Theater and Church Aren't That Different, Actually with Todd Davison

Todd Davison is the artistic director of Maples Repertory Theater in Macon, Missouri, and this guy gets it. He knows that whether you're putting on a show or leading a church service, you're really just gathering people together knowing something magical happens. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Todd to talk about the beautiful chaos of producing live theater in a small Midwestern town (which, let's be honest, takes vision), and how his church work and theater work are basically two sides of the same coin. Every performance is different, every audience is unique, and you can't control it—you just show up and let it unfold. Sound like Sunday morning? Exactly.

Todd also gets real about his puppetry days (yes, puppetry), how he picks shows that'll actually resonate with his community, his casting philosophy, and how he juggles approximately seventeen responsibilities without losing his mind. Here's the thing: Creativity and spirituality are deeply connected, and Todd's living proof that you don't have to choose between them. You just build community wherever you are and trust the process.

So grab your coffee and settle in—this one's good.

LINKS:

01:37 The Role of Community in Theater

03:26 Church and Theater: A Symbiotic Relationship

09:19 Todd's Journey into Theater

11:37 Selecting and Producing Shows

12:59 Challenges and Successes in Theater Production

15:14 The Church Basement Ladies Series

16:50 Personalizing Productions: Pirates of Penance and More

18:09 Recruiting Actors: Pre and Post COVID

19:41 The Challenges of Remote Auditions

20:21 Building a Theater Community

23:37 Favorite Creators and Inspirations

25:24 Choosing Plays with Purpose

29:12 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

33:41 Creativity and Spirituality