The new assistant professor in theatre brings more than 30 years experience to Ohio State.
Jimmy Bohr comes to OSU from New York City, where he was casting director for daytime television and director of numerous productions there. He will be directing the American classic play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder, his first at OSU. He brings his real-world expertise with him.
"He's really good about explaining what professional behavior is and what is expected (of us)," said Glenn Peters, an alumnus and actor in the play.
Bohr was casting director for such shows as "As the World Turns" and "Another World." And he has directed more than 30 productions in New York. They ranged from Off-Broadway plays to regional theaters. It is this expertise from which OSU students can benefit.
"Rehearsal schedule is going to require very professional work, (and a) professional level of work ethic to accomplish what we want to accomplish," as quoted from Bohr by Damian Bowerman, an alumnus and actor in "Our Town."
So far, Bohr is enjoying his time working with students.
"I'm finding the students to be incredibly disciplined and hungry to do good work," Bohr said.
When asked about his decision to leave the big city for a rural setting, Bohr said he never wanted to grow stale or complacent.
"I never wanted to stop growing," he said. "It was a real way of challenging myself."
He also grew tired of corporate TV and the way things are handled.
Another challenge for him is working with new material from younger authors.
"This theatre department is very committed to exploring new work," Bohr said. "I've worked with many new and young playwrights. I hope to bring some of my knowledge and expertise to that."
It's the teaching bug that got him. He likes working with established actors as well as those that haven't had many productions under their belt.
"He's such a good fit for OSU," Peters said. "He's good with working with a wide range of experience in the cast."
Bohr has always admired theater.
"I've never known anything else," he said. "I guess for me I've always loved escaping into other worlds and diving into the human condition."
It is that human condition that he gets from putting on a play. Working with a multitude of people is rewarding for him.
"It's that human connection that I long for, that I crave. I love working with other people," Bohr said.
And it rubs off on the other actors as well.
"I look forward to coming to rehearsal, I really do," Bowerman said.
"Our Town" will run Feb. 8-24 in the Roy Bowen Theatre, located at the Drake Performance Center. Call (614) 292-2295 for more information.
Juan Sanchez Jr. can be reached at sanchez.800@osu.edu.
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