We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Britton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Michelle, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
After fourteen years with an engaging, mission-based organization, I was part of a long string of people who were demoted or let go, as part of a patriarchal (corporate) take-over by a new board. Although I could see it coming, it was an absolute blow the day it happened to me. I said “goodbye” to so many beautiful colleagues and friends at this place where I was privileged to work. However, it was self-advocacy that allowed me to see that this new line-up of “leadership” did not recognize or care about professional expertise, relational skills with people, or institutional knowledge, and they weren’t going to. That realization helped me push past the doubts and low self-esteem that rose up. I also was liberated by the idea that it wasn’t personal! That freed me from thinking I had some control over what was happening. It was a fresh start. I have moved on and now give myself credit for every success, and accept the loss or mistake with a sense of self-esteem and peace – it’s the price of living on your own terms and, for me, I’m finding great satisfaction in this new chapter. I began a mission-based, performing arts organization called, Lionwoman Productions TX (for Texas). I produced our first stage production in November, 2024 – the Texas premiere of the British comedy, Playhouse Creatures, by April De Angelis, about the first women “allowed” to work on the English stage in 1660’s London. It was extremely well received and I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful group of artists to collaborate with. I’m planning next season. Check it out! www.lionwomanproductionstx.com.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an actor, director, writer, and producer. My favorite role these days is as producer; that’s basically a project manager who pulls great teams together, anticipates the resources needed, holds the creative vision together, and manages the finances, taking responsibility to see that all collaborators (investors, board members, creative team, business management, marketing and theater personnel, etc.) receive their compensation and are happy to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Lionwoman Productions TX is mission oriented, a non-profit performing arts organization. We create great theater to bridge understanding between people; helping to spotlight lesser-heard voices and perspectives. This past FEB, we held a panel discussion in Houston: “Women Empowerment: Changing the Landscape.” It was such a positive experience, featuring seven Houston women business and arts leaders talking about strategies to empower more female leadership, and sharing strategies to promote the value of female perspective and experience in policy-making and problem-solving, both locally and at the state and national levels. Lionwoman’s mission aligns a show with community outreach around the theme of the show. This September, we will present the romantic comedy, Dancing Lessons, about an autistic man who’s trying to step out of his isolation, and the dancer he meets, who can no longer dance. It’s a beautiful piece with so much comedy and awkwardness, but such a great connection about the power of human connection to heal us. That will be at MATCH Houston, Sept. 10 – 21, 2025. A great comedy for all! www.lionwomanproductionstx.com.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) For me, I have to move through fear and to beyond what makes me curl up on the couch and watch re-runs of old tv shows! When I was first required to direct, as part of my teaching contract, I had plenty of experience as a trained actor, but only my self-confidence to navigate the responsibility and accountability of directing a show on my own. I was able to develop some sharp directing skills in the 14 years I helmed the theater department, building a strong collaboration with students, parents, theater professionals, and the school administration – that has certainly informed my decision to start a theater company now.
2) Presuming that others know better than me – it’s really true that everyone is your mentor, including the ones that treat you badly, don’t value you, are resentful of your abilities. The ones that like and respect you outnumber the “haters,” and, again, none of it is personal. Either they are going through something and take it out on you, or they don’t get you / either way see it as a learning opportunity; what can you learn about yourself, about how to respond in these situations and, ultimately, bless the time or the encounter you had with them. It keeps you humble.
3) I embrace my authenticity. That has been a long journey because for so many years I judged myself through others’ eyes, expectations, etc. I don’t do that now. I own it all, qualities and faults. I can tell you that being authentic in business absolutely attracts other like-minded people. When you share the same values, you have each others’ backs.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am collaborative by nature, and I seek out like-minded individuals and organizations that are heart-led to do good for something bigger than themselves. Being a creative artist means having a lot of flexibility for ideas in which the performing arts can shine a spotlight. Each time Lionwoman Productions TX creates a stage show, we align events and community outreach that can further understanding and visibility around the social justice theme of that show. I’m happy to work with other non-profit interests to create/align events as fundraisers and making communities aware, and I invite people to consider making a contribution to help us bring attention to lesser-heard voices in our society at www.lionwomanproductionstx.com. Areas of interest include: the environment, equity for quality and access to education, quality healthcare, economic opportunity, female leadership (which helps us all), eradicating poverty, addressing food instability, veterans’ advocacy, animal causes, In September, we will produce Dancing Lessons, by Mark St. German, a romantic comedy about a man on the spectrum seeking dance lessons for a very important evening, and the bitter, former dancer, now disabled, who, reluctantly, can’t get him out of her hair or her life. A great exploration of the power of human connection around the theme of autism.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lionwomanproductionstx.com
- Instagram: @lionwomanproductions
- Facebook: Lionwoman Productions TX
Image Credits
Michelle Britton
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.