Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Stegman.
Hi Robyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since I was little I’ve always blended activism and creativity. I started a strike in my 3rd grade classroom, using our crayons and construction paper to make protest signs. My work has always centered on connection, creativity, and improving the world we’re so lucky to inhabit.
When I moved to Baltimore I found a community of other creative weirdos who fill this city with their art and fill their community with their love. When I move here 15 years ago I didn’t knw anyone. I wanted to throw my first party so I kept a list in my room and every time I got to know someone well enough to invite to a party, I’d put their name on the list. Soon the list was full and I filled my home with friends. I knew then that I’d found my home.
Over the years I’ve written a water ballet about water infrastructure, become a burlesque performer educating about environmental issues, and and co-created a interactive rock opera about video games and anti-capitalism. What other city in the world can you do all that?
My greatest achievement (thus far!) and deepest honor has been creating the social media presence for Mr. Trash Wheel. The whole city got behind a google-eyed machine keeping their harbor clean and I got to use my comedy to make a real difference. While I was working for Healthy Harbor, I got to create a secret society for Mr. Trash Wheel, the Order of the Wheel. Over 100 people went out and cleaned up their environment so they could don robes and do secret rituals dedicated to a trash-eating machine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are so many incredible things to do in Baltimore and I am constantly trying to do too many of them. Right now I am the board president for Fluid Movement, producing the next season of Late Night Scaries — a horror and comedy festival I created with Highwire Improv, coaching an improv team at the Baltimore Improv Group, and running Charm City Karaoke League. And there’s still so many cool shows and projects popping up everyday that I want to be a part of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I helped found Charm City Karaoke League last year with the support of another incredible creative Baltimore community. It’s a competitive karaoke league where teams compete each week with costumes, props, astonishing storytelling, and extraordinary vocals. It’s a play space for adults and a really special stage where you can make your wildest ideas come to life. You never know what you are going to see whether it’s an elaborate recreation of the Louvre heist or one woman doing the part of all four of the Beetles at the same time.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
People in Baltimore take care of each other. This past year, I had a lot of personal losses. At a really low point I forced myself to go out RemFest. As I walked around I got hug after hug from people who were there for me and offered their help.
I also got married this past year and we did a jazz parade down the street from our house to our reception. There’s a picture of a woman running out to hug me and I don’t even know who she is! She was just a neighbor who wanted to celebrate another neighbor. That’s the best part of Baltimore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charmcitykaraoke.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charmcity_karaoke
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576769774915
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charmcity_karaoke
