Meridith Grundei, Strategic Communication Partner & Experience Director
- Childhood in Colorado: Outgoing yet shy, afraid to use her voice.
- Struggled with self-expression through words, but found comfort in dance.
Podcast
Overview
Discovering Voice, Creativity, and Impact: Meridith Grundei’s Journey
00:00:39- What Were Meridith’s Key Inflection Points Growing Up?
- Childhood in Colorado: Outgoing yet shy, afraid to use her voice.
- Struggled with self-expression through words, but found comfort in dance.
- Transformative moment at age 12: Speaking on stage led to encouragement to try acting.
- Discovered the power of improv and playing roles as confidence builders.
- Impact of family trauma: Father’s Vietnam flashbacks and the safety of theater as a refuge.
00:07:32- How Did High School and Early Adulthood Shape Meridith’s Path?
- Theater club and drama: Found belonging and expression outside traditional academics.
- Challenges in school: Low GPA, rebelliousness, and creative resistance.
- Moments of creative exploration (e.g., Jim Morrison poetry performance).
- Transformation during senior year: Discovering Eastern philosophy, achieving academic success.
- Journey through junior college, then Colorado State University: Following curiosity.
00:11:07- What Role Did Theater and Improv Play in Meridith’s Early Career?
- Moved to San Francisco for a blend of cycling and theater.
- Immersion in physical theater forms (Viewpoints, Suzuki).
- Joining avant-garde sketch comedy and improv groups.
- Move to Chicago: Training at IO and Second City, curriculum development for youth improv.
- Teaching, collaboration, and adapting communication for diverse groups.
00:16:04- Why Did Meridith Pivot to Buddhist-inspired Theater at Naropa University?
- Desire for contemplative, physical theater training.
- Returned to Colorado for Naropa’s Buddhist-inspired MFA program.
- Devising theater, collaborating, and eventually teaching and mentoring.
- Focus on the “business of acting”: Helping artists with practical skills.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Meridith Grundei: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Childhood in Colorado: Outgoing yet shy, afraid to use her voice.
- Struggled with self-expression through words, but found comfort in dance.
- Transformative moment at age 12: Speaking on stage led to encouragement to try acting.
- Discovered the power of improv and playing roles as confidence builders.
- Impact of family trauma: Father’s Vietnam flashbacks and the safety of theater as a refuge.
