• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Today's Transitions

  • Home
  • Home
  • Find Help
    • Search Care Communities
    • Caregiver Solutions
    • Health Treatments
    • Search Home Caregiving
    • All Caregiving
  • Beautiful Living
    • Travel and Daytrips
    • Health and Fitness
    • Delicious Food
    • Happenings Guide
    • Home and Books
    • Technology
    • Meaningful Work
      • Volunteering
    • Money and Finances
    • Positive Mental Thinking
    • People
  • Living Options
    • Search for Living Communities
    • Home Improvements
    • Low Maintenance Living
    • Downsizing
  • The Magazine
    • Read New Issue
    • Find Magazine
  • Connect
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Manage Listing (Provider/Advertiser)
    • Advertising Options
    • Subscribe to Print Magazine
    • About Today’s Transitions
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home / Topics / Featured / How One Man Is Connecting Us Through The Arts

How One Man Is Connecting Us Through The Arts

March 7, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Have you ever gotten so lost reading a book that dinner time came and went? Or how about the afternoon a kid in your life danced to his favorite song 27 times in 23 minutes? With all these artistic endeavors happening around you, maybe it won’t surprise you to know that archeological evidence suggests humans have been creating art for thousands of years. 

It’s through art we learn about ourselves—especially when it comes to live theater. Theatergoers have been seeking comfort and inspiration in this art form for, well…ever. And it’s this type of experience that Matt Wallace, the producing artistic director of Kentucky Shakespeare, is bringing to the community. 

Matt stepped into his leading role as head of Kentucky Shakespeare almost 10 years ago, but as an actor and longtime company member, he knows firsthand how theater benefits its audience. Relieving stress, promoting emotional awareness, and teaching open-mindedness are only a tiny handful of the positives live theater encourages. 

Matt says that theater belongs to everyone and this is particularly true of Kentucky Shakespeare—the longest running free non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the country. “I think one of the amazing things about Kentucky Shakespeare is its mission of access and inclusion,” Matt says. These acts of inclusion and access bring with it feelings of value which bolsters self-worth. 

When describing work as an artistic director, Matt says, “This is what I live for.” He goes on to explain he loves telling stories and this enjoyment shines through as he brings out truths in the written word that reassure while taking artistic risks that captivate. Don’t be fooled, because even though Shakespeare was writing at a time when stockings for men were the highest of fashion (but certainly not cross-gartered and yellow), the themes the Bard employed are still relevant today: love, power struggles, and the passage of time are a few of the universal truths Mr. Shakespeare mulls over in his work, thus uniting us in life themes that hold true today. 

Sitting in the audience we’re pulled into the drama on stage, and it’s here the emotional story reminds us we’re not alone in our feelings. But it’s good to remember that this cozy feeling of togetherness doesn’t only happen onstage—it’s there flourishing behind the scenes, too. Let’s give props to those actually running the props because Matt has created a backstage crew and production team with heart. 

He says his goal is to lead with enthusiasm and his motto has been to work hard and be kind. “If we can do those two things at the same time, we’re going to be fine,” he says. Employing people who practice kindness encourages confidence, happiness, and optimism, and these are essential attributes when building a supportive team that works well together. 

Hamlet may have been the best at procrastinating, but Matt is all for facing obstacles as they show up. Procrastination can lead to reduced well-being and feeling demotivated, so when challenges appear, Matt does his best not to be overwhelmed by the totality of the situation. He asks himself, “What steps can I take each day to work towards overcoming that challenge?” Then he takes those steps one at a time. When a situation feels particularly daunting, Matt suggests breaking this question down even further: What’s one thing today I’m going to do to get that goal? In this way, he explains you’re taking practical steps to work through the problem a little bit at a time. 

When it comes to staying motivated, Matt talks about how much he loves what he does, and how this passion moves him from project to project. In that same sentence, he includes his family. “My family is the joy in my life, and I have no shortness of motivation,” he says. For those looking for a little more incentive in finding that comfortable space in your life, Matt suggests asking yourself this question: What makes you happy? With the rush of our daily lives, taking time and listening to ourselves can help us discover the answer to this question, Matt advises. 

For Matt, the audiences and human beings that make up Kentucky Shakespeare keep him inspired. “‘What is a city but the people?’ I think about that quote from Coriolanus, and I think about Kentucky Shakespeare,” Matt says. And it’s here in the middle of it all, Matt brings up the extraordinary experience live theater offers its viewer. When we’re encountering something in real time together, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of being in a space with other people sharing those moments. 

It’s not like sitting at home alone on a streaming platform. “Our hearts beating together, we get to experience empathy and catharsis together and there’s something very comforting in that,” Matt says. 

By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo by Patti Hartog

P.S. Ready for a road trip? Check out what to see and do here.

Filed Under: Featured, Happenings Guide, Meaningful Work, Passions, Positive Mental Thinking, Travel and Daytrips

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search for Care Communities

Sponsored

Spark Your Holiday Spirit In Cincinnati

Enchanting Events And Festive Fun This December

Resource Directory

Search

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • subscribe

todaystransitions

Today's Transitions
Your next lunch idea: this crunchy, tangy salad wi Your next lunch idea: this crunchy, tangy salad with all the tastes of the season, made in a few minutes. See the recipe here at the link in our bio.
“The thing about music is that it’s processed “The thing about music is that it’s processed in all areas of the brain and not just in one area like speech or memory recall,” Elizabeth says. This explains why somebody who might not have access to language (in the case of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) can still sing songs and have moments of clarity because music is being processed in other areas outside the speech zone. Learn more about how music helps at the link in our bio. ⁠
⁠
#kentucky #ohio #indiana #mentalhealth #musictherapy #emotionalhealth
See where you can ring in the holiday fun with our See where you can ring in the holiday fun with our Cincinnati happenings guide! Meet live reindeer, enjoy interactive and dazzling light displays, see a classic Christmas show, and more! Visit the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#cincinnati #ohio #visitohio #holidaythingstodo
Savory chicken, power greens and beautiful buttern Savory chicken, power greens and beautiful butternut squash – make this simple fall meal for now or for the upcoming days. Melissa Donald's recipe is at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#mealprep #wintermealprep #foodprep #recipe #chicken
Make merry with our picks on where to go and what Make merry with our picks on where to go and what to do around Louisville this December: Holiday shows, lovely lights, gifts, garlands and more! ⁠
⁠
#louisville #louisvilleky #louisvillethingstodo #winterevents
This museum in Owensboro houses curated exhibits o This museum in Owensboro houses curated exhibits on all things Bluegrass, invites guests into the Pickin’ Parlor to try out instruments, and stages live shows in its indoor and outdoor concert venues. Find out more at the link in our bio, and read our tips to plan a visit.⁠
⁠
#visitownensoro #ky #kentucky #ownesboroky #visitky
Feeling the post-Daylight Savings blues? Step into Feeling the post-Daylight Savings blues? Step into this beautiful home office and find ways to invite more natural light into your home this season. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#daylightsavings #naturallight #homeoffice #homedecor #interior #homeinterior
The Taylors were high school sweethearts at Manual The Taylors were high school sweethearts at Manual High School in Louisville, so the nostalgia of Kentucky always tugged at their hearts during busy careers in California. Now living in Nancy, Kentucky, the couple is pulled back to their beginnings. Read more about the peace they’ve found and how they float between this nostalgic town and the West Coast. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#ky #kentuckyhome #california #cahome #californiahome
Hear Willie Nelson in a new way + listen to a song Hear Willie Nelson in a new way + listen to a song that tells a raw story with our picks for fresh music this fall. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#fall #fallvibes #music #fallplaylist
The germs are flying – how can you boost your im The germs are flying – how can you boost your immunity this cold and flu season? We’ve got some tips at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#immunity #seasoncold #rsv
If you've had a close call for falling, it's a war If you've had a close call for falling, it's a warning sign to evaluate your body’s balance. At the link in our bio, find out two solutions to help keep you safe and maintain your mobility.⁠
⁠
#mobility #balance #safeathome #caregiving #caregivinglife
Have you ever scheduled time to be creative? Write Have you ever scheduled time to be creative? Writer Lucy Pritchett shares ideas on making time to create and why she started Watercolor Wednesdays. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#art #inspiration #artinspiration #watercolor #watercolorwednesday
“About 66% of the body is made up of water, [but “About 66% of the body is made up of water, [but] as we age we can have less content of water, down to almost 40% – and that makes it easier to get dehydrated,” says Dr. Gopalraj with Norton Community Medical Associates. At the link in our bio, read about how to stay properly hydrated and find ideas on what to drink, even if you don't enjoy plain old water.⁠
⁠
#hydration #stayhydrated #water #wellness
It’s likely you know a family caregiver; in 2020 It’s likely you know a family caregiver; in 2020, over 20% of Americans provided care to someone with an illness or special need, according to AARP. Read about some resources that can give caregivers much-needed support and respite.⁠
⁠
Click the link in our bio to read more.⁠
⁠
#caregiver #caregiving #caregivinglife #aarp
Embrace the power of technology, putting your heal Embrace the power of technology, putting your health in your hands from the comfort of home. Innovative devices and user-friendly apps let you monitor and connect with healthcare providers, paving the way for improved well-being.⁠
⁠
#tech #healthcaretech #healthtechnology #healthcareathome
For older Kentuckians, remaining at home just got For older Kentuckians, remaining at home just got a little easier thanks to PACE – Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This federal-state program operates in more than 300 locations nationwide and in July opened its first site in Louisville at 960 S 4th Street. Senior CommUnity Care of Kentucky is the Louisville PACE provider. Learn what PACE is, who is eligible, and how to apply at the link in our bio.
Where can you drive through a tunnel of lights, fi Where can you drive through a tunnel of lights, find a chocolate fondue fountain or be immersed in a flash-mob-style opera? Tap the link in our bio to see our picks for fun events around town this November. ⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #NovemberHappenings #Louisville #ThingsToDo
As we prepare to say farewell to fall and hello to As we prepare to say farewell to fall and hello to the holidays, plan some fun indoor and outdoor things to do in the Queen City this November. Tap the link in bio to see our picks.⁠
⁠
📝: Jessica Alyea⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #NovemberHappenings #Cincinnati #ThingsToDo
Meet Jeanne Ballard, a true fitness inspiration at Meet Jeanne Ballard, a true fitness inspiration at the age of 70! 💪 Despite a cancer diagnosis at 53, she didn't let it stop her. Instead, it took her on an unexpected journey to the water, where she now rows with a team of incredible women. Jeanne's story reminds us that it's never too late to embrace a new adventure and stay strong. Keep rowing, Jeanne!
Step into history at the 1840 Tucker House Bed and Step into history at the 1840 Tucker House Bed and Breakfast in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Owned by Steve and Devona Porter today, the couple have greeted many guests over the years. Read about how they rennovated the house and turned it into not only an inn with four bed chambers, a parlor, dining room, and outdoor spaces, but their living quarters as well.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #JeffersontownKy #Ky #Kentucky #KyhistoricHome
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • “A Room Is Not A Room Without Natural Light.” ~ Louis Kahn, Architect
  • Help Your Loved One Prepare For The Holidays
  • It’s International Volunteer Day! Here’s What She Is Doing For Our Community
  • Spread Some Holiday Cheer With These Tasty Treats
  • Grandparent Guide To Holiday Fun: Hot Chocolate and Christmas Lights

Manage Listings · My Account · Caregiving Listing Help
Privacy Policy · Terms of Service
© 2023 · Today's Media· Built by Breakaway Analytics