The Scope

Bio: Jamie Skidmore has been working in theatre for over 20 years as a director and designer. Recent direction credits include A Ghost on the Shore, an environmental and historical theatrical piece that he also wrote, as well as Mother Courage and Her Children and Woyzeck. In 2006 he also served as the Production Manager/Technical Director for the Magnetic North Theatre Festival. Jamie is currently the co-ordinator of the Diploma in Performance and Communications Media and teaches courses in theatre and video production at MUN.

You are a teacher of young theatre artists at MUN, what are their main concerns regarding theatre here in St. John’s? “I was speaking to a student yesterday who perceives the theatre scene in St. John’s as very closed and insular. I don’t think this is the case, but I also think young actors and directors need to make their own theatre for a while before connecting up with established organizations. Krista Hann is a good example of an artist who has made quite a name for herself by mounting her own work, and doing so in a relatively short period of time.”

What is the best part of your job? “When a student says something in class that is brilliant and that never occurred to me.”

What is the worst part of your job? “It’s often sad when a really great student moves on to other things.”

Is there anything missing in the St. John’s theatre scene? “An audience. For certain types of shows it’s easy to pack the house, but lots of productions get relatively few people out. St. John’s is blessed with great theatre that is often seen by very small groups of people. Everyone should include theatre as an option when deciding what to do on the weekend. Parents should bring their children and teenagers to the theatre in order to develop the next generation of theatre-goers. Support the arts!”

­— Dave Sullivan