Welcome to episode 32 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Steve Steiner, Producing Artistic Director for the Surflight Theatre.
The same day this podcast goes LIVE, the Surflight Theatre is also being featured on Good Morning America.
Steve was born in Chicago, but left at a young age and grew up in St. Louis. He actually thought he would wind up in the family business, which was a paint manufacturing company. He did work for the paint manufacturing company for a short time in college. However, during his college years Six Flags Park was hiring and he auditioned. That became a life changer for Steve as he never truly has stopped performing.
His career either on the stage performing or being behind the stage making the magic happen has spanned now over 50 years. Recently, Steve was Daddy Warbucks in Surflight Theatre's production of 'Annie'.
Following several years as a professional musician, playing 11 instruments at the height of his career, Steve headed to NY at age 30 to give Broadway a try. Over the next 16 years he was working non-stop, including making it to Broadway in shows like Anything Goes, The Buddy Holly Story, and State Fair.
Steve made his way from on the stage to making the magic happen on the stage at the Surflight Theatre. Last summer due to COVID and a storm, there were many challenges to overcome in order to keep the Surflight Theatre running. However, due to the resiliency of Steve, his team, and some incredible volunteers performers were able to take the stage and audiences were able to escape through the stories they told under a big top tent.
At the Surflight Theatre you not only experience Broadway quality shows, but also shows specifically made for children, comedy and musical acts. Listen in to hear about the incredible apprenticeship program that Surflight has created for kids to learn about all the aspects of bringing shows to life.
The Surflight Theatre is also connected to the Showplace Ice Cream Parlour. Showplace is an icon in Beach Haven, NJ. The ice cream sundaes are named after Broadway shows or song titles. The patrons become part of the act, and then the waitresses and waiters, also known at Showplace as waitri, put on an amazing show for the audience as they indulge in their decadent ice cream masterpieces.
Listen in to hear more about Steve’s journey and his answer to, 'if I knew then what I know now'.
Please go to Surflight Theatre for information on their current performance line-up.
My next guest is Victoria Magliacane. Victoria is Senior Vice President, Investors Bank & Integrative Health Coach, Lavendar Lifestyle. Victoria shares about a very personal experience that was life changing. Many of us get tied to our success through our titles and the roles we play professionally. Sometimes it take something unexpected to make us see things a bit differently. Thank you to Victoria for her willingness to share her personal journey and how she is helping others with theirs.
Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel and/or stream this podcast on all streaming sites . Like us on FB and Instagram at Today is the Day Live it. Also go to Today Is The Day - Non-Profit Consulting, Coaching (todayisthedayliveit.com) to learn more about the coaching/consulting services that Jodi provides. Also, please go toZzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Inc., the not-for-profit organization where Jodi serves as the CEO & Co-founder. This organization is making a difference in the lives of children with financial barriers who are looking to have an ongoing creative outlet through ongoing lessons in the performing arts.
Have a great week everyone!
