Story & Lesson Highlights with Mr. Richard Frazier-Sostillio Jr. of Macon

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mr. Richard Frazier-Sostillio Jr.. Check out our conversation below.

Richard, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I believe integrity is most important. Being honest to oneself and to ourself as an organization is of the utmost importance. At Theatre Macon we take pride in the fact that we put people first in all that we do. Not just the ones who support us or engage with us, but anyone who may need a space to feel seen and heard, we work to provide that. Authentic, Inclusive, Bold is who we are, who we stand for, and who we aspire to continue to be.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Richard Frazier-Sostillio and I have worked in the theatre industry for nearly 20 years and at Theatre Macon in a variety of capacities over the last 15 years. Theatre Macon turns 40 years old on April 2, 2026 and has a long history of producing professional theatre for our community. Theatre Macon has been described as a professional theatre that is community created and I stand by this statement. For nearly 40 years we have worked hard to produce professional quality shows that speak to the insurance of the human spirit and connect on surfaces that surpass what may be visible to the eye. Our experiences and stories speak to the souls of the community we serve. Our goal is that our theatre is reflective of the community we serve and that our stories speak directly to those individuals.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My family has had a long legacy of working hard, valuing hard work and the individuals who share those values. My grandmother was worked in the accounting sector of the San Diego Naval Base for more than 20 years. While working there, she and our family were a big part of the base community. Some of my favorite events as a child occurred at holiday parties on base. My mom was a single mother who at times worked two jobs to care for my siblings and I. I watched these strong women do everything in their power to care for our family. They never complained. They did the work they needed to do, which was not always what they wanted to do, to ensure that our family was well taken care of. My mom, much later in life, went back to school to get her nursing degree and has worked as a traveling nurse all across the country. I carry the skills, strong will, immense sense of community, and the importance of working hard alongside others toward a common goal with me every day. They led by example and showed me the power of what is possible when you do not give up on yourself or your dreams. Anything is possible.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I have to say that going through the pandemic was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. I started out working as a theatre and dance educator in the public school system where there is a very clear chain of command from teacher, to school administration, to the school board. During the pandemic everyone was working to figure out what to do, but the chain of command was not as clear from local, to state, to national government there was little clarity on what to do or how to proceed. In March 2020, I had been the Executive and Artistic Director of theatre Macon for barely 19 months. I hadn’t even gotten through a second season when the world was swept out from under me, as it was the rest of the world. I found it most difficult to produce an activity that is so rooted in interpersonal contact and true human contact. I thought often, “how do I create this art for people, by people, without people?” There were many days were I felt overwhelmed, emotional, and didn’t see the point of moving forward. However, I remembered what Theatre Macon gave to me in times where I needed them most and that is what pushed me to continue to innovate, reimagine, and rediscover how theatre could be consumed and the importance of creating community. I learned so much about myself, my drive, and fear of failure during this time. I left that time in my life feeling that if I could make it through, nothing can stop me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Beyonce is an individual whose character I admire. While she is a powerful woman, for me it is her humanity I admire. Her protection over her family. Her drive, work ethic, and eye for detail. No detail is too small. I admire how she cares for her community of musicians, her community of fans, and her community of people of color. She is consistently doing the work to ensure people receive recognition for their work and legacy. She ensures her fans feel individually cared for, listened to, and nurtured without having to say a word. She is a woman who lives through action. The way she has worked to bring light to difficult conversations, lost or untrue history, and the importance of love and community in our world is special and we are grateful to be living in the same time as her.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I am the product of a middle class single parent home who, through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, has had some incredible opportunities to do what he loves. I never knew who or what I wanted to be. I only knew I enjoyed helping people, smiling and laughing, and saw the good in everything and everyone. Each opportunity I’ve been offered has come from being kind, humble, and gracious. I am who I am because of the incredible individuals who came before me, lifted me up, and allowed me to stand on their shoulders.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theatremacon.com
• Instagram: @richardefrazier
• Linkedin: Richard Frazier-Sostillio
• Facebook: richardefrazier