all about sean
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all about sean ✦
Sean Stanisz (he/they) grew up in Michigan with a passion for all things creative. Some of his favorite memories growing up have been shared with siblings making funny YouTube videos, playing in the “dress-up” box, and letting their wild imaginations come to life. Over time, Sean dove head and heart first into various creative oulets from performing arts (band, choir, theatre, colorguard, drag) to visual arts (fashion/costuming, makeup, video editing) across their upbringing. Along the way, every medium taught Sean valuable lessons that not only brought them closer to themselves, but also the people and world around him. Blending these art mediums, in tandem with their work in mentorship, Sean curates a warm inviting approach to storytelling that welcomes individuals to connect through their unique lens on life. Empowering others to embrace the qualities that make them one of one.
The Winter’s Tale (2020) - Photo by Chuk Nowak
EDucational background
Sean graduated from the Maggie Allesee School of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre alongside a minor in Gender, Sex, and Women’s Studies. During their time at Wayne State, Sean performed in several theatrical and cabaret productions, most notably as Shepard’s Son in The Winter’s Tale (2020), Hanschen in Spring Awakening (2021), and Pythio in Head Over Heels (2022).
Off the performance stage, Sean was a Peer Mentor for the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts - working directly with first-year students through recreational and educational events, further supporting students’ educational community. This opportunity kickstarted their career in Peer Mentorship after graduation, becoming a peer support specialist for the nation’s leading eating disorder outpatient program. Additionally, Sean was a founding member of the Theatre and Dance Student Advocacy Collective, promoting equitable opportunities for students of all backgrounds. In particular, Sean facilitated a department-wide listening session that promoted students and faculty to collaborate on curriculum and practicum changes.
Sean featured in EveryMan (2024)- Photo by Ryan C. Hamilton
Prior to graduating, Sean primarily worked in food hospitality, ranging from fast-casual chains to high-end restaurant dining experiences.
Shortly after graduation, Sean started working as a Peer Support Specialist for a virtual-based eating disorder outpatient company. Through their lived experience with ED, Sean provided one-on-one care and support for 100+ patients across the country, utilizing multiple therapy modalities such as CBT-E, DBT, and FBT. During their time as a Peer Support Specialist, they also facilitated weekly support groups, working primarily with 2SLGBTQ+ adults and originating a creative arts support group for patients - the first of its kind for the company. Combining activity-based art projects and collaborative discussions with an emphasis on promoting individuality, the new group quickly became one of the most registered support groups in the company’s history with over 60+ patients weekly.
Recently, Sean stepped away from this role in pursuit of their creative endeavors, especially within modeling, nightlife, and performance. Just in 2024, Sean has worked with local brands in Chicago (LuvSick Plus) and photographers in NYC (The Everyman Project), as well as hosted one of Chicago’s popular themed parties, BUMP. Sean is currently open for creative work and collaborations at this time.