Setting the stage…
The marriage between “Family Stages” and Art-Reach allows Art-Reach audiences of all ages to experience fun, interactive theatre in intimate settings. Joining Art-Reach’s In-Facility Program roster of artists, Family Stages presents a variety of two-person shows on site for Art-Reach members. As a witness for this relationship, I was a guest at one of Steve’s shows, “Puss in Boots”, performed in Oreland, PA. The show delivered just what Steve promised. Nursery school children sat rapt on the carpeted floor of the church hall. Folding chairs provided a heightened view for teachers, parents, and grandparents. On stage, a simple hand-painted backdrop and a clunky green trunk set the place, and one pole of spotlights created the mood. Two versatile actors played all the parts, taking on new roles as quickly as they changed their costumes, voices, and postures. Clearly Steve knows what kids like, for his script included audience interaction. On cue, the children stood up, used imaginary tools, and replied aloud. The actors were equally sensitive to young audiences. When the evil ogre threatened the pretty princess, the kids spontaneously shouted a warning. The adults, too, were entertained. Steve’s subtle puns and contemporary allusions amused the mature members of the audience. Puss snidely remarked that she was “no Garfield.” The end result was an intergenerational audience of happy faces and lightened spirits. Meet the lead player…
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| Steve Seyfried |
It’s Steve Seyfried, a man with a deep voice and a warm smile. He’s the actor, director, producer, playwright, and all-around creative mind behind the theatre company called “Family Stages”, a new roster artist with Art-Reach’s In-Facility Program.
Let me tell you their thirty-year story…
The Exposition…
After graduating college, Steve started his directing career by teaching and his acting career by performing at dinner theatres. That’s where he met his wife, Elise, who also became his artistic partner of many years. After a short time touring with a children’s theatre company into Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the two settled in Philadelphia and decided to start a project of their own. Thus, with only some make-shift costumes and a modest Chevy Chevette, Duet Productions (later to be called Family Stages) was born.
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| Photo from Family Stages' Performance of Peter Pan |
The Rising Action…
Steve and Elise began adapting material for children’s productions. They relied on fairy tales and folktales from around the world, shaping these into plays that could travel to any place that provided a simple stage and an appreciative audience. Soon, their ambitious endeavors gained momentum. The creative couple introduced a summer theatre at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Here, families could share entertainment for an evening, and even laugh at the same things. Another idea advanced the plot… why not offer a summer camp and workshops too? Success was immediately evident as enthusiastic thespians flocked to the shore-based stage. Now, with place established as the tri-state area, and time expanded to all seasons, “Duet Productions” was truly blossoming.
The Turning Point…
With five kids of their own by now, (and all the drama they needed right there at home!), Steve and Elise chose to adjust roles. While Elise focused on the family, Steve forged on with the company. “Duet Productions” became “Family Stages”, a non-profit organization. The new name reflected the goals that were now firmly in place: appeal to intergenerational audiences, and reach them in wide and varied settings.
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| Just some of the many Family Stages performance offerings. |
The Resolution…
“Family Stages” has reached its professional stride. Audiences include all age groups. Actors are minimal in number, but experienced, maintaining the intimate but professional nature of the performance. Performances occur in a variety of venues including retirement communities, schools for children with and without disabilities, and public parks for travelers and tourists. Material is eclectic. In the past thirty years, Steve adapted some forty plays for the stage. Some are funny and fanciful; others are historical and inspirational, but all of them are creative and loyal to the mission of “Family Stages”: to provide entertainment, enrichment, and education to family members of all ages.
The Conclusion…
The story arc is now complete, with Art-Reach welcoming Family Stages to the roster. Today, theatre patrons can choose from Steve’s extensive repertoire and “Family Stages” is eager for the opportunity to join forces with Art-Reach. “It’s a chance to touch audiences we might not ordinarily reach…to help those who cannot otherwise access the theatre. It’s great to feel that we are making a difference!” he confessed. No doubt his performances will reach many Art-Reach audiences, bringing smiles and making a difference in the lives of many!
Welcome Steve Seyfried and “Family Stages”!
-by Barbara Speece
