Today, we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Boord.
Hi, Stacie; thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is unconventional. Other than knowing I wanted to perform, that was all I knew. And although I had a plan to do that, life just happened and brought me to where I am today.
I started my journey as an opera major at OSU. After I graduated with my vocal performance degree, I wasn’t ready to stop learning. Plus, it was financially advantageous for me to keep going to school. So, I went back and auditioned for OSU’s school of dance without ever having “formal” dance training. I was a natural mover and a former national cheerleader, and I had taken many elective dance classes in college. I had a nice foundation, but more than anything, I was willing to just try. I mustered up the courage to audition (because I really had nothing to lose!), and I was accepted. That was a big confidence boost!
On the business front, I never had any interest, but in high school, I was always the best salesman for our carwash or bake sales. I guess that was a sign of things to come. In college, I had the good fortune of connecting with a small group of people and starting a theater company. I was inspired by the possibilities and began helping with office work. That is how I discovered my passion for business. My first official role was as the PR director. It was a natural place to start, as I had a passion for what we were doing, and I loved sharing that with anyone and everyone who would listen. From there, it just snowballed. I took the role of Director of Development, Dramaturg, Community Relations, Corporate Sales, Company Events, Education, General Manager, etc. My pattern was to establish a department or initiative, train someone to fill that position, and move on to something else. Each time, I researched how it’s typically done, took what worked for me, and disregarded the conventional approaches that didn’t feel authentic. There is so much power in not knowing or understanding how it’s “supposed” to be done. I trusted my instincts and thought outside of the box. As a result, I was successful many times because I didn’t understand or believe that I wouldn’t be.
To that end, never in a million years did I ever wish to be CEO. It all came to be when our friend and founder of 28 years, Stev Guyer, came down with brain cancer. He fought a good fight, but after a two-year battle, he lost. It was during that time I stepped into that position. It’s a position I never wanted for myself but one I truly cherish. The joy comes from performing alongside our beautiful artists, creating the amazing art we present, and executing all the aligning educational and community initiatives and programs that impact our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey has had its share of challenges over time – from enduring a fire at our original Spring St. (downtown Columbus) location in ’99; losing our beloved founder (Stev Guyer) in ’18; then facing up against COVID-19 just two short years after that – it’s definitely not been easy sailing!
However tough those times were, they gave rise to some pretty incredible opportunities. We took stock during those moments when everything seemed uncertain around us– asking ourselves, “Who do we WANT to be?” And guess what? It was like hitting a reset button—suddenly, there were so many fresh ideas buzzing around about how best we could keep bringing joy into people’s lives while also putting more focus into enriching the lives of our ensemble both on and off the stage.
So, everyone out there reading this right now – get ready! Things are going to get even more exciting real soon!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Shadowbox Live?
Shadowbox Live is a non-profit performance troupe that employs more full-time performing artists than any other company in the United States. As an artistic force within and beyond the Columbus community, we take great pride in our reputation for inventiveness and dynamism. Our identity is anchored in celebrating the power of live performance and its ability to connect and move people from diverse backgrounds.
Our approach to live art is based on our signature cabaret-style productions that blend sketch comedy and music into a cohesive experience—a fusion not typically found in conventional theater settings. As we’ve evolved as performers, presenters, and producers, we discovered that our true differentiator is our dedication to versatility and innovation. Now, in the middle of our 35th season, we curate a fresh lineup of shows that span various themes and genres, ensuring our audience always has something new and exciting to look forward to experiencing.
Our creative endeavors extend to crafting original works, as well as paying tribute to iconic performing artists and breathing new life into timeless tales—all with the style and energy we’re known for. Among our most celebrated and anticipated productions are “Which One’s Pink?” a multimedia tribute to the legendary band Pink Floyd; and our upcoming, dance-driven interpretive of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
For those who seek more than just an evening at the theater, we offer an immersive entertainment experience. Our blend of humor, music, storytelling, and spectacle create lasting memories for our newer audience members, and longtime patrons of our organization.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was into EVERYTHING! You name it, I wanted to try it – Chinese, baton, ballet, synchronized swimming, etc. Again, my passions were discovered as opportunities presented themselves. When I was young, I went with a friend to watch her compete in her swim meet. When we arrived, they discovered they were down a swimmer. Her coach knew I was a synchronized swimmer and begged me to compete in the backstroke event. I had never competitively swam before, let alone do the backstroke start or flip. I watched the other heats ahead of me, learned what I could by osmosis, and when it was time, I jumped in and did it. It wasn’t the prettiest start or flip, but I finished and placed third. After that, I quit synchronized swimming, switched to competitive swimming, and stayed with it through the end of high school.
On the performance side, I was VERY private about my singing and dancing when I was younger. I truly loved it but was in no way interested in sharing it with an audience! One time, I attended a children’s community theater audition, but I had NO intention of auditioning myself. I was there strictly to act as support to my friends who were. But after about the 20th time of hearing the audition song, I knew it, and my interest was piqued. They must have seen my body language change and came up to ask me once again if I wanted to audition. On a whim, I did. and I got the lead. That was the start of my life’s career. Which, in hindsight, shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise as I was a very funny kid. I remember, as a young teen, writing letters to my mom, posing as our neighbors. Each letter would let her know what a great kid I was and recommended that I should be given a puppy. To do this, I would walk to my grandma’s and type the letters using an actual typewriter! I was so humored with myself that I would be crying and laughing as I was writing them. When I was done, I would seal them up and then drop them in the mail. This went on for months! Not only did it work, but man, I had a good time doing it! I think that has stayed with me. If you want something, go for it. And have a helluva good time doing it! ☺
Pricing:
- Admission to all Shadowbox Live shows is sold by the table—tables seat parties of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8. The average price per seat is $45 for all performances.
- Shadowbox Live’s full bar and menu are available before every show. Drinks and select items are available at intermission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shadowboxlive.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowboxlive
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowboxLive/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1286730/admin/feed/posts/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shadowbox-live-columbus
Image Credits
Buzz Crisafulli
Tommy Feisel
