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What do you do when your entire identity has been built around another person and suddenly they're gone? For Jennifer Marie, the answer came in the form of Houston's vibrant theater community. After a devastating divorce ended her 20-year relationship, she found herself without friends, activities, or a sense of self. Looking back to who she was at 16, before her marriage, she rediscovered a forgotten passion for theater that would ultimately rebuild her life.

Jennifer Marie takes us on a deeply personal journey through Houston's diverse theater landscape, sharing how she went from attending her first post-divorce show alone to becoming a subscriber at three different theaters who sometimes attends performances twice weekly. She reveals the accessibility of Houston theater, with numerous venues offering pay-what-you-can options, volunteer opportunities for free tickets, and the annual Theater Week promotions each August. From Catastrophic Theater's thought-provoking productions to Stages' commitment to diverse casting, the conversation illuminates how theater provides not just entertainment, but healing.

The power of live theater emerges as a central theme - unlike passive television viewing, the communal experience of witnessing stories unfold alongside fellow humans creates connections that prove particularly valuable during periods of isolation. Jennifer describes how theater helped her rebuild her social circle, eventually leading to her "52 friend dates" experiment where she committed to meeting a different friend weekly for a year. Her story reminds us that healing often comes through deliberate action, community engagement, and rediscovering passions that define us separately from our relationships.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation offers insight into how the arts can facilitate personal transformation. Ready to explore Houston's theater scene yourself? Check out one of the many accessible venues mentioned in this episode, or share your own theater experiences with us through our talkback channel!

For more information on Houston Theaters, here is Jennifer Marie's list

Catastrophic

Mildreds Umbrella

Stages Theater

4th Wall Theater Company

TUTS

Main Street Theater

Dirt Dogs

Alley Theatre

Classical Theater Co.

Ensemble Theater

Houston Theater Week

Seat Junkie

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