Rebecca Lake Pool of The Little Actress That Could had the pleasure of interviewing our Executive Director Karen Mockensturm, where she was lucky to attend, act with, and even assist with classes as a child.

What skills do you think “theatre kids” learn that are valuable to them in their later careers?

Karen: We at FPCTA have a big mural in the lobby that reads Learning Life Skills Through Stage Skills. Life skills are what workforce development professionals now call “power skills”: self-confidence, verbal communication, impactful listening, a team-oriented approach to work, creative problem solving, time management, perseverance, and empathy.

2. As a businesswoman, what correlations do you find between the arts and business in your day-to-day activities?

Luckily for me, my business is solely revolving around an organization that is dedicated to producing theatre for families and providing arts education to students aged 3-18. Having been heavily involved in the Greater Huntsville business community for the past decade, I have observed first-hand that successful business leaders share the same kind of creative thinking and vision casting as artists. Successful business teams highly resemble the theatrical teams that create a play. Each designer, actor, and technician brings his/her skills to successfully execute the director’s vision of the playwright’s story.

3. The Little Actress That Could is about promoting the Arts in STEM; what are your thoughts on creating a culture in schools that promotes the arts and STEM?

STE(A)M is the power that ignites learning. FPCTA provides the youth in our communities with hands-on technical theatre training that marries STEM fundamentals with the artistry of theatrical production. This hands-on training provides exposure, mentoring opportunities, and production experience; all early workforce development leading to professional, creative career options. Studies link exposure to drama, music, and dance directly to student success. Furthermore, theatre production encourages creative problem solving and critical thinking that is required for successful scientific study while providing a fun, highly interactive learning environment outside the traditional classroom or lab. Theatre uniquely connects memorization and scientific analysis to real-life experience.

4. What’s one piece of advice you would give to students graduating college with their theatre degrees?

I have two. First and foremost: don’t tie your self-worth to your rate of booking the next gig. Rejection in this business is hard, find your peace and joy in the everyday.

Secondly, take at least one business course (learn basic quick books!). It will serve you well.

“STE(A)M is the power that ignites learning.”

— – Karen Mockensturm

Rebecca Lake Pool of The Little Actress That Could:

I have been involved in theatre practically my entire life because my family was always very active in theatre. I also have a B.A. from Florida Gulf Coast University in Theatre. I am currently a Product Manager for USAA on their banking side. I often attribute my success in business to the "soft skills" I learned by being active in the theatre both professionally and personally. In 2019 I created a blog called "The Little Actress That Could" where I discuss how theatre helps with all avenues of life and careers. I've been lucky to have interviews with very influential people who have shared what the arts mean to them.

I was blessed to spend several years taking acting classes and performing at Fantasy Playhouse when I lived in Alabama. I took classes with Bonner while she was there and I often worked backstage with my mom, Lyndy Werpy as well. I love all that Fantasy has to offer for children who want to pursue careers in theatre but also for children who want to break out of their shells or just enjoy being active in the arts. It is a great place to foster that love for the arts!

Amazing Women in STEAM Series: Interview with Karen Mockensturm