Hi there, Stage 32! I’m Shellie Schmals, Stage 32 Director of Community and self-declared Cheerleader of Creativity!

Previously, I was the Senior Program & Industry Relations Manager at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, where I played a lead role in selecting the nearly 800 films that are considered for each annual Festival. I currently sit on the national board of the Film Festival Alliance (FFA), state-wide Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) as Membership Chair. Locally, I am the Vice President of Programming for the Women in Film & Television Atlanta where I coordinate WIFTA industry panels at Dragon Con (Film Track) and Cinema Life Collective, and previously held positions as the co-chair of the WIFTA Short Film & Talent Showcase and WIFTA Secretary.

I also spend time as Creative Director of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Atlanta, Georgia designing immersive film programming for cult classics, new favorites, horror films, and iconic '80s with dance, comedy, music, fashion, and fun!

I believe in the power of artists collaborating to accomplish their goals, learn new tricks, and help lift each other in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. I’m consistently impressed with how Stage 32 members are building camaraderie and helping each other up the career ladder, one relationship at a time. You’ll hear me talk a lot about my goals and plans for the future Stage 32’s Community Pillar, but that’s for another day. Right now, I’d love the answer the burning question in all your minds: how did I get here?

As an ‘80s kid, I soaked in all the pop culture available to fuel my passions: Annie, the musical and the film; Fame, the film and the television show; and of course, MTV. Unfortunately, I couldn't sing, so there would be no performing in Annie. I am terrible with memorized choreography, so I would never keep up with the kids in Fame, and my living room would never turn into the soundstage of MTV. But these setbacks didn't stop me from getting involved in the communities around me.

Since 2010, I’ve stepped on stage as a producer, emcee, and performer, which is where I fell in love working with communities like Stage 32. I’ve hosted shows at several Southeast burlesque festivals and collaborated on shows with live music, stand-up comedians, improv troupes, drag queens and kings, film visual arts, and fashion. I’ve hosted fundraisers, VIP rooms, red carpets, and calendar launches. Found opportunities to partner with brands, restaurants, bars, film festivals, and more.

As much as I desperately wanted to become a performer, I know today that my greatest asset is being a joiner. At 16 years old, I was voted by my peers to be a Regional President representing 400 members, in 15 different chapters, in 7 different cities. I was young and wasn’t exactly prepared for all the responsibilities, but I did realize how the power of community can help uplift and change someone’s life. I understood that actions and intentions are powerful.

Involvement is my love language. I’m happiest when working alongside like-minded individuals towards a common goal. Entertainment is my passion. Breathing life into creative projects is where I’m most fulfilled. Community is the connection between Involvement and Entertainment. Nowadays, my extra-curricular affiliations are ones where I can elevate networking opportunities, professional development, and hands-on skills. Through Women in Film & Television Atlanta, Georgia Production Partnership, and Film Festival Alliance, I’m volunteering with the intention of helping others get a break to see their dreams come true.

And that’s what I want for you, our Stage 32 members. I want to see you have meaningful conversations in our lounges, take a webinar to learn a new skill, pitch that project, land that job, and share your success with our Stage 32 Community. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below about your thoughts on Community, how you think we can work together to bring our community closer, and how Stage 32 can even be more impactful to your career.

I’ll leave you on this final Call to Action: Whether you’ve been a Stage 32 member for 10 years or just a day - please join me this weekend in the Introduce Yourself Lounge and connect with our members; meet a new friend, or catch up with old ones… As Little Orphan Annie says, “Leapin’ Lizards! Just Look at this Joint!”

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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