Nina Meehan
Director and Playwright
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I wear many theatre hats! I am a theatrical director and bookwriter, specializing in musicals that resonate with multi-generational audiences. Currently, I am directing the world-premiere of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, the Musical, produced by Pasadena Playhouse and located at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. My passion lies in telling stories that connect families and communities through shared experiences on stage. Beyond directing, I am a producer, arts consultant, and arts educator. My work extends outside the theatre world too—I use my theatre skills in corporate settings as a communication coach and keynote speaker, helping professionals find their voice and presence through the power of storytelling.
How did you first become interested in the arts?
As a kid, I lived in my imagination. I created pretend worlds filled with stories, characters, and adventures that I played out every day. Discovering theatre was like finding a home for my creative spirit—it was the first place where I felt truly free to be myself. I studied acting in college, focusing on education and how storytelling could inspire others. From the moment I graduated, I jumped right into the world of theatre and have never looked back.
How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art locally?
Art has a magical way of bringing people together. Whether it’s music, dance, visual arts, or storytelling, these creative outlets give us a shared sense of connection in a world that often feels disconnected. Through art, we find common ground and emotional understanding.
For the Burbank community, there are countless ways to engage with local art. Gather some friends and host a creative night at home—paint mandalas, craft something fun, or even sing karaoke. Support your local artists by attending community theatre productions, choir performances, or gallery openings. Consider joining a dance class or writing group, or volunteering for an arts organization. Art is everywhere—you just have to step into it!
If you could share with our community one thing about art and/or your creative process, what would it be?
Art, at its core, is about embracing possibility. When we create, we give ourselves permission to dream beyond logic and explore the “what ifs.” One of my favorite examples, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, the Musical, opening in Burbank on February 15th, is about a singing crocodile that moves into a family’s home and transforms their lives. That imaginative leap may seem fantastical, but the story holds deep truths about embracing differences and welcoming the unexpected. In my creative process, I always ask, “What if this were possible?” because you never know what meaningful discovery lies just beyond that question.
To find out more about Nina and her work, visit https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/lyle-lyle-crocodile/
