Who is Stefanie Jones?
Australian Music Theatre Performer from Brisbane, Queensland. A Victorian College of the Arts graduate and Melbourne resident for almost a decade. Violinist, neat freak, middle sister, passionate (but only moderately average) cook and good friend.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Talking work wise, perhaps in another life I’d hope to be drawn to a career that could offer more stability. However, there is no denying that what I do now brings me unrivalled happiness – and we all know money can’t buy happiness – so it’s quite likely I wouldn’t make any changes at all.
Who inspires you and why?
My daily inspirations aren’t celebrities or nobel prize winners, just people who I am lucky enough to have in my life who share their stories or advice with me when I need it, who find ways to beat the ‘bad guys’ in their world and carry on with a positive attitude and who live each day with an open and honest heart. As for favourite performance / technical / musician type inspirations – Kelli O’Hara, Celine Dion, Elton John and Queen.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
What I would do (if I had three magical wishes) is bring world peace. Admittedly, this is something I waste time daydreaming about far too often. That, and how governments all over the globe would then be vying for my attention, bribing me to wish for whatever might serve them best. However, I somehow have a sneaking suspicion I won’t be reaping the rewards of a magical lamp any time soon. So instead, I do little things like reduce, reuse, recycle, donate anything I can, eat herbivorously, and make a daily effort to practice kindness and understanding. That’s a big one.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite time of year has been, and will always be, Christmas. I’m craving a trip to a magical snow covered city for a festive season to help fulfill many a childhood fantasy. But what will always be hard to compete with is having grown up with a beautiful place like Noosa just down the road. It is without a doubt my happy place. I will forever feel at home there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Living in Melbourne is ideal for someone like me who is a huge lover of food and wine. Leading friends through the famous laneways and discovering new hidden gems of the restaurant kind will always bring my pals and I much joy.
What are you currently reading?
Apart from the occasional, unreliable Facebook article and constant re-reads of the script for the show I’m currently working on, nothing! (Isn’t that awful). But I’m more than happy to be buried in David Garnett’s all consuming Aspects of Love world right now. Also happy to accept book recommendations for the Summer beach period to come!
What are you currently listening to?
Podcasts. Current favourites include: The Dollop, Criminal, Ted Talks Daily, Armchair Expert and My Favourite Murder.
Happiness is?
I think true happiness begins to permeate one’s life when you learn to know, love and stay true to yourself. Having an ability to see the ‘big picture’ when life’s small crises get you down, and having faith in the ways of the universe doesn’t hurt either. Having said that, if my day to day includes being surrounded by family and friends where there is love and laughter, I’m very happy indeed.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m relieved to say that I have no idea. Otherwise I’d probably (or definitely) drastically overthink the things to come. I only hope that there are more exciting projects and opportunities so I can continue to do what I love, endless explorations overseas, perhaps a property investment and… a dog.
Stefanie stars as Giulietta in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love – currently playing at the Hayes Theatre Co. until 30 December 2018. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Stefanie Jones – photo by Cass Cheeseman