ACTRESS - STEPHANIE MOORE

Tell us about your background and what you do.

I'm a Scottish actress and have recently moved to the area with my two wild boys and Henley-raised husband. Theatre is my passion but I've done TV, radio and directing.  The past 5 years have been a Maternity break mishmash dotted with creative projects, writing for Mum Blogs such as Selfish Mother, teaching, voiceovers and now I'm ready to take the plunge back into acting...I think! Recently I created a parody video for a new Mum App. I'm definitely a bit of an artistic amalgamation so whenever I come to your wonderful events it's always a struggle to define myself as one thing on the sticky label!!

What made you decide to take a creative path? 

In all honesty I've never actually had to decide. I can't remember ever not wanting to be an actress… I was always yearning for a creative fix. I need to be reading, writing, coming up with ideas all the time.

What inspires you and your work? 

Going to see a play at the National Theatre  or Royal Court usually spurs me on and I love an inspirational/spiritual books for a bit of motivation! I'm also obsessed with Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday Podcast . Having boys has definitely inspired the way I approach any work - I want them to be able to express themselves creatively. Since I've moved out of London, time outdoors helps too - my Chiswick friends find it ridiculous that I'm now happiest outside in my wellies watching the red kites. The fact that I've bought a cloudspotter's book is utterly embarrassing. I also love doing projects that my kids can watch me in/contribute to, like Storystock, a wonderful kids’ literary festival.

What’s your biggest highlight to date?

When Frankie (my eldest) was a baby I worked with the Soho Theatre to set up 'Soho Screamers' www.curiousmum.co.uk for parents with young babies to go to the theatre during the day. I was going stir crazy at home and when babies are sling-able it felt like the perfect time to get a culture fix. Cinemas were doing it so why not theatre? It felt incredible to be part of such a positive project. An auditorium of breastfeeding Mums and screaming babies whilst a couple of actors attempted an intimate love scene was something I'll never forget! Oh, and my own kids also find it quite cool that their Mummy is in a Disney film (Pixar's 'Brave').  But, having said all that, I feel like the biggest career highlight is yet to happen.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

People don't like to talk about this but the rejection for sure. When you don't get a job just because your face doesn't fit that can be hard to take. Time out and getting older has helped to gain perspective! It's also tricky making peace with balancing motherhood and the desire to create your own work but not always being very good at juggling both... I've also struggled to see ideas through to the end when sometimes all you want to do after bedtime is have a large glass of wine in the bath!

What does the future for you hold?

This year, as we put down our Henley roots, it would be lovely to collaborate on an inspiring project with some other local creatives. I'm open to acting, voiceovers, teaching and writing opportunities. Oh, and I also have a children's book up my sleeve that's crying out for an illustrator...! 

Best nugget of wisdom?

Don't try to deny your creative urges. Ultimately, they never go away. If you're having to search for something else you want to do then chances are you were right first time. Oh, and keep a copy of Liz Gilbert's 'Big magic'  on your bedside table...

stephaniemoore1@hotmail.co.uk

twitter @mothersplay