11 Questions with Tracey Conner of MicheLee Puppets in Orlando
You can’t deny people are awesome. Who doesn’t like sitting down with good friends to ask them interesting, insightful, and funny questions? That’s what 11 Questions is about. I’ll be featuring some friends I look up to as well as people within the Orlando community I’ve always wanted to get to know by asking them 11 Questions and doing an editorial or commercial photoshoot with them.
This post is a long time coming. After a few back and forth emails and a delay due to our schedules, Tracey and I finally had a chance to meet up for this photo shoot. And for a kid who grew up adoring The Muppets, stepping into MicheLee Puppets was a dream come true. I discovered Tracey via a Google search after getting curious and wondering who in Orlando did puppetry. Not only does Michelee produce and program great puppets and shows for Central Florida, their shows tour the country and they tackle important themes. They’ve produced programs about nutrition, reporting domestic violence, finances, bully prevention, and self-respect, among others. Tracy was a great sport, she fully trusted me and brought my ideas to life. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to see what she does. I know I’ll be sitting right up front with them.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my mother. She has demonstrated a life of grace and resilience in difficult times that has influenced me and the way I handle challenges in my life. She also has a wonderful sense of humor and keeps me laughing.
Favorite book, album, or musician who has impacted your life?
Actually, the artist that has impacted my life or career was a puppeteer named Terry Snyder. In the very early years of my company, I saw his one-man show based on the book "The Velveteen Rabbit." I was absolutely enthralled by his performance. He started the show playing the guitar, then moved deftly into telling the heartwarming story through music and puppetry. His artistry and moving retelling of the book broadened my vision of what could be done through puppetry theatre.
If you could mate two different species of animals what would they be?
I think a horse with butterfly wings would be beautiful and elegant.
Who in your life has inspired you?
My grandmother was a big proponent of education and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She had wanted to go to college as a young woman, but her parents could not afford to send her. She never let go of that dream, and as a widowed grandmother, she went back to school and got her degree at the age of 75! At her graduation ceremony, she received a standing ovation. That is just awesome to me.
What are you proud of?
I'm really proud of the work that MicheLee Puppets (website and Insta) has accomplished over the past 36 years. We have board members and a creative team who are passionate about our mission to empower lives through the art of puppetry. With their help and the support of our partners, we have produced more than 80 original issue-based shows and videos. Our live shows have impacted more than 2.3 million kids and adults throughout Florida. Through the internet, we've reached thousands more around the world.
What rejuvenates you?
Being in nature helps me feel centered and calm. Getting away to the mountains, especially the Smokies, is my happy place. I love hiking trails, seeing the vast expanse of the mountains, and breathing fresh air.
Is there anything you haven't done yet which you feel compelled to do?
I do have a few projects that I would like to complete before I retire. I would like to produce "Peter and the Wolf" on stage with a live orchestra. We are working towards a program to prevent human trafficking, and I'm hopeful that we can launch something in the next year or two. I would also like to tour some of our larger productions on a regional or national level.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Work life balance has always been a challenge for me. My husband has had the biggest impact in helping me establish a balance. My commitment to him and to our life together is just as important as my work, and I try to reserve time for us.
Best place to eat in Orlando?
My husband and I enjoy cooking healthy meals at home, so we don't eat out often. We do enjoy hanging out with our friends at PRs in College Park. I'm vegetarian and really like the veggie tacos there.
How do you hope to be remembered?
I hope people will remember me for using my talents to make a positive difference in our world.
If you were to choose a different career what would it be?
I've always found space exploration to be fascinating. I think I would enjoy being an astronomer.