What’s your deal? Who are you and what’s your story?

I am Stephanie Peters, daughter of two artists, mother of four. From the time my five siblings and I could hold a brush in our hands, we were making art. I learned to sew at 10 and spent much of my adolescence making elaborate outfits for my hand-me-down Barbies. My first involvement in college theatre was playing Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker at 11. At 15 I designed my first show for that same theatre. For 10 years while my children were young, I taught art and theatre at an elementary school for the arts in Jacksonville, Florida. I also did some freelance designing in the area. Eventually, I decided that it was time to get my MFA and combine my two passions (teaching and theatre) in one career. Currently I teach at UNC Pembroke. I split my time between NC and our farmhouse and orchard in Monmouth. About 100 shows, eight states, and many years and venues since that first production at South Georgia Jr. College, I still find it stimulating and challenging to lend my talents to the fleshing out of characters.

What most excites you about taking on this design/directing opportunity at TAM?

I enjoy the atmosphere at TAM. Everyone seems enthused by, appreciative of, and interested in the work of their colleagues. It is also wonderful to make art just three miles from my home!

Why Shakespeare?

Shakespeare’s work is always as fresh and timely as it is ancient. He has the recipe to entertain and move while allowing the creative freedom of designers and other theatre artists to flourish. I love to clothe his colorful characters!

Who is your role model, and why?

My mother (Catherine Hawks, aka St. Catherine) is a role model to everyone who knows her. She calms storms and cheerfully nurtures the good in every soul.

You can have dinner with any three powerful women in history. Who would you choose and why?

I would love to hear from Sacagawea about her life before Lewis and Clark as well as her version of the expedition. I admire Mary Cassatt’s work and determination as the only female in the Paris Impressionist crowd and think she would be a captivating dinner guest. I would also have a lot of questions for the feisty, artistic Abigail Adams.

What is your super power?

Stretching. Aside from being fairly limber (for my age), I can stretch time, a dollar, an arms eye around a sleeve, a canvas, a story.…

Describe yourself in three alliterative words.

Perceptive, Productive, Passionate