Patrick Walsh, Executive Artistic Director of Northwest Classical Theater Collaborative, will share his personal and professional journey—from assistant directing on Broadway to directing adults in custody at a medium-security prison in Oregon. These experiences shaped his belief in performance as a powerful tool for redemption, especially for those with the least access to the arts.
In October, Patrick completed a 30-day performance tour of The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, with three of the stops in correctional facilities, including Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The response at Coffee Creek was significant—they invited him to return and build on the work he started.
Patrick will discuss the development of a new theater program at Coffee Creek, which will include reading plays in “book club” style discussions, democratic play selection, and collaborative performances that explore meaningful and challenging themes. The program will also introduce participants to mentors in stage management, costuming, lighting design, and other behind-the-scenes roles—creating pathways for skill-building, supplemental income, and supportive community post-release.
This presentation offers a look at the transformative power of the arts in rehabilitation and the role of theater in building empathy, connection, and personal growth.
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville meets weekly Thursdays at noon to carry out its purpose of providing service and fellowship to members and the Wilsonville community. Guests are welcome. Lunch is available off the menu; please arrive and order by 11:45 a.m. if you are ordering lunch. For more information, email president@wilsonvillerotary.com.
Official bio:
Patrick Walsh is a theatre director and producer who believes in the power of language, art, and community to change lives. His work has been seen across the United States of America. He currently serves as the Executive Artistic Director of Northwest Classical Theatre Collaborative Inc, touring classic theatrical stories to culturally under-served audiences and making art more accessible to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Locally, in Oregon, Patrick’s directing work has been seen at The Red Door Project, Northwest Classical Theatre Collaborative, Defunkt Theatre, Portland Actors Ensemble, Post5 Theatre, Bag&Baggage Productions, the Fertile Ground Festival, and at Two Rivers Correctional Facility where Patrick volunteers through the Arts in Prison program. Work across the country includes credits at Chautauqua Theatre Company, The Guthrie Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Compass Rose Theatre, Theater Workshop of Nantucket, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Hangar Theater. In addition, Patrick is a proud member of the 2009 Lincoln Center Directors Lab, while also being a recipient of an SDC Foundation Observership, a Chautauqua Theater Company Directing Fellowship, The Leslie O. Fulton Fellowship, and a Drama League Directing Fellowship.
