Meet: Celine Havard
CELINE HAVARD is an actor, director, producer, dramaturg and writer living in NYC. (www.metooplays.com + www.CelineHavard.com)
CAC: What first brought you to NYC and how long have you lived here?
Celine Havard (CH): I’ve lived in NYC 27 years. As it is the theater capital of the world there was never any doubt to anyone who ever knew me that this was where I would end up. I was born in Wahroonga, Australia to British parents while on tour with the Metropolitan Australian Opera Company. I come from a multi-generational theater family, living and working in Canada, England, California, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
CAC: How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?
CH: Being a “Catholic artist” is not something I advertise anymore than I call myself a “mother” or “nurturing artist” or a “movement oriented artist,” and yet all these are intrinsically so part of what make me inherently who I am. I believe, as a Catholic, in the arts we do have a mission to hold ourselves to a higher standard: that our art is not self centered and for aesthetic motivations alone. Behind our work there must be an underlying responsibility to a greater good. In a business like theater, where it’s so easy for egos, pride and at times, frustration and despair to run rampant – I see it as my personal mission to remember humility, gratitude and faith in all endeavors.
CAC: Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
CH: I have belonged to the St. Malachy’s congregation for almost 14 years. Through many periods in my life, it has been like a second home to me, where everyone has always been there for me. I have been a member of the music ministry, on and off for four years and have found so many supportive friends in the choir. I have found support for my vocation as a Catholic artist from Cole and Tony and many others of the Catholic Artist Connection Community. There’s so much cross over in the community that I end up working with the same people in various projects in all my different “homes.” It really is like one huge extended loving family!
CAC: How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
CH: Our church is pretty welcoming to artists – maybe it’s an exception — I don’t know – but we’re pretty lucky.
CAC: How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
CH: Much of the artistic world generalizes about Catholicism and Catholics in a way that is very uninformed about the reality of who we are and what we stand for. They jump to the conclusions that Catholics are all about judging, excluding and pomp and circumstance– these notions that distance them from the beautiful truth that’s the opposite. So, basically, be more open minded and not so afraid of a little godliness.
CAC: What projects are you working on right now? What theater companies do you work with?
CH: I’m currently producing The #metoo Plays– a series of short plays tackling the many perspectives of the #metoo movement. I belong to The Artist Co-op, a coworking space for performing artists, uniting New York City’s actors directors, dancers, playwrights, and more, with programs and services to support the performing arts community. I also work with The Greenhouse Ensemble as an actor and director. I occasionally run the Playwright’s Lab as a sub at Pulse Ensemble Theatre Company.
CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice?
CH: My daily spiritual practice is mostly personal and private but I do pray nightly at bedtime— can’t sleep unless I do. I pray before every performance and every important occasion. Then there’s choir – and as they say — when you sing, it’s like praying twice.
CAC: Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.
CH: Rehearsing one play four hours, meeting the technical director to look at a theater space and discuss potential, recording session with musician for original music for fundraising campaign video. Quick photo ops. Posted to social media.
In the past I would have said that the creative work alone, as a director brought me the most joy. However, through this recent project I have found great fulfillment in all the different parts of the process and bringing it all together. Very few people get to pursue a dream, and in doing so are able to bring joy to so many other people. I’m finding each and every one of these blessings along the way!
CAC: You actually live in NYC? How!?
CH: I’m fortunate enough to have lived in Manhattan Plaza since 1990. I heard about the building when I was just starting out as a kid in Philly and got on the list. I was very lucky. Living there made it possible for me to always pursue my artistic goals and have a family. I truly was able to have the best of all worlds.
CAC: But seriously, how do you make a living in NYC?
CH: I went back to school and got my Masters in Arts Administration from Columbia University. The degree, business skills and experience in different aspects of theater management always allowed me to pick up work in that area.
CAC: How much would you suggest artists moving to NYC budget for their first year?
CH: I tend to err on the side of caution, but this is an expensive town. I wouldn’t suggest less than $30K, but if you’re resourceful, you can do it for less. You shouldn’t let money stand in the way of your dreams. There are so many supportive people and groups here and ways of figuring it out of you’re determined!
CAC: What other practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in NYC?
CH: Websites like: trashnothing, Freecycle— furnish your whole apartment, get anything you need for free– the best kept secret in NYC! Hudson River Park events, NYC GO, and Central Park events are all free! Artist Co-op – great place to network, for meetings, unlimited coffee — so much better than Starbucks (and inexpensive rehearsal spaces). HCC for housing legal aid and housing lotteries info.
CAC: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
CH: Find your church. Everything will get easier after that! Join the Catholic Artist Connection Community on Facebook. Subscribe to Catholic Artist Connection.
