What if the thing that saved you as a kid is now the thing you're building for the next generation?

In this episode of The Essence of You, host Steph Lokelani sits down with two of her closest friends - Allison Terenzio-Moody, Executive Director of Treasure Valley Children's Theater (TVCT), and her husband Noah Moody, playwright, director, and educator - for a warm, funny, and unexpectedly moving conversation about the transformative power of the arts.

From running through caves dodging zombies in a 48-hour horror film to running one of the Treasure Valley's most beloved nonprofit theaters, Allison and Noah share the journey that brought them to where they are today. The three dig into why children's theater deserves the same respect as any other art form, the life skills it quietly builds in young people, and the very real ways TVCT has been a lifeline for kids who had nowhere else to turn.

Noah opens up about growing up feeling like he didn't belong until the stage gave him a world where he did. Allison reflects on becoming the advocate, grizzly bear mama, and community builder she never knew she'd need to be. And Steph brings her own stories: a production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown that made her realize performance was her dream, and a childhood friendship forged under stage lights that survived a decade and a random run-in in Cambodia.

They also get into the real talk around sustaining a nonprofit: what it means to never turn away a child because of finances, the emotional weight of parents who apologize for needing help, and why Idaho Gives (May 4–7) is such a critical moment for organizations like TVCT.

This one is joyful, honest, and full of heart. Whether you're a theater kid at heart, a parent wondering if the arts are "worth it," or someone still searching for your people, this episode is for you.

🎭 About Treasure Valley Children's Theater: TVCT is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to making the arts accessible to every child in the Treasure Valley, regardless of financial circumstance. They offer classes, productions, camps, and school tour shows. And they never turn a student away. 💛 Support their work: https://www.treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com/ and donate during Idaho Gives (May 4-7) at: https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/treasure-valley-childrens-theater

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About our Guests:

Allison Terenzio-Moody (she/her) earned her B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Seattle University and her Master’s in Education from New York University. Before being named the Executive Director of Treasure Valley Children’s Theater (TVCT) in 2023, she spent over eight years teaching, developing curriculum, and serving as the TVCT Education Director.

Noah Moody is an actor, educator, and writer at Treasure Valley Children's Theater. Born and raised in Boise, ID and about to celebrate 10 years with the company, he has also been a theater artist in the Treasure Valley for the last 20 years. Having performed with the likes of Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Contemporary Theatre, Alley Repertory Theater, Noah is very proud to call TVCT his home for the past decade along with his amazing and remarkably patient wife, TVCT Executive Director Allison Terenzio Moody.

Chapters:

0:00 – Cold Open & Welcome 0:35 – Introducing Allison Terenzio-Moody & Noah Moody 3:37 – Allison's TVCT Story: From Actor to Executive Director 4:59 – Noah's 10 Years at TVCT 7:54 – Why Children's Theater Deserves Respect 15:11 – Origin Stories: How They Each Fell in Love with Theater 27:50 – What the Stage Really Teaches Kids 35:00 – Finding Your People: Community, Belonging & Beating Loneliness 40:43 – TVCT as a Nonprofit: Scholarships & Never Turning Kids Away 49:53 – Idaho Gives: How You Can Support TVCT This Week 53:57 – Who Are You at Your Core? 1:05:27 – Closing Thoughts & Gratitude