Cassie Hermes | 20 Under 40
Cassie Hermes
Education Director
Topeka Civic Theatre
Cassie Hermes is the education director at Topeka Civic Theatre, where she recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with the company. She previously served as costume designer at Helen Hocker Theatre during her time with Topeka Civic, and earlier in her career worked with Maples Repertory Theatre in Macon, Missouri, and as an education associate with PerformOUT KC, a theater company focused on opportunities for LGBT+ youth.
A Washburn Rural High School alum, Cassie earned her AFA in theater and dance from Cottey College and her BA in theater from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. She credits her family, her mom, Cindy; bonus mom, Carolyn; sister, Lauren; nephews Theo and Calvin; and her cat, Jeffie, who doubles as the Topeka Civic Theatre mascot, for supporting the long hours the job requires.
What is non-negotiable for you? Why?
In my directing and camp career, I always try to remember two things. Kindness begets kindness and that every moment could be a kid's "core memory." I always try to treat the kids, parents and counselors with kindness and flexibility. Kindness will always be returned ten fold if you practice it every day. I try to remember that you never know what battle someone is fighting outside of our doors. I firmly believe if we all approached our lives with more kindness and understanding we would have a much more peaceful being. I know that I am here to help kids create core memories. If it's between getting angry and creating a negative core memory over just one night, I will always choose to make a positive one. I'm here to make memories and make dreams come true, not tears.
What’s something you hope people remember about you? Why?
I hope people remember that I was always myself and to always be bold. I try to get each and every kid to embrace what makes them special and enjoy the moments in life. I hope they remember the rainbows, the sparkles and how every theatre person went away from my program knowing they are loved and that what makes you special makes you strong. "Be bold, claim your space and always be you"
What’s the most important part of the work you do? Why?
Through my career at Helen Hocker and Topeka Civic Theatre I have made more meaningful connections than I ever thought possible. Many adult volunteers have become some of my dearest friends and community leaders. I get to cheer them on, I've been in a wedding, helped volunteer at schools and often get to support their young ones when they become camp age. I get to support and cheer on so many youth from near and far. As they grow into adults, I get to continue to be one of their supporters. I've become a part of so many youths stories and I'm incredibly thankful to be a chapter in their book, no matter the ending. I walk into a room and get hugs, cheers and love from a group of kids who I know feel supported and cared about. What could be more amazing than that?
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? How has it influenced you?
When I asked my dance professor in college (shoutout Jo Byrnes! Love you!) if I could just do theatre for a living she said emphatically "YES." I try to echo that yes in all aspects of my career. Yes and. If an actor asks for extra support or a great question in rehearsal I will always think yes, how can we build from that? Should I audition for this show/try this new skill? Yes. In a world of "no" and forces continually telling us we are not good enough or strong enough for something I will always try to say yes. Being positive and looking for solutions will take you much farther in life.
What’s a hobby you wish you had more time for? What do you enjoy about it?
I love dance and the circus arts (aerial hoop, silks and just being a circus girl!) ! If I could also attend adult dance classes and circus classes in Lawrence while also having rehearsals at night I would be so content. Movement, dance and performing in unique ways is part of my life and every time I get to express myself through dance and circus I truly feel like an unstoppable force!
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