Ian Anthony Coleman, a familiar face on the D.C. theater scene, is set to embark on an exciting new journey as he transitions from Washington to San Diego.
Coleman, who has built an impressive career through various roles in theater, particularly in directing and acting, is about to enter a fully funded MFA program at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
“Out of over 100 applicants, only one director was accepted this year and that’s me,” Coleman stated, expressing his excitement about this achievement.
He is scheduled to relocate to California on August 15, just two days after his 35th birthday, setting the stage for the next chapter in his artistic career.
Having earned a B.S. in International Politics and French from Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Coleman also nurtured a passion for drama during his undergraduate years.
Following graduation, he returned to his native D.C. with a strategic plan inspired by the success of other young actors in the area. By gaining experience at smaller theater companies, he honed his craft and became known as a talented baritone who could also act and dance.
His career progressed as he took on roles at prominent theaters such as Olney Theatre Center and Signature Theatre, performing in productions like “Beautiful,” “The Color Purple,” and “Grand Hotel.”
In recent times, he expanded his repertoire to include directing musicals at Montgomery College Summer Dinner Theatre and new works at Catholic University.
He has also taken on crucial education roles, serving as the performing arts director at Barrie School and as a teaching artist with Round House Theatre.
As Coleman prepares for his upcoming move, he shared insights about his journey and the significance of this new opportunity.
When asked about the competitive nature of the application process at UCSD, he described it as “one of the most intense pressure cookers that I’ve ever been in,” highlighting the rigorous eight-hour final round interview with four other candidates.
Coleman reflects on how his experiences in D.C. shaped his readiness for such challenges, crediting the opportunities for growth that the local theater scene provided him.
“D.C. has been great and offered me many opportunities, first as an actor and later as a director mostly at the college level,” he said. “I’m ready to expand what’s possible.”
Initially, Coleman had envisioned moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, especially after the pandemic disrupted his plans, leading him to focus more on directing.
He recognized that directing aligned with his strengths and embraced his leadership skills while looking for opportunities in more meaningful projects on the West Coast.
His interest in UCSD had been piqued by conversations with colleagues at Round House Theatre, who had previously attended the MFA program there.
Despite his confidence in his talents, Coleman was aware of the slim chances of being accepted but believed he had something unique to offer.
“To be fully authentic and not to present a sanitized version of myself and what I want to do” was the advice he received, which he found invaluable during the application process.
Coleman believes that staying true to himself during interviews demonstrated his growth and experience as an actor, ready to face rejection and embrace opportunities.
At UCSD, he hopes to refine his directorial voice and work on new plays while reimagining classic works, with a particular focus on stories by Black authors and centered around Black protagonists.
Currently compiling a list of shows from black playwrights, he emphasized the importance of this endeavor, stating that he is “grateful for the opportunity to spread my wings a bit more as a director.”
In addition to Coleman’s journey, the D.C. theater scene is showcasing various productions this summer, providing ample opportunities for those looking for live performances.
One such production is “Apropos of Nothing,” a sitcom-inspired comedy making its debut at Keegan Theatre.
Though the play has moments of humor, its unevenness and somewhat lackluster pacing make for an interesting but not entirely memorable experience.
The storyline introduces characters navigating complicated romantic relationships, with mixed outcomes.
Directed by Ray Ficca, the set is described as busy, contributing to the overall sitcom feel of the production.
Despite its flaws, the cast shines through, delivering moments of wit and insight that elevate the material.
The characters, embodying a selfishness reminiscent of Seinfeld, grapple with their unlikability, adding layers to the exploration of their relationships.
As summer continues, there are additional highlights from D.C.’s vibrant performing arts scene.
Wolf Trap’s summer program delivers a variety of entertainment options, including David Sedaris’s one-night show and a concert featuring Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara.
For a family-friendly experience, “Dory Fantasmagory” is currently performed at Imagination Stage, aiming to engage young audiences in imaginative storytelling.
With so much to enjoy, the D.C. theater community remains as dynamic as ever, with passionate creators like Ian Anthony Coleman paving the way for future artistic endeavors.
image source from：washingtonblade
