charged with programming for a beautiful theatre space that is part of the Help Group’s brand new center for children with autism. Through my work at NCT, I have discovered that designing curriculum for children with special needs is something that I am driven to do. And, of course, I eagerly await was lies ahead for my husband, Ross, in Hollywood!My time as Director of Education at Nashville Children's Theatre has been full of many incredible opportunities (and some challenges, no doubt), and it has been particularly exciting to be here during such a significant era in the evolution of this organization.
When I first arrived at NCT in January 2005, NCT had just been ranked by TIME magazine as one of the top 5 children’s theatre’s in the country. I was thrilled to join the team at a theatre with such a tremendous history and reputation. Even that TIME article, though, referenced NCT’s humble space, and when I arrived I was definitely surprised to find broken seats, a box office that had been a broom closet, and that no one even had voicemail (in 2005!). To be part of the phenomenal transformation of this organization through a capital campaign, a building renovation and the program expansion to fill that new space has been exceptionally rewarding to me. However, most thrilling is that due to the hard work and commitment of the Board, staff and community, children and families enjoy the spectacular space they deserve!
I am also immensely proud of the work I have done here at Nashville Children’s Theatre, both onstage and off. Being able to bring new and expanded programs that serve so many children, families and educators from this community has been an honor.
While we really couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming move, it is somewhat bittersweet as we are leaving so many families and friends in Nashville that we have come to know and love. However, knowing that NCT will thrive and continue its great work in service of these families and the children of Middle Tennessee, and that I have been a part of that, is enormous consolation.
And not to be shortchanged, during my time in Nashville, I have also gained an amazing husband and a beautiful baby boy. And I’m taking them with me!
Again, thank you for the many, rich experiences my family and I have received at Nashville Children’s Theatre. I wish this organization, the Board, the staff and its community all the best in the years to come.
My Very Best,
Julee Brooks
