studio spaces have hosted sensational artistic programs , including plays , musical performances , dance and arts classes , and Health & Wellness workshops . Her work at MACC has brought new depth to Southern Vermont ’ s creative community , providing opportunities for local residents and visitors to enjoy world-class productions and artistic education programming . In the months leading up to MACC ’ s promising 2024 summer season , Lewis sat down with Manchester Life to share her thoughts on the importance of artistic education , the inspiration behind MACC ’ s programs and offerings , and her future plans for the blossoming Arts Center .
Q : Thanks so much for joining us , Kristine ! It ’ s been incredible to watch Monument Arts & Cultural Center ( MACC ) flourish and grow under your direction . Before we talk about MACC and your evolving vision for its programming , we ’ d love to know how you first got started in the arts .
A : When I was growing up in New York City , I had a friend who took ballet lessons . Her father was an actor and her mother was an artist . I would go with her to watch her ballet lessons , but my father wasn ’ t open to it at first . I had an aunt that lived upstairs from us , and after seeing me follow my friend to ballet class , she bought me lessons for Christmas . My teacher at that neighborhood school happened to be involved with American Ballet Theatre . She got me a scholarship there , and I started as a dancer . After that , I went and took dance lessons to be a Broadway dancer , I went to acting school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts , and I started doing musical theater . Eventually , I wanted to do more serious theater , so I worked for a repertory company in Winston-Salem , North Carolina for a year . From there , I started working all the time and decided that I wanted to start choreographing . I became a choreographer and director and then I started producing , so I ’ ve done all shades of theater . I also co-founded a casting company in New York City called Lewis and Fox casting with my partner , Jamie
Top : Oren Gradus starred as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof , April 2024 .
Middle : Corinne Holland led the cast of The Sound of Music as Maria , December 2023 .
Bottom : Hollywood ’ s awardwinning couple , Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield , starred opposite each other in Love Letters , February 2024 . manchester life magazine 2023 55 manchester life magazine 2024 55