Stephanie Roberts
When one first meets Stephanie Roberts one gets the impression of a gentle spirit and quiet individual—shy, reserved, and even a bit awkward in the moment of the first encounter. However, in spending more time with this seemingly quiet soul, one discovers that she is absolutely “crazy.” And, what I mean is insanely talented and outrageously perceptive, creative, and present.
Having received her BFA from Cornish College, where a certain artistic infection with the essential ideas of Jacques Lecoq took hold, Roberts later deepened her understanding by studying at the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater, earning an MFA. There she defined her artistic path as “actor/creator” and committed to the principles that would define her artistic future. From Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, founder of Dell’Arte, she adopted the idea that “Action precedes analysis,” which was foundational to experiential learning. And from Ronlin Foreman, a Dell’Arte mentor, “Image rather than Shape” became a central idea of discovery. Other adages from Mr. Mazzone-Clementi that inspired her search and ignited her talent were:
“Believe, Behave, Become, Behold
Image, Idea, Concept, Design
Effort, Risk, Momentum, Joy.”
As a “Slash Artist” (actor/creator/writer/singer/songwriter/musician/teacher/ director), Stephanie Roberts is totally dependent on experiencing the world through her senses and childlike curiosity. Finding something that excites her, she then applies her talents as a storyteller, finds the right form of expression, and creatively and courageously FLIES. Her way of being in the world has led to unique creations and service to the community—and service is the heart of Stephanie’s artistry. For SLAMMED! KC Speaks Out on the Recession, Roberts led her MFA students at University of Missouri-Kansas City in conducting months of interviews from which they forged a powerful piece of original theater that poignantly told the community’s story. Roberts’ BOOM! An International Lost and Found Family Marching Band is a unique performance group that entertains with hilarious circumstances and characters in a thoroughly original musical performance genre, enabling us to laugh and think a little differently about our own dysfunctional families. Whether collaborating and exploring as a director on TALLAHASSEE, an adaptation of the concept album by The Mountain Goats that plays with our senses and imaginations by bridging theatrical and musical genres, or by creating the one-woman show, The Mask of the Broken Heart, combining classic Commedia dell’Arte with film noir, allowing us to escape into a mystery-fantasy, Stephanie is always searching for the original, looking for the new, guided by her artistic connection and understanding of what came before. She is masterful in connecting the artistic dots…
Stephanie, as the “slashes” indicate, is somewhat of a Renaissance spirit. She joyously lives the life of a storyteller. She sees the extraordinary in the ordinary. She plucks the poetic from the general. She believes that the power of the Theater is to transform both artist and audience, and because she “sees” so deeply and differently than the rest of us, we are enriched by her creations. They make us laugh and cry; they make us think and wonder; and, by doing so, we change and grow together. How lucky we are to live in the community of Stephanie Roberts.
Essay by Theodore Swetz who has been a professional actor and director for close to 40 years. He serves as the head of acting for UMKC’s professional actor training program and is the Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor of Theater.
