The curtains go up, bright lights beat down on painted faces and Cayenne Stephens (12), prepares for another show. Theater has been a key passion of hers for a long time, and over the years, she’s had the opportunity to participate in a number of productions. For Stephens, theater has become a valuable form of self-expression and a creative outlet in which she has grown to find comfort. Her love of theater began when she participated in a play put on by a local community theater, and quickly fell in love with the art. 

“I did … this weird little production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ … and I played the dog,” Stephens said. “I fell in love with being at Theatre Memphis. Everyone who worked there was so nice.”

Over the years, she has participated in a number of local shows, from “Cheaper by the Dozen” to “Cinderella,” developing a love for the community that the theater attracts. 

“It really is such a wholesome community environment,” Stephens said. “[Performing with Theatre Memphis] really is such a good way to get integrated with the theater community of Memphis.” 

Currently, Stephens is performing in a Theatre Memphis production of “Macbeth.” In this play, she has two roles: Fleance, the son of Banquo, and a maid of Lady Macbeth. While juggling multiple roles, coupled with the difficulty of working on a Shakespeare production, has been challenging, it’s equally rewarding. One of Stephens’s favorite aspects of the play has been the diversity. While Shakespeare productions have a history of being performed by predominantly White actors, Stephens enjoys the efforts of Theatre Memphis to create a diverse cast for “Macbeth.” 

“I really like Shakespeare, and I really like seeing the different ways that people interpret it and put it on the stage,” Stephens said. “I think specifically with this show, having the diverse cast we have, it’s nice to see different people represented and playing different roles.”

A major challenge of the play has been working to accurately portray the scenes and characters. Because the language used in Shakespeare’s original work can be very different from modern English, interpreting what to say and how to say it requires significant effort. The difficulties in the language of the play make the actors that much more important, and for Stephens, a major part of rehearsals has been working to build chemistry between the actors.

“It’s a lot of working with other actors and talking about what we think the overall vision of the scene is, so we can see how better to … prepare for it,” Stephens said. “Specifically for Fleance, it’s building up chemistry with the other actors, especially the one who plays Banquo.”

Over the years, theater has grown to serve as more than just a hobby for Stephens; it’s grown into a way for her to give back to her community. 

“I think it’s a way to give back to your community and those around you,” Stephens said. “Being a part of the arts … that stuff is so great, being able to see the smiles on people’s faces.”