We caught up with the brilliant and insightful E. Faye Butler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
E. Faye, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
The most effective way to show up in the room when no looks like you is to simply be you, unapologetic and purposeful. I never try to fit into the idea of what others think I will be or what I should do or how I should react. I make a point to listen first not just jump into conversations or activities just to be seen or heard. There is power in silence and I use this tool. I’m always respectful of others, their opinions and views, but I never allow people to make me feel less than or inferior when I disagree with folks.
I was raised in a family, culture, community and environment that always taught me that I am an amazing human being smarter than most people in the room and I should always speak my truth from the heart.
I love when folks try to over explain or convince me on their point of view when I disagree. They’ll say, “I don’t think you understand what I’m saying”. I often smile listen till they’re finish speaking. Then reply, “I completely understand what you’re saying I just disagree.” It’s always interesting when you make your voice, questions or answers clear how it offends the very people who believe they know best. Usually, that’s when the labeling begins: you’re too Direct, Aggressive, Pushy, Bitchy, A Problem. I usually respond with “you call me a bitch etc.. like it’s a bad thing”. I have found that you have to teach people how to treat you and to think before they speak to you. It sets up strong boundaries. Respect is what I expect from others I work with not to liked. I come into a room to do the work, good work to make a project the best it can be with a team effort but not to sell out or sell myself short.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a woman of a certain age and fully living and loving my life as an artist, wife, mother and grandmother! LIVING THE LIFE!
As an artist I have enter a new chapter in my career. For 40+ years I’ve been blessed to perform as an actor, singer, entertainer in front of audiences around the world and I love it dearly it’s always been my passion. I love getting paid to do the thing I love second to God and family it truly fills me with joy.
As I begin the second act of my life I felt it was time to give back make space and pass forward the pearls of wisdom I’ve been taught, learned, experienced and had the distinct honor to received from directors, producers and fellow artists. I’m directing now; I’ve always directed plays/musicals during my career but now I’m focused, directing at theaters around the country to continue to learn and grow in the industry. I’m sitting in a different chair with a renewed perspective as an “actors director”. I am meeting and working with both young and established artists and soaking it all up. Meeting and developing old and new relationships with unions, designers, producers, artistic directors, play writs, and theatres. I still perform and do a play/musical and concerts, club gigs, so go to
www. e-fayebutler.com for more information. Directing and traveling these days a good balance; which is healthy if you’re going to stay sharp in the game. Keep your eyes open when you see Directed by: E. Faye Butler but don’t forget E. Faye Butler the artist!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Support/Family – I have always been blessed to have the support of my family. I believe whether it is your given family or a chosen family you need a support from people who care about your well- being not just your career. The feeling of belonging and being heard is very important in family, it helps you devlope great social and communication skills.
Good Business Sense – I always go into every venture with hope, an open mind and ready to learn.. If you don’t like what you’re doing and it doesn’t bring you joy even in the slow and hard times what’s the point. I never take a job I don’t feel good about or just to have a gig. I ask myself What are the benefits pro’s and con’s? Financially how does this fit my life.? Does the project put me in the spaces I want to be? I weigh all my options, and don’t be silly money matters.
Good Work Ethics – I am a believer if you take the job do the job. Something can be learned from showing up for the work. Not just in attendance but focused, ready to participate.Not to be redundant but if you don’t want to be there don’t go it brings the room down. Find something that speaks to you find another room. Understand that the most talented people are not always in the room but you will always find the most dedicated people in the room.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
It always comes back to family for me, Oddly most of my family has passed and I’m becoming the Matriarch of the family very soon. My parents left me with lasting memories. As a a child beginning at the age of 4 my parents took my sister and I to some arts event every weekend. I had the benefit of seeing the Ballet, Opera, Musical theatre, Plays, the Symphony, Concerts, Fine Art galleries and Films. I know these gifts continue to impact how I see the world and directly affected my passion for the performing arts. It continues to feed my soul and allows me to express and share myself freely with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.e-fayebutler.com
- Instagram: e.fayebutler
- Facebook: E. Faye Butler
- Linkedin: E. Faye Butler
Image Credits
E. Faye personal headshot Brave Lux
others are from theaters
Crowns ArenaStage
Nacirema Society Goodman Theatre
Hong Kong Ballet Great Gatsby
Marie and Rosetta Northlight Theatre
Color Purple Maine Stae Music Theatre
Amen Corner Shakespeare DC
The Wiz Fulton Theatre
Raisin In the Sun Pittsburgh Public Theatre
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
