We look to the past to shape our future. Who are you? Where are you going from here?

My name is Ian Kramer, and I graduated from Brown/Trinity Rep with my MFA in Acting last year. I grew up in South Florida, and have been lucky enough to call a lot of the country home for the past decade. TAM was my first professional job out of undergrad (James in James & the Giant Peach, Summer ’11), and has since become an artistic home for me. “Where am I going” is one of my favorite questions because I love traveling. I’ve already visited all 50 states, and I’m currently working on all the National Parks. All the continents are next! Then maybe the moon? My life goal is to go to space!

What most excites you about being a part of TAM’s (R)evolutionary Redux Season?

Being back in a theatre! Everyone has been dealt hardships and disappointments this past year, and not being able to be in a theatre has affected not just the theatre community, but audiences as well. So I am SO grateful to be back, creating, collaborating, and making magic for everyone who has missed coming to the theatre. I can’t equate my entire excitement in words. My soul has missed live theatre.

We’re all about making old things new and new thgs classic. Why are you drawn to Classic Theatre? How do you shake it up?

I’ve always been drawn to Classic Theatre. Not only is it fun to dress in the classic garb and pretend we’re in a world with no wifi, but I think it’s really important to continue to tell a lot of these stories with today in mind. To me, it’s essential to acknowledge the life experience’s of all the artists involved in the project, and to somehow make them part of whatever classic story (or any story) we are telling.

From what sources do you draw your inspiration?

Traveling! Everything you want to learn about people and each other can be gifted by travel. Another inspiration is my fellow creator. Actor/director/designer, we are creating something together. I’m always inspired by what each of them bring into the room. And music! My playlists are constantly changing and I think they all have an unavoidable inspiration in each creation process.

You can have dinner with any three influential people. Who are your dream guests, why them, and what is the topic of conversation?

This is such a fun question! I enjoy playing historical characters, and I’ve recently played Louis XVI and Julius Caesar. So maybe those two plus Nelson Mandela. I spent a month in South Africa two years ago, and I find his life inspirational yet tragic. We can all have a conversation about history and leadership. And if I’m allowed a second dinner, I’d invite their wives: Marie Antoinette, Calpurnia, and Winnie. We can have a little chat about the flaws of their spouses. Not that Mandela had any big flaws like the other two…

What recent revolutionary acts are you most proud of?

When I was in South Africa I revolted against gravity and went bungee jumping off the highest bridge in Africa (third tallest in the world) – I’d say that’s pretty revolutionary. I’ve also been very plastic conscious and have been doing my best to either reuse plastic or avoid it altogether to help our environment.

What’s your super power?

100% teleportation – traveling has never been easier! I’d obviously not use it all the time becase the journey is part of the adventure. But for the trip home? Or if that flight gets delayed? Teleportation!