Today we’d like to introduce you to iyla a. stebbins.
Hi iyla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for entertainment started before I even knew what it was. My uncle once sent a clip of me as a baby to America’s Funniest Home Videos, and while I do not remember that, I do remember every performance after. It began with a ballet recital at the Hershey Theatre and grew through my time at Gamut Theatre Group and performing in any school show I could, where I first learned to appreciate live performance and met mentors who shaped me.
At Millersville University, I studied Speech Communications and Theatre and performed in shows I loved. I discovered how a successful career path in theatre could involve my customer service and leadership experience as well. That led me to an internship as House Manager at Gretna Theatre, where Brian Kurtas, the executive producer at the time, mentored me. He encouraged me to explore theatre management, a career path I had not considered before. Around that time, COVID hit, and like so many artists, I had to pivot without abandoning everything I had trained for. I started producing and directing one-night-only virtual projects to create space for other artists who felt lost during that time, while continuing to work customer service jobs to support myself.
Eventually, I enrolled in the MFA program in Devised Performance at Pig Iron Theatre School. It was an incredible experience that taught me collaboration and risk-taking, but I realized full-time performance was not my ultimate goal. In 2022, I moved to Michigan and worked outside of theatre for a while, but I knew I needed to return to what I loved. That is when I found Wayne State University’s MFA in Theatre Management. This program has been transformative. I have produced, directed, taught, and led community engagement initiatives. I even got the opportunity to be onstage again. It has challenged me in the best ways and reinvigorated my confidence in pursuing a professional career in theatre. I can’t say enough great things about the people here and the resources I’ve had access to during my time in the program.
As I approach graduation, I am grateful for every twist and turn that brought me here. Each experience and mentor in my life has shaped me into an artist and leader who believes in the stories we are all working so hard to bring to life and the importance of theatre as a stable and profitable industry for the artists it supports.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh my goodness, no. Deciding to pursue a career outside of performance was difficult, but it has ultimately led to more fulfillment in my life. Also, academia is tough; navigating conflicting personalities can be difficult, and I work in an industry that our government currently has a target on. I don’t get compensated the way I would if I stayed in a 9-5 career, and I struggle to compartmentalize my work because it is so tied to my soul and personal values. I would be lying if I said it isn’t difficult, but I have learned that if I lead with the intent of creating the best performance as a collaborative, success usually follows. While I have a lot I dream of accomplishing in the future, I look forward to finding an artistic home for the next few years where I can settle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been told the ‘sexy’ title for what I do is multi-hyphenate, but truthfully, I dislike most titles because they never fully capture everything I do. I perform, direct, market, produce, plan events, teach, and often combine several of these roles on the same project. Recently, that combination has evolved into self-producing, which has been the most challenging and rewarding accomplishment of my career so far.
I love directing, and I am passionate about building a strong infrastructure that supports performances with purpose, work that goes beyond the script, and sparks conversations that can lead to real change. Recently, I produced a staged concert of The Mad Ones, directed Drowning Ophelia and Almost, Maine, and had opportunities to assist directors both locally and on campus. I also do a lot of event programming and enjoy acting as a hub to connect like-minded, talented creatives and organizations. I approach every project with both an artistic vision and a management mindset, prioritizing ethical and inclusive practices and aiming for everything I create to last well beyond my involvement. I am most proud of creating spaces where artists feel empowered, and audiences feel connected, because that is where theatre truly thrives.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Theatre is here to stay in Detroit, and the need for live programming is only growing. As our world becomes more artificial by the day, people crave reality, and live performance of all kinds provides it. I believe audiences will continue to seek authentic, shared experiences that remind them of their humanity. That consistency will remain the driving force behind producing quality theatre.
I have a lot of thoughts and theories about industry trends over the next decade, from how technology will integrate with live performance to how we can create more sustainable and inclusive models for producing theatre. These ideas are something I am actively exploring and weaving into my master’s thesis, because I think the next significant shift will be about balancing innovation with accessibility and intentional community engagement.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iystebbs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyla-stebbins-306130157/
