RANDALL HUSKINSON BIO:
A DEEPER DIVE
WRITING: I didn’t set out to write; I had a lot of other dreams. But along the way people kept telling me I was a talented writer. And then they started offering to pay me for my words. So, I followed the money into a richly-rewarding career, mostly as a freelancer. “Freelance” means one can’t be picky, so I’ve written about a ton of topics for a variety of genres, from ad copy to press releases to corporate communications to editorial.
Along the way, clients would often say, “your life is filled with amazing experiences; you should write them.” When you’ve just written 50,000 words about oilfield workers, the last thing you want to do is face a screen for more writing. So I always said “someday…and I will write plays.” That someday is now.
Folks always want to know “what kind” of plays I write. I don’t have an easy answer for that. I write heavy adult dramas, I write acid-tongued adult comedy that borders on the absurd. And I write plays for audiences of school children about cats and yetis and sometimes humans.
And I have no interest in paying a shrink to find out what it all means. I just know that it’s what comes out of my head and my fingers and it all seems to work.
THEATRE & PRODUCING: I’ve been on, and around, stages my whole life. My mother was a wannabe Mama Rose, and I found myself in child roles at the nearby university, and eventually in school, community, and semi-professional theatre. Favorite roles played include: Dan in Next to Normal, Dr. Sanderson in Harvey, Albert in The Secret Garden, and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd. Beyond the spotlight I’ve operated the spotlight, served on a theatre board, run front-of-house, served on a season selection committee, and more and more seem to veer into producing.
I could buy a new car or remodel the kitchen (or both) if I had the money I’ve spent on theatre tickets. But I’ll take the theatre any day! I see more-than my share of Broadway and West End, but am also an ardent supporter of theatre at all levels.
OTHER: My background, hobbies and interests help shape my writing. Here’s a selection:
Grew up on a working potato farm/cattle ranch. The “working” part is mostly what I remember, and I endlessly benefit from that work ethic.
Was a Mormon missionary. Only because my mother and the community demanded it. That’s decidedly in the rear-view mirror.
Openly gay—been out longer than I was in, and fought to secure employment rights for my LGBT coworkers at a Utah-based company.
Owned and operated a three-unit bed & breakfast on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Played cocktail piano to help pay for college.
Speak Chinese as a second language.
Lived in Taiwan, and was among the earliest independent travelers to Mainland China.
Hold dual citizenship (USA/Canada).
Black-diamond skier. Avid cyclist, hiker, and walker.
Journalistic work has appeared in major media including Boston Globe, San Diego Union Tribune, South China Morning Post, Dallas Morning News, Vancouver Sun.
Bachelor of Arts (music), Brigham Young University.