Andrew Livingston and family
Andrew Hampton Livingston says he loves working at Barter Theatre. Some favorite roles include Richard (“Richard III”); Cosmo Brown (“Singin’ in the Rain”); Jimmy Ray (“Bright Star”); Lysander (“A Midsummer Nights Dream”); Winston Smith (“1984”); Nick (“Over the River and Through the Woods”); Simon (“Wooden Snowflakes”); and The Tin Man (“The Wizard of Oz”). He also directed“Lying in State”and is the resident tap choreographer at Barter. He shares his thoughts on parenting as an actor and during restrictions brought on by coronavirus pandemic. His wife, Amanda Livingston, is the assistant director for tourism for the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A! Magazine for the Arts: How does a person balance an acting career with parenting?
Andrew Livingston: There’s no formula to balancing an acting career and Barter and parenting kids. I’ve learned that you just need to be aware of the balance and when it does tip to one side be willing to work hard to balance it out again. Unfortunately, with the hours I work at Barter, I am gone a lot, so being present with them when I’m home is very important.
A! Magazine: What are the challenges and the rewards?
Livingston: The challenge for me is missing bedtime, having enough time at home with my family. The reward is getting to do what I love for a living, something that a lot of people don’t get to do. I want to show my kids that it’s possible to have a career doing what you love and be a success.
A! Magazine: How are you coping with the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus?
Livingston: For me, I’ve been taking advantage of the time at home. I’ve been teaching them how to set up a tent, how to fish, how to tap dance. All the things I’ve been wanting to do with them but haven’t had the time. I’m trying to stay hopeful and focused on the future while finding joy in present moments.
A! Magazine: From your experience and knowledge of other theaters, is the supportive atmosphere for actors with children common in other theaters?
Livingston: In the ones I’ve worked for, yes.
A! Magazine: What does the environment of Barter and the Abingdon community contribute to the development of your children?
Livingston: I love having access to the Players shows; my kids love them. I grew up in a small town. I like that they get to as well.We are lucky to have a lot of great outdoor activities. This spring when I was home with the kids all the time and my wife was working, I would take them to a nearby waterfall or river to play, and I felt lucky that we are so close to nature.
A! Magazine: Give us a brief profile of your children — their ages, interests and pursuits. Are any of them interested in acting? Do you encourage your children to pursue acting?
Livingston: Clara is 4 and Arthur is 2. Clara likes unicorns, yoga and building forts in our living room. Arthur like pirates, swords, volcanoes and the color orange. He would wear the same basketball jersey every day if we’d let him. At this age, we let them pursue anything that interests them. At Miss Amy’s, their daycare, they incorporate music, yoga, art and lots of outdoor play.Clara has said that she’d like to be on stage like daddy, but she also says she’d like to be a dentist, ballerina and a cat.
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