All Stories Matter - Katey and Chris, why we love performing, the Civic, and life!

Updated 4 days ago

Katey Martinek and Christopher Blades have been on stage since childhood although on different stages and in different cities. They met on the Civic theatre stage and formed a friendship that spans time and space. From sharing “belly laughs” while traveling together to supporting one another backstage, this dynamic duo exemplifies the word “friendship” and serves as an example for all.

Chapters

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (00:00:16)
Marvinetta introduces herself and explains the goal of her podcast, 'All Stories Matter', which is to encourage sharing and engagement with personal stories.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn greets the audience and explains her motivation for starting the podcast 'All Stories Matter'. She feels that people are not as engaged with one another's stories as they could be, and she wants to change that by encouraging everyone to share their personal experiences.
The Value of Personal Stories (00:00:31)
Marvinetta emphasizes that everyone has a story worth sharing, regardless of age, and these stories are important for understanding one's history.

Marvinetta talks about how every person, no matter their age, has a unique story to tell. She shares a personal anecdote about being with her grandchildren, who wanted to know their father's story, illustrating the importance of sharing both the good and bad parts of personal histories.
Introduction of Guests Katie and Christopher (00:01:30)
Marvinetta introduces her friends from the Civic Theater, Katie and Christopher, who are the guests on this episode to share their stories.

Marvinetta welcomes her guests, Katie and Christopher, who she describes as 'Forever Friends' from the Civic Theater. She invites the audience to relax and enjoy the stories that her friends will be sharing during the podcast.
Katie's Background and Passion for Dance (00:01:58)
Katie shares her background of growing up in St. Joseph, Michigan, her early love for dance, and how it led her to theater.

Katie talks about being born in St. Joseph, Michigan, and how she has lived there for most of her life. She describes her early start in dance at the age of three and how it was a significant part of her life, leading her to participate in theater during her college years.
Katie's Transition from Dance to Theater (00:04:44)
Katie recounts her first theater audition and overcoming stage fright, which led to her love for performing in musicals.

Katie reminisces about her first audition for the musical 'Annie', where she forgot the words due to stage fright. Despite this, she eventually joined a singing group and continued to perform, which solidified her passion for the theater.
Christopher's Early Life and Dance Journey (00:05:26)
Christopher discusses his upbringing in Wheaton, Illinois, his adoption, and how dance helped him overcome mobility issues.

Christopher shares his story of being adopted at age four and growing up in Wheaton, Illinois. He explains how he started taking dance classes to help with his balance and how it led him to competitive dancing, which played a significant role in his life.
Christopher's Family and Foster Care Experience (00:10:46)
Christopher talks about his large family, including foster siblings, and how these experiences shaped his empathetic nature.

Christopher describes his unique family dynamics, including being adopted and having numerous foster siblings. He explains how growing up with such a diverse family made him more empathetic and understanding of different people and their circumstances.
Katie's Journey to Cosmetology and Living in Different Cities (00:20:43)
Katie shares her journey through studying cosmetology, moving to Chicago and Miami, and returning to Chicago.

Katie talks about her decision to study cosmetology in Chicago and her subsequent move to Miami, driven by a relationship. After realizing the importance of having health benefits, she returned to Chicago for a job that offered them, while continuing to work in cosmetology on the side.
Christopher's Path from Dance to Theater (00:24:42)
Christopher explains how he transitioned from competitive dance to theater in school, leading to his career in performing arts.

Christopher recounts his transition from dance to theater during his school years, starting with a role in 'The Wizard of Oz'. He had to choose between the two disciplines in high school and ultimately chose theater, which set the stage for his future career in the performing arts.
Sophomore Year Theater Experience (00:26:07)
The speaker recounts their sophomore year where they chose not to audition for 'Into the Woods' and instead became an assistant director, eventually promoted to student director.

During their sophomore year, the speaker decided not to audition for 'Into the Woods' despite being involved in theater. Instead, they took on the role of assistant director. The director recognized their efforts and promoted them to student director, allowing them to direct and choreograph several shows.
Chicagoland Theater Involvement (00:26:40)
The speaker describes their involvement in various theater groups in the Chicagoland area, including Oaklawn Park District Theater and Bright Star Theater.

After community college, the speaker participated in several theater groups in the Chicagoland area. They worked with the Oaklawn Park District Theater and Bright Star Theater, and performed at the Jed Laca Performing Arts Center in Cicero, including a memorable role in 'Miss Saigon'.
A New Opportunity in South Bend (00:27:23)
The speaker was invited to South Bend to escape a difficult situation and was offered a place to stay by a theater director.

While visiting a friend performing in 'Miss Saigon' in South Bend, the speaker was offered a chance to escape a troubling relationship. The director of the show invited them to stay in South Bend for a year, allowing them to find stability and a new community.
South Bend Theater Experiences (00:28:02)
The speaker shares experiences performing in South Bend, including productions of 'Chicago' and interactions with Notre Dame students.

In South Bend, the speaker participated in various productions, including 'Chicago' at St. Mary's College, collaborating with Notre Dame students. They also performed at the South Bend Civic Theater and Premier Arts, forming connections with local theater enthusiasts.
Marriage and Career Transition (00:29:09)
The speaker discusses meeting their ex-husband, working in the restaurant industry, and the decision to move due to the industry's instability.

The speaker met their ex-husband, Chucky, and worked at a high-end restaurant in South Bend. As the restaurant industry faced challenges, and missing family back home, they decided to move. They remained friends and the speaker joined Chucky's family's travel agency.
Finding a New Theater Community (00:29:54)
After moving, the speaker auditioned for 'Mama Mia' in Kalamazoo, which led to joining the Civic theater community and forming new friendships.

After relocating, the speaker auditioned for 'Mama Mia' at the Kindle Burger Festival in Kalamazoo. This led to new friendships and an introduction to the Civic theater community, where they found a sense of belonging and family.
Involvement with the Civic Theater (00:30:32)
The speaker describes their involvement with the Civic Theater, from participating in shows to becoming a box office associate and audience engagement manager.

The speaker became deeply involved with the Civic Theater, starting with ushering and volunteering. They worked in the box office and later became the audience engagement manager, balancing their love for performing with their professional responsibilities.
Theater as a Family (00:32:34)
The speaker reflects on the deep connections and sense of family formed through theater experiences, particularly highlighting relationships built at the Civic.

Through various productions, the speaker formed lasting friendships and a sense of family within the theater community. They recount specific relationships and how these bonds have enriched their life both on and off the stage.
Spiritual Experiences and Connections (00:43:00)
The speaker and their friends share personal stories of spiritual encounters and the belief in dimensions beyond our understanding.

The speaker and their friends discuss encounters with the spiritual realm, touching on experiences with angels, spiritual energies, and the feeling of being connected to loved ones who have passed. These stories underline a shared belief in the existence of dimensions beyond our typical perception.
Reflections on Life and Connections (00:47:02)
The conversation shifts to the importance of human connections, shared experiences, and the impact of loved ones who have passed.

The discussion covers the significance of human connections, the memories shared with loved ones, and the lasting impact of those who have passed. The speaker reflects on personal experiences with family and friends, emphasizing the enduring nature of these bonds.
Reflecting on Middle Age Friendships (00:52:45)
The speaker discusses the value of finding a close group of friends to travel with, emphasizing the joy of still laughing on the last day of a trip.

The conversation starts with a reflection on the nature of friendships during middle age. The speaker talks about how important it is to have a core group of friends that you can travel with, and how this differs from simply going out for dinners. They share how meaningful it is to travel with friends for several days and still enjoy each other's company, laughing together even on the last day of the trip.
Organized Travel Adventures (00:53:13)
The group has a dedicated travel agent who plans their trips, allowing them to enjoy shows and adventures without worry.

The discussion continues with anecdotes about having a friend who acts as their travel agent, organizing trips to places like New York. This friend, Topher, handles all the logistics, booking shows and planning out their itinerary, which makes their travel experiences smooth and stress-free. The speaker jokes about how organized their trips are and compares the experience to a family outing, but without the usual drama.
The Joy of Theater in New York (00:54:00)
While in New York, the group sees numerous shows, including an immersive version of Phantom of the Opera, which leaves a lasting impression.

The conversation shifts to the group's experiences in New York, where they saw nine shows in a few days. They highlight their experience with an immersive version of Phantom of the Opera, describing how the audience was part of the show, could handle props, and even interact with the actors. This unique experience was so impressive that they went to see it twice.
Unexpected Adventures During Snowmageddon (00:54:44)
Due to a snowstorm, the group had to extend their stay in New York and experienced serendipitous theater adventures.

During their trip, the group encounters a snowstorm, dubbed 'Snowmageddon,' which forces them to extend their stay by canceling flights and rebooking hotels. Despite the disruption, they manage to see more shows, including a serendipitous visit to Hadestown after a canceled show. They recount the lucky circumstances that led them to these memorable theater experiences.
Future Travel Plans and Aspirations (00:57:41)
The guests share their future travel dreams, including trips to Japan, Vietnam, and aspirations to work as artistic directors.

The conversation turns to personal aspirations and future travel plans. One guest expresses a desire to travel to Japan, Vietnam, and possibly Egypt. They also discuss career aspirations, mentioning a hope to become an artistic director. The idea of continuous travel and exploration is a recurring theme.
Upcoming Trips and Exciting Plans (00:59:03)
Detailed plans for upcoming trips to Marrakesh and Europe are shared, highlighting the excitement of travel.

The guests share their detailed plans for upcoming trips, including a journey to Marrakesh with friends and a European tour involving London and Paris. They talk about the excitement of spending Bastille Day in Paris and the unique experiences they anticipate, such as staying in a part of a castle. The conversation is filled with enthusiasm for the adventures ahead.