

Meet Mitch from Prima
13 snips May 3, 2025
Mitch Nugent, the founder of Prima Theater in Lancaster, PA, discusses the vibrant local arts scene and the magic that arises from connection and creativity. He reflects on the transformative power of the arts, emphasizing the joy and resilience it brings to both performers and audiences. Mitch shares touching stories about navigating grief and finding meaning through performance. The conversation also tackles the challenges of collaboration in theater, advocating for bold artistic expressions that inspire wonder amidst life’s chaos.
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Transcript
Arts as Life-Giving Experiences
- Mitch Nugent views arts not just as entertainment but as experiences that make us feel fully alive and refill wonder and awe.
- He aims to create environments where people leave feeling more alive than when they arrived.
Directed Musical at 13
- Mitch directed his first show, Jesus Christ Superstar, at age 13 with middle-aged men reluctantly following his lead.
- This early experience showed his passion for creating and the contagious energy that draws others in.
Balance Structure and Creative Freedom
- Successful theater building requires knowing what to commit to and what to let go, balancing structure and freedom.
- It’s about focusing on what serves the piece and the organization’s purpose rather than chasing every opportunity.