Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Swift.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Where to begin my story? Butler, PA where I was born on a Tuesday morning to James and Catherine Swift. My nickname was tornado baby because my parents survived a tornado in July 1978 in East Brady, PA and I was born in April 1979 (you do the math). I am the youngest of three children and my family still lives in Butler and I am in Irwin, which is right outside of Pittsburgh. From a young age, I always enjoyed entertaining others and loved to sing. One of my favorites was “Part of Your World” and I would perform for my Mom, Cathy, and anyone else that would listen. I took dance classes at Lee’s School of Dance and studied ballet, jazz, gymnastics and tap. I especially had a knack for tap and the rhythmic nature of that propelled me to auditioning for musicals and mixed chorus.
College allowed me to dabble in all areas of theatre and I was fortunate enough to act, sing and even try my hand at directing. Chatham College had a very small Theatre Department so I had the opportunity to cultivate my talents and grow my skillset in the performing arts. My tutorial thesis, which was both a graduation requirement and a passion project, met the Communication and Theatre Departments criteria of an analysis of media and a short play. I wrote “Binaries- A Dialogue Between a Protestant and Catholic” and it was performed by three actresses and narrated by me. I was very proud of it.
My theatrical and film journey continued through out my 20’s and 30’s and I’ve finally made my dream a reality. I was able to visit the very spots in Ireland I wrote of all those years ago this month with my husband. Scotland and Ireland are such magical places! Our honeymoon trip allowed me to refocus on creating a one-woman script I hope to write very soon. I will continue to act and direct alongside my husband, Rick Dutrow and August 29th will mark 9 years since we met. I’m very blessed!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles have been mostly since the Pandemic and are finding the energy and motivation but maintaining a work-life balance. The lines have been blurred between the traditional “work day” and leisure time. So much of our lives are spent scrolling through social media, watching reels, and on Zoom calls and auditions. The problem is that living in the here and now and appreciating what we have and what we’d like to have has become truly disparate. Societal pressures, obligations and lack of real human connection are very much an ongoing struggle. I’ve learned to adapt, prioritize and am working towards an attitude of gratitude and abundance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am very diverse in my interests and I delve into many different industries for my professions. I’m a realtor, substitute teacher, actress and board member for Women in Film and Media Pittsburgh. I specialize in marketing and sales (because acting and real estate are really selling your personal brand). I’m known for bringing a diverse skillset to the table and being a chameleon when I’m playing a role. I’m most proud of balancing these areas of interest while growing as a person. My tenacity, passion, and work ethic set me apart from others.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I pick up on dialects and languages very quickly and can often understand a heavy accent (like Scottish). I hear more of the musicality of a language and learn individual words or phrases as if they are notes or lyrical phrases. Although I studied French when I was younger I can understand a lot of Spanish speakers but accents are my favorite! Especially Irish.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theofficialstephanieswift
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/LfcLmV5pktzdxA7Q/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-swift-20647b13?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theofficialstephanieswift?si=P81ZU2IBq3TEYu05
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9322895/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk