A Frontmezzjunkies Interview: Robyne Parrish, the new Artistic Director at Arrowrock Lyceum
Conducted by Michael Raver
The thing about Robyne Parrish is that she has always been working. Not “working” in the abstract, aspirational sense, but working working. Loading in, loading out, memorizing sides in borrowed kitchens, cracking jokes in green rooms that smelled faintly of coffee and panic. For years, she lived the noble, slightly unhinged life of the journeyman actor: suitcase half-packed, heart fully in it, chasing the next role with the stubborn optimism of someone who simply refuses to quit. If theater were powered by hustle alone, Parrish could have lit the marquee herself.
Along the way, she became known—to cast mates, casting directors, and everyone in between—not just for her talent, but for her wit. She’s sharp, self-aware, and hers is an intellect deployed with impeccable comedic timing. She is the kind of person who can make you laugh while explaining why everything is on fire, and then calmly put the fire out. She worked hard because she had to, because she loved it, and because the work kept saying yes just often enough to keep her going. Every role added another layer of skill, another story, another reminder that survival in the arts is its own kind of performance.
So when actor’s actor Robyne Parrish took over as Artistic Director of Missouri’s Arrowrock Lyceum Theatre, it didn’t feel like a lucky break so much as a long-earned arrival. This is not a pivot away from the grind, but a culmination of it; of a job shaped by years of saying yes, showing up, and caring deeply. She brings with her a working actor’s empathy, a comedian’s timing, and the quiet emotional weight of someone who knows exactly how much this moment costs.
And that, frankly, is the kind of leadership theater dreams are made of.
And if you think her upcoming season at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre will be anything less than audacious, witty, and heartfelt, think again. Parrish steps into a lineup that includes timeless favorites like Annie and 1776, the magical twists of Into the Woods, the tear-through-laughter classic Steel Magnolias, (directed by Parrish herself) the meta-musical romp The Musical of Musicals, and the chilling mystery And Then There Were None (also helmed by Parrish). It’s a season that promises something for everyone.
FRONT MEZZ: What initially drew you to the opportunity to take on the role of Artistic Director at Arrowrock Lyceum Theater, and how did your background as an actor prepare you for this transition?
ROBYNE PARRISH: I have worked as an AD twice before in my life! As Founding Artistic Director of Sonnet Repertory Theatre Inc. back in 2002 in New York City, and later at the Gilbert Theatre in Fayetteville, NC, for five seasons! I always knew I would like to return to life as an AD. A couple of years back, I started to get the hankering again and the desire for a smaller, slower atmosphere, while still having the bright lights of the big city in my life as well. I applied across the country and came close to a few locations. I was even offered a position all the way across the country on the West coast, but it was not until I met the folks at Arrow Rock that I knew I had found my new home. I do not intend to stop being an actor. We produce a seven-show season, and these days, working in film and TV is as easy as a self-tape in the living room! I continue to write, teach, and direct. Now I can do everything I love all in one place, as well as spend ample time in the city I call home – NYC!
FM: Arrowrock Lyceum Theater has a long-standing tradition and loyal audience. How do you plan to honor that legacy while also bringing your own artistic vision to the company?
RP: I have already rolled out a significant education program, which is near and dear to my heart. I am working on a Creative Artist Residency, which will be multi-disciplinary and international! And ARLT does the kind of work I love. Traditional AND contemporary – big musicals with big story, classic and contemporary plays. My list is so long it’ll take a century to get through all that I want to do at ARLT!
FM: As someone who has spent years onstage, how does stepping into an artistic leadership role change the way you think about storytelling and season planning?
RP: Again, this is not my first rodeo. But I would say the most important thing is to know the community – the audience. Figure out what they love and then find what you love about what they love! Artistic leadership is the whole kitchen sink – if anything, my hustle as an actor has prepared me for the unpredictable life of an AD.
FM: Are there particular themes, types of productions, or new works you’re excited to explore in upcoming seasons under your leadership?
RP: Diversity and equitable casting are always at the top of my personal list. Now more than ever. I look forward to exploring musicals that have a deep and heartfelt storyline. A little less flash and a lot of heart.
FM: How do you envision supporting and collaborating with actors, directors, and designers to foster a creative and inclusive artistic environment at the Lyceum?
RP: This is the most exciting part of my job. I am so excited and anxious to introduce the directors and designers I hold in high esteem to my new home and welcome both local and actors from afar to come and play in our sandbox. The possibilities are endless!
FM: Given your experience as a working actor, what is something about the industry that you hope to change for other actors, now that you’re in a position of authority?
RP: We will always be working toward higher pay for our creatives while still keeping our company in a great financial position. And I have always tried, personally, to give opportunities to folks who have less access and to take a chance on a newbie when the time is right! So many careers die on the vine right out of school. I hope to educate and lead, helping young actors up their game.
FM: What do you hope audiences and the broader Arrowrock community will say about the theater after your first few seasons as Artistic Director?
RP: That is a warm, friendly, and inspiring place where they feel at home and feel a part of. Where everybody knows their name.
For more information about Robyne Parrish, visit www.robyneparrish.com
For more information about Arrowrock Lyceum Theatre, visit www.lyceumtheatre.org
