Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kirk Gostkowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kirk thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’ve been very fortunate to work on many meaningful projects including working with people I consider hero’s of mine. As I am currently performing in Sam Shepard’s play SIMPATICO, I would like to talk about a production of TRUE WEST I did in South Hampton co-starring Joe Pallister and Directed by Michael Disher. I had recently graduated college and studied with Michael Disher and Alec Baldwin in Master Classes when Michael cast me as Austin in the play.

I learned an incredible amount on this production from Michael’s deep understanding of the play and the specificity of what he wanted and the performance. I learned to get really specific with my choices, gestures, and to push hard in portraying the character. Joe, was spectacular and such a joy to work with. It was an incredible growing experience for me and still influences what I do every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As Artistic Director of the Chain Theatre I feel there is a heavy responsibility to choose shows that have hard conversations. Putting characters on stage we may not always agree with and challenge each audience member.

Making this all happen is totally a team effort. I believe the group of people that make up each production we choose, and our organization is what sets us apart. There is nothing quite like gathering a group of people together from all different backgrounds and stories of their own and working towards a common goal.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

We opened our first theatre during Hurricane Sandy. The contractors walked off the job and we had to finish building the theatre ourselves. It set a tempo for what we would have to go through time and time again for years to come. The must go on.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic has changed everything in our industry. We had hard choices to make. And fought hard to keep our theatre and even took the leap to expand when we had the opportunity. We now run four rehearsal studios and four theatres in midtown Manhattan. Producing year round.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaintheatre.org
• Instagram: @chaintheatrenyc
• Facebook: @ChainTheatre
• Twitter: @chaintheatre

Image Credits

Monica Park
Luis Amador
Tom Kochie