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

Ruth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been adapting and directing a Houston-set version of An Ideal Husband, reimagined as An Ideal Man.

In 1999, Rupert Everett and Minnie Driver starred in a film adaptation of An Ideal Husband, and it never left my mind. Years later, after performing in The Importance of Being Earnest, I returned to Wilde’s work with fresh eyes. What struck me most were his stage directions—they felt lavish and specific, almost like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or even Keeping Up with the Kardashians. That sparked a question: what would it take to place this story in a more modern, recognizable world?

That question became Houston in 1985—a city defined by wealth, image, and ambition. In adapting the play, I expanded some roles and trimmed others, but at its core, Wilde’s plot and relationships remain intact.

What makes this project so meaningful is the balance between honoring a classic and making it feel immediate and local. It’s pushed me creatively, but more importantly, it’s become a deeply collaborative process—watching actors bring this reimagined world to life has been incredibly rewarding.

Ruth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Houston-based theatre artist, director, and performer with a background in both theatre and long-form improv. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston with a degree in theatre, and my work has always balanced structured storytelling with spontaneity.

I started in traditional theatre—acting, directing, and working behind the scenes—before expanding into improv. I co-founded Ophelia’s Rope, a long-running two-person improv duo, and Boiling Point Players, a female-centric theatre company focused on creating more opportunities for women while making authentic, engaging, and fun work.

What I’m most interested in is making work feel fun and authentic—whether that’s adapting a classic or developing something new. I focus a lot on tone, rhythm, and creating space where humor and honesty can exist at the same time.

What sets me apart is that dual lens: I bring both a director’s structure and an improviser’s flexibility. I build strong foundations, but I also leave room for discovery and collaboration in the room. I trust actors and designers, I trust the process, and I’m not afraid of letting something evolve in the room if it leads to something more truthful.

I’m most proud of the long-term creative partnerships I’ve built. At the core, my work is about connection—creating stories that feel both entertaining and meaningful, something that lingers a little after you leave the room.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Go see the art. Buy the art. Enjoy it and tell people about it. That kind of word-of-mouth is invaluable. And if you can, donate—because even $5 can make a real difference to smaller groups working on tight budgets.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It feels invigorating. Creating art with other people gives you a real sense of community—it teaches you how to be part of something bigger and to compromise in service of a stronger idea. As a director, I love starting with a vision and watching it evolve into something richer through collaboration. There’s nothing better than seeing an actor’s “silly” moment turn into something golden—those discoveries often reveal deeper connections between characters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.conemanrunning.com/idealman
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthdoingstuff
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mccleskey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthsmccleskey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OpheliasRope

Image Credits

Michelle Odgers
Jonathan Moonen