If you live in the Tri-Valley and you love to act, sing, and dance, chances are you've heard of Grand Performing Arts (GPA). Kristi Grand, founder and artistic director, opened GPA in 2009, with a mission to provide a safe space for all of us - young and old, seasoned and newbies - to nurture the artist within. Since its inception, GPA has gained a following for its impressive productions on stage, and its family-oriented atmosphere behind the scenes. The company also hosts improv workshops, summer camps and the occasional Parents' Night Out (yes!). No wonder the theater company is in its 10th season and has become an essential part of the community for many Tri-Valley families.
As with all families, they grow and develop, and this summer GPA will reach a new milestone when Kristi moves to the east coast and her son, Trent Torian, takes over the directorial helm. Before moving, I decided to ask Kristi to reflect on her journey and the legacy she has created for generations of children and adults here in the TriValley.
RSz: How did GPA get its start?
Find out what's happening in Dublinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Kristi - Growing up with a competitive dance background, I was always driven by the story telling dance choreography gave me. As a young child, I would dream of creating my own performing arts program that was strongly rooted in leadership, performance quality and inclusivity.
RSz: Where did you get your own start in theater?
Find out what's happening in Dublinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Kristi - I was 8 years old when I had my first musical theater role. I performed as a munchkin in a production of The Wiz with San Jose’s Children’s Theater. Then at 14 I joined a company based in Long Beach, CA. Two years later, I became choreographer for both the Northern and Southern California Theater programs.
RSz: Who were your own inspirations? As actors? As directors?
Kristi - On a professional level, I’m most inspired by artists that create their own lane and/or don’t place themselves in one box. I’m drawn to the rebels, the leaders and the risk takers and dreamers. Quentin Tarantino, Mia Michaels, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks and Tim Burton are among the top of my artist inspiration list.
RSz: GPA had sold out shows this winter and spring - would you like to share any early memories of challenges getting this company off the ground?
Kristi - My goodness, the challenges were and are real! First and fore-most I learned where my weaknesses were and I found the right people to support the program in the right places, that’s the short answer. Practicing and refining better business skills and finding the funding to put the GRAND in Grand Performing Arts is an ongoing challenge. The Advisory Board, Rehearsal and Stage Ninja crew behind GPA productions, and the community that we call family is the reason for the seats being filled. Together, we are creating magic to be experienced by more and more people in the Bay Area.
RSz: Transitions can be a challenge, but you and your son appeared to work seamlessly during the production of Beauty & the Beast. What new energy or creativity do you think Trenton brings to the table?
Kristi - Seamlessly is so sweet! We definitely are from the same creative mold and the artist in each of us have healthy debates often on our own artistic opinions or visions. Which I love. He challenges me to see a different perspective, and I am confident he is the guy for the job. He is brilliant and he and I have co-collaborated for a while now. The shows people have enjoyed for years are most definitely saturated in inspiration from Trent’s visionary mind. Trenton is a natural story teller and his attention to detail is inspiring. I think Trenton brings an energetic passion to everything he touches and that is what I am most excited for everyone to experience as he takes the driver’s seat.
RSz: As you pack boxes and head to a new address on the east coast, what plans do you have for your own future?
Kristi - I plan to creatively and administratively help support Grand Performing Arts from Maine while also flying in monthly to help support Trenton and the entire GPA team’s vision moving forward. As for what kind of trouble I’ll land into in Maine, I’m hoping to explore freelance Directing on the East Coast and see how I can work with local inner city or at-risk youth. Ryanne and I also feel extremely passionate about creating a Performing Arts Master Intensive sleep away camp in Maine. Combining Performing Arts with social emotional tools, leadership and outdoor team activities for children to experience during the Summer months. Honestly, the opportunities feel endless and exciting both personally and for Grand Performing Arts in this new era. My gratitude is endless, my heart is so full.
We wish the best for Kristi, and a smooth transition as she pushes forward with new projects on the east coast. And we're eager to step into this new chapter for Grand Performing Arts, as Trenton becomes artistic director, lending his talents to his family's passion for theater.
Registration is now open for GPA's fall production, Mary Poppins:
https://www.grandperformingarts.com
Information can also be found on their Facebook page:
Grand Performing Arts
4777 Bennett Drive
Livermore, California
Call (925) 895-9727