Finding Home at the Seattle Repertory Theater

Maria Vandenburg
May 6
3 min read

2024 Was A Year

I‘m pretty sure we all felt it in some way, shape, or form. 😣

Woman in white dress submerged in golden water near ancient pillars, intense gaze; text reads "Trying to Stay above water."

Life has flipped upside down for me, whether I wanted it to or not. I’ve gone from being a full-time project manager, to a grand adventure as an expert in the art of cover letter and resume writing.

Or at least mastery enough to get past the algorithm so that my resume is actual viewed by a human being. To returning to work via evening events.

This past year, has changed me in more ways than I thought possible. My lesson has been in learning how to slow down. To breathe. To pause.

Without Judgment

To be ok with doing absolutely nothing and compassionate towards myself in that nothingness.

If I wake up at noon because I worked until 11pm last night, that's ok. If I do absolutely nothing between 2:00pm and 5:00pm as I need to gear up to go to work, that's also ok. Easy to say, not so easy to truly feel.

And Why?

Because I now have the honor of calling Seattle Reperatory Theatre my home.

This past year has been a its the darkest right before the dawn type of year . When I was at one of my lowest moments, I felt the pull to check the Rep website. I have had a long held love for this particular theatre. It deepened when I was spontaneously part of the opening of FreeStyleLove Supreme. That serendipitous event still impacts me to this day. It was a chance for me to connect to Little Maria's (my inner child) original dream to become an actress. I saw it come to life in a way I could have never envisioned on my own. Video/Photographic evidence below.

I called it: "When Little Maria feels like a Star"

Setting aside the prophecy of becoming the first female president (click the video), the Rep just so happened to have an opening for front of house staff. I was hired by Matty Sythandone (center) and love working with "the dream team" which also includes Brandon Mead.

Brandon, Matty and I — Brandon (right), Matty (center) and Moi

I can not even begin to tell you how much being a part of this organization has changed my life. The Rep kept me afloat on every single level possible: Physical, Mental, Emotional and beyond.

I suddenly not only had part time steady income, I also found a community and a family.

Every day I am grateful to work there. The fact that Suzy (Eddie Izzard) chose this theatre to bring her one--person Hamlet show to life is just icing on the cake. Although, I must say, it is kind of nuts to think that I'm currently sharing the same physical space as Suzy, absolutely amazing in fact. Regardless of whether or not I'll get the chance to attend her show.

My love of the Rep has only expanded with the time I have spent there. I have slowly assumed more responsibilities, running the donor lounge, of which I was named the "Mistress of the Lounge" by actress Julie Briskman (who played Mother Russia in Mother Russia) and also being promoted within the front of house team to a more team leadershop focused position.

I only one day hope that I contribute to this organization that I love in a more full-time manner should the stars align