Stephanie Weeks
Image courtesy of Stephanie Weeks.
Stephanie Weeks is an actor, director, and teacher who deeply understands the power that storytelling has for both the creators and the receivers. In this interview, we chat about her journey, the personal and professional moments that guided her to where she is today, how to stand up for yourself and others in the rehearsal room/backstage area, and the joy that art can bring.
When people ask you, “What do you do?”, what do you tell them?
I tell them that I'm an artist. That's the first thing I tell them. And then they’re like “well tell me more, what kind of art?” and I tell them I’m an actor, and I’m a director, and I teach— but all of those to me, encompass “artist”.
Why do you love what you do?
I love language, and I love stories, and I love being able to step into telling different stories, and believing that the stories that we tell create critical thoughts about the world. I love what I do because I’m able to bring joy to people. I believe that stories can not only influence and change, but they also can create joy and real connection.
As a director, I really love creating worlds, creating worlds for people to live in, and creating big visions. And that a group of people can come together and with their imagination tell something really meaningful, epic, and life-affirming. I love that. I love being in a room with people collaborating and making something out of nothing. I think it’s really magical, and there’s nothing like it.
I agree. I really like what you said about bringing people joy with your work. Sometimes we get caught up with how important stories can be and how deep, critical issues can be explored through art. That’s definitely necessary, but it’s also such a gift to sit down and watch a genuinely funny, heartwarming movie or TV show, or theatrical production. Especially during the pandemic, I have a newfound appreciation for comedy and joyful pieces of art.
And the joy: it’s like your heart opens and it allows you to be able to have the hard conversations when there’s joy and openness there. Theatre and Film and TV, they do that. I know I’m behind everyone, but I just started watching Schitt’s Creek. I’m already on episode 7! That show is just such a delight. And they’re doing a lot of things on that show— they’re very subversive on it and they’re doing a lot with their commentary, but it’s also just joy. You know a show is good when it’s both commenting on the culture and bringing you joy while doing it.
Can you speak about your journey? How did you get to where you are today, what were the twists and turns and the non-linear path that led you here?
“A lot of my journey has been because I’ve said yes to things. And also discovered a lot about myself because of it. Because I’ve said yes to things. Like I didn’t know I was a director until I started saying yes to it.”
When theater is able to safely come back, what narratives and stories do you hope we’ll see more of?
You know, BIPOC, man. I just want to see more people of color, more women, more talking about gender and the role of gender— which is something that is a very new conversation for me. I'm sure it was always around, but it’s coming to the forefront for me in the last three years, the conversation about gender identity. I’m interested in learning and seeing more about that.
And more stories of women, more stories of women in color, inclusion with diversity and disability. There are countless communities that are underrepresented that I would just like to see more of. I’d like to see more inclusivity overall where everyone has a seat at the table— and not only that, where everyone has a seat at the table, but that everyone has a seat at the table and gets to speak and speak loudly. And take up space.
Have you ever felt like you were put in a position where you were belittled or told not to take up as much space? If so, how did you cope with it and how would you recommend young people of today cope with that kind of pushback?
Yes. I have experienced it many times.
Alright! I have some fun speed round questions we’ll wrap up with. What was the last thing you watched?
Well, Schitt’s Creek. And then after that I watched I Care A Lot with Rosamund Pike. Such a great movie.
What was the last book you read? Do you have a favorite book?
It was Deadly Games by Sally Rigby. It's a this British author who writes about this crime duo in Manchester, one is a forensic psychologist, one is a Detective Chief Inspector. And they're both women. And they're in Manchester and they solve serial murders!
And lastly, if you could tell a younger version of yourself one thing, what would it be?
You are worthy.
That’s the truth. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Stephanie!
