Our Origin Story

Inspiration’s Edge began with a shared vision between founders Liyan McNeltier and Ian Ferris, rooted in their passion for inclusive, imaginative, and community-centered theatre. In 2022, Liyan made her directorial debut with her original work Almost Love: A Cabaret for Those Unlucky in Love, where she discovered a deep commitment to innovation, co-creativity, and inclusion. In 2023, Ian directed Peter and the Starcatcher, transforming discarded props and furniture into a stunning set and fostering a supportive, emotionally open space for his cast to explore their artistry.

In April 2024, the two collaborated on Daddy Long Legs, a musical centered on growth and potential beyond socioeconomic barriers. Double-cast with two sets of actors, the production emphasized collaboration over competition and reinforced their shared belief in theatre as a space for co-creation, inspiration, and personal development. It was during this production that they realized they wanted to create a theatre company that embodied these values.​ Planning began in May 2024, and by June, Inspiration’s Edge was officially incorporated and secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Recognizing how quickly everything was falling into place, they gathered a team of like-minded artists, including Imelda Patu, Jesse Worstell, and Davina Lira, and established the organization’s foundation and bylaws.

Even in these earliest days, our mission is already in motion: bringing theatre directly to the community, removing barriers, sparking creativity, and continually expanding the edge of inspiration.

Ian Ferris & Liyan McNeltier