How theater can create space for meaningful dialogue, build community trust, and inspire engagement among diverse audiences

In this episode of Storylinking, Chad Swan-Badgero (founder and artistic director of Peppermint Creek Theatre and program manager for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs) joins host Tom Lietz for a conversation about how theater creates space for communities to navigate tough conversations. From Peppermint Creek’s origins to its evolution as a platform for addressing current societal issues, Chad shares his insights on approaches to audience engagement, and the transformative power of participatory storytelling.

Key topics include challenges and rewards of community engagement, theater as a model for dialogue and connection, and how bringing diverse audiences together can help us to meaningfully address social issues. We discuss his experiences staging "What the Constitution Means to Me," and explore more broadly how the arts can inspire community revitalization, individual fulfillment, and transformative conversations that extend far beyond the stage.

Connect with Chad Swan-Badgero and Peppermint Creek Theatre:

• Peppermint Creek Theatre: http://peppermintcreek.org
• Contact Chad: office@peppermintcreek.org

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep09 (see a picture of the set from "What the Constitution Means to Me" and read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key Moments from This Episode

02:02 Chad's Early Journey into Theater

05:51 Founding Peppermint Creek Theater

09:55 Evolving the Mission of Peppermint Creek

14:04 Staging 'What the Constitution Means to Me'

18:23 The Impact of the Show on the Community

29:11 Audience Engagement in Theater

30:27 Nervousness and Excitement in Live Performances

33:52 The Role of Theater in Community Dialogue

39:32 Challenges of Audience Engagement

45:52 The Broader Impact of Arts and Culture

53:21 Personal Reflections and Community Impact

57:52 Taking the Long View