The potential we carry: Part 1

Originally published on The JOLT News on July 30th, 2025

Every artist I have spoken with has identified a moment where the light bulb in their souls turned on and they said "yes" to art. The potential we carry inside us is beautiful, life and world changing.

With multiple stories and moments surrounding this idea, I split this column into two parts. This part will include conversations with Jerry Romasco and Zachary Clark, and a review of Fakers Improv.  Part II will be published on Thursday, July 31.

I invite you to release all doubts and insecurities and see what sparks your lightbulb to turn on.  

 Jerry Romasco 

 From ministry to state work to stage work, Jerry Romasco has led a diverse life because of his open mind, willingness to embrace new opportunities, and gumption. Romasco is involved in outlets within our local arts scene; you have likely seen him at the Olympia Family Theatre (OFT), the Olympia Little Theatre (OLT), with the Fakers Improv or a poetry reading.  

Chatting with Romasco, I learned about his life story and that he did not grow up in the safest environment, and he had little to no interactions with the arts. Yet, in the midst of it all, there was a performer inside of him.

“Art can be the safest place to practice real life … it can be full of pain, but art allows us to start having mastery over those complex emotions,” Romasco reflected. 

One day, Romasco decided to take classes and read books to allow his artistic spirit to flourish, and he has never looked back. Romasco’s intentionality, eagerness to learn, and determination has led to fulfillment and joy both for himself and his audience. The camaraderie Romasco has experienced both on and off stage has been priceless.  

Reflecting on Romasco’s story, I am reminded of how magical our lives become when we listen to our hearts, take a step outside our norms, say yes to those opportunities that speak to us, and work hard with humble hearts.  

The Fakers Improv 

What started off as a group of fellow students in an improv class in 2022 blossomed into an improv troupe that has been performing monthly shows for about a year and half. Romasco invited me to sit in the audience for the Fakers Improv show held at Wild Child on Sunday, July 27.

The Fakers Improv troupe played multiple games on stage, which allowed each member to stretch and shine at different moments. The diverse content of the shows was both a blessing and a curse because it allowed there to be something for everyone, but made it near impossible to have everything be for anyone, and that is perfectly OK. Comedy is such an acquired taste, and I consider it a major accomplishment that they could embrace so many types of comedy in one, 2-hour show. 

I enjoyed the innocent moments of laughter and watching people create on the spot. The humanity of the experience warmed my heart, and I left the show in a good mood.  

Mission accomplished Fakers Improv! 

Click here to learn more about future shows.   

Zachary Clark 

You might recognize Clark from a variety of productions, including the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” by OFT.  Clark and I chatted over a month ago, and what stood out to me back then continues to stand out today — how his love for art began. 

Coming from a Hawaiian family, music is an integral part of Clark’s family culture, way of communicating, learning, sharing love and experiencing life. One day, Clark’s father put a guitar in his hands and they practiced together and used their instruments to tell stories. This sparked the love of art and its way of “expressing feelings and ideas.” 

Alongside his father’s guitar, Clark grew up with a mom who read out loud to him each night with his favorite book being “Mystery in Bug Town.” The way Clark’s mom dramatizes and made the story come alive made a big impact on Clark and awakened his love of theatre. 

Life is made up of all of these simple, yet meaningful moments. Each moment has the potential to change our lives for the good.  

Clark is easy to talk to, friendly, straight man with a variety of personal and professional interests. In the midst of it all, Clark continues to say yes to art in his life. Gender identity, sexuality, and age don’t matter … you too can go against the “status quo” and pursue your interests. Your light will make this world a brighter place.   

https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/intheaudience-the-potential-we-carry,25894