearsal, went up to the director's desk, and chatted with her for a brief moment. One woman from that group pointed at me and said "If he can talk, I'll take him." It was two weeks before A Christmas Carol was supposed to open and the actor originally cast as Fred had to leave, so I was thrust into this production with a lead. I continued to play Fred for almost twenty years. Now I am playing the Ghost of Christmas Present. I've been associated with The Rep and A Christmas Carol for 29 years.
So what are your plans for the Rep's upcoming season?
My focus is twofold: it's promotional, just getting the word out about this exciting season, and two, achieving a sense of continuity for the organization, sponsors and other groups in town. I like to focus on collaboration and outreach. There are so many opportunities to work with organizations such as the Toledo Ballet and the Opera, and in turn an opportunity for the Rep to grow by associating with the other venerable artistic organizations in town. My goal is to take a long-term approach, to establish long-term sponsorship commitments and to find ways to grow the theater artistically. Also, to establish a solid funding foundation, which is critical, for the Rep to perform at a high level. We need to establish that security. Our work is always exemplary but variations in the economy and other things can put a strain on any artistic organization. My goal is to alleviate that. The other thing is, the Toledo Repertoire theater is a repertoire theater—we should be grounded in the classics and grow from that. We need a strong and vibrant youth education program because they [children] are the future of the Rep, and not just onstage, but backstage. We need people well versed in the mechanics of the theater. A strong educational program will go a long way toward establishing these talents in young people.
The Toledo Rep’s next production, Forbidden Broadway, will premiere Friday, September 13, and run until sunday, September 22. $20 adults, $18 seniors, $10 Students, $5 children. Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. 419-243-9277. www.toledorep.org
