Howard Life 2009 - (Page 13) ART: PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES U Michael Stebbins Producing Artistic Director Rep Stage always credited her for bringing the Baltimore and Washington theatre communities together by starting Rep Stage. Could you talk about your organization’s latest series of events and what you are trying to achieve with them? Rep Stage is celebrating its 16th season— its “sweet 16.” We’re off to a great start and are offering a lot of tie-ins to our six productions, such as FREE post-show discussions, FREE pre-show lectures, a FREE reading series, as well as an Off-Night series. We are always finding ways to give our audiences more. What inspires you? I’m inspired by talent in others, by nature, by music and by the little things that we always take for granted. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? There’ll be those people who will tell you that the artist’s life is a hard life, but you can’t let that dissuade you. If you don’t pursue your passion, how will you share your art with the world? And, how will you know what your life could be like if you don’t pursue your passion? What artists have influenced you and how? Valerie Lash, founding director of Rep Stage and head of Arts & Humanities at Howard Community College. I have Travis Hudson and Dawn Ursula in "The Butterfingers Angel " at Rep Stage. Nichole J. Hickey Executive Director & CEO Columbia Festival of the Arts What inspires you? My husband, Michael, quite simply has been the biggest inspiration in my life. He has always inspired me to be a better person. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? The reality is that there are extraordinary numbers of extremely talented artists in this world, very few of which rise to the top of their game. The competition is tremendous. Passion for your art form isn’t enough. It takes hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice if you truly intend to pursue your dream. continued on page 20 Plan Your 2009 Group Trip to Toby’s! Toby’ Columbia Location: s Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical Jan. 9 - March 8, 2009 selected dates High School Musical Feb. 18 - June 7, 2009 with selected dates showing Mid-Life and My Way My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra March 11 - May 31, 2009 selected dates Toby’ Baltimore Location: s Sophisticated Ladies Jan. 15 - March 15, 2009 Beauty and the Beast March 21 - June 14, 2009 Damn Yankees June 21 - Aug. 30, 2009 TobysDinnerTheatre.com COLUMBIA: 410-730-8311 or 1-800-88TOBYS BALTIMORE: 410-649-1660 or 1-866-99TOBYS Stan Barouh http://www.wineinthewoods.com http://www.wineinthewoods.com http://www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com http://www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com
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