Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Frawley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve known I wanted to act from a very young age. I was involved in any available opportunity all through school and got my B.F.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University. I came to Atlanta for an apprenticeship with the Shakespeare Tavern and stayed for the community and the growing acting scene.
I’ve been lucky enough to work as an actor with many wonderful theatres around town since then, as well as narrating audiobooks for ListenUp Studios. In 2012 started working as a company member for the Weird Sisters Theatre Project. In 2016, I was invited to join a new team of producers and the past two years have been an incredible learning experience. I’m so grateful to have been able to learn the ropes of producing with such incredible artists and am so excited to pass on the torch and help find a new team of producers for this incredible company.
Right now I’m in rehearsal for The Secretaries at Out Front Theatre, as well as running Shit-faced Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Coming up will be Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Stage Door Players and the premiere for an indie horror, Those Who Deserve to Die.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to keep working with artists that challenge and teach me along the way. But committing to a career in the arts is a daily struggle. Just staying afloat financially while trying to prioritize work that is fulfilling and that will open future doors is like trying to juggle fireworks. And as someone who is naturally prone to anxiety and depression, keeping a clear mind and positive outlook in the face of rejection and setbacks is a constant commitment.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an actor first and foremost, so in that respect my business is me. I have love for, and history with Shakespeare, if that counts as a specialty, but honestly I thrive on variety.
My company for the past two years has been the Weird Sisters Theatre Project. We are committed to creating theatre by women, for everyone. The Weird Sisters produce works that are led by women in story and production team. I think what I am most proud of as a producer has been the care we have taken to showcase new works and growing artists.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The number of new theatre companies I see popping up every day is a testament to Atlanta’s fertile environment. People are willing to take a chance. I think there is always room to improve, though. Our theatre community is tight and supportive, and that is one of the things I love about us. I would also encourage us to take more risks. Taking chances on unknown actors and companies and works is something I’ve seen so much more of in the last five years, but there is still a long way to go. And of course in this city, as in cities nationwide, theatre and the arts lack the funding that could truly transform our work and the lives of artists. But that’s another conversation.
Pricing:
- The Secretaries Tickets: https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=aed79b64efa34e564957155936ce6086&vqitq=c218804f-5c7e-4682-abf3-6486b5e73be4&vqitp=38298bc9-919d-4e78-a9e0-ce9b059ef797&vqitts=1555475655&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=9480be70726618a4785bcf73d5829d24
- Shit-faced Shakespeare Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shit-faced-shakespeare-romeo-and-juliet-the-village-theatreatl-tickets-45087276257
- Weird Sisters Donations: https://www.theweirdsisters.org/donate
- Stage Door Players Tickets: https://www.stagedoorplayers.net/boxoffice/index.html
Contact Info:
- Address: 112 Valleybrook Xing
Decatur GA 30033 - Website: https://www.theweirdsisters.org/ :: https://www.rachelfrawley.com/
- Email: weirdsisterstheatre@gmail.com :: frawley.rachel@gmail.com
- Instagram: weirdsisterstheatreproject :: rachelfrawley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWeirdSistersTheatreProject/
- Twitter: @Weird__Sisters :: @rachel_frawley
Image Credit:
Headshots by Anna Ritch, Weird Sisters Photo by Casey Gardner
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