Eddie was raised as a live-in innkeeper at the bed and breakfast his mother owned and operated on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. By starting his life in the hospitality industry, he has become acutely aware of how powerful setting a scene can be. There’s something therapeutic, rejuvenating, and enlightening about diving into a new world whether it’s on the street or on the stage.
Since leaving home at the age of 14 to study at Northfield Mount Hermon School, he has gone on to devote himself to a passionate exploration of arts, stories, and ideas. Eddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies from Ithaca College and an MFA in Directing from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
Over the years, Eddie has divided his time by working as a taxi driver on Nantucket Island. This experience was formative in invigorating his theatre-work with empathy, curiosity, and a deep connection to community both amongst the audience and within the cast and company. Also, having the experience of cordially wrangling the rambunctious late-night customers, all while operating a moving car, has developed his ability to remain calm under pressure, with safety in tact… and without losing his sense of humor!
Eddie is also the survivor of 3 open-heart surgeries to correct a lifelong congenital heart defect. This reckoning with mortality has instilled perseverance and patience into his theatre work. Painted Shadows (click here for video) is his first composition inspired by his experience with heart disease.
In his free time, Eddie is an avid cook! He often uses food/cooking metaphors when discussing the process of theatre-making. To Eddie, theatre should be like a well cooked meal:
Safe & Efficient: No injury to cooks in the kitchen, no illness to the diners, and served after a reasonable prep time.
Beautiful: Plating is important. Safe and carefully cultivated ingredients are important. Detailed preparation is important. And experimenting with the design of the plating is important.
Experimental: Any combination of ingredients can be brilliant if we season to taste, and most ideas are worth tasting even if they don’t make it to the plate.
Delicious & Miraculous: The first bite, like entering the theatre-space, should be immediately engaging and immersive. The end should be incredible and curious enough to leave everyone feeling full, yet hungry for more.