Arts Profile: Michael Lederman, Artistic Director of Coastal Repertory Theatre
and the PAC 2009 Diamond Award Winner for Arts Educator. 

In honor of March is Arts in Education Month, the Peninsula Arts Council interviewed Michael Lederman, it’s 2009 Diamond Award Winner for Arts Educator.

Michael Lederman, a.ka. "Bub" is the Artistic Director of Coastal Repertory Theatre in Half Moon Bay.  He is also an actor, director, founder of the Coastal Theatre Conservatory, arts educator and fundraiser extraordinaire. A theater lover from his earliest stage experience in second grade, Lederman became a professional actor and made his television debut at age 16 in an episode of "Charlie's Angels."

He says being in theater as a kid was a good thing for him.

How he got the nickname “BUB.” 
Twenty years ago, on the first day of an after school program for the Wilkinson School, Michael wanted to break the ice and connect with his students.  He gave them a choice of names that they could address him by, “Mr. Lederman,” “Michael”, “Mike”, “Bubby”, “Bub,” …The kids all responded with a shriek of enthusiasm to “Bub” and he’s been “BUB” ever since.

PAC: As a director, what was your favorite musical or play?
ML: “The current one I’m working on,” he says with a lopsided smile.
“Waiting for Godot”  makes his list because, “it’s designed to make people crazy,” as well as “Man of La Mancha,” a play that was transformative for him and ultimately led him to pursue a career in the theater arts.

PAC: As an actor, what was your favorite role?
ML: Michael loved playing “Lenny” of John Steinbeck’s “Mice and Men” because it was such an “emotional and beautiful story.”  Otherwise, any time he can be in a role opposite his accomplished wife, Roxanne, is “magical.”

PAC: What is your process for selecting shows for the upcoming season?
ML: His “secret formula” involves showcasing a wide spectrum of theater experience.  In general, he offers two holiday themed shows, one “button-pushing” edgy drama, one comedy and one “feel good show.”  “If there is an opportunity to include a young performer, I will always try to do so.”

PAC: As an Educator, the most important/essential things he wants his students to learn…
ML: "I want my students to take away what I took away with me: an unwavering, undying, complete passion for what's magical and fantastic about theater," he says. "I want them to love theater, either as a participant or as an audience member, for the rest of their lives. I want them to look back on their experiences onstage and be able to tell their grandchildren about how amazing it was when they were in 'Fiddler On The Roof' or 'The Wizard of Oz' or whatever."

PAC: What does being an Artistic Director entail?
ML: “Figuring out how I can make the experience the best possible for everyone involved”  and “creating a nurturing environment for a largely volunteer community and pushing them to do the best that they can do.”

PAC: In a current climate where parents are worried about the state of education in general, what can you say in support of keeping arts in education?
ML:  “Cutbacks in art is strictly an American phenomenon.  It is unheard of in Europe.”  He fears, “If we don’t offer arts in the schools, we are creating a universe of lost children.”  He goes on to add, “Not all students are great at sports or academics.  Theatre or the arts is what make them special.  They find out who they are and it keeps them engaged in school.” In support he states, “Kids with a strong background in music do better in science and math, it’s a scientific fact.”

PAC: If the sky was the limit and an angel showed up to grant you three wishes for the theater, what would you wish for?
ML:

• “A clear resolution to the physical building, ownership or location for the theatre.” Formerly a storage facility for PG & E, he says “This building may be the answer.”
• A solution for funding.  “It would be great to not always worry about the financial viability of a show before deciding to do it,” and “not always looking to the bottom line.”
• On a personal note, “That my mom could come back and see what I’ve been doing, including the Diamond Awards ceremony.”

The Coastal Repertory Theatre has a total attendance of 130,000 and most productions are performed to sold-out houses of 156 seats.  It has been serving the coastal community for 22 years. The Coastal Theatre Conservancy has produced 16 annual shows that engage between 100-120 children each year.  Attendance grows each year and season ticket prices increase each year.  People from all over the Bay Area can rely on great performances from the Coastal Rep. It is a true model of success.

Congratulations to Michael and the entire team at Coastal Repertory Theatre!  To sign up for season tickets or attend their next performance, go to: http://www.coastalrep.com/

Interviewers: Julie Fellers and Denise Delany, Peninsula Arts Council, March 2010