Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nancy Florkowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nancy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

My life as a creative artist has taken many forms, beginning as an actor in community theatre and commercials, then teaching drama in the middle school, while simultaneously establishing a youth theatre as part of a masters degree in theatre for children, and followed by teaching an arts related class at Wayne State University. Teaching in a public school and public university are paid positions, while my work at Motor City Youth theatre has been and is mostly as a volunteer.

I couldn’t think of a better way to serve the community and work with children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Child actors always fascinated me and I wanted to be just like them, but my love for teaching took priority at a very early age when I began teaching my little brother and his friends in our garage. After earning a BA in education I continued to get a masters degree in special education, which I taught for half of my teaching career.

Because I taught summer theatre programs, I was in the perfect position to become the drama teacher in our newly established arts program at the middle school. That’s when I decided to get experience and teaching credentials in theatre for children in the form of a masters degree in Theatre for Children. The culmination of that program was the establishment of Motor City Youth Theatre in 1990.

After retiring a colleague informed me of an open drama position in an education class at Wayne State University, which I have now taught for thirteen years, while teaching and directing children at Motor City Youth Theatre.

Because of my teaching background in special education, I have always felt confident in including children with special needs, while challenging everyone in the program.

Motor City Youth Theatre has always been education based as my husband and I have always been teachers.

Here is part of our mission statement:

Motor City Youth Theatre was established in 1990 and was sponsored by South Redford Schools, as Redford Youth Theatre.
Our Mission is:

• To enrich the lives of all youth, including those with special needs, by offering the opportunity to participate in dance, music, visual arts, theatre workshops and main stage productions.

• To support and nurture all youth’s positive mental health and development of life skills such as problem-solving, decision making and teamwork.

• To offer high quality theatrical productions to the community.
MCYT has kept its high standards and goals since its beginning, while adjusting to new needs as they arise. By word of mouth, parents of children with special needs seek us out and enroll their children in our unique and diverse theatre program that accepts children of all learning levels. This mixture of children and sometimes adults creates an advanced learning atmosphere where all are accepted.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Motor City Youth Theatre was established as the Redford Youth Theatre in 1990 within my teaching school district. It was convenient to not have to worry about finances and a place to work. However, we had to follow the school district’s schedule and share space, which made it difficult at times.

We were later very fortunate to work at the Detroit Masonic Temple for about five years due to the generosity of the Scottish Rite Masons. It was like “theatre heaven” for all of us! The kids were thrilled to work on a professional stage, while exploring the historic building. Our “dream” ended when our dear sponsors decided to move to a smaller venue due to the aging members so we were out of a home.

We rented space in a dance studio, again due to the generosity of a close friend who shared her space with us, as well as the generosity of the Livonia Public Library where we were able to perform for a number of years. However, sharing space still proved to be difficult.

Finally, we were able to purchase our own building, again due to the great generosity of a board member and parent of three former theatre students. We have been in that space for 17 years!

I must say that having your own space is the best thing possible because we can work whenever we like, build scenery that can be permanent, and give children the opportunity to rehearse in the actual performance space and especially to belong to a group that has its own home. We never gave up trying to find our own home and now our kids never want to leave MCYT because it is a safe and happy place, and it is theirs!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Our government needs to support the arts in a much broader way that includes children. Of course there is much support for professional arts programs and adult venues but theatre for children in which the children are full participants rather than observers is overlooked by so many people who are unaware of the artistic capabilities of children.

Children are our future leaders. A complete theatre program for children that teaches all aspects of theatre is so important. Children are capable of working as a team to create a production under the guidance of a qualified and experienced director. Children appreciate being respected for their input. “Theatre for Children” programs are wonderful for introducing children to attending live performances, but full participation in a production creates comradery, respect for others and especially self-worth.

This is also very important in school. All core subjects can be integrated with the arts, which can help create exciting learning experiences that reach all children.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcyt.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/103464996374124/ https://www.facebook.com/Motor-City-Youth-Theatre-Motor-City-Players-100269109607/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/groups/726078357536604/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120314571340633/ https://www.facebook.com/Motor-City-Youth-Theatre-Bard-Bums-1102499976466676/
• Other: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x0rwXpC9UtAFFWGs5Q-FtAz4Oz5etkfF/view

Image Credits
Patricia Denton and Kayden Bryce