IN MACBETH, he plays Macbeth. In Titus, Titus. He was Hal in Henry V. Leading roles may simply be the best fit for Post Five Theatre’s artistic director, Ty Boice—a 27-year-old who spent his Medford high school years as an MVP quarterback, a basketball starter, and—oh, yeah! A print model for Armani Exchange. Now, before you go scribbling jealous comics of Boice’s chiseled jaw getting shit-kicked by ninjas, consider that he’s dedicated enough to live where he works—out at Milepost 5—and he started a theater company from scratch. He can’t help being a golden god; all he can do is keep bringing his A-game.
Saying “NO” to LA: “When I was 20, I visited LA and saw some agents, but it never felt right. Then I saw my first live theater [Romeo and Juliet] in Ashland and I fell in love with it. To this day, I’ve never extended myself toward film. I’m too much of a yokel, and kind of a creature of habit. Here in Portland, I’m so broke, but so happy.”
Actor by trade: “Portland Actors Conservatory is pretty much an acting trade school. When I was checking it out [the recruiter] dropped the F word, and I thought, ‘Okay, this place is relaxed enough.'”
Near-death experience: “When I was seven [in Gold Beach, Oregon] I actually fell off a tractor—that’s how much of a hick I am—and it rolled over me. I was in a full body cast, and they said I’d never walk. My right knee is still really messed up; I’ve had three surgeries.”
Reflecting on his blondness: “Didn’t you know that blonds are tangible holograms? They’re not real people.”
Visiting CC Slaughters: “[Drag queens] were magnificent. They made me feel insignificant as a performer. I was like, ‘Hmm, where do I get me some size 11 heels and some fishnets?'”
“Scariest” role: “Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespearean lovers are uniquely challenging because you have to dig in and make them three-dimensional or they turn into a walking, talking plot device. Besides, Portland Center Stage had an obscenely talented cast on that show. I was doing my daily affirmations, like, ‘I can do this! Oh please, oh please…'”
Post Five’s current production of Macbeth runs at the Post Five Theatre, 850 NE 81st, 971-258-8584, Fri-Sun 7 pm (except Sun March 10, 8 pm), through March 17, $10 (pay-what-you-will Sun), postfivetheatre.org
I love a young energetic startup theater company as much as the next person, but this seems a bit much; I fear Miss Adams may have quite the crush going! I propose an exposé on why so many people keep starting new theater companies in a city already saturated with them, particularly when their creators, ie: “Artistic Directors” put themselves in leading roles in so many of their shows rather than pulling from the established and talented acting pool Portland is blessed with.
Juliette,
An “exposé” seems to imply some sort of conspiracy. Whom do you imagine are the perpetrators and the beneficiaries of a secret plot to start new theater companies? (Especially out around 82nd Avenue, where up to now “lingerie modeling” had been the main theatrical competition?)
I definitely see Boice as a polarizing figure whom people would be inclined to give undue credit—and flack—based on just his image. I tried to reflect that humorously in my writing because I think it’s a big part of people’s first impression of the guy. But I wouldn’t have profiled him if I didn’t think he was doing decent work. I do agree that for most artistic directors it might be weird to take a starring role, but there’s an exception to every rule.
As long as you’re speculating, can I posit a theory about your beef? I’m going to guess that a project/person you love is feeling sidelined by some of the new theater companies, and I don’t know what to tell you. Send press releases, do good work, and try not to hate. There’s no New Theater Company Conspiracy.