BE THE CHANGE: Kate Horvath’s dreams help Duluth, area youth

For Superior native Kate Horvath, living the theater lifestyle has been her dream as long as she can remember.

Although she’s been acting, studying and working in the theater industry since a young age, her dreams have never changed and she doesn’t think they ever will.

Horvath is in her third year of working as the education director at the Duluth Playhouse.

Prior to her role at the Playhouse, she worked at a bookstore in Superior where she would plan various events and book signings.

And before that, Horvath spent five years working and studying in New York following her graduation from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

When Horvath got the role of the education director, she wasn’t exactly looking for a full-time job. She was just looking for something to fill her time since the bookstore she was working at closed.

“I was just looking on the Playhouse website for a show to audition for and I saw they were hiring an education coordinator,” Horvath explained. “I wrote my job description and walked in and I got the job.”

Horvath hasn’t looked back since then.

She said she considers herself very lucky to be making a living doing what she loves in her hometown. She also said she enjoys being able to be committed to Duluth and the surrounding communities.

As education director, she oversees programs for children and the educational programs. Along with work at the Playhouse, Horvath also works with the Scottish Rite Clinic on Stage Play, which is a theater program for children with autism.

Although Horvath enjoys her work, it has its stressful moments.

“You’re always wearing multiple hats,” she said. “It’s hard to be both forward-thinking for the future of the organization and also being in the moment and seeing those immediate needs.”

Horvath said in the three years she’s been working at the Playhouse, the number of opportunities for young people to get involved has increased greatly and she finds that to be quite a rewarding experience for her. When a youngster gets involved in a theater community, the family does as well.

When asked what was one of the most rewarding aspects of her job, Horvath was quick to respond:

“It’s about creating opportunities for artists of all ages,” she said.

Horvath said she enjoys the way that actors and actresses at the Playhouse come in with a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets. She said that some have been acting for years and have even done Broadway performances; still, some have never stepped foot on a stage.

The classes taught at the Playhouse aren’t just for children.

The Duluth institution also offers a number of adult classes as well.

Although her “day job” generally keeps her very busy, Horvath also loves acting in and directing shows.

“I want to do it all,” she said. “I can usually manage one show a year and I’m satisfied. I had an unexpected passion for directing; I thought it would be scary, but I love it. But I also love being in a show.

“It’s very freeing.”

Horvath enjoys the way she is able to interact with people on different levels, depending on whether she’s teaching or acting.

“I think of it as a skill builder for me,” she said of being in shows. “If I’m going to teach it, I’ve got to remember it.”

Horvath said she can’t get enough of watching her students succeed.

“Anytime I see a student be successful, that’s when I feel best,” she said.

She recently directed a very successful run of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and is currently working on “Fiddler on the Roof Junior.”

Although to some Duluth may seem small in the artistic market, Horvath said it is thriving and encourages everyone to get out and try it. She encourages everyone to take a class or go to a show, whether it’s part of the Playhouse or any other venue in the area.

Nominate the next ‘Be the Change’ honoree

Mahatma Gandhi was known for saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

He was known for helping India gain its independence and also for inspiring movements seeking civil rights and freedom across the world.

Gandhi had a vision of a better place and there are people in the Duluth community who have ideals similar to his.

In this series, the Budgeteer will profile people who are passionate about making the world a better place. It doesn’t matter if it’s how they do their jobs or how they raise their kids — we just want to know about people you know who are making a difference.

If there is anyone you know who impacts Duluth or the surrounding communities, e-mail budgeteer@duluthbudgeteer.com with “Be the Change” in the subject field to nominate them to be featured in this series.

With your nomination, please include a brief description of what you feel they are doing to impact the Northland.