We recently connected with Kimberly Ridgeway and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

I wanted to be a professional actor since I was 12. When I was 14 years old, I was told that 1) because I’m black I would not get a lot of work because people don’t create stories for people of color, and 2) because I’m a woman, my career would be over once I turn 40.

Rather than let that discourage me, I decided right then, that I would start my own production company, and create content for people of color, women and older actors. I’ve always been a writer, and started to hone that craft (sending in my first television treatment to NBC at age 15), started directing at the age of 17, and produced my first show (which I also wrote and directed) at the age of 26.

My career has only grown and my cache in the Bay Area has allowed me to continue to give space, and create opportunities, for people of color, especially black women. Opportunities for actors, directors and designers.

Kimberly , 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 am a Bay Area based Director, Actor, Playwright and Producer who wrote, produced and directed the stage plays No More Secrets, Prospect Place, Heavy Burdens, The Confession, The Drowning Pool, and The Gigolo Chronicles.

I have directed projects for Altarena Playhouse, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, Dragon Productions Theatre Company, Ubuntu Theatre Project, Bay Area Performing Arts Collective, Bay Area Drama Company, SF Playhouse, Playwrights Center of San Francisco, SF Playground, 3Girls Theatre, TheatreFirst, Theatre Rhinoceros and will be making my directing debut at Spokane Civic Theatre in Spokane Washington in April 2023.

Some notable acting roles include The Human Ounce (World Premiere),  Wonderland (World Premiere),  Doubt, All the Way, The Piano Lesson, Colman Domingo’s DOT, and Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop for which I won the BroadwayWorld San Francisco Award for Best Leading Actress in a Local Play.

I pride myself on being a Director who can work with, and enjoys working with, actors of all skill sets and helping them continue to hone their craft. I also work very cooperatively with actors, directors and designers, as its important to allow individuals to have a voice and create an atmosphere of collaboration and openness so that others’ know they can voice concern or present their artistry without judgement or ridicule. Theatre is a team sport in which all of the players should working together toward achieving excellence.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

First and foremost, professionalism. I understand the talent I hold, but if I were unprofessional, toxic, or rigid, the number of opportunities I get would diminish. There are a LOT of theatres and theatre folks in the Bay Area, however we are one degree of separation and its very easy for your reputation to proceed you.

Also, in this industry, and in life, emotional intelligence is key. I’m one to think before I speak; analyze the situation before making a decision, research a situation before jumping to a conclusion, and advocate for myself and others with rational, tactful and fact based conversations.

I’ve had many “repeat engagements” where actors, designers, Artistic Directors, etc., have enjoyed working with me and appreciate my work ethic. Fostering those relationships not only help with continued opportunities, but continued understanding, grace and improvement.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is seeing the successes in others who I’ve mentored, directed, and given opportunities to – especially those who may not have always had the means or chance to be exposed to the arts and to the theatre. I love it when someone comes to an audition and its their first time ever auditioning. For me, its not about how much work is on an artist’s resume; its about the skill set, instinct, effective communication and professionalism. A bit of a humble brag: throughout my career, four individuals have auditioned for me and it was their first time ever auditioning. All four were cast, and today, two of them are working actors in Hollywood. The point is…seeing those actors, or any creative who I’ve had the fortune of working with, grow and soar in their careers is one of the reasons I decided that I would be one of the artists on this earth who created projects specifically with the goal of helping People of Color advance in this industry.

I’ve had my own successes and am still humbled by the number of opportunities that have come my way, especially in the last 12 years. However, the opportunities and successes of others receive and achieve, give me great joy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @khaoss15
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyTridgeway
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-ridgeway-b34b144/

Image Credits
Headshot: Lana Palmer Topdog Poster: Simone Finney The Kid Thing: Lois Tema Wonderland: Jim Norrena Human Ounce: Jim. Norrena The Piano Lesson: Martin Silverman The Mountaintop: Marilyn Langbehn