Hello Beautiful People,
Eva Price, well, she’s a gem. An absolute gem…and the next feature in our Movers & Shakers Q&A Series. Eva is the Executive Vice President of Maximum Entertainment Productions. Credits include Peter and the Starcatcher; Annie (fall 2012); Kathy Griffin Wants a Tony; Colin Quinn LONG STORY SHORT, directed by Jerry Seinfeld (Drama Desk Nomination); The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino (Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critic’s Circle Nominations); A Life in the Theatre, starring Patrick Stewart and TR Knight; The Addams Family; Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking; and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Did I mention that’s JUST BROADWAY? Just. The. Tip. Of. The. Iceberg. Eva was gracious enough to participate in our Movers & Shakers Q&A, and she is an absolutely PERFECT candidate, changing this world, making it better, through an artistic lens. Ladies and Gents, meet Eva Price…
Photo Credit: Joy Jacobs
TWT: Growing up in Massachusetts, did you always have dreams of Broadway?
EP: Yes. I participated in theater in high school, where I was the president of the drama club. I went to summer theater camp in New Hampshire growing up, which inspired me to love theater and make it a part of my life.
TWT: So many of America’s producers have been men. Did you find your gender to be an obstacle when trying to cement yourself as a producer on Broadway?
EP: No, I didn’t. I think if anything being a woman helped differentiate me. Since I began pursuing a Broadway producing career earlier in my career, it differentiated me and I think that is an asset as well.
TWT: What words of wisdom would you give to students in high school who wish to pursue a career in writing and theatre?
EP: Read everything you can, see every play you can, never stop asking questions, and dream big.
TWT: You have produced some of our favorite shows on Broadway, and while we realizing that picking a favorite show might be the like asking one to pick a favorite child, is there one show in particular that is nearest and dearest to your heart?
EP: Yes. Peter and the Starcatcher because it embodies everything I love: imagination, theatricality, and the desire to never grow up.
TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), many of us work with “at-risk” youth. These students are recovering drug addicts, struggling drug addicts, teenage parents, and almost all of them come from broken homes. The struggles, demons, and anger that our students face is often a hindrance to their progress in school and life in general. Do you have any words of wisdom to offer these students?
EP: Find a passion and don’t be afraid to pursue it. If you find something you love to do, whether it’s dancing, playing an instrument, or doing science experiments, it’s worth doing. Teachers are some of the greatest resources to help you pursue these passions, so talk to them and ask them questions. They are there to help you. Completing school is one of the best ways to make pursuing what you love much easier in the future, so commit yourself to finishing your education.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
EP: The arts inspire students to dream big and make something of themselves. Arts allow imagination to grow and provide the confidence and basis for strengthening knowledge and creativity…why would we cut out a program that could create a better future?
TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), we believe that art drives life, and theatre transforms lives. Would you agree or disagree with those statements? Why?
EP: Yes I agree. Theatre brings people together. Nowadays most of our communication happens digitally; theatre allows many people to come together for one cause, whether it is provocative or simply entertaining. Theatre encourages us to think differently and reflect on our values and ourselves from a different perspective.
TWT: Just for fun, what’s your favorite movie and play?
EP: My favorite play is Lost in Yonkers. My favorite movie is Beaches.
TWT: Just for fun, if you were to perform again, what role would you want to play?
EP: I would want to play Mamma Rose.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
EP: Mrs. Sullivan in 3rd grade.
Thank you, Eva!
Live, Love, Learn,