The Arts Place

#019 – Stephen Tedeschi: On Performing Arts, Being Italian, and the Joy of Christmas

December 16, 2018 Gregory Byerline Family, Non-Profit, The Arts 0 Comments

My guest today is Stephen Tedeschi. Stephen is another artist in my world, and we’ve shared many a stage together with him at the helm of numerous dramatic arts performances, which, of course, we talk about here.

“Man, if kids could just find who they are at a young age and stick with it…What a difference!”

~Stephen Tedeschi

He’s very much Italian, and his fantastic family is always nearby. You’ll even hear some of them in the background a time or two enjoying life together, and this will give you an accurate glimpse into a typical Tedeschi family day.

As always, we feature a Non-Profit Spotlight selected by our guest. Two actually.

Stick around to the end where we have a special holiday presentation for you. Stephen is very much a fan of the Christmas season, and we’ve got a special surprise for you. Two surprises. Hint…one of those is The Magnificat spoken in Hebrew.

Unique content you’ll only find right here on Collected Clan.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:02:21 Why the dramatic arts?
  • 0:08:19 Stage show history
  • 0:10:39 Our creative paths crossing
  • 0:12:30 Sewing, tailoring, and costume making
  • 0:15:55 Gaining a son-in-law
  • 0:21:06 The Arts Place and performing arts appreciation
  • 0:24:48 How Stephen inspired my father/son relationship
  • 0:29:22 About The Arts Place
  • 0:34:24 Stephen’s Italian heritage
  • 0:36:37 Coffee talk
  • 0:44:03 Life the Italian way
  • 0:47:17 Origin of the Americano
  • 0:48:37 Non-Profit Spotlights: Rejoice School of Ballet and Narrow Gate Foundation
  • 0:51:19 Countdown to Christmas
  • 0:54:01 A Tedeschi Family Christmas
  • 1:00:21 The Spirit of Christmas
  • 1:03:57 A Carpenter Family Christmas
  • 1:05:33 Closing remarks
  • 1:07:01 BONUS The Christmas story
  • 1:12:07 BONUS The Magnificat spoken in Hebrew

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Stephen Tedeschi at these links and social media outlets.
Official Website | Instagram | Facebook

RELATED INFO

Here’s some additional photos, videos, and a playlist mentioned in this episode.

Stephen’s first espresso cup, given to him at age 2 by his Italian grandfather.

Stephen Tedeschi in custom costume he created

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen and his wife Miriam run a non-profit called The Arts Place where they provide budding and established artists with a safe, unique environment where skilled mentors and responsible administrators help them develop and cultivate their God-given talents and projects in various areas of the arts. He discusses their mission and purpose at 0:29:22.

At 44:03 as part of our conversation about life the Italian way, I mentioned a scene from the Eat Pray Love motion picture. Here’s that scene:

Spin some holiday cheer as we collectively long for extending peace on earth and goodwill beyond the month of December.

 

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

This episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight segment features two organizations that Stephen Tedeschi supports through his direct experience with them.

Rejoice School of Ballet offers one of the only available, affordable after-school arts programs in East Nashville for children from low income families. The positive environment offered by Rejoice results in increased self-esteem, valuing teamwork, and an improved respect for self and others. The study of ballet teaches children how to move with poise and grace, instills discipline, and sets standards of excellence. Rejoice provides children and their familes with tools for successful living.

Narrow Gate Foundation offers a transformative experience for young men ages 18-25. Lodge participants live and work together while pursuing biblical training, personal discipleship, challenging adventures, and new life skills. During their 6-8 month stay, young men pause from the distractions of daily life to discover who Jesus says they are and their calling for the future.

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