January 2025
Photography // Laura Arick and courtesy of Civic
In January, Michael Lasley celebrated his 35th anniversary with Civic Theatre — an increasingly rare milestone in any profession. His journey, filled with passion, resilience and a deep love for the arts, has shaped the evolution of Civic Theatre and carried it through some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Life’s Work in the Arts
Reflecting on his career, Lasley acknowledges the well-known adage: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” However, he adds a caveat: It depends on what you do. Working in the nonprofit arts sector is anything but easy. Salaries often fall significantly below private-sector standards, and employees frequently juggle multiple roles to keep the organization running.
For Lasley, this reality became even more evident during the pandemic, when live performances — a fundamental aspect of theatre — became impossible.
“Theatre is about gathering people in a room and creating something together,” Lasley explained. “A show performed to an empty house accomplishes nothing. The audience needs us, and we need the audience.”
Navigating the uncertain landscape of a pandemic was daunting.
“I remember talking to people and admitting, ‘I don’t know what the hell I’m doing,’” Lasley shared. “Despite having extensive experience in different aspects of theatre production, the challenge of keeping Civic Theatre alive during such an unprecedented crisis was overwhelming. Rebuilding after the pandemic was daunting. When we staged ‘The Color Purple’ in the fall of 2021, the first full production with no restrictions, it felt like we had forgotten how to do what we did. Even basic things like scheduling rehearsals felt foreign after 18 months of shutdown.”
Lasley estimated that Civic Theatre’s full recovery would take four to five years. However, he remained optimistic.
“Civic has endured world wars, economic downturns and more,” he said. “The pandemic was a unique challenge, but our leadership and the Civic family carried us through.”
An Unexpected Career Path
Lasley never anticipated that Civic Theatre would become his lifelong work.
“At 15, 20 or even 25, I never thought, ‘This is going to be my career,’” Lasley admitted. “But here I am, 35 years later, and it’s become my life’s work.”
Even after three decades, the realization of his long tenure didn’t fully hit Lasley until his 30th-anniversary celebration in 2020 — a surprise event planned by his wife, Marni Lemons, along with colleagues and friends. “I’m a difficult person to surprise, but they pulled it off,” he said.
In an era where people rarely stay in one job for long, Lasley acknowledges how unusual his journey is. It’s rare for someone to remain in a single position for 35 years, but Civic Theatre has always felt like home.
Growing With the Times
Lasley’s first encounter with Civic Theatre was in 1988, when he saw a production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ featuring an all-Black cast.
Lasley added, “It was magical. To see a community theatre produce something of that caliber, with an entirely volunteer cast, was incredible.”
Since the 1950s, Civic Theatre has been a professionally managed community theatre with a paid permanent staff overseeing operations and programming. While the organization relies heavily on volunteers, it has gradually moved toward compensating certain roles.
Developing Talent and the Civic Theatre Ecosystem
Lasley takes pride in the fact that Civic Theatre is a training ground for performers. Unlike fully professional companies like Broadway tours or regional theatres such as IRT or the Phoenix Theatre, which hire top-tier talent for even minor roles, Civic Theatre embraces the responsibility of developing performers.
“We have great quality people in leads and secondary roles for the most part, but you get into the more basic ensemble member, and their skillset just isn’t the same,” Lasley said. “Now, they’re learning by doing with us, and that’s part of our mission. For us, part of our mission is to make that person better by participating in the process. Eventually, they’re going to be able to play a lead for us or for somebody else.”
Lasley continued, “Many professional companies scout talent from Civic Theatre. We’re sort of the minor leagues for places like IRT or Beef & Boards. They’re coming to watch our shows — not necessarily to see what we’re doing, but to see who they can hire. And I’m proud of that. It means we’re doing our job and contributing to the ecosystem.”
Lasley is also focused on expanding Civic Theatre’s educational programs.
“We have robust programs for young people and high school students, and we’re looking into reinvigorating our programming for seniors,” Lasley shared. “Baby Boomers are healthier than past generations and want to stay active. We want to provide them with opportunities to engage in theatre.”
A Life of Learning and Adaptation
Lasley attributes his ability to navigate challenges to his upbringing. This mindset of adaptability and problem-solving has defined his career.
“My parents taught me to make myself indispensable,” Lasley shared. “If someone asked if I could do something, I said yes — even if I wasn’t sure how to do it yet. I don’t fear trying something new. If I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out. Nowadays, the Internet will teach you anything, but the key is having the confidence to try. There’s nothing you’re going to put in front of me that I’ll say I can’t do. I may choose not to, but I know I can figure it out.”
A Legacy of Dedication
Lasley acknowledges the immense responsibility he carries.
“It’s a big responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly,” he stated. “It’s not just the institution; it’s the people who are part of this institution that I’m also responsible for. I’m directly responsible for employees, contractors and the opportunities we provide. I’m also responsible for each audience member, cast member, crew member and student. If this theatre ceased to exist, all those people would lose. And I don’t want to see that happen — ever.”
Despite the obstacles, Lasley remains committed to Civic Theatre’s mission and future. His passion, coupled with the dedication of his team, has helped sustain the organization through turbulent times.
“I love this place,” Lasley expressed. “It was love at first sight, and I’ll keep fighting for it as long as I can.”