Jim Fletcher and Combat Theatre

“It’s terrifying,” says Jim Fletcher of writing, directing and acting in a play in 24 hours straight. But it’s also brave and exhilarating, and that is — at least in some way — what live theater is about.

Jim is the co-founder of Bunny Gumbo (with Laura Nichols), a local theater company dedicated to producing new, challenging work in a collaborative professional environment. BG turns 10 years old in 2010, commemorating the occasion with an anniversary presentation Combat Theatre, that one and only whirlwind of theatrical derring-do.

Mark and Jim discuss the life of the living, breathing actor in Milwaukee, what’s so scary about getting a play made from scratch in 24 hours, the origin of the name “Bunny Gumbo,” and why good theater companies sometimes fail (Jim reminds us that reputable companies close in good economies, too).

“It’s time for people to take a chance,” Jim says. And that means getting leaner, using new technology and not being afraid to get risky.

Combat Theatre will knock your socks off Jan. 15 and 16 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

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Next week, our series on actors and acting wraps up with the formidable and nearly legendary Lee Ernst. Tune in!