As we celebrate lots of new things on the Live Arts Theatre horizon, we are highlighting various people who make up the village we like to call the Live Arts Theatre family. This series will focus on the many actors, directors, techies, stage hands, members, and even our regular theatre-goers who make Live Arts Theatre great.
Our next profile is our Artistic Director, Becca Parker.
Please Introduce Yourself:
I’m Becca Parker and I’m the founding Artistic Director of Live Arts. I grew up in NH, and quickly moved south to get away from all the snow and cold. I earned a Bachelors degree in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory as well as a Masters in Special Education. While at Shenandoah, I met Michael, who grew up here in Gwinnett. We moved here to be closer to his family, and the rest is history.
How long have you been involved in theatre?
Literally my whole life.
What brought you to Live Arts? Or in your case, what prompted you to become the artistic director?
As a kid, I always did 2 things, put on a show or was playing school with my stuffed animals. When we decided that we were definitely moving down here, I immediately started doing research as to opportunities in theatre in the area, figuring I would teach for my bill money and do theatre as well.
I came across a theatre company in Lawrenceville called County Seat Players that was in trouble and getting ready to close. They were actually putting out the final call before they shut their doors completely. I got a wild hair that given I had already done pretty much every job in theatre up to that point, that maybe I could take it and make something from it. The first year was me flying by the seat of my pants, but it grew into something that was beyond my wildest imagination.
What is your favorite Live Arts show that you’ve worked on or seen? And Why?
Oh God, that’s tough. I don’t think I have a favorite because they are so different. I will say that one interesting thing about me is that I have worked on every LAT show in some capacity.
As an educator, I think any time I watch someone grow and find success is my favorite. And I get to see that so many times over the course of a season, it’s just awesome.
What do you love about Live Arts?
Our people! We have the best village, and I know that every time I am at the theatre, somebody who is amazing and creative and dedicated is going to walk through that door every day and it just makes my day when it happens.
What are you looking forward to?
So much! Over the years, Live Arts has really grown and evolved. It’s not exactly where I thought it was going to go, but it’s really amazing. With having to find a new space, I’m looking forward to watching everything we do together get bigger and better. And I look forward to seeing even more people become part of the amazing village that I call home…Live Arts!