Words from Our Founder & Executive Director, Liz Engelman

Stories. From a very early age, stories fed me, and the theater seat was my high chair from which I ate. It is thus no surprise that the theater became my profession, and storytelling my native language. My career in theater began as a dramaturg, working with playwrights to develop their own stories for the stage and their communities, which led to my working in non-profit theatres across the country. Having served on the boards of non-profit service organizations such as Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA),  the National New Play Network (NNPN), and the National Theatre Conference (NTC), I continue to witness profound proof of the value that stories play in our lives - and how much it matters who gets to tell them. I’ve also learned the importance of leadership in our field, in connecting the work of the arts and the artists who create the work to the society and culture in which we live.

Founding Tofte Lake Center allowed me to become the protagonist in my own story, and to live out a long-held dream of creating a place where time, attention, and support are given to the process of creative discovery that later leads to impactful results. I’ve never felt as fulfilled as I do now when I experience TLC alive with the energy that accompanies the thrill of the work, knowing how grateful those present are for this place, this space, and this opportunity.