PCM : Why do you think art-related educational programs are important ? CR : They help kids express and understand who they are and what they can do to find joy in their own lives and what they can do to contribute to their school and their community . … They teach collaboration , they teach creativity , they teach teamwork — there are numerous studies that show that kids who participate in the performing arts do better in other fields as well . … It just brings [ alive ] a lot of senses and understandings of [ the ] way your brain works . It teaches tolerance and empathy . So , it ’ s just a great thing all the way around .
PCM : What is a goal that you have for SCFTA ? CR : One [ goal that I have ] is really raising the bar and improving the access and quality of the work that we do : investing in the facilities , investing in the endowment , investing in the people and really launching this strategic plan and making sure that we are positioned for the
... investing in the facilities , investing in the endowment , investing in the people and really launching this strategic plan and making sure that we are positioned for the next 10 , 15 , 20 years with exciting art and really broad , meaningful community education and outreach programs .
next 10 , 15 , 20 years with exciting art and really broad , meaningful community education and outreach programs .
PCM : What are some of your favorite shows ? CR : “ Dear Evan Hansen ” is way up at the top of the list . … While I was at Second Stage , we did a play by Lynn Nottage called “ By the Way , Meet Vera Stark .” That was hysterical and lovely and wonderful ; it has a real place in my heart . We did a production of “ Doubt ” when I was at Manhattan Theatre Club that was a very important play . They made it into a movie — the movie ’ s great , but it starred Cherry Jones on Broadway and was one of the most moving pieces I ’ ve ever seen .
PCM : What role does the free programming at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza play in the local community ? CR : It allows people to come over and see what the arts are about — what the center ’ s about — and we have a wide variety of performances . … What I hope it does is serve as an entry point to people that want to come and experience the center in all kinds of ways , whether it ’ s a class , ABT ballet school , we have the school of music and dance for children with disabilities [ and more ].
PCM : If you could speak with anyone from history , who would you choose and why ? CR : When I think of who I ’ d love to sit and have a laugh with and talk to , and just know I ’ d have the time of my life , it ’ s Don Rickles .
PCM : What can locals do to encourage art programming at SCFTA to thrive ? CR : I think helping us get the word out [ about ] what a special place the center is is the most helpful thing by a mile . And everything else will come from that : philanthropic dollars , ticket purchases , the press , that will all come as long as people are coming to see the wonderful art that we have and talking about it . PCM
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