Today we’d like to introduce you to Mc Chapman.
Hi Mc, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as a church kid, singing every Sunday. And then eventually finding my way to school theatre, then community theatre, and ended up going to Grand Valley State University for Theatre & Non-Profit Administration. After that, I began directing around West Michigan, found out I loved working with students and young artists. After a couple years, I took a random trip to London, and absolutely fell in love with the city. I decided to pursue my Masters in the UK. Moved there for a year and a half or so, once I got my degree and my Visa expired in December 2025, I moved back, and have been working as a director/choreographer since.
Something I have always wanted to do was start my own theatre company, and after getting the experience of developing new works and exploring niche areas of theatre and live performance in London, I wanted to bring some of that back with me. So, after a few months of thought and organization, I launched The Aimless Artist Collective. A company designed to bring “weird, queer, and exciting small-scale theatre to West Michigan.” Which brings us to today, with our debut production happening on August 29th at The Pyramid Scheme.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well nothing new and exciting can be without hardship.
Truthfully, the hardest thing to overcome is the anxiety of “will it work?” Theatre is so dependent on so many things outside of your control, if you invest heavily in something that doesn’t do well… then you’re caught in a jam and it’s easy for company’s to go under. But at the end of the day, if your soul truly craves it, you just have to take the plunge.
It’s also no secret that, like I hinted at above, financially, theatre is not cheap to produce. And the cash burden is a big hurdle. But, it’s another risk that you just have to take if it’s important enough to you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a director, choreographer, producer, educator, and all around theatre-practitioner. My life and soul is theatre. I adore every facet of theatre.
One reason I started “Aimless Artist” is to create a company that focused more on the process of theatre, the curation of the art, rather than the final product. Hence “small-scale” — I want to create an incredible process for people and in return I believe that the final product will be better because the experience and the discoveries along the way were the focus.
I would say I am most proud of my patience, compromising skills, and communication. Those are my strongest features as a director and person.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way is to reach out! As a company we are focused on creating a space for everyone to create, so if folks want to be involved best way is to ask.
For those looking to support the best way is by either A.) come be a part of it! or B.) come see the shows! or C.) If capable, sponsor a show!
Visit theaimlessartistcollective.com or visit our social media @theaimlessartistcollective
To work with me personally, also reach out! I still do lots of independent contractor work for schools & other companies.
Pricing:
- “Falsettos” at The Pyramid Scheme on Aug. 29th, tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theaimlessartistcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaimlessartistcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572164971272
