We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Fala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Philadelphia, PA and was raised by two graphic designers/photo editors. My proximity to the arts as a child was the reason I ended up loving the storytelling medium of theatre. As creatives themselves, my parents actively encouraged my love for puppetry, dance, music, and theatre by creating spaces in our home for me to practice (from a small puppet theatre in my room to a piano in the living room and a stage in our basement) and by signing me up for acting, dance, and piano lessons at notable programs in the area like Hedgerow Theatre and the Rock School. I grew up performing shows written for children at Hedgerow Theatre and Upper Darby Summer Stage. I also ushered, loaded in sets, puppeteered, and served as a stage crew member in addition to performing, and I continued to do so at university. Most theatre for young audiences companies that tour shows to schools and small theatres around the country require their performers to load in and maintain their scenic and costume elements, and a lot of shows written for children and families include puppets. It’s a unique corner of the theatre industry that I’ve had the opportunity to pursue professionally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For most of my career I have focused on performing theatre for families and theatre for young audiences. I’m currently making my Off Broadway debut performing in Sesame Street: The Musical as myself! In addition to doing my seven-show week downtown I am the Membership and Communications Associate at Theatre For Young Audiences/USA, an organization that unites theatre companies of all sizes nation-wide. On my own time I host a podcast called Pipe and Drape where I interview theatre for young audiences creatives about their experiences bringing theatre to young audiences all over the world out of minivans, small trucks, and beyond.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently hiked Camelback Mountain so if we were in the Phoenix area I would absolutely wake them up at 3AM to climb some rocks with me. I’d promise them we could cool down with brunch at Culinary Dropout after. If we were in NYC I would take them to the Chick Inn for breakfast, Inwood Hill Park for a nice walk, a matinee somewhere off Broadway, and then end at Ardesia for dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents encouraged me to study theatre and supported me through all of my performing adventures across the country and at sea!

Website: http://stephenfala.com

Instagram: @stephenindisguise

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLcWQ5v8VlYg08_0BvsY5elqXSzVt_kjq

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