We recently connected with Stevie Marceaux and have shared our conversation below.
Stevie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Choosing myself and listening to what is true to me is the biggest risk I have ever taken.
We are in a pandemic where it is normalized to have more trust in what is shown and duplicated around us than what we create ourselves.
Untraditional moves and choosing to decide for myself in a world that has an answer and paved course for everything is often very illuminating. Just like the majority of people, I want a sense of belonging and the impulse for conformity lives inside of me, however, I would rather feel this deep sense of aloneness and at the same time, oneness with myself than allow the world to answer the questions for me.
At times, it is easier to see myself as a chess piece in the hands of others, than to claim responsibility for myself and all that’s around me. In turn, my biggest fear becomes reality, where I turn away from the unwanted parts of myself and willingly give the keys of existence to someone else.
Though, I’m continuously learning bit by bit every day, It is through the continuous task of expressing my true self and exposing the pride I create to separate myself from others, that I find peace and the strength to peer into the mirrors of real life. In turn, I have discovered a truer way of existing and living.
At the end of this life, I hope that the individuals who see the work I’ve done, are brought to the banks of life to be reminded of the old soul that lives within us. The one we have forgotten exists along the way. The old friend who reminds us our personal liberation was here the whole time.
My own process is changing as I’m becoming more aware and honest with myself and others. Yet, I have found the long-lost lover I have always yearned for – myself.
Stevie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a working actor/human in the Austin area. As most actors will tell you, I wanted to be a story teller at a very young age, however, I didn’t start training until I was in my early 20’s. I studied everything and anything related to acting. I studied at The State Paramount taking differing classes, studied with Conn who introduced me to myself in ways I can’t express enough gratitude and have specialized in Meisner technique underneath the fearless force who has reminded me countless times I don’t know where the limits lie, my life mentor, Laurel Vouvray. All of which has provided me a foundation to explore and use my imagination. It is with these people who have given me a hand in facing the void in myself and much more that I owe the deepest gratitude.
Currently, I’m in the midst of shooting a short narrative “Affogato”, with both of my lovers Dani Hurtado and Sarah Bartholomew. The story is a mirror of our real life about the truth that holds us together and the lies that are told in-between.
In addition, I will be releasing another short, “To Sofia”, directed by J.D. Macias, who I have had the pleasure of continuously learning from as his level of detail and love for what he does inspires the artist in me.
Though the stereotypical ideals of what Western culture projects about acting, is the direct opposite of what I’m trying to produce. I hope people can explore and find sides of themselves in the work I’ve done thus far.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
This is a difficult question as I have yet to find the answer. However, if I were to give this one a whirl, the most rewarding process of being an artist is the acceptance of the ever-changing, ever-growing process of being human. The security and patterns that have been shown to us, that entrap us, are continuously being tested as I lean deeper into myself through the art I create. I will be the first to admit, I don’t think I ever knew how to truly love myself and shame has held my hand for a longer time in my life than I would like to admit. Nevertheless, the mentors in my life who have done the work, hold out their hand to mine as I continuously find the courage to be transparently real and through that, I can accept the act of simply being and all that entails on the journey of finding myself.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There are many things I have quote on quote “overcome”. Though, many of the stories are held true to me, I don’t hold myself there and the things that happened in the past by happenstance have occurred for me. The human existence requires struggle and I don’t think that makes me unique or special in any way. I recognize that this is a part of human existence and I don’t want to get caught up in thinking I am out of control or a victim to circumstances. I refuse give my power on something outside of me, I’d rather be here and now than to be dependent on others outside of my control. I have a choice to respond and react and I choose to believe in the power of choice in every circumstance, even though I may not like what I see. I’m in control of my actions, not that of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steviemarceaux.com
- Instagram: @steviemarceaux
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevie.marceaux/
Image Credits
First photo (headshot)- Jessie Rodriguez Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/weseewaves/?hl=en Affogato photo – Ziming Xie Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/madewithziming/?hl=en