If you don't know...Beau Dixon
…Let me introduce you!
Beau Dixon is an actor, playwright, sound designer, music director and all round renaissance man currently based in Peterborough, Canada. He’s almost certain that “theatre can prove to us that race is a myth and true art can save lives.”
I asked Beau some questions!
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HALEY: How do you describe your work? Or, how do you explain to people how you spend your days?
BEAU: I spend my days creating and coaching others how to create.
HALEY: In a sentence or two, what’s your artistic mission? Or who is your work dedicated to?
BEAU: My artistic mission is to entertain, energize and educate the public. I dedicate most of my work to my family. I'm nothing without them.
HALEY: What are 1-3 of your favourite projects that you’ve worked on so far. Feel free to give us the tile and a sentence or two describing them, or just list them.
BEAU: Passing Strange was a musical produced by Musical Stage Co. and Obsidian Theatre. The first time any of the actors were in an all black cast. The story centered around an African American songwriter who travels to Europe to find his identity as an artist. I could totally relate to the story, because I was that guy! The whole process- from the first day of rehearsal to closing night- was exhilarating. I've never worked so hard and yet felt so alive at the same time.
Ghost Quartet - an esoteric rock musical performed last year at Crow's Theatre. We just spent three days filming a concert version of it for people to stream online. It was the second last show I was a part of before the pandemic.
Marjorie Prime - It was the last play I was in before the pandemic. There was just four of us in the cast; Sarah Dodd, Gordon Hecht, Martha Henry and I. After every performance, we'd spend many hours drinking, eating and sharing stories together in the change room. I miss that fellowship and camaraderie.
HALEY: Where did you study or train? Or did you have any great mentors?
BEAU: I'm self-taught. I've learned from many great artists over the years. I'm very grateful to a handful of mentors like Phil Aiken, Djanet Sears, Richard Rose, Martha Henry, Linda Kash....
HALEY: What are you working on these days?
BEAU: I'm co-writing a musical about Bessie Coleman, the first African American female aviator. I've also just filmed an online version of my one man show entitled 'Beneath Springhill'.
To find more of Beau’s work online! You can listen to his music on iTunes, read his plays here, and buy his one man show for educational or personal use here. You can also find and follow him on Instagram.
Photo credit: Kristina Ruddick