“Theatre is a safe space for people from all walks of life to come together for a shared experience.”
Richard Sargent saw artistic potential in the melting pot community that is the South Shore and saw an opportunity to create a platform for visitors and locals alike to create and connect with art. As the Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Black Ice Theatre Co., Richard oversees all of the production for the shows as well as the day-to-day operations. Stepping into a different role outside of the Theatre, he is also an acting teacher for the CONNECT program at LTCC and the Resident Director of the ACT One Children’s Theatre.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Richard Sargent!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I have been the Producing Artistic Director of Black Ice Theatre Co. since 2018. Essentially it is my job to oversee everything involving the day-to-day of the theatre company – from fundraisers to marketing to approving and producing every show in our 4-show seasons. It’s incredible to think that last year at this time we were just putting on our first production, the award-winning ’night, Mother. Now we have sponsors, season ticket holders, merchandise, a partnership with LTCC and are starting rehearsals for our 6th show, The Pillowman, playing at the Duke Theatre just in time for Halloween. I have such a great team behind me that I imagine we will continue to grow for years to come.
While Black Ice takes up most of my time, I am also on the Board of the Tahoe Arts Alliance. My main role on the Board is to organize the Annual Alliance Awards. This spring was our first show, and it was a great event. So many artists in one room, recognizing the hard work and creativity of our peers. I can’t wait until next year!
I also teach Acting for the Young Performer for the CONNECT program at LTCC throughout the year with my amazing teaching partner and friend, Pam Taylor. It is so great to see young actors in action, and every day we teach something new so it is always exciting.
I also have been the resident Director of the ACT One Children’s Theatre for 2 years. Set up as more of an afterschool program, we work with the students for several weeks and then have a weekend of shows at the Duke. Much like the CONNECT class, this gives young actors opportunites in town that they might not have had otherwise, which is so very important to me. And it also offers some real-life experience. Big shout out to Kim Carr and the Tahoe Arts Project for sponsoring this project.
Since I moved to Tahoe, I have starred in Godspell, The Woman in Black, Broadway in Blue, Hangtown (a Black Ice original thriller written by myself and Rae W. Matthews), Harbor, Love at The Lake, and will be in the upcoming The Pillowman this October. I have Directed Everybody Here Says Hello!, ‘night, Mother, Giants in the Sky, Honk Jr., The 1st Annual Alliance Awards, and Sans Merci. I have also written several award-winning short plays that have been produced throughout the country. To find out more about what I am up to with Black Ice Theatre Co., visit blackicetheatreco.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Starting a new business is always hard, but I must say that the support from the community has been a powerful driving force to keep this ship afloat. Every season we open our first show with a champagne reception, and I’ll never forget the overwhelming positive response from our first audience ever – a standing ovation for ‘night, Mother. After the show, people were in tears, wanted to talk about it, couldn’t wait to tell others about it. They connected to the little piece of art we loved so much, and I felt like a proud papa. We actually couldn’t get people to leave the theatre. Maybe it was the free booze, but I like to think it was because they weren’t done talking about it yet. We set out to bring thought-provoking and important theatre to Tahoe and we succeeded. I was worried we might not be accepted here right away for being too edgy or dark, but it turns out people genuinely love our shows. Hopefully more people take a chance on us this season.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
Learn to let go. You can only learn from the past, not change it, so don’t hold onto things that hold you back.
Who is your role model?
Good question. I don’t think I have one. I’m content with living by my own set of rules and living my best life. But I do really respect people that can find a good work-life balance. I really struggle with that, especially when it’s show season. But Briana Biller, an amazing actress in town, has helped me a lot with that (whether she realizes it or not).
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Long story short, my husband and I bought a second home here a few years ago. We decided to stay for 3 weeks over the summer. Three weeks turned into 3 years. Prior to Tahoe I lived in San Francisco and New York City, and Tahoe seemed like a nice change of pace. I was very active in film and theatre in the big cities and decided to check out the scene here in Tahoe. There wasn’t much I was drawn to personally, so I and a group of like-minded individuals started Black Ice. South Lake is the perfect town for a company like ours. Theatre is a safe space for people from all walks of life to come together for a shared experience, and since Tahoe is such a melting pot of people with different backgrounds and beliefs and visitors that come from all over looking for new and exciting adventures, it seemed like the perfect place to try to create change and connection through art.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
In addition to the Tahoe Arts Alliance and ACT One Children’s Theatre, I also volunteer for Will’s Kids for the Arts and try to be as active as possible with the Tahoe Pride Group. I am also on the Board of the Left Coast Theatre Co. in San Francisco and am always looking for new volunteer opportunities.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spoiler alert! I love reading plays and going to the theatre and watching movies. I host this super cool themed Horror Movie Night every few months. I pair a 3-course meal with 3 different horror films. Each course and cocktail is inspired by the movie we are watching. Most of my friends hadn’t seen many horror films before this, and I love introducing them to the essentials. I also love the outdoors – hiking and kayaking and beach days with my family. There is no better place to be than Tahoe in the summer.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
Tahoe has amazing food and drinks. I love The Lake House, The Hangar, Aleworx, Coachman, Idle Hour, Emerald Bay Bar and Grill is a fun after-show go-to, Goodfellas Pizza is some of the best in the region, the burgers at Lucky Beaver are in my top 10, the list goes on and on. I also love exploring all of the art galleries in town – the Scott Forrest Fine Art Gallery, Emanate, Benko – and anywhere there is live music.