“As the doors opened on Market Street in 1990, my Live Arts  journey began. This fledgling theater transformed itself from infancy, to terrible twos, to adolescence, and now adulthood right before my eyes,” says Fran Smith, one of seven Live Arts founders and our first artistic director. 

“We seven created a creative home for the community, and I was fortunate to witness it all,” she reflects.  

“Live Arts has been a vehicle for me to further develop my craft and grow my theater skills. I have touched and been touched by so many over the years—whether as a director, an actor, or a scene shop volunteer painting sets.

I began my Live Arts journey at 42. Today, at 75, I’ve had so many experiences and stories that have fulfilled my life. Aging is a transformation in itself, but my theatrical spirit is forever young. I’d like to leave a very small part of myself  as my legacy some day. It continues to be a wonderful ride. As my dear friend Howard Pape used to ask after a build: 
 
'Are you happy, Frannie?'

'Yes, Howard, I’m very happy.'

Please join me in supporting Live Arts by making a gift that is meaningful to you. It takes $1 million a year to make theater that has the power to transforms lives. As a nonprofit organization, less than half of our funding comes from ticket sales and tuition. The rest comes from theater lovers like you and me. Thanks to your gift, Live Arts will continue its mission of forging theater and community. For that, we are grateful."