Marcus Cox, in addition to being a talented thespian is also the Director of Community Relations at Playhouse on the Square here in Memphis. This conversation was a lot of fun and took some interesting turns. Marcus breaks down the history of POTS, his own life in theatre, and the delicacies of a Shoney’s buffet. Enjoy!
2:00 “No [we do not get that a lot].” The nomadic history of Playhouse (lots of fun info). Avant guarde material. We quickly find out that Marcus is a repository of Playhouse history. What a great bio segment!
10:00 So POTS is now in the old Shoney’s headquarters? Lovely memories of Shoney’s abound. We get into a little of Marcus’s own background in theatre. Being a parent/grown up
21:10 “Theatre is service.” Own what you say, even (especially) if you’re wrong. Own it. Theatre provides perspective. Again, go see some humans make art. A screen does not suffice. Engage, don’t check out.
27:13 How does one balance making art and producing the shows that “matter” with the popular shows that make money but might not be as socially challenging. Carl and Marcus nerd out on “Ragtime.”
34:39 Collaborative efforts. Theatre education, afterschool programs, outreach programs, educational touring shows.
45:25 How is POTS looking to the future? 50th anniversary.
50:00 The pursuit of diversity in programming.
55:25 What does Marcus’s typical day look like at POTS? Fund raising, patrons, grants, etc. And if you have not gotten it yet…POTS is not scared. “…don’t change a word, just change who is saying the words!” WOW!