Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Faye.
Sheryl, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I could walk I knew I wanted to become an Actress. When I was a little girl I turned my deck into a summer theater and the bathroom into a box office. I wrote, directed, and starred in all of my productions. My Mother always bought a subscription and got eaten by the bugs as she cheered me on in the front row (well the only row).
I studied with the Cape Cod Theater Company and later went on to attend Emerson College, where I received a BFA in Acting. I have been performing Historical one-woman shows for the past 15 years. I started with a company based in Chicago and when they retired I started my own company. I currently portray 8 different women.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think one of the challenges has been getting my own name out there. The company I was with before had a wonderful reputation and had been around for years. So I had to prove myself, which I have. It’s hard when people don’t know who you are and to prove your worth. Also my shows are very different from others.
I am proving myself and like my ladies who truly inspire me to overcome and never give up. I receive so much of my business from word of mouth. I am so thankful and grateful that others find value in what I do and the messages that I am trying to send to young and old alike. I feel it is my duty and privilege to keep history alive.
Please tell us about Sheryl Faye Presents Historical Women.
I perform historical one-woman shows that I tour to Schools, libraries, Historical Societies, Senior Centers, Women’s organizations, fundraisers and more. I currently portray 8 different ladies from history. I perform Helen Keller, Clara Barton, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride and I am proud that I wrote Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt, and my newest show, “Americas First Second Lady” about Abigail Adams.
I take people back in time and on a journey throughout history. I start as an adult and go back to the character’s childhood. I am not talking about these people, I become these people. The greatest compliment I receive is having people tell me I felt like I was meeting the real Helen Keller (or whoever I am portraying). These are multi-media and immersive experiences that the audience will receive.
I am so proud to be going into my 6th year on my own, although I have been performing them for the past 15 years. Every year I perform more shows. I love walking into a school and having children remember me or remember a part of my show. It warms my heart. For the younger audiences, my shows promote reading, history, social studies. They tie right into the curriculum. Feeling empowered and reminding us all it is okay to be different and that’s a wonderful thing.
For the older audiences it might bring back wonderful memories or remind all of us to be kinder to one another and that it is never too late to pursue your dream. As I look at the women I portray, I collect clues from their personal stories as to what lead and guided them into becoming and achieving all that they could be. These connections fascinate me, and I am fortunate that I can inspire others to explore that within themselves too.
I am reminded that history is moving around us, it is not just taught in books, and it is part of my responsibility to share that. I have performed from MA to Alabama so far. I am looking forward to expanding into other parts of the country. Also, I am so lucky to work with the amazing people who help direct me, costume me, compose my music and create my sound design! I have an amazing team.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think it is so important to believe in yourself and your product. When I first started I don’t think I fully realized my worth. I take a tremendous amount of pride in what I do. I feel like I gain inspiration from my ladies who had to overcome stereotypes.
They followed their dreams and passion and they inspire me every day. I want to inspire others with their stories and messages of the past. Remind people of their impact and hope that history doesn’t repeat itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sherylfaye.com
- Phone: 866-936-6551
- Email: info@sherylfaye.com
- Instagram: sherylfayepresents
- Facebook: Sheryl Faye Presents
- Twitter: @Sheryl Faye
Image Credit:
Daniel Holmes and Douglas Gorenstein
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