Creativity as an Asset with Ariel Fristoe

Leading the Way with Jill S. Robinson

In this bonus episode of "Leading the Way" with Jill S. Robinson, the spotlight is on Ariel Fristoe, the Artistic Director of Out of Hand Theater, an Atlanta-based theater company renowned for its innovative integration of art, social justice, and civic engagement. The conversation delves into the origins, evolution, and significant impact of Out of Hand Theater since its inception in 2001. Ariel Fristoe shares insights into how the company has distinguished itself by focusing on social issues and working closely with community groups and experts, leading to a unique business model that monetizes artistic skills while addressing pressing societal challenges like racism, poverty, and violence.

Significant milestones include the theater's recognition by the New York Times as the best theater of 2020 and the notable growth following this acclaim. Fristoe emphasizes the importance of collaborative programs with various organizations, detailing the expansion of their team and the ambitious vision driving their work. She provides advice to other performing arts organizations on achieving authenticity and broad community engagement by prioritizing partners' goals and focusing on local issues, which can unlock new audiences and sustainability for the arts.

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Key Topics & Chapter Markers:    

 

• Introduction (00:00:04.010): Jill S. Robinson introduces Ariel Fristoe and talks about the achievements of Out of Hand Theater.
• Founding of Out of Hand Theater (00:01:11.640 - 00:02:58.250): Ariel Fristoe shares how the theater was started in 2001 with a focus on social issues.
• Business Model Changes (00:04:24.850 - 00:06:21.050): Ariel discusses how the theater evolved, especially in monetizing their work and focusing on combating racism, poverty, and violence.
• Educational Impact (00:07:21.790 - 00:10:19.180): The impact on schools and communities through theater programs is highlighted.
• Growth from Recognition (00:12:14.270 - 00:14:33.510): Ariel talks about the growth following recognition by the New York Times and others in 2020.
• Collaborative Programs (00:15:08.450 - 00:15:35.390): All programs involve collaboration with various organizations, Ariel emphasizes.
• Team Expansion (00:16:03.010 - 00:19:07.550): Details on how the team has grown since 2018, including their roles and the ambition driving them.
• Team Satisfaction (00:20:40.590 - 00:21:11.260): Ariel reflects on the satisfaction with her team's work and their passion.
• Future Goals (00:22:24.750 - End): Ariel discusses her vision for Out of Hand Theater to become national leaders in arts and community collaboration.
• Advice to Arts Organizations (00:23:33.230 - 00:26:43.000): Ariel advises arts leaders on prioritizing partners' goals to gain authenticity and broader engagement.
• Challenges in Theater (00:26:43.000 - 00:29:26.390): Ariel talks about the challenges in theater, especially around racial and equity issues, and suggests focusing on local issues to engage audiences.
• Closing Thoughts (00:29:26.390 - 00:30:27.590): Jill thanks Ariel for the insightful discussion, highlighting the potential of art to improve communities

 

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