PAC Artist-In-Residence Program
About
A cornerstone of the PAC's mission is to create affordable and accessible art through interdisciplinary collaborations. The Artist-In-Residence Program bridges the gap between performance and visual art, encouraging dialogue among artists and enriching encounters with our audiences. While each partnership with each AIR has been unique, some highlights have included: Zura Johnson's stunning collage that became part of the marketing materials for La Vida Es Sueno; the dynamic workshops conducted with the homeless population at Broad Street Ministry by Martin Campos, Madeline Adams' whimsical paintings, inspired by interviews with the actors from Changes of Heart that became the centerpiece of the scenic design; and the stunning sculpture of Krista Apple-Hodge by sculptor Roger Wing, designed with the ability to be manipulated by actor Dan Hodge onstage during our production of Creditors.
2020-2021 Artist: Daniel Kontz
The COVID-19 pandemic turned how we make theatre on its head. Rather than go dormant, we decided to create live theatre in a virtual setting. We quickly realized we needed someone with knowledge of streaming platforms, computer systems and a skilled, artistic eye. Daniel Kontz embodies all those talents, and more. We are thrilled to introduce you to him.
He was instrumental in making TROUBLE IN MIND and THE RECOGNITION OF SHAKUNTALA more than just boxes on a screen. He made them magic. We are excited to have his input and artistry this season!
Daniel Kontz is a multi-disciplinary designer from London, England, who designs sights and sounds for clients in the theatre industry and beyond. As a Marketing Director, Daniel has developed marketing initiatives for 11th Hour Theatre Company and The Renegade Company. His Sound and Projection Designs have supported productions at the National Constitution Center, InterAct Theatre Company, Simpatico Theatre Project, Azuka Theatre, Plays & Players, The Renegade Company, and Matchbox Theatre. Outside of Philadelphia, his work has been seen and heard in the VI São Carlos Videodance Festival in Brazil, Columbia University's New Plays Now Festival, the NYC Fringe Festival, The Left Out Festival, and the American College Dance Festival.
He was instrumental in making TROUBLE IN MIND and THE RECOGNITION OF SHAKUNTALA more than just boxes on a screen. He made them magic. We are excited to have his input and artistry this season!
Daniel Kontz is a multi-disciplinary designer from London, England, who designs sights and sounds for clients in the theatre industry and beyond. As a Marketing Director, Daniel has developed marketing initiatives for 11th Hour Theatre Company and The Renegade Company. His Sound and Projection Designs have supported productions at the National Constitution Center, InterAct Theatre Company, Simpatico Theatre Project, Azuka Theatre, Plays & Players, The Renegade Company, and Matchbox Theatre. Outside of Philadelphia, his work has been seen and heard in the VI São Carlos Videodance Festival in Brazil, Columbia University's New Plays Now Festival, the NYC Fringe Festival, The Left Out Festival, and the American College Dance Festival.
2019-2020 Artist: Andrew Criss
For our 2019-20 season, PAC is collaborating with Andrew Criss for an expansion of this wonderful program. Andrew will be designing for the entire season - images for each show, social media posts and other fun visual treats all season long. A talented actor, voiceover artist and visual painter, PAC is thrilled to bring Andrew into the family.
From Andrew: "I’ve had careers as an actor and voiceover artist, and as a portrait and landscape painter. On rare and special occasions I’ve been able to combine the two pursuits, which is why I’m delighted to be working as the artist in residence for the Philadelphia Artist’s Collective during their 2019-2020 season.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in both painting and performing. In my early twenties, living in Austin, Texas, I started designing posters for local theaters. Like a book’s jacket or story's illustration, a theater’s graphics can entice the viewer to step further into the work. I loved the opportunity to interpret the productions in two-dimensional media, often giving the audience their first introduction to the plays. I was particularly inspired by the fine tradition of American illustration, and J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle, and N.C Wyeth were my heroes.
The Philadelphia Artist’s Collective residency is an excellent opportunity to engage with plays and return to that kind of visual storytelling. What a wonderful vocation: to create images that pique the viewer’s interest and make them want to see more." —Andrew Criss, July 2019
From Andrew: "I’ve had careers as an actor and voiceover artist, and as a portrait and landscape painter. On rare and special occasions I’ve been able to combine the two pursuits, which is why I’m delighted to be working as the artist in residence for the Philadelphia Artist’s Collective during their 2019-2020 season.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in both painting and performing. In my early twenties, living in Austin, Texas, I started designing posters for local theaters. Like a book’s jacket or story's illustration, a theater’s graphics can entice the viewer to step further into the work. I loved the opportunity to interpret the productions in two-dimensional media, often giving the audience their first introduction to the plays. I was particularly inspired by the fine tradition of American illustration, and J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle, and N.C Wyeth were my heroes.
The Philadelphia Artist’s Collective residency is an excellent opportunity to engage with plays and return to that kind of visual storytelling. What a wonderful vocation: to create images that pique the viewer’s interest and make them want to see more." —Andrew Criss, July 2019