Name: Marisa Butler
Age: 41
Title: Director of Development at Phoenix Theatre in Central Phoenix
Married/Single: married
Kids: two girls—Ava is 10 years-old, Alea is 10 months old; with a cop from Ireland as their Dad, they’re going to have it tough!
City you live in: Tempe
A typical day in my life includes…
lots of diaper changes and my 9-month-old generously sharing her incredible smile with us, my 9-year-old and I having conversations that I can’t believe I’m the “responsible adult” for, my husband and I reflecting on how lucky we are for the life we have before we turn on the newest episodes of “Ozarks” and working in the best arts institution in the state, Phoenix Theatre, with the most incredible staff and patrons!
I was born…
in Lancaster, Calif.—a small desert city just outside of Los Angeles.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the fact that you can drive a few hours in either direction and be in the forest camping or on the beach in Mexico.
I’m listening to…
audiobooks! I can’t get enough of them right now because it gives me my reading fix within my hectic schedule. Just started “Call the Midwife,” and just finished “There, there,” “Forces of Nature,” and “Amy Schumer: The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo.” I like to mix it up!
My family…
is everything to me. Period.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my grandmother. I miss her terribly, and would love to laugh with her again.
One thing I cannot live without…
red wine. So cliché!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a trial lawyer. I always loved to debate things from all sides and come up with clever ways to present my case to persuade others! Still do.
I’m inspired by…
civility, respect, honesty, kindness, acceptance.
The one person who motivates me is…
my daughter, Ava. She looks up to me so she makes me want to be the best person I can every day to make her proud.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
how desensitized we are to—and tolerant of—violence, due to sensationalized media and entertainment.
The perfect day would be…
sitting at the beach all day, reading, spending time with my family, followed by a candlelit dinner under the stars with my husband. And don’t forget an incredible bottle of red wine!
My first job was…
unofficially, house cleaning and babysitting. Officially, a frozen yogurt shop in L.A. called—yes—Xtacy Yogurt!
My favorite escape…
live theatre. A chance to get completely absorbed in a story with the benefit of shared live response, reaction and laughter.
My life…
is blessed. I have a job I enjoy, friends who make me laugh and inspire me every day, and a family that is full of love. It’s not simple or “Pollyanna.” We’ve worked hard to get where we are, and work every day to stay in a healthy space as people in order to give to one another. That’s as true at work as it is at home.
I’m currently working on…
Phoenix Theatre’s Centennial Campaign–celebrating 100 years of operating—a true feat for any arts organization, especially in Phoenix. I’m very proud and hope our community is as well.
Always…
ask questions!
Never…
lie! There is just no upside.
Favorite Quote…
“Be true. Be you. Be kind.”
Biggest Dream…
I’d love to live on the water someday. Good God, not on a boat—just in a nice house on the lake or near the ocean.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
I am a hard worker who really doesn’t hate “getting my hands dirty” as an idiom. However, I truly hate when I’m scooping ice cream, or getting mayo out of the jar, and it literally gets my hands dirty—and sticky—and messy. I don’t know why, but it makes me cringe, even as I’m writing this.
