Five Acts with John Wicks

Welcome to the "Five Acts with..." series, featuring artists, performers, musicians, and more from around the Treasure Valley. In this series, Arts Boise presented artists with five questions (or, in this case, Acts) and below, the answers, in their own words.

In this round, John Wicks takes the stage. John has worked as an actor, director, and stage manager throughout the valley. His recent acting credits include “Boulevard of Bold Dreams” (Alley Rep), “Sweat” (BCT), “Othello” (BBP), and “Twelfth Night” (Shakespearience tour). He spends a portion of his time working in Program DEI management. His goals are to create safe spaces for creators and to bring Black stories to Boise Idaho.

ACT I: What is your background in the Arts?

My background in the arts is mainly in the theatre realm. I’ve done some minor film stuff, but never a feature length or significant work on a commercial. I started [theater] in high school with Shakespeare. The first play I ever performed in was “The Tempest”. I thought that would be the focus of my entire career (classical work) but I later found out I had a different calling.

ACT II: Why do you love theater? Discourages you about theater?

Theater makes me feel alive, it helps me cope, instills confidence, challenges my perception and preconceived notions of right and wrong. The list goes on.

The parts that discourage are a true work in progress. Theater is progressive but still an American industry that operates under an umbrella of systemic racism and misogyny. As far as the stories that are told and the craft itself, I think that we just need to continue to challenge the convention of what theatre “ought to” be. And just make what we as stewards of the craft are compelled to make. The only true defining factor of a theater event to me is an audience and a story. Everything else can be whatever in my opinion.

Also, we need to normalize actors having self respect, boundaries, and balance.

Act III: Who and what inspires you?

The list is long. Starting off strong is my entire theater family at Alley Rep. Buffie Main: the icon, genius, most compassionate friend and collaborator on the planet. Elena Maddy: I truly believe that she is the best in the world at her job. I am not exaggerating when I say that she is probably the most sought after theater creative in the valley. She is simply built differently. Kenna Brackhahn: Kenna inspires me in the sense that I am always a little afraid of Kenna but I realized it’s because she’s such a good enforcer and holds her boundaries so well. And then when she speaks it’s always from love and kindness. A masterclass in boundary setting. Jason Haskins: I wonder how so much talent and gifts can live in something so humble. He simply wears every hat. When we say we have a guy for that it’s Jason. No matter what it is. And just stays balanced and humble as he puts out every fire. Wendy Fox: She will collaborate with you to the ends of the earth. Everything is a conversation with Wendy, nothing is ever her way or the highway. Also, a hyper talented multi-hat wearing individual who stays humble and balanced from day to day.

A man who taught me to be seriously funny, lead with action, show up prepared, outwork everyone, and be a good human being: Joe Golden.

Next would be my favorite story tellers:

• James Baldwin

• Denzel Washington

• Chadwick Boseman

• Spike Lee

• Viola Davis

• Taraji P Henson

• Eddie Murphy

• Kendrick Lamar.

My mother, my sisters, and my brother always push me to be the best me.

My ultra talented girlfriend, Emma VanBlaricom. She also inspires me to dream and to be the best possible version of myself.

My best friends: Sean Kunkler, Isabel Palmer, Brooke Cedarleaf, Andres Maldonado, Austin Murray. The most solid group of eclectic, hilarious, kind, successful, talented, and intelligent would. Also, because of them I’m always learning how to love better and maintain relationships and find success in life.

There are many people that inspire me and this list is not the end, but the things that inspire me are: Talent, Hard Work, Compassion, Love, Bravery, Discipline, Consistency, self respect, awareness, struggles, youth, old age, parenting, movies - the list goes on - but I think what’s most important is what inspires me is generally what I aspire to. At the end of the day, I inspire me.

Act IV: Where do you see the future of theatre headed?

You know, that’s a good question. I think on a systematic level, regional theater is poised for a resurgence within the cultural space and mindset of our society with going to see live theater. However, politically, all the non profit theater orgs are taking huge hits to their funding. It’s impossible to go very far without grant money in theatre. Ticket sales don’t even come close. So yes, post-Covid I think a lot of professionals are going to be performing in their native homes outside New York.

As far as story telling, I believe that if this is the post modern era of art then theater is the hub for the entire movement and era. The beautiful aspect of theater in a post modern genre is that it can play host to the blend of different mediums. It welcomes all mediums, all crafts, and all aspects of the human condition. How do you put a play inside of anything? But photography, music, debate, and literally anything human can fit inside of a play. So yes, I think theater is king in a post modern world.

In the valley, I think our demographic is growing and now is a more urgent time than ever to tell relevant stories of oppressed and marginalized people. It’s not a matter of should in my opinion, we have a moral duty to the underrepresented as their allies. So, being that we have no choice, I think we’re going to become a much more diverse and equitable theater community. Honestly, there’s a long way to go, but I am proud of our community for stepping up in theater spaces to tell these types of stories.

Act V: What’s up next for you? What are you currently working on?

Phew, I hope this wasn’t too long!

So, I just finished a run of “Othello” with The Boise Bard Players. Which was such a blessing and so much fun. I think the performances were stellar. And it was a great time for folks.

That being said, after taking on this role I’ve decided to put a pause on acting and full involvement in the community until November of 2026.

There are a couple reasons:

1. I’ve decided to shift my focus toward the ballot initiative to restore reproductive rights in Idaho. I think it deserves my full attention and those voices are some of the most urgent right now.

2. I started to get burnt out. And this goes to show you how powerful this craft is. I love it so much, more than anything else on Earth. It is a huge part of my existence. It served as a catalyst on many occasions to get me from the pits of mental health to touching grass. Yet, it will take whatever you give it. It’s a machine this keeps churning, fueled solely by the lives we share with it. Our literal beings. It is beautiful - it is exhausting, underpaid, undervalued, and overlooked work.

The last thing I want is to take advantage of the thing I love most. So, I'm on an informal sabbatical! Although I’ve said yes to three readings in December, January, and February already. So we’re off to a good start. Anyway, yes, “Othello” is done. Next is reproductive rights. You’ll see me on the boards before long. I’m addicted after all.