Interview: Stephanie Banghart

Stephanie Banghart

1. Tell us a little about yourself, and if you are seen mostly on stage, or prefer to remain behind the scenes...or do you dabble both on and off stage? I'm Stephanie. I am 28, live in lansing, have a BEAUTIFUL daughter, a wise and loving husband and a really great life! I have only really been seen on-stage until now! I love acting and really like directing but, I honestly prefer to be on the stage. I really enjoy being in the spotlight.

2. What was your first theatre experience? I played an old black woman being asked to move to the back of the bus in the Martin Luther King Jr. Story (not Rosa Parks). If that doesn't show character range, I don't know what does!! I was 8!!

3. How would you describe your directing style, and what did you learn as a first time director? It's all new to me and i'm taking it as it comes. I would like to think I am a nurturing director, but you'd have to ask the cast to get the real answer to this question. I am constantly learning patience, in directing and life in general. I think the biggest reward to me will be if the audience enjoys the show AND my cast walks away thinking of the experience in a positive light.

4. Favorite role - that you've done or would like to do?, or is there a favorite show you'd love to direct and why? I love challenging Roles. Deep, dramatic and tortured roles always intrigue me. Lady Macbeth, Juliet...Do I ever get cast in them? Well, no, but Maybe someday. Don't get me wrong, being Norma in Victor Victoria was a lot of fun, but there is something to say for the grit of a dark and tortured character. I don't really have any favorite shows to direct. Whichever fall in my lap, I guess.

5. Why is theatre important to the community? It is an escape from the mundane. It can educate, enlighten and entertain. It keeps kids off drugs, and gives me a reason to act like an idiot. What's not to love!!??

Quick Questions:

1. What three people have influenced you the most in your theatre experience?

Hmmm...My closest friends are a great theatrical influence on me, so we'll call "my friends" #1. Mary Job was my first theatre teacher and I really learned a lot from her in regards to technique and being directed, so he can be 2. Then, Robin Aronson is another teacher I really respected. She taught us a lot about what it means to be out of your comfort zone and why it isn't a bad place to be-#3. Honestly though, in a way I take a little bit of influence from everyone i've worked with. The what-to-do's and what-not-to-do's, you know?

2. Favorite line of any show? "How do you think they got all the holes in them donuts??!!" HA!! If you guess the show, I'll give you a dollar! (**not really, but i'll be impressed!)

3. Best show you've been in? It's a toss up. I'd have to say my top three, in no particular order are as follows: The Full Monty (Susan), Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Syracuse) and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, the reprise (Sally).

4. Worst show you've been in? Murder on Center Stage! That was a giant turd of a show! No one knew their lines, tech errors ALL THE TIME...turd, turd, turd!!

5. Any words of wisdom you'd like to share with people who either are new to the theatre community, or else don't know much about it in general? I'd be blunt. If you're going to do it, do it! If you can't commit, do something else. Oh, and if you are miserable all of the time, it makes everyone else miserable around you, so make your own fun or do something else! I mean, none of us are getting paid for this! All we get in return for our hard work is a good time! AND, if you are wondering if you would enjoy it, the answer is YES!! If you let yourself. It can be EXTREMELY rewarding!