What does it mean to spend your life telling stories that help others feel seen, heard, and connected?

On this episode of the Twin City Tales Podcast, host Wymond Wong sits down with Austene Van, award-winning actor, director, choreographer, and Executive Artistic Director of Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, Minnesota.

Austene's journey into the performing arts began long before she became an artistic leader. Growing up surrounded by family members who entertained and performed, she developed an appreciation for the power of storytelling and the ways art can bring people together.

That foundation helped shape a professional theater career spanning more than three decades.

Her work has included performances, directing, and choreography at the Guthrie Theater, Penumbra Theatre, the Ordway, Children's Theatre Company, History Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, and theaters around the country.

Along the way, Austene earned recognition as a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow and an Ivey Award recipient. She also served as Associate Artistic Director at History Theatre and became the founding Artistic Director of New Dawn Theatre Company.

In 2021, Austene stepped into the role of Executive Artistic Director at Yellow Tree Theatre, helping guide a professional theater organization serving Osseo, Maple Grove, and the greater Twin Cities community.

Wymond and Austene explore the personal experiences behind her career, the family members and mentors who helped shape her, the challenges of building a life in the performing arts, and the journey from performer to artistic leader.

They also discuss the importance of bringing professional live theater to suburban communities, creating opportunities for diverse voices, and what it takes to keep a smaller theater operating in a changing world.

At its heart, this conversation is about much more than theater. It's about mentorship, perseverance, finding your voice, sharing your gifts, and creating places where people feel they belong.

Whether you're a lifelong theatergoer or have never attended a live production, Austene's story offers an opportunity to better understand the people and passion behind Minnesota's performing arts community.

CONNECT WITH AUSTENE VAN & YELLOW TREE THEATRE

Website:

https://yellowtreetheatre.com/

Meet Austene & the Team:

https://yellowtreetheatre.com/staffandboard

Support Yellow Tree Theatre:

https://yellowtreetheatre.com/donate

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/yellowtreetheatre/

Yellow Tree Theatre

320 5th Avenue SE

Osseo, MN 55369

763-493-8733

ABOUT TWIN CITY TALES

Twin City Tales is hosted by Wymond Wong and celebrates the people, experiences, and stories that make Minnesota special.

From entrepreneurs and community leaders to entertainers, athletes, artists, and everyday people with extraordinary journeys, Twin City Tales goes beyond what someone does to discover the person behind the story.

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