Theater operates on many different levels and functions differently for different audiences. An area of society where I’ve seen theater make a big difference in peoples’ lives is in the marginalized communities, namely veteran’s homes, homeless shelters, and prisons. I’ve seen how creative work, acting, and storytelling help reconnect people with a sense of wonder and curiosity that leads to a rediscovery of dignity, and that wonder and spark that plants the seed of possibility.  

 

With over a decade of experience working with men in support groups (both spiritual and secular) I have seen how men are encouraged to be honest, vulnerable, and accountable with each other. Theater demands the same kind of bravery and courage. 

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I’m inspired by programs that use creativity to give incarcerated and disempowered individuals a voice and challenge the way we see them. That kind of impact, helping people reconnect to themselves and to each other, is the power of theater.  

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As an artist, I realize that the most precious commodity human beings have to give is our attention. There are countless distractions squabbling for that focus each and every day. If theater intends to stand out as something worthy of our time, if it hopes to change the way we think, then it is vital that we as theater makers do our absolute best to earn the full engagement of the audience. If we do our job well, the audience will be changed from the moment they walk in to the moment they walk out.