What can photography and theatre teach us about being human?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, a Rhode Island native, Yale graduate, portrait photographer, writer, actor, director, and Artistic Director of Mixed Magic Theatre.
For Jonathan, creativity has always been about people. Whether behind the camera creating portraits or on stage directing and producing theatre, his work explores the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability that exists within every human story.
His photography is known for capturing authentic moments that reveal both confidence and emotion, while his decades of experience in theatre have given him a unique understanding of storytelling, character, and human connection.
Since 2010, Jonathan has served as Artistic Director of Mixed Magic Theatre, directing, writing, and acting in numerous acclaimed productions including Fences, The Spirit Warrior's Dream, The Baghdad Tale of Romeo and Juliet, Moby-Dick: Then & Now, Misery's Fiend: Frankenstein, The Tempest, Art of Attack, King Lear, Great Holiday Traditions, and Dutchman, which was named one of the Top 10 Shows of 2017.
In this conversation, we explore photography, theatre, storytelling, empathy, and the ways art can help us better understand ourselves and each other.
In This Episode:
• Jonathan's journey from Yale University to photography and theatre
• Creating portraits that balance strength and vulnerability
• The role empathy plays in visual storytelling
• His work as Artistic Director of Mixed Magic Theatre
• Lessons learned from directing, writing, and acting
• How photography and theatre influence one another
• The importance of authentic human connection in art
• Why storytelling remains one of humanity's most powerful tools
• Art as a pathway to understanding and healing
This is a conversation about creativity, humanity, storytelling, and the transformative power of art.
Whether you're a photographer, actor, filmmaker, writer, or creative professional, Jonathan's perspective offers a powerful reminder that the best art doesn't simply entertain—it helps us see ourselves and one another more clearly.
Visit Jonathan:
Instagram:@jpittswiley
Threads:@jpittswiley
Web:www.jpittswiley.com
Vanta Guild:
Instagram:@thevantaguild
Mixed Magic Theatre:
Instagram:@mmt560
Web:www.mmtri.org
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
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