Marcia Kerz
Metro Theater Company Emeritus Board Member Marcia Kerz is co-chair of our June gala After Dark! We are so grateful for her support, insight, and leadership. We asked Marcia a few questions about her connections to MTC, the performing arts, and what inspires her.
How did you become involved with Metro Theater Company?
I became involved with MTC while serving as VP of Institutional Advancement at the Missouri History Museum (MHM) in 1999. We were preparing to open the addition to the Jefferson Memorial Building that included an auditorium. MHM was excited about engaging children and families in expanded programming so we created a partnership with MTC to perform in the auditorium.
I recall two performances that filled the auditorium. Unsorted was amazing and demonstrated the joy of acceptance. Captain Lindbergh’s Ocean Flight attracted a full house and was especially fitting as a copy of the Spirit of St. Louis was recently hung in the foyer of the new building.
It was a fulfilling partnership for both organizations and a wonderful introduction of Metro Theater’s talent and commitment to children and families.
What do you love about MTC’s work?
The creativity and imagination used in developing performances that include the artists and the stage designs that captivate the audiences of children is amazing. And focusing on issues facing children and families today including bullying and inclusion through creative learning has become a powerful tool for MTC and its performances. The ability to offer performances and educational programs in the schools throughout the region is an asset for the community and has always been a commitment of MTC.
Why do you go to the theater?
Attending live performances is exhilarating. I have always loved Broadway plays and musicals and have found that MTC combines so many wonderful features of what would be considered a great performance along with meaningful messages that instill creative learning and understanding of everyday issues facing families.
How have the arts changed you or the young people in your life?
Having had the privilege of working at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Missouri History Museum, and Oasis, all wonderful non-profit organizations that offer a wide variety of art, I find engaging with them along with MTC, opens our eyes and our hearts to learning about challenges facing all of us today, whether it is the interpretive panels installed at the Missouri History Museum to help us understand the presidency of Thomas Jefferson in today’s world or the critical importance of understanding lives that are different from our own as demonstrated in MTC’s Last Stop on Market Street.
Regardless of age, we need to be open to issues and challenges we face as we go through our lives and creative art is a great way to understand and approach such issues.
I have been a part of MTC in a variety of ways since 1999 and remain amazed at the talent and purposeful approach to their work. Their development of new performances and selection of material available including Digging Up Dessa, Unsorted, and Last Stop on Market Street are a strong testament to the work of MTC. It is uncanny the way a performance can stick in your mind and impact your thoughts and actions. I felt that many of MTC’s plays have done that for me. I often think of Unsorted as a way to handle the many likenesses and differences among us all.
What inspires you?
Being with family and friends and sharing a closeness with each that will last forever
Being involved in helping others succeed
Being engaged in projects that reach out to those in need
Attending professional performances that leave one with excitement and a clear message to do the right thing
Being physically active (swimming a mile 3 times a week!)
Seeing others reach out to help those in need
Getting ready for a party at my house and getting everything done on time
My faith
Listening to President Velensky speak to Congress and demonstrate his love and concern for his people