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Photos courtesy of Tam DeBolt.
Tam DeBolt as Sophie Tucker with Jay Tumminello, who played Sophie’s piano man, Teddy Shapiro, in “Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas” at Terrific New Theatre.
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Photos courtesy of Tam DeBolt.
DeBolt will kick off her third season as artistic director at TNT this year.
Originally from Decatur, Indiana, Tam DeBolt has been living in the Birmingham area and making her mark here for 30 years. Theatre audiences will remember her from shows with Red Mountain Theatre Company, City Equity Theatre and Terrific New Theatre (TNT), just to name a few.
Now two years into her nonperforming position with TNT, DeBolt has continued to grow the company and its annual offerings. She spoke with artsBHAM about performing and life at a “terrific” theater.
Q: What has it been like to be the head of Terrific New Theatre for two years?
A: It's been a whirlwind. Truly. I am learning that it's nothing like any other job I've ever had. I'm always thinking about it and I am never disconnected from my task list. It, however, is very rewarding.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job so far?
A: I would have to say getting to know the patrons of TNT. Hearing them laugh, hearing them react and listening to them leave the theatre and talk about it. People in this city love TNT, and I feel a great sense of responsibility to keep providing them with an escape ... a place to go and hear a great story, to get away from the daily grind, and be "somewhere else" for two hours.
Q: What made you want to take on this role?
A: Running a theatre was something I planned on doing when I was done doing what I was doing before. Offer a couple of shows a year, stay connected to the art form and keep my passion for it alive.
When Carl Dean announced his retirement from TNT toward the end of his 30th season, I spent some sleepless nights trying to decide if I was ready to do this. Was this meant for me? Was I ready to do it now?
Somebody had to step in and help the board of directors keep TNT alive, and I applied for the job. They picked me ... I just said, "I was willing."
Q: What did you do before joining TNT?
A: I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Butler University and taught high school math for 10 years in Carmel, Indiana, before going to back to school to get a mechanical drafting and design degree from Purdue University. I have worked in the manufacturing industry since 1995 and, even today, work part-time at Automation Solutions in Bessemer — doing payroll, invoicing, accounts receivable and payable — you know, using that right brain.
Q: You also have an extensive performance history. What have been some highlights?
A: I have performed professionally since the ’90s and have credits in Indianapolis; Little Rock, Arkansas; Saugatuck, Michigan; and Birmingham. Highlights include Mama Rose (“Gypsy”); Mrs. Lovett (“Sweeney Todd”); Mrs. Potts (“Beauty and the Beast”); Sophie Tucker (“Last of the Red Hot Mamas”); Emma (“Song and Dance”); Frau Blucher (“Young Frankenstein”); and Sister Robert Anne (“Nunsense”).
Q: Have you performed at TNT since you've been in charge or do you plan to?
A: I have not. Not yet, but ... you never know.
TNT’s 2018-19 season lineup
More shows, including the theatre’s “Written in the South” series to be announced.
► “The Book of Merman,” a musical parody by Leo Schwartz and starring Amy Johnson, runs Sept. 13-29. Directed by Pat Anderson-Flowers, with music direction by John Allen Bankson
► “Grace & Glorie,” by Tom Zeigler and starring Sandra Taylor and Julie Steward Fuller, runs Oct. 25-Nov. 10. Directed by Jonathan Fuller.
► TNT’s “Written in the South” series: Installation No. 3 of this series hits the TNT stage in December. Title yet to be determined, but TNT promises it will have a Southern flair.
► “Fun Home,” by Alison Bechdel, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, runs Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2019. Directed by David Strickland.
► “Morningside,” by Atlanta playwright Topher Payne. Directed by Bethe Ensey.
► “The Royale,” by Marco Ramirez. Directed by Tawny Stephens
► To Be Announced: Closing Show
