Meet Natalie Fox | Theatrical Director & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Fox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance shifted dramatically due to the pandemic, as I’m sure it did for many of us. Before last March, I was in a nonstop mode of hustle for a solid five years; and while many times I was insanely exhausted, it was thrilling. Exhilarating. I have always been an extreme person and I dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the direction I’m pursuing. What I didn’t realize was that life is happening in every moment. Hustling and working towards a career goal is absolutely noble, but I became so busy that I wasn’t able to fully enjoy or appreciate the opportunities that came my way. Each new project put the pressure on to book three more; each amazing new offer automatically felt like a truckload of meetings I needed to squeeze in around my day job. Now, having just begun to slowly reenter the industry, I plan on doing things differently. Sometimes, we have to say no, just because it is too much. Sometimes, we have to ignore the personal narratives being spread socially, and just keep on keeping on. Work life balance now means, to me, that I honor my heart and intellect, and trust that what is meant to be will be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The story of my brand and art is a winding road, and the through line is theatre. I have taken breaks from it, pursuing other mediums and endeavors, but I always come back to theatre. Storytelling is such a powerful tool that has the ability to shift communal consciousness and empathy. Rehearsal rooms feel like home to me. A planner with six rehearsals every week feels like normality. I adore sitting behind the table while magical actors and designers emulate worlds I can only imagine in a cerebral manner. Along the way I have learned that so many people want to help you. There are a huge number of artists that truly love uplifting newer artists – do not be afraid to go out on a limb and pitch yourself, or even ask for advice over a coffee. What I’d like the world to know about me is that I am an incredibly passionate artist who adores collaboration and challenges. I view every script as a puzzle that I have the delightful task of deciphering. I will always do my best to make things work, as problem solving is in my nature. My story is always changing, and I feel blessed to have made it this far.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a native Atlantan, I adore showing people around the city. I also adore not having to park downtown. My favorite activity in any city is to sit down for a long meal at a delicious restaurant: Apres Diem in Midtown for brunch, Wei Suki Suki in East Atlanta Village for lunch, and Golden Eagle in Reynoldstown for dinner and drinks. Sweetwater Creek State Park is one of my favorite areas to take in some outdoor exercise. I spent my high school years wandering around Little Five Points, and Brewhouse forever has the best french fries and honey mustard in the city. Variety Playhouse is an epic concert venue, and I will be running there as soon as it’s safe to do so. My fiance and I live in Decatur, and we recently discovered Pullman’s, which is a delicious family-owned restaurant in Kirkwood. Perfect for takeout!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had the pleasure of working with a multitude of mentors, and it would be impossible to shout out only one. Instead, I’m going to shout out the book that changed my life when I first read it at age 16, “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra. It is a short book, one that can be read in one sitting, and it has continued to shape how I view the life I live and the people I encounter. This guide illustrates tactics to attain our desires while bettering the world around us. From tapping into our infinite potential to the importance of sending out the energy we want to receive, it is a must-read. I find myself going back to it again and again. It was first gifted to me by one of my favorite people in (and out) of high school when I was experiencing a dark night of the soul. These sacred words brought the perspective and power I had yet to tap into. Highly, highly recommended.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-fox-2060147b/