I quite often get asked… Steph what does theatre do for you? Why do you see a show several times? Go to stage door so much? Always message & encourage the performers? And are so passionate? Or what’s your favourite thing about theatre?

At times it can be a challenge to try to explain this to people I’m not going to lie. But the truth is I love everything about musical theatre (and no that’s not a cop out answer) I love everything from the people, music, beautiful venues and even the elaborate costumes and set designs. It all never seizes to intrigue/blow me away. There is just something so special about the whole theatre world. It’s like a big magnet that draws you in to this bubble that you fall in love with so much so that you never want to leave.

As for the other things, I generally see a show several times because there is so much to take in and I honestly get something new out of it each time I go. There’s always so much one can take away with them. And lastly I’m genuinely passionate about encouraging, uplifting others, treating others the way you’d like to be treated. But especially in this industry where people can be quick to judge or put down or just not bother to say the encouraging thing they feel (for whatever reason)

I want and strive to be a positive voice, influence and light, as our words quite literally have the power to make or break someones day. And in a industry that’s quite demanding, at times tough and where your constantly giving out. It’s nice to see a familiar face and be appreciated for what it is you do. Believe me it makes a world of difference in a performers day.

Can you relate to any of this? What is it that YOU love about theatre?

x Steph

One of the many beautiful things about theatre is the ability to bring people together from all walks of life and backgrounds. But dare I say it there needs to be so much more of this and also including more diversity because it’s sadly lacking here in Australia.

The Artists of Colour Initiative (AOC) newly founded by Tarik Frimpong (Madiba the musical, Aladdin and Angus is Mary Poppins Returns) is a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance and industry support, to exceptionally talented theatre performers, based in Australia, that identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour.

For me personally I think this couldn’t of come at a better time and I’m so excited to see what unfolds and to be able to support/get behind this amazing program and artists.

So how to do I sign up and or get involved I hear you ask? that’s a very good question there are several ways you can support and or get involved so allow me to lay them out.

• Social media: search AOC Initiative
• Website: aocinitiative.com
• Go fund me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/artists-of-colour-initiative-the-scholarship?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Lets spread the word and get behind this once in a lifetime program

x Steph