Rising Stars: Meet Bob Nydegger of Westminster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Nydegger.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Moving from Everett, WA in 2013 when my wife’s job at Boeing transferred to Seal Beach, CA, I had been deeply entrenched in live theatre in the Puget Sound area for 22 years as an actor and theater technician. After almost 3 months of not doing any theatre, I really missed it. I started shopping for local community theaters near my home in Huntington Beach, one of which was Westminster Community Playhouse. I contacted them by email and they responded within thirty minutes. I was invited to attend a production meeting that night at the theater to meet the directors and theatre production staff. I shared my experiences with some of my technical expertise. I also asked the director if they had a lighting designer for their production. I was told that they did not. I told them, “You do now.” After many productions and almost 10 years later, I am now the President of the Board, Technical Director, and Volunteer Coordinator. I was only able to accomplish this because of the incredibly talented people that I was surrounded by at WCP. I am so excited to see what the future holds for WCP and more incredible volunteer opportunities just around the bend.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth ride but everyone struggles at one time or another. Most of the struggles have been personality conflicts, different opinions on how things should be run, what money should be spent on making the theatre run, and all of the challenges of managing a non profit 501(c)(3) community theatre.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I got my BA in Drama from the University of Washington School of Drama in Seattle, WA in 2001 as an older adult and was touring with a traveling Christian theatre company from 1991 until 2013. I got frustrated with my day job working as an administrative assistant in law firms, engineering firms, and any other jobs where I could make a living. I decided that I had always been involved with theatre. I went home one day and told my wife I didn’t want to work in an office but to pursue a career in theatre, starting with getting my degree. My wife who was working at Boeing at the time told me, “Well, you put me through college as an engineer, so I’ll put you through school as a theatre professional.” I when back to work the following Monday and gave my 2-1/2 month notice.

My favorite creative discipline in theater is lighting design. Basically creating art with light and supporting all productions on the stage. I think what sets me apart from a lot of my contemporaries is not following standard rules of lighting, always thinking and designing out of the box. And I think about it constantly, never satsified with what I know; always looking to learn new ways of approaching my craft.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I cannot do what I do without the support and collaboration of others. Successful theater is a team sport and evolves so quickly that it is almost impossible to it on your own. I am successful only because of all those that have gone before me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wcpstage.com

Image Credits
Laura Lejuwaan; Mihai Suciu