[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre interview with Paige Wilhide, creator and star of Breakup Addict, directed and Developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson at Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest.
I saw Paige Wilhide’s brilliant solo show last year as part of the Soaring Stars event. I was absolutely blown away…by her performance skills, her candor, her honesty, and her phenomenal way of making something beautiful and positive out of what was a truly dark and difficult time. Isn’t that just like a woman, to forge grace from fire?
Since I have already reviewed the show, I had a few questions to ask Paige about her process and her purpose…so here they are!
Hi Paige! What was your purpose for creating this show, it’s far more than a ’story of my life.’
When I first started writing Breakup Addict, there wasn’t much of a purpose. I was navigating a prolonged period of darkness, and working on this show kept me afloat during that time. I never imagined I would actually finish it, much less premiere it to a sold-out audience and plan to tour it around the world. Art is funny in that way. For a long time, it was mine– my stories, my characters, my secrets, my creation. I was in full control. But now that I’m sharing it and performing it, the art is in the driver’s seat and I’m along for the ride. I’m finding that the purpose is unfolding with each performance. I hear so much beautiful feedback from people who see the show– how they feel seen through my story. I am deeply grateful that this show has the power to do that.
What is your writing and creating process?
My process in writing Breakup Addict was very fluid. I started by making a lot of lists– stories I wanted to tell, boyfriends I had to mention, scene ideas. I didn’t have much structure to it. Some days I would tuck myself away in the corner of a library and write for a few hours. Other days, I would go for walks and ask my Higher Power for answers. I wrote way more than I needed, and then cut it down as it got closer to the premiere.
Some might think solo work is isolating, what’s your experience?
Creating this show was, in many ways, the opposite of isolating. Because of how vulnerable this was, I couldn’t possibly do it on my own– my resistance would have prevailed. So I had to call in extra support– coaches, teachers, friends, community. I’m so grateful for the support from my family, my coach and director Jessica Lynn Johnson, my life coach, my sisterhood of women, and my 12-step meetings. They held me so well in this entire process.
Tell us about your coaching, how did that happen?
For a handful of years, I ran a video marketing business where I would coach people on camera confidence. But after a devastating breakup in 2019 that catapulted me on a self-growth path, it became clear that I needed to shift the focus of my coaching. I began supporting people to rebuild their lives after heartbreak and grew my coaching business from there. I am continuously evolving and uncovering new layers of healing that support my own growth and the growth of my clients. I see Breakup Addict as an extension of my coaching practice. With this show, I am able to reach so many more people!
What’s next for you?
I have a big desire to take this show on tour, sharing these characters and this message with audiences around the world. While my stories are very personal to me, I think everybody can relate in some way to this journey. It’s been such a gift to see people apply this story to their own life.
What’s your best advice for anyone considering a solo show?
If you want to do a solo show, get yourself a coach! And get ready for a RIDE of a spiritual journey. It will test you in all the ways, and it’s so worth it!
I do hope you have the chance to see Breakup Addict. Here’s hoping Paige has plans for the Hollywood Fringe maybe? Or a soaring solo event perhaps? Whatever the occasion, make the effort to see this brilliant, funny, brutally honest and highly educational show! It sone of my absolute favorite solo performances ever!
https://www.breakupbreakthrough.com/