Hometown: 2/3 New York City, 1/3 San Diego, CA
Education: BA Acting & Sociology/Anthropology, Pace University
Favorite Credits: Since it’s my first combined acting & writing credit, I’m gonna go with this.
Why theater?: Aside from being the only thing I can envision myself doing, theatre provides me with a unique platform, where I’m able to simultaneously do what I love, while encouraging audiences to see the world through a lens that differs from their own.
Tell us about Upstream Swimming: Upstream Swimming is my light-hearted, one-woman show about growing up with 2 gay dads before it was considered “cool,” and how my less-traditional family dynamic shaped me into the woman I am today. It’s not preachy or dramatic, it’s really just 80 minutes of me trying to figure out why I’m single with the help of like 13 other characters. It’s also the first solo show that’s written and performed by an actual child of same-sex parents!
What inspired you to write Upstream Swimming?: When I was 14 years old I started recording my family dinners on my phone to prove that the ridiculous events and absurd conversations that transpired during the meal had actually happened. In addition to the dinner recordings, I started saving voicemails, text messages, photos and videos that captured my family during similar moments that I knew people would have to see to believe. I did this pretty consistently over the next 10 years, and what I wound up discovering was that my family is really weird; but that the weirdness had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that my dads are gay. So I felt it was my responsibility as a seemingly “normal” girl who just happens to have 2 gay dads, to share my story with others, giving them the opportunity to arrive at the same conclusion I did.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theatre with the potential to provoke social change really speaks to me. I love that people can walk into the theatre feeling one way, and leave questioning their initial stance. I’m really inspired by human beings in general. As a sociology/anthropology major, I did a lot of fieldwork as an undergrad, which lead me to realize and appreciate the power of observation. I love riding the subway with my headphones on and no music playing. It’s during the moments when people don’t think anyone’s watching, when they’re unapologetically themselves. I love witnessing that.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I’d love to work with Ryan Murphy. I appreciate his dedication to LGBT-themed projects.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Spring Awakening revival. It’s stunning.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Hmm…If "Upstream Swimming" was already taken, I’d call the movie “Spiraling Up,” and I would be played by my best friend, who also happens to be my 13 year old sister.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Lisa Kron’s one-woman show 2.5 Minute Ride
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Dance Moms and I am NOT ashamed.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be ____?: Trying to eliminate the word “normal” from the American language, and encourage people to use a word that embodies the majority/average in the way “normal” fails to (such as “typical” or “standard”).
What’s up next?: Hopefully Upstream Swimming will find a more permanent home and I can continue to share my story with others. But in the meantime, I’m writing a web series with a couple friends that we plan to shoot this summer, so stay tuned!
For more on Lindsey, visit www.LindseySteinert.com. For more on Upstream Swimming, visit www.UpstreamSwimmingPlay.com and http://horsetrade.info/
