We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Karr and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Megan , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I think one thing both Lauren and I are proud of, or more thankful for, is the community within the company we run. We both want this theatre company to feel like a second family to participants, their families, and our staff. It’s not something you would ever really see, I guess, but more something you would feel in being at a rehearsal, performance, or meeting. Our board members and staff also strive for this kind of warmth. We truly believe 1 John 3:18, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Speaking truth in love is key to forming a community like Bright Lights.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Megan Karr, and I am a co-founder and Artistic Director of Bright Lights Theatre alongside Lauren Hensarling, who serves as Executive Director and co-founder. At Bright Lights, we are training the next generation as masterful storytellers who share the light of Christ. We hire quality teachers who are experienced in theater, know God’s word, and align with our core beliefs. Our goal is to come alongside parents with resources and support as they navigate the challenges of raising children in the theater world. We love our students and can’t wait to see how God uses them in the theater world and beyond. We do this through classes, camps, and full-scale productions.
Lauren and I met in 2017 at Dallas Theological Seminary, and it was by no coincidence. We were friends for a few years before “her” dreams of what Bright Lights could be soon turned into “our” dreams, and eventually, through a lot of hard work and tremendous partners in ministry, we launched our first set of classes shortly after COVID. Since then, we have grown so much, and that is a testament to our faithful staff, volunteers, donors, and the Lord’s provision. It’s a dream to get to minister to families in this way, and Lauren and I often marvel at the goodness of God in allowing us to continue to do this work.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There have been quite a few, but my mind always goes back to losing my Mom to cancer in 2021. My mom was one of the strongest and most faithful women I have ever met, and it was terrible walking through her illness and death. Knowing she loved the Lord and is at peace with Him is the only comfort we can have this side of Heaven about it.
Through her fight, I never once saw her joy dwindle. Of course, there were sad, painful, and even unbearable days, but the joy in her spirit was never crushed. She would tell you that her joy was derived from who she knew as her Savior, Jesus Christ. Even in the darkest hour, there was still joy—joy in knowing that whatever the outcome, God had her in His hands and would use this for her good and the good of others. She could rest in the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
The only way my mom experienced joy in the midst of dying was by finding hope in something that did not change, even when everything else around her was in rapid decline. It’s how I’ve been able to still experience true moments of joy in her absence. Even when the world around us seems scary, dark, and lost, if we know Jesus, we can still find peace, hope, and joy in the goodness of an unchanging and almighty God who works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Now, does that always mean it will feel or seem good to us? No. Dying of an aggressively painful cancer is not how we would define “good”. But her illness did sanctify us all (making us more like Jesus), and ultimately led to her release from pain and suffering. I’ve learned that even when everything may be spiraling down around us, if we know God, we can still “rejoice in the Lord and take joy in the God of our salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her to live in the moment. As our friend Mr. Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!” Oh, how true!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
To follow your heart and do what makes you happy- that’s a lie. Most of the time, both of those ideas will only lead to self-gratifying momentary band-aids on your soul. We find freedom when we realize that life is not about what makes us happy or comfortable, but about the One who created us, loves us, and sustains us.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Lauren and I do not care about our legacy. Whatever good we do in this life is all because of Jesus’ work in us. Ultimately, if the world forgets our names but remembers Jesus, then that is all we care about. This life is not about pushing our agenda or making our company great for our namesake, but so that the world can know about our Savior, Jesus, and place trust in Him. If what we’ve done gives more glory to us than to God, then we’ve missed the mark. Legacy is only important if all you live for is this life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brightlightstheatre.org/
- Instagram: @brightlightstheatretx
- Facebook: @brightlightstheatretx
Image Credits
Chelsea Green, Sol and Sage Studios
