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Aaron Cromie
ABOUT AARON CROMIE

I am a Philadelphia based, multidisciplinary theatre artist who has collaborated as performer, designer, director, writer and musician with several companies including Arden Theatre Company, The Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Mum Puppettheatre, The Studio Theatre, Wilma Theater, Lantern Theater, and Shakespeare Theatre among others. I have toured nationally with Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and am a graduate of The College of New Jersey and The Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre. I also love football (Eagles) and boxing.
Design and Performance

I believe in creating theatre that inspires, captivates and rewards its audience as well as myself – theatre that is incendiary and dynamic, capable of challenging preconceived notions of what the stage is and how artists and their audiences examine the human condition. I am excited by work which requires the viewer's interpretation, participation and imagination, often drawing from broad theatrical styles including mask, puppetry, clown, commedia dell'arte, dance as well as visual art and music – works which enlist a world of magical realism able to transcend the everyday experience.

As a director, choreographer and performer, I value the collaborative process of ensemble creation, the power, clarity and necessity of the individual voice, and the strength of the chemical event of a live performance to inspire and motivate the individual as well as build community. I believe it is my responsibility to acquire new knowledge and skills, and that the best way to learn is to do it at the source, rather than from a "copy of a copy." I strive for mastery of my craft and rely on myself to enact creative opportunities, rather than solely depend upon others for work.

As a mask, puppet and sound designer, I continue to refine my talent through practical experience as well as develop new skills as I revel in the ideas and contributions of my mentors and collaborators. I believe in asking for help and guidance, as well as sharing my knowledge.

As a teacher, I believe in the responsibility of clearly and passionately articulating my artistic point of view, challenging complacency, giving freely and generously of my time and experience, as well as learning from my students.

As a writer and creator of original theatre, I believe in making work that combats cynicism, promotes creativity, encourages communication, is accessible, explores the road less traveled, builds new audiences, and above all, elicits compassion, laughter and joy.

"Masterfully designed by Aaron Cromie, each puppet had distinct features that animated its characters personality."
— American Theatre
"…an amazing directorial debut – magical and enchanting – Cromie creates a theatrical magic carpet ride…"
— The Philadelphia Weekly