The Artist Finding Confidence Through Collaboration

Meet the Graduating TYA MFA Class
Artists. Educators. Directors. Changemakers. Explore stories from the graduating cohort of the University of Central Florida Theatre for Young Audiences MFA program. Discover the program: UCF Partnership

Meet Kirby Lee

For University of Central Florida Theatre for Young Audiences MFA graduate Kirby Lee, the journey through graduate school was not just about becoming a stronger artist. It was about learning to develop and trust a creative voice.

“When I first entered grad school, I was honestly scared of everything,” Kirby says. “Speaking up in rooms full of people I admired, trusting my instincts, and even believing that I truly belonged in the program.”

Over time, that fear transformed into confidence through teaching, directing, dramaturgy, and simply continuing to show up.

“I found my voice,” Kirby reflects. “That transformation from fear to confidence, from hesitation to ownership, is something I’ll hold onto long after I leave this program.”

What kinds of stories are most meaningful to you?

Kirby is drawn to stories that trust young audiences with complexity and emotional depth.

“I’m most interested in telling stories that center young people and invite them to think, question, and feel deeply about the world around them,” Kirby says.

The work often explores identity, belonging, imagination, and community through collaborative and devised processes that welcome multiple voices into the storytelling experience.

“Ultimately, I’m drawn to stories that ask ‘why now?’” Kirby says. “Stories that connect to the present moment and invite audiences to reflect on their own lives.”

How has your artistic process evolved?

“As an artist, I’ve learned to embrace not knowing and to trust the process of discovery,” Kirby says.

That evolution also changed the way collaboration and leadership are approached.

“One thing I learned about collaboration that I didn’t expect is how much it requires letting go of control,” Kirby explains. “Some of the most meaningful moments in the process came from unexpected directions.”

Kirby now sees the role of an artist-educator not as the person with all the answers, but as someone who creates space for others to explore and contribute.

Why does Theatre for Young Audiences matter?

For Kirby, TYA is a powerful tool for empathy, curiosity, and connection.

“Theatre for Young Audiences has the power to shape the world by meeting young people where they are and inviting them into meaningful, imaginative engagement with complex ideas,” Kirby says.

Rather than simplifying the world for young audiences, theatre can help them better understand it.

“When young audiences see themselves represented or are asked to consider lives different from their own, it fosters connection and understanding at an early age.”

What role did Orlando Family Stage play in your growth?

Through the partnership between University of Central Florida and Orlando Family Stage, Kirby gained hands-on experience leading classrooms, developing educational programming, and working directly with young audiences.

“I worked directly with young audiences in real-world settings, developed and led educational programming, and applied my dramaturgical and teaching skills in active production and classroom environments,” Kirby says.

Some of the most meaningful moments came not during performances, but in the classroom.

“Seeing students light up as they contributed ideas, built characters, and performed moments they had helped devise,” Kirby recalls. “Those moments reminded me that connection doesn’t just happen in performance. It happens in the process.”

Who helped shape your journey?

Kirby credits Dr. Julia Listengarten and Chloe Edmondson as especially influential mentors during the program.

“They challenged me to think deeper, ask better questions, and trust my instincts in the room,” Kirby says.

What comes next?

After graduation, Kirby hopes to continue working at the intersection of theatre, education, dramaturgy, and performance, while eventually pursuing long-term goals in higher education and mentorship.

There are also dreams beyond the stage.

“My dream project right now would be turning my original children’s piece, The Grumpy Cat, into a published children’s book,” Kirby says.

At the center of the work is one guiding belief:

“My work matters because it uses storytelling and education to help young audiences feel seen, think critically, and develop empathy for themselves and others.”