For the past several years, I've struggled to find the right title for the Friends' work in the Advocacy through the Arts program. They are actors, producers, filmmakers, artists, poets, dancers, songwriters—and while each of those titles is true, none of them has ever captured the heart of what they do.
I finally found the words: Professional Storytellers.
What makes their storytelling so extraordinary is that they are telling the stories of self. They are reclaiming authorship of their own lives, becoming activists for their own narratives and advocates for their own voices. I call this "soul work," and they have so much to say.
Our show tells the story of Utopia—a vision of the perfect world—through the souls, imaginations, and lived experiences of the Friends. It explores the themes of Justice, Joy, and Belonging, inviting us to imagine what is possible when every voice is heard. Our hope is that you leave feeling like our story is your story, and that community is one of the most powerful experiences we can create together.
More than 45 incredible Friends helped bring this meaningful production to life, and 10 of them will be performing live on stage.
This vision was also made possible by an extraordinary group of community collaborators: Clint Smart (film), Rod McGaha (composer), Paul Collins (Unbannable Library), Austin Anthony (photography), Allister Friffin (composer), the Lipscomb Department of Music (production), Shane Weisman (musician and producer), and Ciona Rouse (poet). Their generosity, creativity, and belief in this work have been invaluable.
What makes this project especially meaningful is the tremendous contribution of our own creative and talented direct service staff at Friends Life Community. Whether teaching classes that helped shape these works, sharing their artistic expertise, or encouraging the Friends every single day to reach their highest potential, they have been an essential part of this journey. We are deeply grateful for and celebrate Addie, Jennifer, Emily, Nikki, Emme, Tarra, Carson, Patsy, Aura, Chance, Pam, Luke (Lipscomb student worker), Hemani (summer intern), and Kit (ATTA volunteer).
We are also honored to share the stage with DanceEast and Autumn Wegner, whose powerful performances add two more meaningful stories to an evening centered on humanity, creativity, and belonging.
We hope you'll join us.
Written by Sarah Edwards Waldrop, Director of Advocacy through the Arts
