We have the ability to change people's minds and hearts - that's what we want to do with theatre. That's what theatre does... period.

This quote by Gavin Creel, a Tony Award-winning Broadway actor, singer, and passionate advocate for the arts, emphasizes the transformative power of theatre. When he says, “We have the ability to change people's minds and hearts,” Creel is pointing to the unique emotional and intellectual impact that live performance can have on an audience. Theatre, in his view, goes beyond entertainment—it serves as a medium for reflection, empathy, and social change.

By declaring, “That’s what theatre does... period,” Creel affirms that this power is not incidental but essential to the purpose of theatre itself. Through storytelling, embodied emotion, and shared experience, theatre invites people to see the world—and themselves—from new perspectives. Whether it’s confronting difficult social issues, exploring deep human truths, or simply allowing audiences to feel understood, the stage becomes a space for awakening and connection.

The origin of this quote comes from Creel’s many public discussions about the responsibility of artists to engage with the world meaningfully. As a performer in groundbreaking productions like Hair, The Book of Mormon, and Hello, Dolly!, Creel has used his platform not only to entertain but to challenge norms, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and speak out on issues of equity and inclusion. His understanding of theatre is deeply rooted in its potential to both heal and provoke.

Ultimately, Creel’s quote is a celebration of theatre as a catalyst for change. It reminds us that at its core, theatre is about more than spectacle—it’s about moving hearts, shaping thought, and inspiring action. His words call on artists and audiences alike to recognize the moral and emotional power of the stage and to engage with it not passively, but purposefully.