Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Beasley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always had a love for nonprofits and the power inherent in them to create positive change. Over the years, I poured my energies into serving on charitable boards and into volunteer positions in the social service world as well as in the world of my children’s activities.
One particular organization that captured my heart was First Act Theatre Arts (formerly Christian Youth Theater). From 2003-2012 my children participated in numerous shows, classes, camps, and their Improv team. Our family was hooked.
It was there that I began my exploration of a nonprofit career. My undergraduate degree is in Business Administration and I loved the idea of applying business principles to ensure nonprofit success. What I learned through various nonprofit positions and the recent completion of a Master in Public Administration degree is that nonprofits have a unique space in the world with nuances that both complement and differ from the corporate world. The opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to an organization I have a history with and a love for is a great privilege.
Working in the performing arts education world brings me particular joy. Training in the performing arts is not just about putting on a good show, it also provides essential life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, navigating triumphs and trials, and building self-esteem. These are the building blocks of tomorrow’s workforce and leaders.
Most importantly, the empathy our students learn whether it is through taking on a character in a production, making a friend through our HEART program, or respecting differing faith traditions and individualities, holds the promise of a kinder world. For me, that is a cause worth serving.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In my personal life, obtaining a master’s degree late in life and pursuing a second career was not without its challenges or risks. Many questioned “why” and argued that it wasn’t needed. Often I found myself full of doubts and the same questions. I found inspiration, however, in watching my daughters and this generation of women, pursue their dreams without question. I wanted to emulate that. I have no control over the march of time or any of its inherent challenges, I do have control over how I choose to spend it. Embracing who I am, what I love to do, and pursuing a dream against the odds has been invigorating.
My first year on the job consisted of navigating a brand name change and the re-opening of in-person programming following 2 years of COVID limitations. Uncertainty has been the norm as COVID spikes caused the cancellation of a fall show and families were wary of jumping back into full programming. Student anxiety has been at an all-time high with the reintegration of in-person activities. The need for our program and the healing that participation in the arts can bring has never been greater.
Coupled with arts programming challenges brought on by COVID has been the exposure of structural weaknesses for all nonprofits. It has been a sink or swim the last two years for many. I was fortunate to have a board of directors and community committed to ensuring First Act Theatre Art’s success. We have spent this last year evaluating the need for and implementation of organizational best practices. I have worked with a staff committed to our students well being who have gone the extra mile to nurture and care for them during this time of transition. We have struggled together and come out stronger because of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about First Act Theatre Arts?
First Act Theatre Arts celebrates and cultivates the uniqueness and talents of individuals through arts education programs and year-round family-friendly performance opportunities. We provide a safe, inclusive space for children, youth, and families to join together, resulting in personal growth and lifelong friendships. Located in South Overland Park, First Act KC has training and performance satellite locations throughout the metro area.
At First Act Theatre Arts we put the utmost importance on our educational programming. Our goal is to create a balance of educational programs that address the needs of beginner through advanced level students. Skills taught in our First Act KC education programs help students achieve success not only on the First Act KC stage but also in their school programs or local community theatre and will continue to serve them well into their young professional careers. Our classes and other opportunities are holistic in their approach
covering all areas of the performing arts: Acting, Dance, and Voice.
A particular source of pride for our community is our HEART program (Helping to Encourage Awareness and Recognition in Theatre) for students with disabilities. HEART is a full inclusion program that provides accommodations to support the needs of students with developmental disabilities in First Act Theatre Arts classes, shows, and camps. At the center of every student is a space where our dreams, hopes, and wishes reside: the heart. First Act Theatre Arts treasures diversity and has always been about giving ALL students the opportunity to fill that space with something meaningful while sharing it with others. HEART has been a part of our organization since 2006 and has served more than 150 families.
Our 2022-2023 season’s theme is “It’s possible.” Our future is bright and opportunities abound for students to see what is possible when they are well trained and have a supportive environment in which to flourish. We hope people will check out our programs at https://firstactkc.org/ and find inspiration by attending one of our year-round productions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://firstactkc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstactkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstactkc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkRW5ZjUj-HajM4OOtPY_g
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstactkc
