Getting to Know Jin Hi!
By Gwen Leahy
Bio:
Jin Hi Soucy Rand, maybe best known for her multipurpose arts venue Muse Arts Warehouse which she founded and directed for eight years, has been involved in the Savannah theatre scene, both onstage and off, since she moved here 35 years ago. She has worked with many local theatre companies and artists, and has advocated for community arts and accessibility. She is currently rehearsing for BELLA, a solo show she has written and is planning to take to Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August.
Q&A
Q: You are headed "across the pond" to debut your new show "Bella" at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! I know you will be running around with all of the work for the fest, but are there any sights you are hoping to see or landmarks you are most excited to visit?
A: There is so much to see! I hope to take in some history, nature, and food! There’s a pub near our venue called The Gruff Goat, and I thought, “well, I’ll definitely have to go there!” Other than that I really do plan to immerse myself in the festival, seeing other shows when I’m not performing and meeting artists.
Q: It is no exaggeration saying you are a cornerstone in the performing arts community here in Savannah (Muse Arts Warehouse gave so many opportunities to local artists who might not have gotten off the ground otherwise). What is your advice to newbie performing artists trying to make it in this city?
A: First of all, thank you. Second, I would encourage people to go to as many performances as they can, meet as many people as they can, and volunteer to help out with productions and other performances. It will lead to information about auditions and opportunities. Always be willing to trust, try, read, watch, and learn. We are a welcoming bunch.
Q: Writer, director, actor, singer... The hats you wear are bountiful! Now that we have that beautiful segue, as a card-carrying hat collector and connoisseur, what is your favorite style of chapeau?
A: I love them all, but if I had to choose one on the spot, I’d go with a nice tall top hat. Whether you’re a ring master, magician, dancer, or just going to a party, folks will know something amazing is about to happen.
Q: You have been incredibly vocal about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the theatre community in Savannah (and in general) since before they became political buzzwords. What is your advice to directors and producers who aspire to positive change within their own troupes and companies?
A: Representation is important and affects everybody. We have come a long way, but I say keep going , keep growing. I address it in my play. I would encourage directors and producers and writers to broaden their vision in storytelling. If a person exists, this can be their story, and they can tell it, because they exist and they are inspired to tell it.
Q: Last but certainly not least, the hardest question yet (and one I ask everyone)... What is one role or show that you have not had the opportunity to perform in, but is on your theatre bucket list?
A: I don’t know that I have a bucket list, but the first role I ever wanted to play was Sally Bowles because I saw Liza in the movie when I was 7. I’ve not played it, but I am very thankful to have been involved in a lovely production of Cabaret many years ago.
