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ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Joseph Leonardi
Founder and Director of Repertory Theatre of Iowa, graduate from East High School in 1984, Joseph Leonardi found his passion for theater arts under his high school director, Ruth Ann Gaines. While in high school, Leonardi had the opportunity to gain additional experience in productions with The Des Moines Playhouse and Drama Workshop. His early experiences in those community theaters fueled his ambition to pursue a career in professional theater. After studying theater arts at Simpson College, Drake University and Grand view College, Leonardi moved to San Francisco, California in search of employment opportunities.
While in San Francisco, Leonardi found work as an actor, director, and writer. For 15 years he appeared in numerous theaters- most notably as a company member of Eastender’s Repertory Company (ERC) and Pink Pearl Productions. His first turn as a playwright came with One of These Days, which garnered a San Francisco Cable Car Award nomination for Best Original Script. His one-man show, Positively Twisted, was awarded Best of the San Francisco Fringe Festival. Leonardi originated the role of Mel in New Conservatory Theater's (CT) production of Key West by Jack Hiefner (Vanities), and received a Dramalogue Magazine’s Dean Goodman Award for Outstanding Actor. He also served as dramaturge on Looking for Mr. America by George Birimisa, an Off-Broadway pioneer playwright, and directed both the San Francisco and New York stage productions. Leonardi has appeared in the feature films, Boonestyle, Indelible, and Haunting Villisca. He has also appeared in commercials for Iowa State Bank, Ingersoll Rand Tools, RYCO Car Wash, Qwest, and a Public Service Announcement for Responsible Fathers.
 Pride in his hometown fueled Leonardi's return to Des Moines in 2004. "I noted that numerous American cities with populations comparable to Des Moines have professional theater companies (even Boise, Idaho boasts its own professional theater company!)" says Leonardi. "Noting that Des Moines still lacked a professional theater company of its own, I came home with a mission to establish a concentrated ensemble of highly trained, professional theater artists committed to producing time-honored classics by world-renowned playwrights, and contemporary plays, including new works by Iowan and other American writers."
Leonardi began Central Iowa Repertory Theater (CIRT) in July 2004. CIRT changed its name at the launch of its third season to Repertory Theater of Iowa (RTI) in August 2006. "RTI's unique selection of plays fills an unmet niche, and significantly broadens Des Moines' cultural offers," says Leonardi. RTI is aiming to gain a national profile by becoming a member of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT), joining the more than 80 LORT theaters located in cities throughout the nation, as well as joining Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union for actors and stage managers.
Proudest Moments
"Since being back in Des Moines, I am proudest of the Repertory Theater of Iowa."
Repertory Theater of Iowa is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization founded with the vision of creating a professional theater company of national prominence in Des Moines. Since its inception, RTI has succeeded in achieving the following goals:
- RTI has produced 14 plays, including classic works and Iowa, Midwest, and world-premieres;
- Surpassed attendance records for a single production by all other locally-created shows other than those at the Des Moines Playhouse
- Formed an ensemble company with national professional credits
RTI has brought high-caliber performances of master works by world-renowned playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Eugene O'Neil, George Bernard Shaw, and Tennessee Williams, as well as new works by Iowan and other American playwrights.
In 2006, RTI infused $60K into Des Moines' economy. To better ensure RTI's future success, the group temporarily suspended production in 2007 to engage in an exciting development stage aimed at taking the company to the next level. RTI plans to resume production in 2008.
A professional repertory theater company is a big vision for Des Moines. It will require the assistance of citizens who believe in Des Moines and can help support that vision. RTI is currently seeking additional board members and supporters who believe that Des Moines can join the ranks of other American cities with professional theater companies of their own. Interested persons should contact Leonardi for more information (contact information to be found at conclusion of article)
Artist Statement
Great theater reflects truth in a way that the persons seeing it leave the theater feeling and thinking differently than when they walked in. The theater artists are prisms through which the light of truth must shine. The degree of brilliance reflects the artists' commitment to truth and dedication to their craft.
What inspires Leonardi to perform? "I love the telling of great stories. Theater is a unique art form in that it's more story showing. Unlike film-it is live, 3-D and you have an immediate exchange with the audience. Done well, it's like a live, high-stakes, sports match. It's exhilarating for both the competitors and the spectators.
Leonardi's artistic statement is further reflected in the vision of the Repertory Theater of Iowa (RTI):
RTI' s Vision
We believe that theater - created by an ensemble of passionate, skilled artists - can challenge, inspire and nurture lives and communities to be their best. We envision a theater company whose:
- artistic endeavors not only bring together actors and audiences but values cultural diversity and strengthen human bonds;
- dedication to artistic excellence plays a vital role in the cultural, educational and economic development of our city; and
- presence enhances the attractiveness of central Iowa as a place for people to live, visit and work
Many thanks
Leonardi attributes much of his influence to many world-renowned actors, playwrights and professionals. He thinks highly of actors, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Marga Gomez, and Kate Bornstein. Playwrights, Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee William, Eugene Ionesco, Tony Kushner have also influenced his acting and directing.
Leonardi would also like to thank Ruth Ann Gaines, High School Drama Teacher for her inspiration and dedication to service; college theater professor, Doug Larche, who helped him to believe in himself; his family for their love, humor and support; Susan E. Evans, Artistic Director of Eastenders Repertory Company (ERC) for her love and dedication to the creative process; and James Serpento, director/actor for his dedication to the craft.
Metro Arts Alliance
Leonardi has been affiliated with Metro Arts since his return to Des Moines in 2004. Prior to RTI obtaining it's 501 (c) 3 status, Metro Arts served as their fiscal agent which allowed them to begin applying for grants. "Metro Arts helped us to begin producing a lot sooner, it really helped us get RTI rolling." Leonardi has also participated in Metro Arts Alliance Education on Location, conducting improvisation workshops with DMPS elementary students.
In addition to RTI productions, Leonardi has appeared in productions with Friends of Drake Fine Arts, StageWest, Theater for a Change, Unexpected Company, and Lorenzo Sandoval's Shakespeare at Salisbury House and Ebenezer at Terrace Hill.
What's next
Leonardi will present a dramatic reading of the beloved story by Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory, at Terrace Hill Dec. 4 & 5. A hearty soup supper prepared by the Governor's chef will be served in the carriage house at 6 p.m. with the reading immediately following. Reservations are required by calling 515-280-3450, all proceeds benefit Terrace Hill.
In 2008 Contingent on funding, RTI plans to produce William Shakespeare's 12th Night, and Tennessee William's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
For more information contact:
Metro Arts Alliance, www.metroarts.org, 515-280-3222
Joeseph Leonardi at: www.dmtheater.com, 515-979-0310
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