Meet Helen Donahue - FPCTA Production Care Coordinator
“Fantasy is the perfect gateway for any child or adult to participate in the arts. ”
Helen Donahue’s journey with Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy is a testament to the lasting impact of youth theater and the power of growing up within an artistic community. Now serving as FPCTA Playhouse’s Production Care Coordinator, Helen brings both deep institutional knowledge and an impassioned, heartfelt commitment to ensuring that every production, volunteer, and staff member is not only successful but also supportive and enriching for everyone involved. Helen’s story with FPCTA begins as so many do, through its education programs. As a kid, she participated in theater camps, where she was first introduced to the magic of performance, storytelling, and collaboration. Those early experiences sparked a passion that would continue to shape her life in meaningful ways. It was in these spaces that Helen discovered not only a love for theater but also a sense of community that would carry her forward.
Her first production with FPCTA was Many Moons in the fourth grade, a moment that was crucial in the beginning of her onstage journey. As many other young performers who go through FPCTA, that first show was equal parts thrilling and transformative. It gave her a tangible understanding of what it means to be part of an ensemble and to contribute to something larger than herself. From that moment on, theater became a constant presence in her life. Helen’s growth within the organization continued as she became part of the first Lab 87 class, a program designed to deepen theatrical training and foster artistic development for teens. This experience was pivotal, allowing her to expand her skills and perspective beyond performance alone. Lab 87 cultivated her appreciation for the many facets of theater-making, from text analysis to production processes, and reinforced her understanding of theater as both an art form and a collaborative discipline.
Now, as Production Care Coordinator, Helen plays a vital role behind the scenes. Her work centers on supporting the people who bring productions to life, ensuring that cast, crew, and creative teams have what they need to thrive. It’s a position that requires empathy, organization, and a genuine investment in others' well-being, all qualities Helen has in abundance. Her approach is rooted in her own experiences growing up in the program; she understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of theater-making, and she strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Beyond her logistical and organizational contributions, Helen is also a passionate advocate for the importance of experiencing theater in its many forms. She believes deeply in the value of not only performing on stage, but also engaging with theatrical texts and witnessing live performances. For Helen, theater is not just about entertainment; it is a vital tool for empathy, education, and connection. She encourages young artists to read plays, attend productions, and immerse themselves in the broader world of theater, understanding that these experiences are essential to their development as both artists and individuals. Helen Donahue’s journey reflects the full circle of what FPCTA represents: a place where young people can discover their voices, grow their talents, and eventually give back to the community that shaped them. Through her work and her advocacy, she continues to nurture the next generation of theater-makers, ensuring that the magic she first encountered as a child remains alive and accessible for years to come.