Lynch Travis (he/him/his) is an accomplished actor and director. He is a Resident Artist at the Purple Rose Theatre, as well as the Supervising Director at the Obsidian Theatre Festival.
How did you get started in the arts?
As I child I was introduced to theater and music both at church and school. Holiday pageants, school shows, youth choir and the like.
If you could direct/produce one show, what would it be, and why?
I would love to direct Jitney by August Wilson. It's a play that speaks directly to me as a young man of the 70's, the wide array of characters, the stories, the humor, it would be a lot of fun.
If you could play one character in all of theatre or film, who would it be and why?
I've been blessed to play a couple of my dream roles already, but the role of Doaker in The Piano Lesson is on my bucket list.
Name two artistic role models and why you look up to them.
Denzel Washington epitomizes excellence as a performer and as a citizen of the community.
The late Roy Wood, radio personality at Chicago WVON had a voice that was rich and full. He did editorials that spoke Truth to Power and made an impression on me to want to always speak clearly and powerfully.
What did you want to be when you were a child? Are you fulfilling that dream?
My earliest dream was to coach athletes, I did on some levels but not as a vocation. Being a theater director and acting instructor has allowed me to fulfill my dream of teaching and helping others become better at their craft.
What is your artistic guilty pleasure?
I'm laughing as I type. I love a good "shoot em up" film or miniseries. Give me a good western, or action adventure and I'm all good.
What is your dream for the Michigan Arts Community?
I think it's a fantastic community, I truly found myself in it. I would wish that we, as a community, could come together, recognize and identify our issues and problems and try to resolve them with positive actions as a collective. We all want our community to be successful financially, artistically and in how we treat one another. In my opinion, we are well able to achieve those goals. Lets stop complaining and get to work.
What role/show/experience on your resume is most memorable and why?
This is always the hardest question I'm asked. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to work with the funnest actors, directors and designers in Southeast Michigan and my answer changes.
Today I'll say it's Orphan Train because it was a new play, with an ensemble of 25 or so actors and it was so creatively directed and designed. It was so well received and such a joy to be a part of at every rehearsal and every performance.