In high school, I fell into theatre on a whim after I stayed after school for tutoring and it was cancelled. There I learned that I had a talent and a passion for acting on stage.
In College, I learned how to study/train my craft. I learned that I could make a career out of this. I learned how to push my limits and get out of my own way. I could create magic on stage.
At Horizon, I learned that I was enough. I learned how to be myself and to be ok with who I am. I learned how to channel everything that I am and everything I'm feeling into my performances.
I found Live Arts because one of my friends had liked you're theatre. I signed up to audition on a whim. A few days before season auditions I had a callback at Onstage that didn't go well. Before this I had spent a couple of years off and on auditioning for professional and non professional theatres and I had nothing to show for it and it was said to keep going back to Georgia State to act and I learned that being a "Black" actor was harder in the real world than in college. I told myself that if this audition didn't work out, then I'd put acting on hold and maybe give it up entirely.
So I prayed, and I went to season auditions and auditioned and the rest is history, or so they say. I came to this Live Arts as an actor about to give it up, because somewhere along the way I forgot everything i learned in high school, and college, and at Horizon. Acting and being around you guys at this company has allowed me to rediscover all of that.
I think as an actor you search for that home base. A place that is warm and welcoming and where you can thrive as an artist. Not only have I found a home, but a place where I could grow and thrive. I am now a director as well as Associate Artistic Director. My mission has become to be a light in a dark tunnel for an artist like I was when I first stumbled upon this theatre
I love and am proud to serve as Treasurer of the Board for Live Arts Theatre. It is an amazing organization that I have grown with over the years. I have been able to explore and learn so many different skills and areas of theatre and have been paired with professionals to grow way beyond where I thought I could. I’ve literally been involved in almost all aspects of this theater from on stage, to back stage, to administrative and leadership roles. It’s a joy to get to not just have fun exploring my creative side, but to be challenged to learn and grow and to get to tell stories that literally change hearts and minds. Live Arts Theatre harnesses the power of the story to engage, educate, and entertain the community better than any other theatre I’ve seen. They have a mission that matters and are determined to make sure there is a seat at the table for everyone who walks in that door. It’s more than just a theatre company, it’s a family that builds each other up and supports each other. Those aren’t just words on a document, we show this support by regularly traveling to go see actors or members when they are working in shows with other theatres because we want to support them no matter where they are. That’s what true community is about and that’s what Live Arts does so well. This ability to change and grow and educate is not just for those involved with the shows, it works with the audience as well. I recently had a conversation with a couple I’ve known for a long time and who has been to several of our productions; and because of LAT theatre and our work they finally had a light bulb moment to understand Institutionalized Racism and the far reaching consequences and effects that last for generations. This why I love Live Arts Theatre, because it is not just about putting down words that sound good on a page, here the mission truly matters and we have fun accomplishing it!!
I'm an engineer/computer programmer who started working in the theater again about 10 years ago doing lights and sound for a small theater. I was lost after a couple of years when that theater manager retired, until I discovered the amazing opportunities at Live Arts! The goals of the theater are to be a teaching theater to help new people learn fun skills and enjoy the stage. I've been able to work on acting classes and build sets and props, and help organize and promote shows. My daughter has also worked as a volunteer even as a teenager, running concessions and helping other showtime needs. I'm looking forward to taking advantage of one of the best opportunities: to study in the directors' intensive class this summer, learn from experienced directors and even direct a show myself!
I love Live Arts Theatre's missions so much, I jumped at the chance to join the board and help support and organize the work of this theater. I suffered severe injuries in a car accident about 15 years ago, and the theater has been an excellent, judgment-free place to work and help others, while helping me rehabilitate my own brain. Plus, for a computer programmer, working in the arts is like sitting in a candy store, surrounded by the riches of interesting ideas, catchy music, meaningful causes, and most of all wonderful people!
I've done one show with Live Arts, and look forward to more in the future! They did a great job with making the cast both inclusive and diverse. The production was great quality and enjoyed by all. Can't wait for the next show!
After retiring from my public-school art teacher position, I was ready to join both community-oriented and creative organizations to meet new friends and support positive social values. Finding Live Arts Theatre in my neighborhood reminded me of the community theater plays I had enjoyed acting in some 20 years previously. I became a member and volunteer, then I caught the acting fever again and auditioned for several productions before being cast in Evelyn in Purgatory.
That was four years ago and sadly due to Covid we lost our indoor theater space and have been doing many creative outreach programs to involve our community with zoom and recently outdoor performances. We are fundraising and searching for the appropriate building to establish a permanent home for the theater.
We just wrapped up a run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in our county parks with a cast of 13 including several local high school students, to the older members up to my age of 76! Many of my friends and family enjoyed our Shakespeare in the park and were amazed at the diversity of this small company. The opportunity for us seniors to get involved in a meaningful way with such a mixture of ideas and people is crucial to our continued mental and emotional health.
Besides acting and volunteering, I am now considering enrolling in the yearlong Directing Intensive, one of the many educational opportunities offered by our tireless Founding Artistic Director, Becca Parker. Live Arts Theatre, Where the Arts Live is a treasure!
I've been creating art with Live Arts Theatre for over 4 years. Live Arts does a wonderful job of bringing a sense of belonging, while cultivating unforeseen talent in those who participate. Live Arts produces solid performances, but also is a teaching theatre where amateur artists can grow their skills in an affordable way. Through their workshops and intensive programs, artists of all levels and demographics can hone their talents and improve their skillset.
I came in as a minor-character actor, but landed my first lead role as I grew with Live Arts. Additionally, I was encouraged to enroll in Live Arts' Directing Intensive, and as a product of such, I'm currently directing my first full production.
Not only has Live Arts helped me grow in my theatre skillset, they also have bolstered my professionalism, communication skills, and other non-theatre-related assets. I joined the board of directors so I could give back to this amazing organization.
I'm very thankful for Live Arts Theatre and the work they do for make sure everyone has a seat at the table.