135: Jerry Stropnicky: Story, Civic Empathy, & Social Change

What happens when a theater director steps into a struggling town and ignites transformation through the power of shared stories?In a world where communities face trauma, disconnection, and invisibility, this episode explores how the ancient impulse to gather and perform stories can foster healing, agency, and real-world change. If you’ve ever wondered how art can truly make a difference, this conversation reveals what it takes. In this episode we:Learn how ensemble-based, community-driven theater projects have tackled crises like the opioid epidemic and flood response with lasting impact.Hear firsthand how storymaking catalyzes civic empathy and even reshapes local policy, as told by someone who’s witnessed communities reclaim power through their own narratives.Discover the 7 principles that guide ethical, effective, and deeply human community arts practice—from agency to accessibility.Press play to experience how Jerry Stropnicky uses theater as a tool for justice, healing, and democracy—and be inspired to see your own community through a new lens.Notable Mentions:Here’s a comprehensive list of all people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned in your podcast transcript, each with clickable hyperlinks and a contextual description:👥 PeopleJerry Stropnicky Director, actor, and founding member of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in rural Pennsylvania  Jo Carson: American playwright, storyteller, and collaborator with Stropnicky; known for works like Stories I Ain’t Told Nobody Yet ()John Malkovich: Famous actor and Stropnicky’s college friend at Northwestern, sharing tales of selling office supplies togetherPeter Brook: Legendary theater director Stropnicky observed in Paris at the International Centre for Theatre Research ()Alvina Krause: Renowned acting teacher in Bloomsburg and inspirational founder of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble ()Bill Rauch: He was named the inaugural artistic director of the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center (PACNYC) at the World Trade Center in 2018.[1]Previously, Rauch served as the fifth artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), Rauch is also the founder of the Cornerstone Theater Company, Lori Woolery (Associate Director, Public Works) Leading figure in the Public Theater’s “Public Works” community-driven initiative in New York City ()Bruce...

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