Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Lechter.
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from the University of Maryland, I moved into DC and started out as a freelance actor, and eventually, teacher. I was fortunate that my first two teaching jobs were at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory (helping to develop their young peoples’ program) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I taught for a few years, and then after marrying my amazing husband Kevin Murray (also an actor and educator), we moved to the Fairfax area. It was now 1997. I had learned enough to create my own curriculum and program, and Acting for Young People (AFYP) was born! I started out as the sole teacher in rented spaces and over the years have fortunately been helped by incredible angels and joined by incredible artists to make us the organization we are today.
I became an adjunct theater professor at George Mason University at about the same time I was launching AFYP, and that relationship has been key to our growth. While teaching college-level acting classes, I got to meet prospective teachers, helping them develop as actors and giving them opportunities to share what they were learning with a new generation of young performers. Several years later, when the Potomac Arts Academy was created, AFYP joined forces to offer our curriculum of Mason campus-based programs in conjunction with the Academy. The organization was later rebranded “Mason Community Arts Academy” (MCAA) for which I currently serve as Executive Director. Our original non-profit organization is still in existence and thriving with after school programs, so in a way, AFYP has two paths for reaching local students to teach them theater and life skills! I’m especially proud of our tuition-free program for Title I schools, “Time to Shine.” It helps reinforce literacy skills for ESL students through acting training, and gives them access to enrichment programs that they might not otherwise have. Our fundraising efforts and generous grants from organizations like the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts and Arts Fairfax go towards supporting this important aspect of our programming.
Kevin and I still reside in Fairfax, with our two miniature dachshunds and our daughter and her family nearby. In addition to being Artistic Director for AFYP and Executive Director of MCAA with an incredible staff running the day-to-day operations for each, I still perform occasionally, and enjoying casting and producing independent films. I learn new lessons every day, no matter what I’m doing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, there was the usual trial-and-error, figuring out which programs filled a need and would be appealing, and just the usual aspects of a start-up business. We have often had issues finding space for our programs. In the early days, I had a small sounding board (in addition to Kevin, I had our daughter, Lara, and my original teaching partner, Lisette LeCompte), and they were integral in helping me make those first crucial decisions. Not everything landed, and learning to edit as I go has been an important (and ongoing) life lesson.
For several years, we produced touring shows, and I was fortunate to work with great collaborators, Lisa Nanni-Messegee, Candice Cooper and Rebecca Wahls, among others. It became very challenging to present shows in schools, with budget constraints and growing obstacles with the touring process in general. We ultimately folded the touring production wing of our company, which was necessary but bittersweet.
One thing I’m very proud of is how we navigated our way through the struggles of the pandemic shutdown, going from live, in-person classes six days a week to robust online offerings in a matter of days! We were able to provide connection for our community of students and families, which was especially meaningful. In 2022 we were recognized by Delegates Kathy Tran and David Bulova, on behalf of the Virginia House of Delegates, in honor of our 25th year, and for our service during the pandemic timeframe.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It’s been an interesting transition from focusing primarily on performing and teaching and moving more fully into leadership and administration. I try to stay creative no matter what I’m working on; I feel like I’m a better performer and teacher thanks to my administrative skills, and my creative spark informs my administrative work. I was surprised to realize how much I love directing, which I got to do at George Mason, and for AFYP. It’s all about storytelling, really, which has always been a huge part of who I am! I feel so fortunate that no matter where I’ve worked or what I’ve done, it all fits together somehow. Even my least arts-related job taught me important lessons that I use to this day. Now I get to work with people I love and admire, and it’s been one of the great joys of my life to provide a safe space for students and their families, and build lasting relationships with them. I’m proud to have given many people their first job! My dear friend and longtime colleague, Dr. Rick Davis, Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, says that I “help create adults.” It’s so meaningful to hear from current and former employees and students that things that they’ve learned through their affiliation with AFYP and MCAA have had such a positive impact on what they are now doing and pursuing. There are many wonderful programs out there, but I think our faculty and staff are what set us apart: they are working professionals in various areas of the arts, and they bring that current, working knowledge to our students and classrooms, always with genuine care. AFYP has its 30th anniversary in 2027, and It’s truly gratifying to think of just how many students we’ve had the privilege of working with over the years, watching them grow, and grow up, and how that has created new generations of artists and audience members.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In general, I’m pretty risk-averse, and have probably played things pretty safe over the years! I think that’s primarily because I collaborate in almost everything I do, and I always want to consider my team’s time, energy and efforts when weighing decisions. I am an overthinker, for sure, so I carefully evaluate every idea and have a wonderful support network if something needs workshopping. Starting my own business was a risk. It was touch and go in the beginning and just when I was ready to throw in the towel, new doors opened and relationships started forming, and moving forward felt possible, like the right thing to do. Along the way, there have been risks of various types at every turn, and they’ve all been worthwhile in some way. They’ve gotten easier to grapple with over the years, with time, trust, experience, brains, heart, and courage!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AFYP.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/Actingforyoungpeople; instagram.com/masonartsacademy
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ActingForYoungPeople
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-lechter-29b74130
Image Credits
Dawn Matthews
