Writer/Director James Pike

  

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wrote in my ‘School Years’ Keepsake’ that I wanted to be a poet and that “my aims” were “good”.

When did you know you would work in the arts?

It’s in the family with an actress mother and sister but I decided I wanted to pursue a career in scriptwriting when I was 16.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?

Classically-designed locally-appropriated drama

How hard is it to be authentic in the arts nowadays?

Authenticity is running your own tune.

Is there a mission to your work?

To entertain.

What's your background - are there studies that prepare you for this?

I’ve been utilising the fantastic community in Bathurst to stage my work and draw results. The facilities and people from Bathurst Theatre Company and Theatre/Media at Charles Sturt are great. But my real studies for writing are a much more personal journey of research and practise.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?

Fly to an appointment for a theatre, film or event – I can’t help but dabble in everything at the moment.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?

I fit in rehearsals, doing extra work for others’ shows, working for an Indigenous Arts literacy program through workshops, I’m Vice President of the Bathurst Theatre Company, I am in my final year of a Communications Degree in Theatre so there’s always assignments looming: they’re my labours of love. In between I try to have a durry and make phone calls.

What else do you do to pay the bills?

I work in a 4-star restaurant on Mt. Panorama as a waitor. I’m the devil that cuts down trees for a small outfit out here. I also work on a vineyard in Orange as a farmhand and run my own business in different arts endeavours involving my storytelling.

What's the one thing - piece of equipment, toy, security blanket, – you can't work without?

My typewriter and my music.

What gets you fired up?

Morons.

Who in the industry most inspires you?

In history Tennessee Williams, currently Neil Armfield or Brendan Cowell.

What in the industry do you despair about?

The public’s misconception of theatre.

What is the best thing about your job?

I don’t feel like I’m working.

What’s the worst?

Working in the productions.

What are the top three skills you need in this industry?

A brain. Talent. A plan.

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into the field?

Work together.

How do you know when you missed the mark?

When your eyes travel.

Which of the below phrases best suits your career development to date and why?

a. "The road to success is always under construction. "
b. "Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor."
c. "Success is best measured by how far you've come with the talents you've been given. "
d. "No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself."

D. No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself

When do you know you’ve made it?