James Pelican
Site Director
James Pelican (he/him) is the Site Director, co-Facilities Manager, and producer of the Chautauqua Revue and other theater-related events. He has been overseeing the Facilities Department since 2001. Since 2009, he has managed the upgrading of OAEC’s facilities, including the construction of the new Guest Housing buildings, the Meeting Hall, the Upper Nursery, and the rebuild of the Barn. Major remodels have included the main office, the kitchen and dining rooms, the dormitory yurts, and the old meeting room/studio building. He and fellow staff member Jim Coleman built the North Garden Theater. He delights in bringing a sense of whimsy and beauty into the facilities work. When not taking care of the built environment of OAEC, James lives a double life as a clown and actor.
On Staff Since: 2001 Email Phone: x108
In Their Own Words
My work at OAEC:
In my role as Site Director, I work with all of the on-site department managers to assure cohesive, efficient, and fully realized stewardship of OAEC’s buildings, infrastructure, guest facilities, land, and managed landscapes. I continue to oversee the maintenance and development of all of OAEC’s buildings and infrastructure with my co-Facilities Manager, Chris Santana. I also manage the theater.
My background:
I worked on farms for much of my twenties, then fell in with a construction contractor, Kirk Hopkin, in 1999. After a couple of years learning which part is the business end of a hammer, the Facilities Manager position came up at OAEC. I’ve been at it ever since. I think I’m starting to get a handle on it. Theatrically, I didn’t get back into theater until after I had arrived at OAEC. I studied clown at the Dell ‘Arte School of Physical Theater, and that set me on my path. Besides the staging of the annual Chautauqua Revue, I act and direct with local theater companies. I’m also part of a clown ensemble, Clowns On A Stick, that has worked together since 2003. Besides performing short bits as part of variety shows, we have performed several full-length shows including To Bury A Cat, Tasty Bites, and A Rhapsody of Fools.
My passions:
Theater gardening, kundalini yoga, and, of course, my wife Jules and our cats, Max and Sally (pictures upon request).
Why my work matters:
I love my work. The OAEC is getting some good work done in the world, my projects are interesting, and I get to teach folks some skills.
My favorite resiliency resource:
The theater world constantly inspires me. Acting is the greatest thrill ride I’ve ever known. The creativity and bravery of my fellow actors and directors continually inspires me.
The wildest place I’ve ever been:
The backside of Inis Mór, where time falls away.
A song that always gets stuck in my head is:
“Backlit” by Isis
