Lear DeBessonet
Joining us off of her Tony Award-winning run directing Ragtime, are so pleased to welcome Lear deBessonet as our inaugural On The Couch for this new season. As the Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, her work is rooted in a deep belief in people, community and how theater can do good in the world. Click here to read about her love of gatorade, historical novels, and how she flourished during her first season at LCT.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
That I genuinely love people.
What was your proudest moment?
Completing my first season as the new Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, still alive and happy!
What is your favorite drink?
Gatorade
What is your favorite food?
Chocolate
What is your favorite condiment?
Mayo (don’t judge)
What is your current obsession?
Historical novels featuring sisters
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Trying to solve problems in my sleep- it’s unproductive, wait til morning!
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Being part of an American theater that belongs to EVERYONE, that contributes significantly to the wellbeing of our society
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Can I say Gatorade again?
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Commuting
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A diet of constant stress
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Don’t worry about whether people like you, worry about learning to like them
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Quixotic tendencies
What in the world most thrills you?
Radiant communities
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Hardly new, but the belief that the internet is a good place to be unspeakably mean and destructive
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Gee there’s really a lot of competition for this one, and which job? Was it when I fell off a bench expressing enthusiasm in front of a massive company of people? Or when I was fired after working at Wendy’s for one day in my early 20s?
What is your favorite place in the world?
The oak tree that was in my backyard in Louisiana growing up
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Kindheartness
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Whichever my children are more obsessed with at the moment
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A spontaneous dance party with every community member who has ever performed in any of my productions
What is your personal motto?
You gotta show up and bring the party