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Michael Norris originally envisioned journeying through life as a journalist, owing to his curiosity for chronicling powerful tales and commending those behind them. Thanks to a vocational variation, the Bella Vista inhabitant ventured into the arts realm, developing an immediate affinity for its focus on inclusivity. Lantern Theater Co. will honor the 50-year-old’s advocacy through Saturday’s A Touch of Tango benefit, giving others a chance to write about him as a Luminary Award designee.
“I’m thrilled to have the recognition and even more eager to fraternize with so many others who likewise believe in the vitality of the artistic community,” the resident of the 900 block of Fitzwater Street said of his impending prize, which he claims as the vice president of external relations for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. “I treasure my colleagues’ efforts to promote sustainability within our field, and I’m thankful they thought of me.”
Norris and actor/director Peter DeLaurier will collect kudos at the Old City-situated Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, with the former figure looking to land deeper commitments to further art’s scope among Philadelphians. He has acquired such enthusiasm by assisting 425 member organizations, with 10,000 additional backers also fostering the fortification of Philadelphia as a primary player on the creative stage.
“I’d say it relates to my perception of myself as a good collaborator,” Norris said of his passion for promoting the Alliance, his three-year employer. “There are so many amazing artists among us, so whatever moves we can make, we have to be diligent and tap into as many resources as we can find.”
As arts entities still experience financial frustration due to the Great Recession, Norris noted although the integrity within the creative community will never be in jeopardy, a dearth of dollars could cause even more strife. His intense personality never figures to let that occur, with Lantern personnel enamored with his insistence on persistence.
“Frankly, it’s no fun solving easy problems,” he said with a laugh. “Much of my work involves overcoming challenges to the future of these disciplines that I have come to love. Sometimes that has called for reframing our approach to securing support because in the long run, arts are a wonderful source for understanding ourselves and others.”
For a man with such expansive ambition, Norris has humble beginnings, hailing from Chester County’s Atglen. Through crafting characters and penning stories as an elementary school pupil, he developed his compelling calling toward journalism, citing the field’s ability to help him to understand “the sense of capturing life, real stories and interesting people.”
“I saw it as a way to view so many experiences and catch other perspectives,” he said of journalism’s pull, which lured him to Philadelphia, where Temple University inspired inquiries. “In many ways, it’s akin to theatrical observations because we’re looking for those moments when we can feel lasting connections with people.”
Norris partially channeled his energy through a three-year TV Guide stint, handling fact-checking duties for the behemoth. Leaving for an editing position with a Who’s Who directory, he came to chronicle corporate and government personalities, interacting with development directors who helped to heighten his exposure to and comprehension of the arts and the nonprofit sector. Experiencing a touch of existential angst upon becoming unemployed, he elected to apply his communication and writing skills to the nonprofit world.
“I fit right in with that world,” Norris said of his “happily accidental” line of work, which yielded initial positions with the Walnut Street Theatre and the Arden Theatre Co., the latter a key stop in his formation, as development director and director of external relations posts encouraged him to think about Philadelphia’s entire cultural possibilities and not only those duties associated with his job. “It appealed to my desire to nourish positivity, and it’s become my mission to build it.”
He helmed Art-Reach following his ardent Arden days, with executive director tasks breeding increased artistic availability for disabled and economically disadvantaged citizens. Infusing him with a greater understanding of his responsibilities to fellow Philadelphians and neighboring individuals, his eight-year Art-Reach stretch also cemented his knowledge of the city’s “cultural riches.”
“It’s really wonderful to be in Philadelphia at this time, and my quest is to facilitate appreciation for what these artists wish to say,” Norris, who holds a University of Pennsylvania-issued certificate in fundraising, participated in the Stanford University Business School-based Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders and enjoyed distinction as a 2011 Leadership Philadelphia selection as a creative connector, said. “I thoroughly enjoy my conversations with social and political figures who also have that will to keep us connected to ingenuity.”
As a cultural omnivore, Norris revealed the theater community has won a large part of his heart and that mostly anything that encourages fondness for the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of the human condition can appeal to him. Owing to his welcoming and helpful disposition, Lantern overseers made their overture to him in the fall, with the humble yet sensible leader accepting the laurels. Set to give a compact speech, he hopes his words and actions, as well as those of fellow enthusiasts, will have lasting influence.
“The future is always on everyone’s mind,” Norris said. “The present is just as critical.”
His own current existence receives further validation through husband Matt Varrato, whom he wed two years ago. With domestic and professional bliss secured, he wishes to have Philadelphians broaden their definitions of happiness, too, and is certain supporting community establishments and performers will intensify their contentment.
“Attend the arts,” he said. “Be active in the scene.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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