Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Stephens.
Hi Sophia; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music, writing, and performing have been a part of my life since I can remember. My grandmother was a musician and songwriter and encouraged that in me as a child, my mother is a singer, and my father is a powerful public speaker – so I was being nurtured to participate in the arts and use my voice from a very young age. My career began while I was attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. My professor Lisa Colbert arranged a trip for her students to attend a play at The Grandel Theater to see a production of “Godspell” by The Saint Louis Black Repertory Company. It was the first time I saw people who looked like me on a professional stage. I was so moved and vowed to be on that stage in some capacity the next year. The following year my dream came true after an audition with Ron Himes. While performing the lead, Ella in Bubbling Brown Sugar, casting agents from The Lion King production were in the audience. They invited a few of us to audition, and 2 years later, I found myself cast in the show on the Broadway stage in New York City. It was a very swift and incredible ride.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I endured a tragedy in the beginning of my career with the passing of my teacher, Lisa Colbert. She passed away from lupus while I was performing in my first professional production – the production she coached me into getting. Other than that, my journey to Broadway was pretty smooth. Switching over to television and film has been more challenging. As an artist – and an actor, specifically – a lot of patience is needed, and I’ve learned the importance of falling in love with the process and the journey rather than the destination and the job. The wait has allowed me to be more creative in curating my life and pursuing other passions – like podcasting.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a storyteller. I tell stories through many forms of media – music as a singer, tv/film as an actress and writer, and now podcasting. Under my production company, Philosophia Productions, I have created a webisode (Quarantine Quarrels), written a few films, and, most recently, The Maiden Myth podcast. This podcast challenges myths about single women of a certain age in an authentic and comedic way. Although very challenging to complete, it has been so gratifying. The reception has been wonderful. Many women relate to the content and are encouraged and inspired by the stories I tell and my humor.
What do you think about happiness?
My family makes me happy. They love me unconditionally, they are my safe place in the world, and I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Peace makes me happy, peace in my home, relationships, mind, and body, despite things not going as planned. This is something I’ve learned not to take for granted. Peace is a beautiful thing—also pizza. Pepperoni pizza makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: themaidenmyth.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/themaidenmythpodcast
- Youtube: youtube.com/@themaidenmythpodcast
- Other: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/FZoZhl9obyb
