Ep #23: Storytelling about the underserved voices in culture inspires the most joy for this longtime theater producer/director
You are in for a treat. My dear longtime friend, Jon Lawrence Rivera, has been in the live theater world as an Artistic Director for over 30 years. What sustains him that long? I’ll give you a hint: the endless possibilities of creating something magical, which theater is known for.
He’s always been interested in theater, but didn’t think it was a sustainable path when he was younger. Getting connected and traveling with the entertainment group Up with People in 1981, Jon realized that he could, in fact, do whatever he wanted as he set his mind on it. Be fearless is his motto.
His passionate plea for storytelling about the underserved voices in culture soon had a stage when he created Playwrights’ Arena in 1992 to focus on LA-based playwrights and uplift BIPOC stories. Jon finds his ultimate joy in connecting humanity through his artistic vision of diversity. Visit www.playwrightsarena.org – IG: @directorrivera – FB: Jon Lawrence Rivera
Enrollment is now open for my OWN YOUR GENIUS ZONE 7-week course kicking-off January 18 for the new year! Early rate ends on Dec 1. All details, go to www.marladiann.com/geniuszone
Loved this episode? Don’t stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy.
Ready for transformation in business or life or both? I invite you to have a conversation. Click here to schedule.
If you enjoyed the episode and podcast, I’d appreciate a review on Apple & Spotify. Let’s connect: @marla_diann.
tune in on your favorite platform
1 Comment
Submit a Comment
hi, i’m your host
Marla Diann!
I’ve been transforming creative entrepreneurs’ lives for over 26 years through two businesses. As a success coach and business strategist, I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs collapse the time frame of achieving their desires and goals.
It’s time to make joy your inner GPS for life and business decisions rather than lean on your logic and reason, first.
You’ll not only be following what is most authentic to you and for you, but you will live the beautiful life meant just for you.
more episodes
Click the topic below you want to listen to.
Ep #14: How camaraderie of talented, passionate people became this Emmy Award winning Reality TV Executive’s number one joy
Ever wonder how someone opened doors to the world of Reality TV development early on before the craze exploded in the 90s? Tune into this week's episode for an up close and personal story from my guest. Following his passions for television and theater arts as a young...
Ep #13: The Ripple Effect
I am back for episode 13 – The Ripple Effect – it’s like a love letter to humanity. I know we could all use some extra love as we finish up the summer and begin to dive into fall time. First we chat about a few things going on behind the scenes regarding my birthday...
Ep #12: This vibe creator made an intuitive decision in his 20s that changed the trajectory of his life
From an athletic soccer career cut short to a flourishing entertainment career as a Master DJ for events, weddings, Disneyland, California Disney Adventure, Knotts Berry Farm, and dance clubs all over southern California, how do you connect the dots in all that? At...
I enjoyed your conversation with Jon Lawrence Rivera a lot. I’ve worked with him for many years but did not know the specifics of what has motivated him as a theatre artist. I cannot imagine paying $5K for the privilege of working with UP WITH PEOPLE and he did it. The lessons I learned are 1 – passion and hard work can help you live as an artist 2 – be fearless in your choices 3 – travel. Intuition – Jon is a self-employed artist – all he has is his intuition and he has built a theatre company with a board of directors, actors, playwrights. Playwrights Arena is constantly in production. It reflects the intuition of its artistic director. Thank you for bringing Jon on and talking about his art. Very insightful.