Meet Seth Tucker | Artistic Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Seth Tucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Seth, how do you define success?
I think a truly successful life is well rounded and, most importantly, balanced. I want to have personal, financial success coupled with a career of raising up others. Having a meaningful impact on my community while also being present with my family and friends. I’ve strived for financial security in the arts, something I’ve yet to attain even once, but by landing somewhere in between I’ve been able to also create work that is meaningful to me while maintaining a loving relationship with my partner and those important to me. As I write this, I’m beginning to think that the actually ending point isn’t so much the “success,” as much as the pursuit is. I’ve yet to find extraordinary success in my career, but I know that I have in my personal life, and by keeping my private life equally important as my career, I guess the success has been in the journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have enjoyed taking routes that others have not. I love to think creatively and I thrive when I’m able to find new ways to problem solve. I prefer to think outside of the box and use my creativity to take new paths. It has always been the harder route. I want to find my way from scratch, which often means I have to learn all the ways that don’t work, and why they don’t work. It has also meant that I have had to learn how to do all the aspects that are often peripheral. I never wanted to be solely known as a performer, so I learned how to write, direct, organize, fundraise, market, and everything in between. Because if this I think I am more well rounded and I have a deeper respect for each facet of creating theatre. The biggest lesson I have learned is to respect performers. Of all the jobs in the arts, performers have it hardest. There is no security, or promotion, or guaranteed praise. Performers are givers. They give of their talent, they bare their soul and are often put in the most vulnerable of positions. They are the last to see financial success, and they are constantly starting from scratch after each project inevitably ends. But, the joy they bring to an audience, and the inspiration the provide to other artists makes them more valuable than any producer. I want to be known as a champion of artists. I want to raise them up, create consistent work for them, and provide resources for the hard times so they can continue to do what they love and what we, as an audience, crave.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we sneak into one of the many resorts and sit in the pool ordering Coronas and Guac. From there we window shop in Old Town Scottsdale and check out the galleries. Maybe an afternoon hike at Papago and the Botanical Gardens. Walk down Mill Avenue before having an early dinner at Green, my favorite Vegan spot. Then, the theatre! Support local arts that pay local artists, like Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, or Childsplay. After that we have Mexican food, any of the many spots will do! Then a night out at the best gay bars in town. Stacy’s or Charlie’s where we can dance and let loose.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Robbie Harper. An outstanding talent that has personally touched the lives of every local theatre performer in Arizona. He has used humor and heart to lead in an industry that can often leave artists feeling cold and lonely. His imagination and storytelling is an inspiration. I’d say he is the single most important artist in the Arizona theatre community and has never received the praise he deserves. I personally owe him a debt and I know the many years of ASU Music Theatre grads that he has taught also owe him their successes. He is a rare artist that can do it all. He gives his heart to his artists and his professionalism and strength have made an impact that will never be forgotten. Never looking to be the center of attention, it takes his supporters raising his name to draw due attention.

Website: www.sethatucker.com

Instagram: setho705

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActingUpSeries

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/musicman1986

Image Credits
Reg Madison Phoenix Theatre Company Davisson Entertainment Eddie Maldonado Jonny Ramirez