As an ensemble member (20 years), I was a full-time resident theater artist. Along with other members of the ensemble I devised, rehearsed, performed and toured original and/or scripted plays, taught through the company’s education programs and participated projects designed to build community by creating art. Ensemble members also met regularly to participate in artistic, programmatic and policy decisions. As artistic and producing/artistic director (14 years) I was responsible for artistic leadership, organizational and fiscal oversight, staff hiring, presenting, program development, trustee cultivation, donor relations. I developed and honed my craft as a theater artist. I learned how to listen, see and respond, be part of a group and read its’ dynamics, create individually and as part of a group, understand when to act, when to wait, when to discuss and when to decide. I learned that art is about asking questions and a way to discover meaning. I experienced ways that artists could work with diverse communities, individuals and organizations to dialogue, learn, and create. I learned that people with different perspectives and goals can work meaningfully together for a shared purpose. I learned that effective and honest communication is essential for creating and maintaining healthy relationships. We created a lot of audacious and beautiful, memorable work. Many of the programs initiated while I was there are still an important part of the company’s work today.