Get to Know Megan Lewis
For Megan Lewis, becoming the executive director of Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) was about coming home. As a child, both she and her family—including both her parents—were frequent participants in RTAA (formerly Roseville Theatre) productions; as a result, she grew up with a deep-seated love of theater and the sense of belonging it can provide to kids. “It gave me a place where I could express myself and feel accepted,” she recalls, adding, “the theater was my home away from home.”
After college, Lewis worked for Project Tomorrow, a nonprofit in Southern California that exposes kids to career opportunities in STEM fields, and later went on to a successful career in the tech industry—first as a project coordinator for Google and later as part of LucasFilm’s product development team. Yet Lewis secretly longed to return to Roseville and her family. When the opportunity arose to take the helm of RTAA, it seemed a perfect fit.
Now settled into her new role, she remains passionate about providing a place for kids to feel supported in their creative endeavors. To that end, RTAA provides annual scholarships to college-bound high school students, and Lewis is currently applying for grants to support RTAA’s Constellation Theater program, an acting workshop for kids with autism. For Lewis, however, none of it would be possible without the participation of area residents, including the many volunteers who lend a helping hand with workshops and performances. “I love this theater and this community,” Lewis enthuses. “It’s good to be home.”
Q&A
What advice would you give to your younger self?Don’t be so critical of yourself—you’re doing the best you can and are enough just as you are.
What comes to you naturally? Talking and sharing. I love making connections with people, hearing their stories, and sharing my own. I’m a people person!
What’s your biggest pet peeve? People with negative attitudes; kindness is key.
Biggest life inspirations?
Theater and the arts.
Favorite humanitarian cause?
Disability awareness.
Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
“Fake it till you make it.”
Favorites
EscapeMusic
Guilty pleasures
Chardonnay and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Local landmark
Roseville’s historic Tower Theatre
Movie
Garden State
Musician/band
Branches
Place to buy a gift, locally
Bartlett Flowers and Gifts
Local nonprofit
Roseville Theatre Arts Academy
Annual event
Big Day of Giving
Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live, and why they should be featured to [email protected].
—Amber Foster