By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
Ten local women will take the stage to share their personal stories at The Booth Tarkington Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 in the first area production of That’s What She Said.
Katie Vigil grew up in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., where That’s What She Said began as a one-night event in 2013. That first show proved to be such a success that it turned into another … and another.
Now, there are annual productions in nine cities, including Peoria, Bloomington, and St. Louis. That number is growing with productions like the one on Friday.
When Vigil moved to the Indianapolis area in 2019, she came with the dream to bring That’s What She Said to her new community.
“One thing that really resonated with me when I experienced the show in Champaign was that it provides a platform for ordinary, everyday women to share their stories,” Vigil said. “It’s very relatable.”
A mother to three with a full-time job, Vigil began planning the event about a year ago.
“It’s been a new experience for me,” she said.
One of the first orders of business was to find a sponsor. CIBM Bank stepped up.
In addition, every production of That’s What She Says partners with a charity. Proceeds from the Indianapolis event will benefit Kids’ Voice of Indiana, which protects children and youth in the legal system and promotes family preservation.
“It’s an amazing organization,” Vigil said. “One of the things that really stuck out to me about this group is that they continue to work with the kids and provide resources even after they age out of the system.”
The list of speakers for the event came together somewhat organically. Vigil met three of them through her involvement in the Junior League of Indianapolis.
In some cases, she needed to persuade the women that people would want to hear what they have to say, that they can positively impact not only those in the audience, but women throughout the community as well.
“A lot of times, as women, we are hesitant to share our stories,” Vigil said. “But, everyone has a story. We have all overcome stuff to get to where we are today.”
Speaker Cara Dalton works as director of marketing at event sponsor CIBM Bank. Dalton recommended her Fishers neighbor Kelli Caughman, co-founder of the Black Down Syndrome Association.
Vigil met Lisa Brandenburg, founder of Women Building Friendship in Westfield, at a volunteer event. Brandenburg then recommended Michelle Derleth of Noblesville.
Not only are the selected speakers from all over the region, from Zionsville to Greenwood, they also span several decades in age and represent a variety of lived experiences.
Myra Levine is an author and writing coach in Carmel. Jennifer Johnson is a musician and network marketer from Cicero. Brandi Bruemmer, Becca Goldsberry, and Heather Hughet round out the list.
She Said Project National Director Janette Jurczyk is directing the production at The Tarkington.
“There are theatrical components to the show,” said Vigil. “It’s entertainment, but it’s also kind of like a high-energy Ted Talk.”
The Booth Tarkington Theater is located at 3 Carter Green in Carmel. Tickets to That’s What She Said Indianapolis can be purchased at this link.
Vigil said she hopes That’s What She Said Indianapolis will become a once-a-year show that will continue to impact the community by empowering local women to tell their stories. In fact, she is already putting together a small team and planning for next year.
In addition to the one-night event, Vigil would also like to eventually bring That’s What Teens Say workshops to the area. These three-day intensives for ages 13 to 18 help young women discover their unique voices.
For more information about the organization, visit shesaidproject.com. Women interested in or wanting to recommend someone for speaking in the future will find a form on the website. If you would like to become a future sponsor, contact Katie Vigail at katiev@shesaidproject.com.
Graphic provided