Resiliency Through Theater with Cynthia McGonagle McGarity

In this inspiring episode of Resiliency The Podcast, we sit down with the incomparable Cynthia McConagle McGarity—a master teaching artist, director, performer and recent Honorable Mention at the Tony Awards for Excellence in Theater Education.

Cynthia has over 30 years of experience in the world of musical theater and has shared the stage with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Stephanie J. Block, Hugh Panaro, Shirley Jones, and Laura Bell Bundy as well as, served as a vocal coach on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. But her most powerful work happens off the big stage—inside classrooms and rehearsal spaces where she helps students with disabilities find their voice, their confidence, and their resilience through theater.

✨ In this episode:

• Cynthia redefines resilience as wisdom + grace (not just grit)
• The power of storytelling in healing and acting
• Behind the scenes at Studio D, a groundbreaking inclusive theater program
• What it means to truly see and hear students
• Her recent recognition by the Tony Awards for Excellence in Theater Education

This one is for the creatives, the educators, the dreamers—and anyone learning to love themselves through the hardest moments.

🟡 “Resilience is also curiosity.” — Cynthia McGarity

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🔗 Resources & Links:

Connect with Cynthia McGarity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamcgarity/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-mcgonagle-mcgarity-57443a286/
Studio D: https://www.scfta.org/education-community-programs/camps-classes/studio-d-arts-school-for-all-abilities

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- https://resiliencythepodcast.com
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Contact Jenn Quader:
- Jenn Quader’s Website: http://jennquader.com 
- Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennquader/
- Jenn Quader’s Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yKMeo3GW2k
- The Smart Agency Website: https://thesmartagency.com/

Contact Dr. Kelly Culver:
- Culver Group Website: https://new.culvergroup.ca/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Website: http://drkellyculver.com
- Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-culver/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/0FNU95LH-f8?si=8uamb7cs7RiUWxRV

🌐 Produced by A.L.L. Inc., AuntieLouLou Productions & The Culver Group

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience and the Arts
01:16 Defining Resilience: A Personal Journey
04:09 The Intersection of Resilience and Wisdom
07:06 The Role of Self-Love in Resilience
10:02 Finding Meaning Beyond Accomplishments
12:55 Cynthia's Work with Studio D
15:57 Celebrating Diversity in the Arts
18:38 The Impact of Teaching on Resilience
21:36 Honors and Recognition in Theater Education
29:25 Creating Inclusive Artistic Spaces
36:12 The Transformative Power of Theater
44:17 Redefining Success in the Arts
48:22 Turning Pain into Purpose
54:55 Community and Resilience through the Arts
57:29 RTP Intro Slide.mp4

Keywords
resilience, theater, education, self-love, community, Studio D, disabilities, Tony Awards, personal growth, creative arts