Ross Williams(XXXV)
- Producer
- Art Department
- Additional Crew
Ross Williams founded New York Shakespeare Exchange in 2009 as a
vehicle for engaging new audiences with classical theater. He is a
director, teacher and performer committed to the development of highly
theatrical work. In 2011 Ross adapted and directed NYSX's
critically-acclaimed production of Shakespeare's The Life and Death of
King John about which Adam Feldman of TimeOutNY remarked, "This young
company is not only promising, It's DELIVERING." Ross' longtime
collaboration with playwright Kevin Brewer has provided him the
opportunity to direct many original works including Island; Or, To Be
or Not to Be (NYSX, 2012); The One Man (Two Man (not quite)) Hamlet
(NYSX, spring 2010); and, Jinx in the 2004 Strawberry One-act Festival
(1st place). In the spring of 2005 he adapted and directed an acclaimed
ensemble-based production of Hamlet for Dreamscape Theatre, NYC. Ross'
concept production of Verdi's Rigoletto (with scenic designer and NY
Shakespeare Exchange contributing artist Jason Lajka) was chosen for a
New York exhibition of the 2008 International Ring Award for emerging
opera directors & designers. Ross has appeared on stage throughout
North America; most notably he originated the role of Gimli the
battle-axe wielding dwarf in the world premiere of The Lord of the
Rings musical extravaganza in Toronto. As a teacher Ross focuses on
exploring the nuances of classical text with authenticity and emotional
connection. He has taught in Toronto, Cleveland, Dallas and in NYC with
Judith Shakespeare, Actors Shakespeare, New York Shakespeare Exchange
and Red Bull Theater. He holds an MFA from the Cleveland Play House
Professional Actor Training Program, and a BFA from Southern Methodist
University.