Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Wade.
Hi Travis , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as an artist began many years ago, growing up in Colorado. I was around 7 or 8 years old when I was cast as a pirate in a children’s theater production of Peter Pan. I loved the rehearsal process—making new friends, working with older kids—but it was the adrenaline and thrill of live performance that truly captured my heart. From that moment on, acting became a central part of my childhood and has remained a constant throughout my life.
As a kid who loved movies and performing, I became a huge fan of Mel Brooks during middle school. I noticed he always cast himself in his own films, and I thought, “If I become a movie director, I can do that too!” Directing simply became another route to do more acting. That moment in 7th grade solidified my dream of becoming a filmmaker. I later attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where I earned a degree in Film Production. A year after graduating, I launched my own production company. And while my early dreams of becoming a Hollywood filmmaker and actor didn’t quite materialize, I’ve built a 25+ year career as an award-winning short-form documentary filmmaker.
Years into my career, I was living in Southern California with my wife and our four young children. As they reached elementary school age, I looked forward to seeing them experience the joys of theater like I had as a kid. But to my surprise, there were no theater programs in their schools—none in elementary or even middle school. Like so many other arts programs in California, they had been eliminated. Local children’s theater options existed, but all charged steep tuition. With four kids, there was no way we could afford the $2,000 it would cost for them all to participate in a single production.
I started thinking about how many talented, imaginative kids were missing out on creative opportunities simply because their families couldn’t afford them. That realization didn’t sit well with me—so in 2012, I decided to do something about it.
I found a warehouse space (generously donated rent-free), raised around $30,000, and converted it into a small theater equipped with professional lighting and sound. That’s how Act Out Theatre Company was born—the first and only tuition-free children’s theater program in Southern California. Today, we serve around 300 children and families each year through our productions, after-school programs, summer camps, and a high school youth leadership mentoring initiative. Best of all, my own children got to grow up in the theater and participate in Act Out from the beginning.
While our core focus remains on middle and high school youth, Act Out has evolved into a unique blend of youth and community theater. We have adult performers and creatives of all ages working alongside young artists. It’s become a beautiful space where seasoned performers “give back,” sharing their experience and passion with the next generation.
These days, I continue to run my video production business, working with a small number of long-time clients. I also serve as Executive Director of Act Out Theatre Company, where I get to immerse myself in all aspects of the performing arts—including the occasional onstage appearance alongside our participants. I still take on the occasional film, TV, or theatrical role when time allows.
It’s been a wild and wonderful journey—and one I’m deeply proud to be on.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey for Act Out hasn’t always been smooth—and many times, it still isn’t. The first ten years were, in many ways, a dream. We had our own dedicated space, generously provided rent-free, which allowed us to pour all our energy and resources into building a vibrant, high-quality program.
But in 2022, we suddenly and unexpectedly lost that space. Overnight, we had to find rehearsal space, a performance venue, and storage—all while our program was growing faster than ever. It became clear that we could no longer treat Act Out as a passion project or side hustle—it had to be run like a full-fledged business. And, as we quickly learned, that comes with its own set of expenses and challenges.
For about three years, Act Out became a bit nomadic. We held rehearsals and workshops at one location—which charged steep rent—stored our costumes, props, and equipment at another (where we endured multiple break-ins and even a fire), and performed in a variety of venues, many of which struggled to accommodate the size and scope of our productions.
Then in 2024, just one week before opening night of our production of *Frankenstein*, a truck containing our entire set, props, and costumes was stolen. We lost nearly $25,000 worth of assets. It was a devastating blow. But thanks to a resilient cast and an incredible group of parent volunteers, we regrouped, reimagined the production, and pulled off an unforgettable show. It was one of our proudest moments.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Act Out is our retention rate—over 75% of our performers return for multiple productions. In fact, three of our current part-time staff members are college students who first joined Act Out as 12-year-olds. This deep connection to the program has created a powerful sense of ownership among our participants. They care deeply about Act Out and protect it fiercely, which gives us the strength to keep pushing forward through even the toughest seasons.
Watching our young artists handle setbacks with such grace and determination reminds us why we do this work. Their passion and resilience make the hard parts a little easier—and the victories that much sweeter.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a working artist across several disciplines, with a career that spans over two decades in filmmaking, acting, directing, and arts education.
Since 1999, I’ve worked as a documentary filmmaker, specializing in short-form documentaries for nonprofit organizations around the world. This deeply rewarding work has taken me across the globe, capturing powerful stories of transformation and impact. I wear many hats—cameraman, editor, producer—but my strongest skills lie behind the camera and in conducting intimate, one-on-one interviews that form the heart of compelling storytelling. Over the course of my career, my films have won numerous awards and have helped nonprofit clients raise more than $30 million in support.
As an actor for over 40 years, I’ve performed in hundreds of stage productions—from live theater and improv to dinner theater, one-acts, sketch comedy, and more. I’ve been fortunate to receive high praise in critical reviews for my work in local community theater. I’ve also earned a few film and television credits along the way—including a personal favorite: an appearance in a “Weird Al” music video!
For more than 20 years, I’ve directed over 30 children’s and community theater productions with organizations in both Colorado and California. I’m passionate about every aspect of stagecraft, especially scenic and lighting design—but my greatest joy comes from working with actors of all ages and experience levels. Helping performers grow and thrive is what drives me.
For 13 years, I taught video production and film genre studies at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, and I continue to share my expertise through video production workshops as part of Act Out’s summer arts programs.
I also paint—badly! My style is what I affectionately call “Zombie Watercolor.” And I play the bagpipes… also badly.
But of everything I do, I am most proud of the work we’ve done at Act Out Theatre Company. What began as a side project—a way for my own kids to get involved in theater—has grown into something that so many people now describe as “life-changing.” Students, parents, educators, and community leaders have all told us how meaningful this program has become to them. That means everything to me.
At Act Out, our mission is centered on building meaningful relationships with our participants. We want to know them—who they are and what their stories are. We get to do that while creating theater together, and through that process, we watch young people grow in confidence, creativity, leadership, and connection. Without Act Out, many of these stories would look very different—and that’s where I find the deepest reward in this work.
If there’s one thing that sets me apart, it’s my drive for excellence. At Act Out, we often say to our participants: “We have high expectations because we believe you can meet them.” I don’t have much patience for half-hearted or mediocre work, and I challenge both my team and our young artists to strive for professional-quality results. But I also lead with kindness and respect—I’m not a loud or intimidating presence. I believe that high standards and a positive, supportive environment can coexist, and maybe that’s why so many people keep coming back.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The advice I give to anyone starting out—whether it’s in the arts or any career—is the same advice I give my own kids: pay your dues and be patient.
We live in a culture of instant gratification, and that often leads young people to expect instant success, recognition, or money. But the truth is, real growth takes time. You have to put in the work, show up consistently, and find peace in knowing that progress doesn’t happen overnight.
I also encourage young people to resist the urge to compare themselves—or their path—to others. I fall into that trap too. I’m nearly 50, and I still catch myself feeling frustrated that my career or ambitions haven’t reached where I imagined they’d be—especially when I look at others my age who seem to be thriving. But that mindset doesn’t help. It only breeds unnecessary pressure and self-doubt.
Instead, focus on your own journey. Work hard. Keep learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you or more skilled in areas you want to grow in. And above all—be patient. Good things come with time, persistence, and a willingness to stay the course.
The final piece of advice I would give: try to think beyond yourself…what are you doing or want to do that is going to make a difference in someone else’s life or journey? Life’s not just about money, ambition and success because all of those things are fleeting. But the people you impact along the way will remember you forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.actoutlb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actoutlb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actoutlb
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travwade/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@actouttheatreco
Image Credits
Travis Wade
