Why do you do what you do?
Why do you do what you do?
I’m often asked that question, Why do you do what you do?
Just what led me to dedicate my life to young people and the arts? My general response includes typical things that we talk about all the time – the value of involvement in the arts as a tool for development and understanding of self and the powerful stories of specific children that we have seen blossom because of the opportunities arts programs have given them.
Yet for me, my heart for the arts goes back even further. I was an incredibly shy child. We moved as I headed into fourth grade. I struggled at my new school. Teachers would talk to me and I would often crumble and start to cry. I wasn’t sad – just nervous. All of that began to change in junior high when a teacher asked me to be in a play. The play itself was a pretty awful piece called Gross Encounters of the Worst Kind. I was the captain of the alien ship who could control people with the power of my elbow. It doesn’t seem like a great setting for deep personal growth does it? But the experience was the start of a journey toward self-confidence and self-esteem. It made me believe that I could accomplish great things with preparation, hard work, and a willingness to work with others. It wasn’t a magical, overnight transformation, but it was a beginning of a journey toward a deeper understanding of who I was and what I was capable of. It fueled my desire to be a part of a company that provided other young people with their own beginnings. That’s why I’m with First Stage Children’s Theater. That’s why I do what I do.
Please share with us your story of what led you to where you are today. I look forward to hearing more about individuals and programs throughout the country as we prepare for the THR!VE Symposium!
Jeff Frank
Artistic Director,
First Stage Children’s Theater