Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Gashler.
Hi Stephen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began writing and producing musicals in high school. The hobby continued into adulthood as my wife and I would, on occasion, develop shows and produce them at local theaters. But it was always a labor of love, not a real business. Then, after about ten years of working for corporations in the tech industry, we decided the time had come to fully invest ourselves in what we felt was our true calling.
Over the last two years, our full-time gig has been developing and producing new musical theatre and hosting dances, concerts, and arts festivals. We’ve also built up a thriving youth theatre program. From students to parents, to casts, crews, and audiences, we’ve had the privilege of working with and touching the lives of many wonderful people.
Our goal is (1) to continue to develop a thriving community through the arts and (2) to use these opportunities to springboard our musical theatre toward national and international audiences.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We got started in late 2020 when the pandemic was hitting hard. Unlike most other theatre companies, we chose to not shut down. While some certainly saw this as reckless, we followed all of the state guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences.
Our first show (TAKE MY DEATH AWAY | A HALLOWEEN MUSICAL) turned out to be a wonderful experience, as people were hungry for inspiration and human connection. The show returned last year and sold out nearly every night. Not every production has been as successful, and we’ve certainly had our share of challenges in recruiting and keeping actors, attracting audiences, and the usual obstacles of running a startup.
Notwithstanding, we’re reminded after every successful performance, from the glowing enthusiasm of audience members, why we do what we do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passion is to create new musical theatre. I love thinking out of the box with unique stories and dialog, then adding to it with exciting, emotional, and expressive music. The next level is to bring my characters to life as the show hits the stage. I love watching both youth and adults have fun with the roles. The best part is feeling the excitement of the audience as the work is performed and experienced.
My wife, Teresa, and I, often collaborate in creating musicals. It seems our most beloved one is VALHALLA | A VIKING ROCK OPERA which we perform each year in the spring with both adult and youth casts. It’s not uncommon to see Viking enthusiasts in the audience wearing furs and helmets and singing along to the music they know by heart. Our Halloween and Christmas show also have followings of their own.
We’re excited about the debut, later this month, of our newest show, GIDEON VERSUS THE GODS OF COOL, which is an adaption from my highly rated Young Adult novel. We describe it as PERCY JACKSON meets HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL set in the 1980s. With music in the style of Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Blondie, the Bangles, Simple Minds, A-ha, and more, it’s going to be pretty awesome.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Our youth theatre programs go year-round and have open enrollment. There are tons of opportunities for children and teenagers from 6 – 16 to learn acting, singing, dancing, improv comedy, playwriting, storytelling, auditioning, and more.
We produce about 4 full-length musicals with the youth per year as well as one-act plays, competitions, and more. As we write and adapt our own plays, we ensure that each student is featured and given opportunities to grow. You can learn more or sign up at http://youth.greathalltheatrical.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://greathalltheatrical.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CcZEMFfsDPD/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greathalltheatrical
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGashlerFamily
