Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Skrzypek.
Julie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out as a nurse, somewhere along the way I realized, it was not for me. So, I left…worked at a bar for a year or two then decided to go back to school to get a Theatre Degree. I quickly got that out of the way, took any and all the internships I could get and found my way into working as a professional stage manager. I pushed to get into any room I could. While I worked I listened and watched what everyone else was doing… I sort of got a second education in the theatre this way. Eventually, I was booking more jobs, traveling on tour, making stronger connections/relationships and began to find my voice not only as a Stage Manager but as a Director.
Fast forward a few years and fifty shows later, I became a Co-Producer for the Weird Sisters Theatre Project. Then, fast forward a year later and fifteen-ish shows, I was sitting at a bar with a good friend dreaming about life, we were kicking around a few passion project ideas and quickly decided it was time for us to start out own theatre. Fast forward just a little more, between all the shows and late night bar ideas, we opened our own theatre, Theatre Buford and are currently in our very first four show season!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In general, I think working as a freelance artist is harder than normal. There is no consistency, there is no routine. I mean, that’s hard, right? Not knowing what your week or month looks like finically. It’s exciting, each day is new, but… it’s fucking hard.
Also, what we do isn’t normal. Working in the live arts, we bring imaginary people to life, we have figure out how to love these characters. We have to figure out how to hate them, sympathize with them, understand them, and connect to them. And, sometimes their stories can break your heart.
For me, I think that’s been the bumpiest road, learning how to be open, present and connected to the storytelling. When it comes to vulnerability, I’ll Irish goodbye the hell outta there… but… when I choose to stay, I always come out a little better than I started.
Theatre Buford and Weird Sisters Theatre Project – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Weird Sisters Project was founded in 2012, and we create theatre by women, for everyone, and are committed to cultivating opportunities for female artists, both onstage and off. We focus on the continued idea to build on a foundation of mentorship and opportunity for female voices in Atlanta.
What I am most proud of with Weird Sisters, is our producing team. We are four women, who just get shit done. We are constantly overcoming obstacles that come with a small company with ease while never settling. We are always pushing ourselves to cultivate the riches opportunities for our audience and community.
Theatre Buford, Justin and I focus on innovative and exceptional storytelling. What I am most proud of with TB is our first season and partnership with the Buford Community Center. We are incredible people and business partners to each other. I think what sets us apart is we spend a significant amount of time around the table. We really in invest in the choices are actors make on stage.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think the proudest moment of my career is sharing my work with my family and loved ones. I didn’t come from a theatre background, my parents are Polish immigrants who are not necessarily accustomed to the arts being a viable career. Bridging that gap has always being meaningful for me and seeing my parent’s eyes widen, lean in, identify and engage with the stories on stage are always moments I keep with me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2200 Buford Hwy, Buford, GA 30518
- Website: Theatre Buford: http://theatrebuford.com/ Weird Sisters: https://www.theweirdsisters.org/
- Email: Theatre Buford: Theatrebuford@gmail.com Weird Sisters: julie@theweirdsisters.org
- Instagram: @julieelucille @theatrebuford @weirdsisterstheatreproject
- Facebook: https://audioboom.com/posts/6664846-julie-skrzypek
- Other: https://c4atlanta.org/2018/03/leading-lady-julie-skrzypek/
Image Credit:
Jamey Hoge, Chris Meyers, Lola Scott, Cameron Archer and Casey Gardern
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