An Interview by Alycyn Keeling

When someone asks me, “What the Wallace is about?” The simplest answer to me is the people!

Today I want to introduce you to actor, Paul Kortemeier. Paul is starring as “Kipps” in the upcoming show “The Woman in Black.” (a ghost story theatrically adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from Susan Hill's novel of the same name.)

I must admit, I am the first person to say, “No, thank you” when it comes to watching anything scary! But …. after talking with Paul, hearing his enthusiasm for this show, and observing bits and pieces of the rehearsals, this play is now a must-see for me!

Read on to learn more about Paul.  I hope you feel the same sense of excitement I do about this show!

Paul Kortemeier is very much his own actor with a strong and striking stage presence.  That presence comes from an intriguing set of experiences and influences!  Paul grew up under the purview of his father’s career as an actor and a professor. His father’s career has combined teaching and acting in many parts of the country and had an influence on Paul before he even realized it.

Paul got his undergraduate degree in Wisconsin and moved to Alaska where he worked as a tour boat captain.  He describes himself in some ways as a “jack of all trades”. His experience also includes entertaining as a wedding and karaoke DJ. 

The spark for acting came when a friend encouraged him to audition for a production of “The Little Mermaid”.  Paul’s talent was noticed and he was cast in a lead role as Sebastian. What really encouraged Paul to pursue acting as a career was a conversation with his father.  The tight-knit family of five was gathered for Christmas when Paul apologized saying, he just wasn’t feeling very happy.  His dad immediately said, “What can we do about it?  What do you want to do?”  Without hesitation, Paul surprised himself and said, “I want to go back to school for acting. I want to do what you do!”

That was that! Paul signed up for an audition in Chicago where he was introduced to the Texas Tech University School of Theater & Dance. The upcoming production of “The Woman in Black” is Paul’s Thesis project which is the culmination of his educational experience.

When asked about the significance of the show, Paul said, “At face value when I first approached this play, I thought, “Wow, this is such an incredibly well-written story.” Paul went on to describe that this play served as a valuable reminder of how effective and important a well-written story can be to relationship building in our lives, to create a sense of community that only comes from shared experiences like this production.

“The rehearsals are going so well and we’re finding new discoveries every day! It has been such an exciting process.” Even the cast and crew come to the end surprised with goosebumps, every time!

For anyone that may want to look a little deeper into the play, there is storyline to challenge your thinking. “This play for me is an example of the “Maleficent” syndrome.” It makes you think about a person’s actions from a different perspective.  It challenges you to not take everything at face value. 

When asked what the audience might experience Paul said with a bit of thought and a big smile, “I don’t want to spoil it!”

Paul says with great enthusiasm that he is very excited to be doing the show at the Wallace. “It is as if the Wallace was built for this show! When I first walked into the space, the Wallace just felt like it was designed for this. It was such a perfect match.”

Paul gives credit to his good friend Cory Lawson as the reason he is doing this particular show.  We plan to post an interview with Cory, who also directs the Wallace Weekend Players program on Saturday mornings, and Zach Dailey who is directing the show.

After speaking with Paul, I can’t imagine any reason you won’t leave in awe of this wonderful production! I’ve mustered up my courage, determined not to be a scardey cat, and am anxiously awaiting opening night! Will you join me??

Purchase your tickets now for “The Woman in Black”, the next great experience at the Wallace Theater!

Performances run:

• Thursday, October 22th 7:30pm

• Friday, October 23rd 7:30pm

• Saturday, October 24th 7:30pm

• Friday, October 30th 7:30pm

• Saturday, October 31st 9:00pm (Celebrate Halloween with us!)

General Admission Tickets are $20; Student Tickets are $10