Today we’d like to introduce you to Devra Thomas.
Hi Devra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been involved in the local theater community in the Triangle since 1996, starting with the Carrboro ArtsCenter’s Community Theater production of “Falsettos.” Although, really, my love of the arts started when I saw the local touring opera performance from “Marriage of Figaro” at Cary Elementary, thanks to the (now) United Arts Artists in Schools program.
I also started promoting friends artistic work in high school, self-publishing a zine called “Phantasm” featuring writing and pictures with a sci-fi bent. The 1990s were a great time for local arts on every level.
I worked as a properties designer and manager for many of the local theater companies starting in 2000. I received my Masters in Arts Administration in 2014 and have served several local arts councils across the state in various capacities.
We moved back to Wake County in 2022 and I started working with the North Carolina Literary Review that fall, helping to preserve and promote our incredible literary culture here in the state.
I publish Triangle Theater Weekly on Substack, sharing every Wednesday all the local independent theater happening that week across the Wake/Durham/Orange county area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a mom in a non-traditional work field is always a challenge. I became the Theater Manager at Deep Dish Theater the same time I gave birth to my first daughter; she quite literally grew up in the theater. I’m grateful for extended family’s help, the generosity of friends, and a supportive spouse.
Moving across the state and then back to the Triangle allowed us to experience many more communities and stories than we would have otherwise. While moving can be challenging, being able to get to know our coastal region, the Lumbee and Army communities, and more has expanded our understanding of all this state has to offer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I help artists and other creatives get their large slightly scary creative ideas out of their head, started in the world, and in front of an audience. I believe we all have a spark of creative impulse and embracing that spark helps us live more authentically, no matter what age or career-path.
I’ve helped playwrights and directors produce their new work or larger shows. I’ve helped authors share their words with new audiences. I’ve shared the stories of independent visual and musical artists who often go overlooked in large institutional marketing.
I’m proud of Triangle Theater Weekly, my current work supporting local theater makers. It carries through from my publication Color of Fayetteville, a blog and evergreen magazine I published while in Cumberland County, sharing interviews and articles about local artists. There is art and artists everywhere around our state, from the largest cities to the smallest crossroads.
What’s next?
My oldest is off on her next adventure towards college and my youngest is now in school full-time so I am looking forward to being of more service to our local arts communities. Beyond the expansion of Triangle Theater Weekly, I’ll continue working with NCLR and engage more with our local authors here in the Triangle and Piedmont region. I’ve got writing projects happening. And I’ve learned to never say never to The Universe so who knows what excitement is in store.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stubborndev.com
