Amber Turner, the Producing Artistic Director (Executive Director) of The Public Theatre of Kentucky, has had many wonderful influences along the way. ‘I have been shaped by teachers, friends, and my incredible mother, grandmothers, and my great aunt. As far as my career goes, I would have to say that Warren Hammack, Liz Fentress, and Pamela White had the most influence on me. I still consider them my mentors. Watching them make Horse Cave Theatre not only run, but thrive, was an education in itself. I still ask them for advice.’
One of Amber's greatest accomplishments has been launching the Special Stages programming in 2018. Amber says, ‘I am so proud of Special Stages. We have worked hard along with our Education Coordinator and Instructor, Meaghan Ritchie, to get this off the ground and to keep it growing. Special Stages is our inclusive programming that focuses on students on the Autism Spectrum. The program currently consists of a camp that is for elementary and middle school students and workshops for older students and young adults. We have been fortunate to have the help and blessing of the Suzanne Vitale
Clinical Education Complex and the Kelly Autism Program, and we hope to keep expanding to include other communities.'
Another notable accomplishment Amber adds, ‘I would say keeping the Public Theatre of Kentucky going during a global pandemic. I have been very fortunate and had help from our wonderful board president and our board members. It has forced us to be more creative and to try new things, but we are excited to see where the upcoming season takes us. However, wear a mask and stay safe and healthy. We want to see your faces again, soon! I would also like to give a shout out to Donato's. We were unable to hold our Special Stages Spring Break camp this year. Donato's partnered with us to create activity boxes that we delivered to each camper that would have attended our day camp. Thank you, for what you do for your community, Donato's! You helped us make some kids smile. Go buy some pizza, readers! ‘
The best advice Amber has received was from Warren Hammack. ‘Warren once told me that we do things we don't always enjoy doing 90% of the time, so that we can do what we really love doing 10% of the time. I am paraphrasing, but what he meant was we fund raise, we unclog the toilets, we do the PR and marketing, we get up early to make the 6 AM television appearance, and we do all of the administrative work so that we can produce shows, hold camps, and perform and bring joy to ourselves and the audience. I keep repeating that whenever I arrive at the Phoenix to weed-eat or call around to find someone to replace a light fixture or fix a new leak.’
Amber has learned over the years to ask for help. ‘It's not a sign of weakness. Also, you will never make everyone happy. Never. Stop. Trying. Some people will never agree with or approve of what you are doing, and that is OK.'
Amber's most useful resources include volunteers in the community. She says, ‘Reach out to people in your community, which in my case is the theatre community. I call other producers, artistic directors, and executive directors all of the time if I am stuck on something. It is very helpful to just pick their brain or even to just vent.’ Amber also uses Google and YouTube for assistance when she
needs help fixing things. ‘I am the sole employee at a small nonprofit. I try to fix it with the help of a YouTube tutorial or ask a knowledgeable volunteer first.’
Upcoming projects for Amber include a virtual staged reading as part of our Kentucky Voices Series on August 29th. Un-American Activity by Jeffrey Beard. ‘We will be making an announcement about another virtual show very soon, so stayed tuned, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will look a little different this year, but we are keeping the tradition going. This is just to name a few things in the works. Keep checking [the website and social media] for updates.’
In her free time, Amber loves to read and give herself DIY "spa" evenings at home.She also loves walking with her fur babies, spending time with family, friends, and her boyfriend.
Going forward, Amber's plans to keep providing creative, quality programming to keep expanding programming, and to keep evolving as needed.’
In closing Amber adds, ‘We all have a lot of things happening right now, and it's an uncertain time, but don't forget about the escape that the arts can provide.
Amber can be contacted via:
the PTK website: ptkbg.org
Email: ptkybg@gmail.com
Snapchat
About the Public Theatre of Kentucky:
Our Mission: PTK is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Bowling Green and the surrounding regions through the production of high-quality theatre and performing arts events. We seek to create a truly safe and inclusive space where diverse identities, ideas, cultures, and opinions are welcomed and cultivated. The Public Theatre of Kentucky strives to unlock potential, build community, and enrich the quality of life in South Central Kentucky by producing theatre and performing arts events for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities that reflect the complexity of our history and present time. PTK’s vision is to be a leading arts organization and to serve as a catalyst for creativity, inspiration, and education in our community.
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