We had the good fortune of connecting with Zach Wetzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zach, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career in the performing arts because it brings me joy. And it also brings joy to others. I have a two-tiered system that has served me very well since 2019. I teach Music and Theater full-time at an amazing charter school. I am then free after school to pursue acting and music directing work part-time. I am also on the Admin team for a professional theater company. It brings me joy to know that I’ve helped someone through my work. I have had patrons come up to me after a show and say that our performance gave them hope. This is why I do what I do. In my arts education work with children my mission is to “help empower youth to find their voice through the Arts.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It has not always been easy working in theater. I have sometimes experienced rejection, although I have also experienced a great deal of success. I have had people send me negative feedback that has not been constructive. This has been very difficult. I have had to learn to figure out what information is helpful for my improvement as constructive criticism, and what is simply…criticism. Over the time I’ve spent working in the Southwest Arts scene (and the 20+ years I’ve spent in professional theater), I’ve learned how to respond to criticism and rejection. The answer is two words: work harder. We can sit and stew or we can go and do. If I had given up when discouraged I never would have had the chance to work with artists who have performed on Broadway, on National tours, and internationally. I think what I bring to the table that is unique is my mentoring capability, which we do at Stage Foundation Theater. It is a professional setting, but we mentor anyone who is open to it. Robin Bousel is an expert at this. Together she and I are able to inspire artists in their early stages and even folks who have been doing this for a while. What makes me unique is my experience not just as a performer but also in the legal field. My BM is in vocal performance from BYU, which definitely makes sense given what I do for a living. However, I also hold a Juris Doctorate with an emphasis in Media Law. This means I am able to write the contracts for our theater company and manage the business end effectively. What many don’t know about working in the legal field is that many of us have had extensive training in mediation, arbitration, and client counseling. So I have a polished skill set of conflict resolution that is useful in the fields of education and entertainment. I have used these skills in a wide variety of situations, with children and adults alike.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Because I do work in both Phoenix and Tucson, I am going to mention points of interest in both of these. Theater-wise, one of my favorite venues in Phoenix is The Phoenix Theatre Company. They are a professional theater and the largest producing regional theater in the valley. Sarah and I saw Dreamgirls at TPTC and we were captivated by the incredible quality. It was as good as any Broadway show I have ever seen. For more information on TPTC visit: https://phoenixtheatre.com/

The Arizona Musical Theatre Orchestra, also located in Phoenix, is a newer organization and is a jewel of the Phoenix community. Performances of musicals are put together in a matter of days and performed with a full orchestra. These showcases have been very popular with the city of Phoenix. More info: https://azmto.org/

Of all the musical theater companies I have worked with, Saguaro City Music Theatre is the one to visit. They are taking Tucson by storm and if you want professional Broadway-quality shows definitely go to Saguaro! More info: saguarocity.org

Live Theatre Workshop has an impressive layout of professional plays and professional children’s musicals. I have worked with them a great deal and am on their staff of Teaching Artists. A phenomenal company. More info: livetheatreworkshop.org

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to specifically dedicate a Shoutout to my friends and colleagues Tyler Gastelum, Robin Bousel, and Kevin Johnson. Tyler and I have appeared onstage together twice, and he is constantly encouraging me as an artist and human. Robin works with me on the Admin team for our company Stage Foundation Theater. She is wise and strong and I am lucky to know her! Kevin Johnson, who also runs a theater, has been my co-worker since I began working in Arts education. He is a force for good in our community and I am so grateful for our friendship. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to dedicate a Shoutout to my dear wife of nearly 11 years, Sarah Wetzel. She has stuck with me through thick and thin, and is a talented artist in her own right. Thank you, Sarah!

Website: zachwetzel.com, stagefoundationtheater.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mister.wetzel/

Image Credits
Alex Alegria, AZMTO, Saguaro City Music Theatre

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