We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie M Wilkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie M, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been storytelling in one form or another since I was a small child. I began with classical piano training, and I was drawn to the ways in which music could express so many feelings that couldn’t be spoken. In college, I added voice lessons and dance and creative movement classes. The added elements of using my voice and body as storytelling vehicles made me long for further training. As a young adult, I began performing in live theatre. Some of my most rewarding creative experiences have been working with a team of innovative artists, including the design teams and crew, to create something special and tell a story on stage. Live theatre can take an audience on a journey, a shared experience with the actors. My pursuit of other storytelling mediums led me to explore working through a camera lens, connecting with an audience on screens, both large and small. Why did I pursue an artistic career? I can’t imagine doing anything else; it is my place in this world. Creatives, artists of all types, have a responsibility to tell stories. Stories have the ability to entertain, to heal, to empower, and to bring about changes within both individuals and society as a whole.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
How did I get where I am now? Perseverance. Growing up as an only child in a tiny town, raised by a single mom, presented me with challenges. I had a big imagination, yes; and, greater still was my desire to share stories of my personal experiences. However, in this town, there were no creative outlets to be found. No arts education. Even in my high school, there was no chorus or drama department. I longed for dance training and creative movement classes. I wished for voice lessons, drama camps, school plays, and shows. My mom and I drove an hour away, to a city in another state, so that I could have private piano lessons once a week. This musical training was EVERYTHING to me. I poured my all into practice, and found that many stories can be told through music. When I got to college, I sought out training and took every class I could find that related to new creative skills. Storytelling that combined music, words, dance and/or body movement……the use of the whole body and stage and environment to create a world and story and relationships….that was a dream come true for me! I began auditioning for theatre. I was cast in shows with people who had more experience than I had, but I was determined to soak up every bit of training, knowledge, and advice being offered. I watched others and asked a lot of questions. I leaned into my strengths and then, I learned to lean into my weaknesses. I allowed myself to make “mistakes”. When I allowed more freedom in my work and stopped demanding perfection of myself, I allowed for new discoveries, discoveries about myself and about the characters in stories. This is when true storytelling begins. When we risk vulnerability and open ourselves to the possibility of failure or rejection, we become relatable. Perfection does not exist. People relate to a character, or that character’s story, because of his faults, mistakes, bad decisions; this is much more interesting than a “perfect” performance or character. During the years when all 5 of our children were home, I was their mom AND their teacher. I had the most wonderfully rich life! I devoted time to family and I learned so much. I loved teaching the kids their academic subjects, but we also had many lessons in how to be good humans in the world. And, my storytelling nature and love of the arts made me determined for us to turn learning into adventures. Though I was not working much as an actor during that time, I was gathering all the life experience that would solidly form my brand. I began refining my trademark essence of “elegant with a splash of wacky”. Sure, I am a teacher and have been called a wise owl, but a girl has got to have a little fun along the way! My work, and my brand, reflect the nature of opposites that exist within me. I love both structure, like teaching or participating in a fitness class, and freedom to play and explore, like in an improv class. I can be both extremely serious and ridiculously silly. Now that I am older, or shall we say, “wiser”, I can bring more life experience into a character. I love discovering the layers and complexities of human behavior and relationships. My life has been quite a journey so far; I eagerly anticipate the lessons in my future. And, I hope to continue to be able to help tell stories for a long time; there are so many stories yet to be told!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Disclaimer: all of these suggestions are based on Prepandemic conditions. The current environment would not allow for some of these activities, or some situations would need adjustments for social distancing or other requirements. A visit to Atlanta by a friend would include: ***** A “girly” day. I would schedule a facial at Sage Skincare and Spa. I have had facials all over the US; Connie’s facials are the absolute BEST, We might have a fancy coffee or dessert at Cafe Intermezzo, and perhaps do a little shopping at Ponce City Market. We would definitely spend an afternoon or evening strolling the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. ****** Places to eat: For the steak lover: Kevin Rathbun Steak. The best! Also owned by Kevin Rathbun: K R Steakbar, where you can get many delightful menu items. Everything is good! Try the brussel sprouts (yes, please!) In the mood for Italian? Pasta da Pulcinella. A hidden gem in midtown. A MUST! Classic Indian fare, shared small plates and street food……..Bhojanic is the place. Classic Southern: Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Must visit the Flying Biscuit for ……..well, biscuits, of course, but also grits and oatmeal pancakes and the list is long….. ***** A day spent in Midtown would include a visit to the High Museum, a walk in Piedmont Park, an evening at the Atlanta Symphony. ****** Finally, an absolute must do: An evening at Venkman’s in Old Fourth Ward. Visit on a Tuesday night, for Joe Gransden’s Jazz Jam.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have several people in my life who deserve a shoutout! Caroline Thomas, celebrated soprano, my friend for over 40 years, has believed in my abilities, even when I have doubted myself. She INSISTED that I take risks and led by example. Caroline, I am grateful for your encouragement, support, and love throughout my life. Thank you for constantly pushing me beyond my comfort zone. I need to take this opportunity to thank Denise, Lonna, and Sylvia. Each of these special women has lifted me up and allowed me to be open and vulnerable. Each has motivated me to be my best self. Ladies, you are truly the wind beneath my wings. Also, shoutout to Matthew Cornwell and Brooke Jaye Taylor, who were essential to the launch of my web series, Susan’s Senior Moments. Many thanks for being on my team!

Website: imdb.me/stephanieMwilkinson
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniemwilkinson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephanie.wilkinson.315
Youtube: bit.ly/SSMYT (Susan’s Senior Moments channel)
Other: www.facebook.com/SusansSeniorMoments

Image Credits
Headshot: Anna Enger Ritch Running photo: Zack Hawkins

Nominate someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.