From its humble beginnings 15 years ago as a small theater in the now-demolished North East Mall, Artisan Center Theater has grown into one of the largest community theaters in Texas. With 400 performances a year in two neighboring theaters, Artisan keeps actors, creators and audience members busy year around with top-notch performances in many of the nation’s most beloved plays. But Artisan also takes risks, such as gambling on the popularity of a new play by a new playwright like this venture. As Artisan co-founder Rick Blair is fond of saying, “It is about the thing. And the thing is theater.”