About Kristen Woolf
Kristen Woolf came to Taos in 1998 as a retired performer, at least that's what she thought. She's been here for about 22 years now, and she loves it. Kristen was mostly an opera and classical performer. And after many years in the game, she felt the time had come for her to step back.
However, Kristen desired to play 'The Marriage of Figaro' one last time. So, she conversed with all the singers in town and asked them to perform beside her.
The event was free, and it took place at St. James, where it filled up, and people loved the experience. The event happened after Kristen had been in town for several years and got to know most local singers.
How it All Started
Initially, Kristen did some one-woman projects at café Tazza, which the singers referred to as opera Tazza. And after several years of wonderful productions in the café, Kristen and the group moved on to do 8-10 massive projects with the singers.
Opening a Theater
After the performances, Kristen and her late husband, Bjorn, decided to look for a space that they could afford. The couple spent several years on the search and thought they wouldn't find something suitable. However, the two found a space worth their budget and desire, and The Space Theater opened on the bypass.
The theater's first play was called 'Someone Who Will Watch Over Me,' which went on amazingly and was performed by Johnny Long, Christian Moore, and Damon. Although the heat was high in the theater, Kristen and the crew produced 200+ shows.
By that time, the money was minimal but enough to cover the expenses. Therefore, Kristen sought solutions elsewhere, and that's when she decided to act.
Kristen's Auditioning and PerformanceProcess
Kristen began to audition for acting roles in the town, and she ended up getting involved with Taos OnStage. She got on set with some notable names in the industry. Kristen's program was filled with many projects, both musicals and plays. This was surprising, considering that Kristen hadn't been to any drama or music school and that she came here to retire.
The Origin of Kristen'sLove for Performing
Kristen's grandmother took her to a Faust production in Salt Lake when she was six. She couldn't stay up for the whole show but could watch the performance bit by bit whenever she got up.
This made her more curious, and she thought of doing the same from a young age. She did her best in her junior years because she always felt the need to perform.
Kristen is now approaching 80 years old, but she still finds away of doing what she loves. She encourages people to see and do what they love, regardless of the circumstances.
The COVID Effect onKristen's Work
Since the virus hit, Kristen's work hasn't been as productive as before, but at least somethings are running. She's in a magical group in Dixon, and they meet online to proceed with their projects.
Kristen also wants to produce Thornton Wilder's play called 'The Skin of our Teeth,' which she thinks is more relevant and marvelous today than in 1942.
She continues loving her work regardless of her age or the current virus restrictions. It's something that has given her a purpose, and she hopes other people find what they love.
EMAIL:
bearandwoolf@taosnet.com
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