Today we’re excited to introduce you to Stacey E. Haught. Stacey is an author, actor and writer and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Stacey below.
Hi Stacey, please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Stacey Elise Haught, I am a retired Actor/Acting Instructor, and film coach, I taught for over fourteen years, both theatre, and film acting for students ranging in ages from preschool through adult. Three years ago I hung up my acting hat, and sat myself in a ‘waiting room’ of sorts, anticipating a new fresh opportunity and when that didn’t come I slipped into an anxiety-ridden slump. Not sure what my identity was, who I was or what I was meant to be, I started to imagine these great stories, during the beginning of 2020 my husband and I discussed what I wanted to do if I could do anything in the world and I told him “become a writer.” during quarantine he purchased me a brand new computer and I haven’t stopped writing. On November 3rd I was offered a publishing contract to publish my third full-length novel and the first one to see the light of day outside of my computer “Good Hope.” and on top of that, I have been given a platform to provide an equity voice within in my community with the St. Petian Magazine, and am able to provide an opportunity for artists, dreamers, and fellow people who are all sitting in a waiting room like me.
Who were your biggest influences?
I feel like this question could be answered in so many different capacities, I’ve lived a long life in my thirty-six years. I’ve seen a lot, I’ve been exposed to a lot, I’ve heard a lot. When I was young I would study film, then research their choices, I wanted to know why they chose the things they did, this influenced me in my acting, I approached my characters with purpose and intent, my lines were spoken without carelessness. As I became an instructor my boss Jolie became a huge influence, she would prompt, engage, and encourage me to strive to a better instructor than who I was before, being young and naive I was moldable to her guidance, and as a writer, I am influenced by stories, songs, emotions, and circumstances, everyone’s and not just mine. I’m better because I allow myself to be influenced by others, I sit and absorb their words, hurts, and experience, and cherish the journey I am on with my characters as we explore this great new world that’s brand new.
Why do you think acting classes are important if you can just act without an education?
Community. Yes. You can act without an education, acting is simply telling a story if you can feel you can act if you can lie you can act, if you can read you can act. BUT. What’s vital to an inexperienced actor is the community they have around them. This community provides such a place of protection, guidance, and comfort in a world that’s full of rejection, worry, and isolation. It’s not good to be alone in the entertainment industry, find yourself people who know what it’s like to experience the unique things you experience, build trust with them, build yourself a tribe. On top of the fundamental fact that if you’re in a solid acting class you’re going to learn, you’re going to grow, and that’s only going to help you in the long run book jobs. Working actors work smarter not harder, and you work smarter by being in a class and building your community, and your talent.
