Interview with Director Jill Tokac and Producer Jim AnsartJoin host Ryan Malyar as he speaks with director Jill Tokac and producer Jim Ansart about The Footlight Club's upcoming production of "The Prom" in Jamaica Plain, MA. Discover why this heartwarming musical about inclusion, acceptance, and finding your community is becoming so popular in regional theaters across the country.In this episode, Jill shares insights about the show's powerful message of staying true to yourself, while Jim discusses the rich history of The Footlight Club—one of America's oldest continuously operating community theaters, founded in 1877. Learn about their special "Prom-Palooza" event on May 10th, their commitment to creating an inclusive theatrical community, and get a sneak peek at the professional-level choreography by Chad Flahive.Whether you're a fan of musical theater, interested in LGBTQ+ stories, or simply love supporting local arts, this conversation highlights the importance of community theater as a safe space for people to explore who they are without judgment.#theprom #communitytheater #FootlightClub #jamaicaplain #ArtsForTheMASSes #lgbtq #musicaltheater #BostonArts #LocalTheater

# Camp Fable: Where Heroes Are Made Through Live-Action Roleplay
In a world dominated by screens and technology, there's a magical place in Charlton, Massachusetts where kids get to unplug, step through magical book gates, and transform into heroes. Camp Fable, run by The Story School, is revolutionizing the summer camp experience by blending traditional camp activities with live-action roleplay (LARP) to create an immersive world of adventure.
## What Makes Camp Fable Different?
As revealed in a recent interview on "Arts for the Masses" with host Ryan Malyar and Chris Wiley, Executive Director of The Story School, Camp Fable isn't your typical summer camp. Self-described as an "EDAR camp" (Education through Adventure and Roleplay), it creates a fantastical setting where kids ages 8-17 become heroes tasked with protecting the Library of Alexandria – a magical place where every book ever written comes to life.
"If you ever picked up a stick in the woods and pretended it was a sword, you know what LARP is," explains Wiley. "We just take that and try to take it to the next level by really letting these kids immerse themselves in the story."
## Building Characters, Building Character
What truly sets Camp Fable apart is its focus on developing not just fictional characters, but also real character traits. Campers learn the three tenets of being a hero:
- **Courage**: Not the absence of fear, but confronting the unknown and taking a step forward
- **Valor**: Developing a consistent sense of honor and character
- **Empathy**: Learning to understand and appreciate different mindsets
"LARP camp builds characters – the kids make characters, but they're also building up who they are inside," says Wiley, highlighting how the camp experience translates to real-world growth.
## Creating Confidence Through Fantasy
One of the most powerful aspects of Camp Fable is how it builds confidence. Wiley shared a touching story about an 8-year-old camper who was initially hesitant to engage. After discovering she could become a "ghost walker" when defeated in the game, she ventured alone into the villain's lair, listened to his entire evil plan, and returned to her fellow heroes with crucial intelligence.
"You will not believe the smile on this girl's face," Wiley recalled. "Suddenly she had the power. She was the most important character."
Parents consistently report newfound confidence in their children after camp. As Wiley explains with a laugh, "We have parents telling us all the time, 'Where did she learn this confidence?' Well, she defeated Skeletor at camp!"
## More Than Just Play
Beyond the fun, Camp Fable addresses fundamental human needs: autonomy (freedom of choice), progress (leveling up skills), and belonging (finding community). The structured fantasy world gives kids a safe space to discover themselves and their capabilities.
"The world will often tell you 'you can't do that' or they'll give you that vague 'you're special' but not tell you how," Wiley observes. "Our camp lets you live in this fantasy world so that everything is an option."
## Experience the Magic
For parents looking to give their children a unique summer experience that combines unplugged fun with character development, Camp Fable offers something truly special. To see the camp in action, visit their YouTube channel at @thestoryschoolcamp or check out their website at https://www.thestoryschool.org for more details about registration.
In a world where imaginative play often takes a backseat to technology, Camp Fable reminds us of the transformative power of stories, community, and adventure. As Chris Wiley put it so beautifully: "Every kid at camp gets this hero moment where they feel centered, they feel like they're the most important character there... I want every kid to feel like they are capable of so much – because they are."

Transforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira Troilo | Arts for the Masses PodcastJoin host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Kira Troilo, an innovative EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant revolutionizing the arts and theater spaces. In this powerful conversation, Kira breaks down her unique approach to creating more inclusive, compassionate, and connected artistic environments.Key Highlights:-What is EDI and why it matters in the arts-Creating safe, supportive spaces for artists-Bridging communication gaps in theater productions-The importance of empathy and understanding in creative spaces-Kira's groundbreaking STAGES framework for inclusive leadershipKira shares her journey from performer to EDI consultant, discussing how becoming a mother inspired her to create meaningful change in artistic communities. Learn about her company, Art and Soul Consulting, and how she's helping theaters build more supportive, joyful, and diverse environments.🎭 Connect with Kira:Instagram: @ArtandsoulConsultingWebsite: www.artandsoulconsulting.com🎤 About Arts for the Masses:A podcast exploring the vibrant arts scene in Massachusetts and beyond, hosted by Ryan Malyar.#TheaterArts #InclusiveTheater #ArtsCommunity