Ellen Livingston
Metro Theater Company Emeritus Board Member Ellen Livingston is a host committee member and sponsor of our June gala After Dark! We asked her a few questions about her history with Metro Theater Company, the theater, and what inspires her.
How are you connected to Metro Theater Company?
My long history with Metro Theater Company began in 1990. I was working as an independent consultant and the Regional Arts Commission recommended me to what was then called Metro Theater Circus. I primarily worked with them on Board Development. After my time as a consultant ended, Carol North asked me to join MTC’s Board of Directors. I couldn’t make that commitment right at that time but promised I would as soon as I was able. A few years later I joined the Board, served on the Development Committee, then eventually became Board President where I served for 5 years. I then moved on to the Emeritus Board, where I will continue to stay!
What do you love about Metro Theater Company’s work?
I love the philosophy behind MTC’s work that respects children's abilities and interests and we offer children opportunities to experience the arts.
Why do you go to the theater?
Because it enriches my life and makes me think.
How have the arts changed you or the young people in your life?
I have lived with the arts my entire life. I was exposed very young to theater and have always been interested in visual art. Because of this, it has fostered all my interests in the arts. I paint some and create jewelry. I am even opening my own Etsy shop to sell my jewelry creations! Two of my children were also involved in the arts. One son, who now works in the financial world, graduated from Webster Conservatory for music and is a composer. The other has his degree in Tech Theatre and is now the IT director for Parents as Teachers. The fact that we were exposed to the arts as children has enhanced our lives and we will continue to have growing interest in all art forms.
What are you inspired by?
Primarily nature and all its bounty in many forms!