Vivian Glazier
Actor / Writer

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I’m an actor and writer who moved to Los Angeles from Fort Worth, Texas.

How did you first become interested in art?
I’ve always loved stories and storytelling. When I was in the 4th grade, my mom suggested that I audition for a local community theatre play. She bribed me with a new book, and I ended up playing the lead role. I was hooked after that. I would write my own skits and YouTube videos, as well as audition for more plays. I went on to receive my B.F.A. in Drama, with an acting emphasis. I enjoy entertaining. I love making people laugh and sharing a human experience with an audience.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art is the heartbeat of any community. Art has the power and responsibility to change the world. I find that the purpose of art is to educate as well as entertain—to play on the heartstrings of the masses and encourage them to tune into their humanity. I think art exists to pose questions and begin a discussion. I think artists exist to further clamor for an answer. We are the mirror that holds society accountable. We are also a reminder of the miracle of the human experience.

I’m relatively new to Burbank as a whole, but there’s always a way to engage with art from wherever you are. You can watch recordings of plays or tour museums from around the world virtually from the comfort of your home. Los Angeles has some amazing museums and theatrical venues that I was able to visit before the pandemic and that I look forward to visiting again once it’s safe to do so. (The Getty and The Pasadena Playhouse being a couple of my favorites, respectively.) I also think that everyone has inherent artistic yearnings, and I would strongly encourage my fellow community members to pick up a pen, or instrument, or paintbrush, to put on their favorite song and dance, or even perform pieces from their favorite movie or TV show. Art doesn’t have to be some masterpiece that is remembered for hundreds of years. It can just be whatever moves you to connect with the world around you a little more deeply or to connect with your inner-soul a little more vulnerably. No amount of time pursued in an artistic endeavor is ever wasted.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Art isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. If we all spent more time nurturing our artistic selves and our artistic communities, the world would be a more empathetic and kinder place.

To find out more about Vivian’s work, visit her website http://vivianglazier.com/.