Amanda Gremel Faces of Tucson theater non-profit

Amanda Gremel

I was born in Hampton, VA at Langley Air Force Base. My Father was in the military, and one would think that we probably moved around a lot, but we did not. Early on in my youth we were stationed in California and soon after that as I was about to enter the third grade, when we came to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, right here in Tucson.

Ever since then, I grew up here in the old pueblo. Living here for more than half my life, I’d like to think I’m a true Tucsonan. Growing up on the base gave me a lot of great memories and lifelong friendships. By the time I got to high school (Palo Verde High School to be exact) I was told I needed to pick an elective and I had my eye on photography.

You see, I was a pretty shy kid and the thought of being able to hide behind a camera seemed ideal. My Dad did not like the idea of me “hiding” so he signed me up for Drama class. Well, at the time I was so nervous, I thought there is no way I am going to make it through this class, no way! Little did I know that this class would change my life forever.

I feel in love with theatre. Being able to become another person, memorizing someone else’s words to say, fully immersing myself into a show was so therapeutic for me. Theatre is where I found true friends who understood me, where I meet my high school sweetheart (who I’m married to for 15 years now), and where I found the place, I called my second home, Live Theatre Workshop (LTW).

While a senior in high school, I wanted to start looking at growing my theatre skills even more and my student teacher at the time told us of LTW. I went, checked it out, and I’ve been there ever since! I took as many classes as I could and after high school quickly became an assistant instructor in their education classes.

Throughout my young adult life, LTW has always stayed a strong constant force as I worked with students in early childhood development and went to the Arts Institute of Tucson for interior design. Ultimately, LTW couldn’t get rid of me, and I became their Director of Children’s Programming going on 9 year now. It has been a full circle of an experience to where I am now and I can only hope that I’m able to create a space for students, families, and artists where they feel welcomed, heard, free, and a place they can call their second home.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful husband, Richard Gremel, who is the acting and tech teacher at Empire High School in the Vail School district. He is also LTW’s Technical Director. We are high school sweethearts that met in drama class, and we have been married for 15 years this June! We have two beautiful children, our daughter Sawyer age 9 and Remington age 4. When we aren’t working on a theatre project, we like to have game nights, camping, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As the Director of Children’s Programming at LTW I am in charge of two of our programs. We have a professional Children’s Theatre (theatre for young audiences) and put on 6-8 original productions a year. I get to meet wonderful, seasoned artists and new artists and cast them in shows that can have a huge impact into a young audiences life. And we have an Education Program that has afterschool and weekend classes during the school year and a very busy intensive summer camp program. My LTW career has grown so much over the past 10+ years and I can’t wait to dive into the next 10yrs!

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Two of my most favorite restaurants would have to be The Little One and Sushi Garden

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here for 28 years and have worked in our community for 21.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tucson is fully of amazing people! I find that most people are interesting if you take the time to get to know them.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit England so I could see the Globe theatre!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
This is not a fair question but I’m such an 80’s fan girl and love “The Breakfast Club”.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t give up, ever! Don’t let others intimidate you into thinking you are not worth it to even try. Hold your head up high and reach for those impossible dreams.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Take my whole family to New York and see as many Broadway shows!

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Neon Trees or Pink!

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Magic Carpet gives me so many memories! And winter haven is a family tradition that my husband and I have even kept going with our own kids.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet Jameela Jamil. She has been advocating for women and young girls to focus on beauty from within and to change the current perception of body image. This is something that has been a personal goal of mine as a woman with curves who puts herself out on the stage. We are more than what you see on the outside! And we would definitely be having lunch at The Little One.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Dia de los Muertos and the All Souls Procession is one of Tucson’s most unique experiences.
There is nothing quite like it!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still creating with the community of Tucson at LTW.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m not just into theatre all the time. I love to watch and go to sporting events like Hockey and Football!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Botanical Garden in Jacksonville, FL

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October. The weather starts to cool down and all the best holidays (Halloween is my #1) are around corner. Best single day is my wedding anniversary June 17th then my kids’ birthdays Feb 4 and July 31.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The theatre scene in Tucson.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband!

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Monsoon rains and

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
There’s no place like home (heel click), There’s no place like home (heel click), There’s no place like home (heel click)

For All That You Do,
Thank you Amanda Gremel from The Faces of Tucson.
We Appreciate You