Stanley McChrystal Tickets

General Stanley McChrystal is well known for his military career, serving as the commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan. However, what is less known about him is his relationship with theater, an art form that he discovered relatively late in his life.

McChrystal’s interest in theater started during his time at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He participated in a number of productions there, including the lead role in “The Iceman Cometh.” McChrystal has credited this experience with helping him develop confidence, public speaking skills, and an understanding of human nature.

After graduating from West Point in 1976, McChrystal went on to have a successful military career, which included commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and serving as the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. During this time, he was known for his innovative and unconventional approach to warfare.

In 2011, McChrystal retired from the military and began exploring new opportunities. This is when he was introduced to theater once again. He attended a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and was struck by the power of the words and the emotions they evoked. This experience motivated him to become more involved in theater.

In 2015, McChrystal became a member of the board of trustees for the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco. ACT is a Tony Award-winning theater company that offers training programs for actors and directors, as well as producing a diverse range of plays and musicals. McChrystal’s military background and leadership experience made him a valuable asset to the organization, and he served as the vice-chairman of the board from 2017 to 2020.

In addition to his work with ACT, McChrystal has also become a vocal advocate for the power of theater. He has written articles and given interviews about how theater can promote empathy, encourage critical thinking, and help people understand and communicate complex ideas. According to McChrystal, theater can be an effective tool for building community and creating social change.

McChrystal’s journey from military leader to theater enthusiast is a reminder that we are all capable of finding joy and inspiration in unexpected places. His passion for theater has given him a new perspective on the world, and his leadership skills and willingness to take risks have made him a valuable asset to the theatrical community. As McChrystal himself once said, “Theater is about being human. It’s about the human experience.” And there are few people who understand that experience as well as he does.