Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Myrick.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Hurricane Theatrical back in 2009 with Scott Morrise, my high school music teacher. We started doing shows because we loved theatre and there was a complete lack of community theatre in Southern Utah at that time.
I had just finished a season performing at Tuacahn Amphitheater and I decided professionally performing wasn’t what I wanted–I wanted to perform for my love of the art and not as a job. At that time, the city of Hurricane had just acquired the old elementary buildings from the school district and they let us perform there if we helped keep it up.
After a few shows, we were able to become part of the Recreation Department and be fully funded by the city. That was a huge success for us since all we wanted to do is create a program that the area could enjoy.
We were creating something people wanted. Since that time, we have grown in size and production value, but what I think sets us apart is that our core mission of creating exceptional entertainment has not changed in any way. And that is what has kept me there in Hurricane creating incredible theatre with incredible people–the magic of the art form. But, it’s not just that; I have a special connection to that performance space as I had a hand not only figuratively but quite literally in building the Hurricane Fine Arts Center up to what it has become. I, along with countless others, have created what I argue is the best community performance space in Southern Utah.
What I enjoy most about having created this theatre company is that we bring countless people together and create this giant production. We leave our other commitments for 3-4 months and join something bigger than ourselves. We tell stories that make people think and FEEL. We become forever family. It’s the magic of theatre. My favorite part is convincing these incredible community members to work harder than they ever have before on the production.
My belief is that if we are going to leave our commitments and families for that long, let’s make it COUNT. We don’t simply slap up a show for “fun.” Although fun is an extremely important part of what we do. Our commitment at Hurricane Theatrical is that our casts will grow as performing artists and that our enjoyment will come from our growth and magic of the performance that we experience after the quite literal blood, sweat, and tears. If you don’t believe me, come and see a Hurricane Theatrical production.
The production value you experience along with the commitment and love and craft of the actors will leave you wondering how it is “Community Theatre.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing big and passionate is ever simply smooth. The road to now has been bumpy at times, but the art form has broken through and people want what we create and so we continue on with our incredible love.
Our biggest successes and biggest challenges have always come down to people in administrative positions and their support for the program or lack thereof.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach theatre and film at Desert Hills High School and Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School in St. George. I chose education because I believe that I have the passion required to instill a love and professionalism of theatre arts to those who are interested.
I absolutely love seeing students become better emotional and intelligent beings through this art form. It changes people for the better. Theatre makes you see life through a different lens and how being kind changes the world.
I believe that creating something bigger than yourself is life-changing.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The thing that is true in any career path is ” it’s who you know.” The more you keep yourself humble and professional, the farther you will get. People will want to work with you if you are there to do your job and do it well. You have to be kind.
People talk and if you aren’t any of those things, you will not get work. Mentors are so important because they are ahead of you on the same path. When you find someone who is willing to give you a hand–take it!
Pricing:
- Adults $18.
- Seniors $16.
- Children $8.
Contact Info:
- Email: hurricanetheatrical@gmail.com
- Website: hurricanetheatrical.com
- Instagram: @hurricanetheatrical
- Facebook: @hurricantheatrical
Image Credits
Alex Chamberlain, Blue Desert Digital.
