Meet Kelci Schlierf

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelci Schlierf. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelci below.

Hi Kelci , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Like many people, I am fueled by the assertion from others that I “can’t” do something. Because I’m short, because I was born female, because I’m not “smart enough” or “good enough” or because I’m not someone’s conventional idea of something. I have always been weird, and introverted, and deeply anxious. I can’t imagine doing anything, and not wanting to be the best at it. I have always been driven by the idea of unlocking new levels to things. When I was a child, that looked like reading more difficult books, solving more challenging puzzles, using more sophisticated words in my writing. Today, I look to level up by directing better productions, working with more prominent companies, and reaching as many people as I can with my work.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the Artistic Director of Sewer Rats Productions, a Philadelphia based company whose focus is developing new plays. It’s important to me to uplift new voices and tell stories that are new and relevant to today’s audiences.
I love directing plays because I love telling stories, and reaching an understanding of what’s beneath the surface, what is motivating the characters psychologically.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The most important qualities, in no particular, would have to be empathy, curiosity, and drive. I’ve found that have to care about the people you work with, and the people you’re making art for. You learn so much about the world by wanting to know more. By seeking out information, asking questions, and observing the people around you, things start to make sense that used to seem random. And more than anything, you have to want to make your work happen. You have to be passionate about it and be willing to engage with others about it. The biggest piece of advice I can offer, is ask as many questions as you can, in all situations.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking to connect with artists who seek to create meaningful work in a collaborative style. In particular, I would like to prioritize LGBT+ voices, and produce work that includes complex queer characters.

I would love to connect with playwrights who are looking to hear their work read aloud and see it on its feet. I would also love to connect with producers who want to collaborate and establish a vision on a small budget. If you’re interested in working with us, please send an email to [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sewer-rats.com/
• Instagram: @phillysewerrats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CHZ4uV8zm/?mibextid=wwXIfr