A conversation with Amy Shephard
Originally published on The JOLT News on August 21st, 2025
Does she look familiar? I know a few places where you might have seen Amy Shephard. She is part owner and manager of the toy store, Captain Little in downtown Olympia.
She is an actress, singer, co-creator of StoryOly story slam, is in a few bands around town, and is an aerialist, which is her main focus right now.
Shephard will be performing with her band Sugar and the Spitfires at the Grand Oly Opry on Sept. 6. Click here for more event information, click here to learn about the band.
When you meet Shephard, it is pretty much impossible to not want to become her friend right away. I found her to be a kind, open minded, easy to talk to, and talented person.
Shephard grew up immersed in art, as both of her parents were involved with theatre in one way or another. Her father was a theatre professor at Washington State University and her mom worked in the costume shop there.
As a child, Shephard gravitated toward dancing, but always loved to sing and create art, not getting involved in theatre until her teens.
“I’d been considered a really hyperactive kid, and was often described as ‘too much,'” Shephard reflected.
“It was always like ‘You’re too loud’, ‘You talk too fast’, or really you’re too ‘this’, ‘that’ and ‘the other thing.’ Then, I got into the theatre and suddenly, I was just right.”
Shephard found where she belonged, and her story is a reminder that being “too” anything is not always a bad thing, it could just mean that you haven’t found your outlet, yet.
Imagine how kinder our world would be if rather than pinpointing the things that make us “extra,” we decided that everyone’s quirks can blossom into something beautiful when given the opportunity.
May we be a society that gives opportunities for others to shine. As Shephard says, “No matter who you are, there’s something for you, especially in art.”
As both a creator and a performer, Shephard shared an idea with me that I think would be a beneficial practice for everybody. Shephard has a folder she calls, “artistic compost,” where she writes down different ideas as they come to her.
“Sometimes they come to fruition, sometimes they don’t, but I have a place to put it all, and I love it," Shephard said.
This concept will be familiar to anyone who has read the book, “The Artist’s Way,” and followed its process.
I wonder if there is an artist in all of us, but if some of us are artists who haven’t found our craft yet? When we were talking about art’s importance in society, Shephard reminded me that creating art "is something that’s essential to who we are as a species.”
Adding on to that, Shephard described how “the ability to create is something that is just inherently very human.”
I would add to that, saying tthe ability to create is one of the pleasures and privileges we get being human, and when we are brave, it will bring us out of our comfort zone.
In this season, Shephard has been allowing herself to rest and reflect, and the questions would be beneficial for us all to ponder:
What is really important? What’s important to me as an artist?
Where do I feel nourished?
Where do I feel creative and supported emotionally, physically?
Reflecting on her experiences here in Thurston County, Shephard commented, “I’m really lucky that I’m friends with a lot of people in the performing arts community, and its a real joy to (witness) their creativity and amazing work.”
Shephard continued, “Not only do I get to see their amazing art, but then I know the people behind it and I get to celebrate them, which is really special for me.”
Here is what Shephard has to say to you The JOLT News readers: “Our community is really good about supporting the arts. People show up, and there is so much art going on in (Thurston County). ... That’s one of the reasons why I love living here.”
Shephard encourages you to “keep showing up, support wherever you can, especially if you can financially support artists … if you want some cool art done, find an artist and pay them what they’re worth.”
So dear readers, go find those artists and spread your love. While you are at it, keep reading The JOLT News, donate to us when you can, and keep us alive so we can continue to inform you and share stories about the arts scene of Thurston County.
To donate to the JOLT, click here.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/a-conversation-with-amy-shephard,26149