Two years ago today, I saw a show called Hamilton: An American Musical, and left the theatre wondering what I would create as a legacy to leave behind. I knew I was reaching my students and their families, but I wanted to do more. I felt incredibly limited. I spent a lot of my time wondering what else I could do? Who else could I reach? And how would I do it?
In January of 2017, I attended the second annual BroadwayCon in New York City and got to see what so many artists were creating. I heard so many messages of encouragement, almost as if it was the mantra of the convention. Create what’s in your head, and you’ll figure it out. I had been sitting on the idea of this blog for a year at that point, and needed something new to focus my creative energy on. After seeking the advice of a few key people immediately following that weekend, I knew I had to create this space.
On March 29th, 2017, I acted. I took to my computer and decided to expand my speech community the only way I knew how: through theatre. Theatre has always been my home, my family, no matter where I’ve been in life. I had no clue what I was doing. I didn’t care, either. I knew I was going to share my ideas and lessons, and if I did it right, I’d reach families beyond the four walls of my speech room. I’d reach educators and families and other children and give them the community I had always loved. Initially, it would be my take on everything within my practice as an SLP, with spotlights on lesson plans and my therapeutic approach. I was even ambitious enough to post twice weekly, though I quickly learned with my caseload that just wasn’t manageable, and went back to my weekly posts.
This year on the blog has been a rollercoaster for me. I’d go from great feelings of accomplishment, to many moments of doubt, reminding my students along the way that adults don’t always have it all figured out. Most of those moments included wondering why anyone I was reaching out to would want to talk with me. Never EVER doubt the theatre community–they will ALWAYS surprise you. I have gotten to talk to heroes of mine, many people I admire, and have had some of the most kind and honest conversations I’ve ever been fortunate enough to participate in. I adore this community and every time I edit an interview, I’m reminded even more of why that holds true. Thank you to all of you who have been so generous with your time. My gratitude is truly beyond words.
My students and I have gained so much from all of your knowledge, and I hope, dear readers, that this is also true for you. It is my wish that you’ve learned something, challenged yourself, or just become more open to hearing someone’s story. If you’re anything like me, you;ve learned to throw your mental script out the window and just listen. Thank you for joining me, sticking with me, and supporting me.
Cheers to an amazing first year, and my challenge to you is to create that idea that’s in your head. You never know where it’ll take you.
Keep playing with words and see what our message creates!
–Stef the StageSLP
Speech To Stage 