We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridgette Loriaux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridgette, what do you attribute your success to?
It is always people, artists, creatives, humans first. Building strong, trusting, enduring relationships has always been the most important element in being a part of a theatre and film community. The people I have had the honor to meet and collaborate with; the mentors that have come into my life at various moments throughout my career; the audience members who have become friends and colleagues, that is paramount. Every single person in my life has contributed to my life’s work and I will forever be grateful and humbled by their existence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an artist for 35 years. I knew from a very young age that if it wasn’t going to be the theatre, I would have dedicated my life to Fashion Design. So in some form or fashion (no pun intended), I knew that being an artist would be my life’s work. Expressing myself through movement, dance, poetry, spoken word, classical and contemporary theatre is an integral part of who I am, of who I’ve always been. I take my responsibility as a storyteller extremely seriously. Being detail oriented, paying close attention to the intricacies of life, being incredibly mindful of world events, the state of the world, and vulnerable to the spectrum of the human condition, the soul and spirit of what lies within, is all information that is incorporated into every piece of work I do. Whether it is writing a play, directing, choreographing, in playing a new role, or even caring for an injured patient that needs yoga therapy, I must be mindful and tremendously aware of the world and my environment.

The extraordinary people that I have met and collaborated with, who I’ve had the honor to meet along this vibrant and exciting road of theatre making, I believe is a huge reason for where I am today. I have learned so much from the friends and colleagues that continue to inspire me and my work.

In trying to create and produce focussed, specific, impactful, beautiful theatre, that is hopefully moving the masses, I think is always difficult. For me, my process is strenuous; it is vigorous. When I am engaged in any project, at any level, no matter what my job may be, like many artists: there is no sleep, no real meals, balancing life and work, family, and self-care can be quite difficult. But, in the end it is all worth it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. It is the determination of working, experimenting, digging, exploring, discovering…until it is right.

Before I go into any artistic process, I understand what I am about to dive into. I put myself in a very specific state of mind. Every challenge makes me and everyone I am working with stronger. There are never setbacks, only platforms to bounce off of moving us forward. There is always a way to make it happen, whatever it is. It is so important that the people I choose to surround myself with are positive entities, who are full of light, and who believe in constantly problem solving and finding options. I enjoy rigorous art making and finding joy together. I am rejuvenated by difficult discussions, working on projects that ignite dynamic, provocative dialogue between artists that challenge everyone in the room. It is paramount that I curate a room and environment that is safe, free of judgement, clean, comfortable, full of compassion, integrity, and forethought, full of care, so artists can soar and feel uninhibited; where they are free to fully express with abandon.

It is one thing for audiences to leave the theatre and hear what they think about what they’ve just seen. But, what I am interested in, is how audiences feel after they have been immersed in an experience. I am striving to give an offering, to give an experience to people who are willing to share their time with me in the theatre. It is my responsibility to create something that people can take home and share with their friends and families. What about the stories that I tell, will be carried and echoed from person to person? How can I spark an intensity within another human being, make them feel an emotion, jump in exaltation, remember a lover, maybe even see themselves through a different perspective? I am constantly trying to engage, connect, and respond to the people and lustrous ever-changing world around me. I am constantly trying to innovate new ways of communicating. I am constantly trying to tell the most powerful story I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with my husband and two children in 2018. There is a perception of Las Vegas that there is nothing outside of the strip, and it’s quite underestimated. Actually, Las Vegas has an extremely diverse, and cultural culinary foundation on and off the strip. There are art installations in various venues throughout the city, and the hiking and biking trails, preserves, and parks are gorgeous and not to be missed.

Some places to visit:
Pastel Canyon
Mt. Charleston
Red Rock Canyon
Red Spring: A Desert Oasis

For Shopping:
*Downtown Summerlin
*Crystal Shops

Arts & Entertainment- outside of the strip
AREA15
downtown Las Vegas
A Public Fit Theatre Company

Places to eat:
WAKUDA
Sparrow and Wolf
The Mayfair
Marché Bacchus
Toca Madera
Jing
Esther’s Kitchen

For a great cup of coffee:
Makers & Finders

For a fantastic café, a lovely breakfast, French pastry, or lunch:
Rosallie Le French Cafe

Go see Absinthe!

Enjoy the beautiful Mesa Park in Summerlin…dog friendly and all!

Being in the stands at a Golden Nights Game is a MUST!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Here is a list of beautiful humans who are absolutely integral to my story: Dr. Jason Bauer
Charisse Loriaux
Jon Tracy
Robert Estés
LynnAnn Martin
Marsha Dimalanta
Nancy Carlin
Ed Gonzalez Moreno
Adrian Deane
Anastasia Barron
David Warren
Kellye Dodd
Jeff Bengford
David HoChoy
Ed Rubin
My Parents: Glenn Loriaux and Jeannette Kahaku

Website: www.twoandahalfbreaths.com

Instagram: bridgette_loriaux

Facebook: Bridgette Yvonne Loriaux Bauer

Other: www.2020chiroyoga.com

Image Credits
Feature headshot by Levi Walker Dance photo with Nick Beyeler by Levi Walker Solo movement photos by Kristina Alexis Photography Theatre Photos by Jay Yamada Bridgette Loriaux (Gertrude) holding Nick Musleh (Hamlet) in Marin Shakespeare’s HAMLET directed by Jon Tracy. Bridgette Loriaux (Gertrude) sitting with Désirée Freda (Ophelia) in Marin Shakespeare’s HAMLET directed by Jon Tracy. Me in the gold dress with the cast of HAMLET Marin Shakespeare Company directed by Jon Tracy. Theatre Photo by Jay Yamada Photo with huge rose: Prologue of Twelfth Night Adapted, Directed & Choreographed by Bridgette Loriaux Photo of Twelfth Night Cast laughing: Robert Parsons, Adrian Deane, Steve Price, and Michael Gene Sullivan

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