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
🔗 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
📲 Follow the RTP!
- https://resiliencythepodcast.com
- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562977084612
- https://www.instagram.com/resiliencythepodcast/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/resiliency-the-podcast
- https://www.youtube.com/@UCWIsz69OfL3Sy7IVBs8rx4g
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
Creators and Guests
Host
Dr. Kelly Culver
Dr. Kelly Culver holds the world’s first doctorate of resiliency, having received her PhD in strategic resilience from the Paris School of Business. She is a seasoned global leader with 34 years of experience as a founder, director, entrepreneur, strategist, and executive coach.
Host
Jenn Quader
Jenn Quader is an American CEO, TEDx speaker, vocalist, writer, poet, and musical theatre enthusiast. Her personal mission is to empower the next generation of confident communicators by sharing her voice in the global movement toward empathetic and human-first business leadership.
Producer
Asef Quader
Asef Quader is a writer, producer and director based in Orange County, California. A 20-year marketing and advertising expert, his passions surround bringing stories of resiliency to life… along with eating good food and drinking good wine.
