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

Hi LaRiche, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started Empowered Theater & Arts with the understanding that my ethos around working for this population of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is uncommon and yet necessary. As a plus size black woman, I understand what it is like to grow up on a world not made for me. I know what it’s like to not be afforded essential opportunities to pursue my passions. I needed the autonomy and support to serve this community in a way that would be long lasting and life changing. I am confident these opportunities are not simply important to this segment of the population, but necessary to the growth of humanity as a whole.

The voices and experiences of individuals with IDD have been silenced for too long. They are rarely afforded the opportunity to represent themselves and too often defined by outdated medical standards and social constructs that feed into issues like infantilization, poverty, and social isolation. In my experience, individuals in this disenfranchised population are thoughtful, smart, talented, insightful and capable of so much more.

I started my own business with the goals of (a) changing their lives through the provision of professional growth oriented resources and accessible opportunities, (b) changing minds and society through elevated representation of these dynamic and brilliant artists, and (c) providing assistance and resources for other arts organizations to implement inclusivity in real and sustainable ways.

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 loved the arts since I was just a little girl. I grew up in a home full of music. My family consisted of a father who was a Music Minister and one of the greatest gospel/soul pianists I know; there were lots of amazing gospel singers; and an uncle who founded the longest running African American theaters in the country, Plowshares Theater Company.

I fell in love with opera in high school and pursued it heavily in college. Then, like so many other Black singers in that very elitist sport, I could no longer “pay to play” and frankly didn’t want to anymore. I never felt complete focusing on my artistic development alone. My life’s passion has always been serving others, especially those the world tends to overlook or actively leave behind. I found myself teaching children and giving voice lessons to the underprivileged. I engaged in theater that spoke to me personally and even found myself writing plays for various youth groups I led.

Today, I still perform and revel at any opportunity to challenge people’s mindset through my art. I love melding genres of music and bringing indie storytelling into the realm of soul. I have come to believe that as much as society insists on dividing us by consistently pointing out our differences, we are all human. We yearn for family, connection, fulfillment and love. We seek out tribes for understanding, safety, support and prosperity. While our differences should be embraced and celebrated, we should also find solace in the fact that we are so much more alike than we are different.

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.
When visiting Arizona, I’d recommend you stop at Theater Works for one of their amazing productions on their award winning sets! The work Chris Hamby does over there is simply incredible. Go to Spiga Cuchina at Pinnacle Peak for a delicious upscale Italian dinner and some amazing wine. I am a brunch fanatic but I’ll go with my off the beaten path” favorite, Cafe Paris in Scottsdale, the Crepes Brittany is worth the hike… trust me even with no beverages, you won’t regret it. Then I’d visit Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and SMOCA; two Scottsdale Arts organizations that are forward thinking, inclusive and supportive of developing artists. The Nash is a great spot for live jazz and if you’re and R&B baby like me, Sunday nights at Blue Martini are, as the kids call it, “a vibe”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Empowered Theater & Arts (ETA) was founded by a group of passionate business leaders and long time supporters of inclusive arts. ETA’s founding board witnessed the growth of the many artists with IDD that I had the pleasure of working with. They recognized the impassioned demand for professional representation and education. They applauded the social impact of elevated productions. Finally, they put their money where their mouths were and supported the development of an organization designed to change the world, not just for people with IDD but for all those who choose to witness. Thank you to Empowered Theater and Arts founding board members: Jill Mapstead (President), Bruce Lefco (VP), Joan Kleinberg (Secretary), Cary Silverstein (Treasurer), Meghan Cox, and Emily Taylor!

Thank you to my family, especially my husband who has believed in and supported me through every challenging moment of my entrepreneurial journey.

Thank you to our fiscal sponsor, Theater Works, who has shown throughout the years their unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Their willingness to partner with ETA allowed us to answer the demand for our programming in a timely manner and has set the standard for other organizations to open their stages to inclusive arts organizations.

To our hosts, Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, thank you for providing a beautiful space for or artists to grow their skills and pursue their passions.

Finally, to the many families who have entrusted Empowered with the task of elevating their artists’ voices, thank you for your support and willingness to strive for a world where artists of all abilities are welcome onstage.

Website: www.accesseta.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larichelamar/

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

Other: Stay tuned as we build our social media platforms!

Image Credits
Cheswick Photography specializes in headshots, high school seniors, and dance photography. They have also started filming short-form video content. Be sure to reach out to them at (602)493-1833 for your photography and video needs or visit them at www.cheswickphoto.com Headshot by RJ & Cheryl Photography – Simply call 248.910.4912 to learn more or schedule a free consultation at our cozy studio in beautiful downtown Birmingham, Michigan. info@rjandcheryl.com or https://www.rjandcheryl.com

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