Bobby Ford
| Bob Olmstead | |
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| Primary Theater | The Hideout Theatre |
| Years Active | 2010-Present |
Bob Olmstead is an Improv performer who works primarily with The Hideout Theatre and The Institution Theater.
History
Bob decided to take an improv class after his second short film had finished touring festivals to get a better feel for the organic aspects of the acting world. Much to Bob's surprise, he fell in love with improv as well as the fellowship that he found within the AIC. He completed classes at The Hideout Theatre with his friend and classmate, Paul Normandin. Other classmates included Brad Hawkins, Chad Wellington, Katherine Greco, and Cindy Page. This core group completed Levels 1 through 5 at The Hideout Theatre. Paul, Bob, Chad, Kat, and Cindy also completed Level 6 together in 2011.
Bobby and Paulie were two characters the pair often played while in class. After completing Level 6, Bob invited Paul to form a duo called "Two Guys From Yonkers" on October 31, 2011. Bob continued his improv studies at The Institution, completing their course work, levels 3 through The Improv Clubhouse. As well, Bob has completed month long intensives with John Ratliff (organic work), Kaci Beeler (intimacy), Asaf Ronen (physicality) and four weekend intensives (Parallelogramophonograph, Three For All and two weekends with David Razowsky).
Bob is a fully out Star Wars nerd and Lick ice cream addict, a leadership coach and a business consultant. On the filmmaking side, he has produced and directed two dramatic short films which have toured internationally. His filmmaking studies include work with the University of Texas, Sundance Shorts, Microbudget Film School and FilmWorks Austin . Bob has two beloved dogs, Wicket and Peanut and has called Austin home since 1987.
Breaking Beckett -Improvised Dramatic Theater
In late 2013 Bob began working on the idea of bringing dramatic absurdist theater to the world of improv, Breaking Beckett, which he went on to produce and direct. Breaking Beckett examines the moments we tend to not share: moments of heartbreak or overwhelming despair, childhood innocence lost, the shame of our most serious mistakes, all filtered through the work of Samuel Beckett. Inspired by but not beholden to the author’s absurdist one-act plays, the actors will adhere to the choreography of the pieces while following their own improvised story lines. Breaking Beckett is Bob's first improv project as a producer and director.
Troupes
- Two Guys From Yonkers (2011 - Present)
Shows
- Maestro
- The Cagematch
- The Fancy-Pants Mashup
- Pick Your Own Path
- The Tribunal (2012 Cast)
- The ReSet Project
- Breaking Beckett (Producer/Director)
