Shady Theatrics

10/14/2024

Katie Drablos and I connected as pen pals when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Tongue Cancer during the pandemic. It didn’t take long for us to become great friends. She has generously invited me to dance in her last two shows that she created to tell her story and raise money for multiple cancer organizations.

Her show, “Only the Best” benefitted HNC Living Foundation, and they invited Katie to bring her show to Kansas City for their benefit, “Masks for Aid.”

Katie and HNC Living then invited me to create a video to introduce Katie and Kelly Drablos, to tell their story of mother and daughter, patient and caretaker. It has been one of my greatest honors.

To be able to dance and create a film to help others fighting cancer means more than I can say. It is a dream and a deep honor to take two things I love to do, and use it for something that is so personal to me.

Katie had to learn how to speak again, and here she is so eloquently sharing her story on camera. I struggled to walk and lift anything post treatment, and I got to dance and create this film. Miracles abound.

Here we are, two stage 4 cancer survivors using our art to help heal others, and in doing so, we help to heal ourselves.

Katie is a remarkable human and dear friend. Even though I wish cancer never happened to us, I am grateful that it brought me to her. I hope you’re inspired by her story as much as I am.

Filmed and Edited by: Shayla Benoit / Shady Theatrics
Assisted by: Fox
Additional Footage by: Sam Lobel & .hiss
Only the Best Co-Creators: Drablos & Kelly Drablos
Dancers: Katie Drablos Choreography , Kathleen Laituri , Morgana Mauney , Kristi Smith , Colby Marie , Taylor Habershaw

09/27/2024

It has been such an honor to share the story of Katie Drablos and Kelly Drablos for HNC Living Foundation. Their vulnerability, courage, and general awesomeness have helped me heal in ways I didn't know I needed.

Here's a short sneak peek of the piece we created for Masks for Aid coming on October 10th!

Filmed and Edited by: Shayla Benoit / Shady Theatrics LLC
Assisted by: Kenny D'Elia
Additional Footage by: Sam Lobel & Jacob Hiss
Only the Best Co-Creators: Katie Drablos & Kelly Drablos
Dancers: Katie Drablos, Kathleen Laituri, Morgana Mauney, Kristi Smith, Colby Marie, Taylor Habershaw

08/11/2024

So surreal seeing our footage for Once Upon a Mattress on this CBS Sunday Morning segment with Carol Burnett and Sutton Foster!!!

And so special to capture my friend Amanda LaMotte Estus!!

🎥: McFann
🎥: Tim Grady Tim GradyFilms
🎥: Shayla Benoit Shady Theatrics

In 1959 an unknown named Carol Burnett burst onto the New York stage in the musical comedy "Once Upon a Mattress." Now, two-time Tony-winning star Sutton Fos...

08/02/2024

Love what you do. Do what you love. 💚🎥🤗

Thanks to my sweet friend Find the Light Photography for catching me in action. 💚

06/17/2024

Last night was so special. Theatre is the greatest.

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE who made this ENORMOUS season happen, and thank you to those who let me be a small part of it. I had the great fortune of working on 16 shows this season, 5 of which were nominated. I was lucky enough to film the Hell’s Kitchen Tony Watch Party and After Party and they were both UNBELIEVABLE!

A special shout out to and as I watched our footage for Stereophonic and Patriots on the Tony Telecast! It was pretty epic seeing our work up on that screen.

What a beautiful community this is. I am so grateful for it! CONGRATS ALL!!

01/04/2024

What a joy to create this promo for Arizona Broadway Theatre!! Thank you for having us!! Get your tickets now for their production of “On the Town”!!

🎥: Shady Theatrics Shayla Benoit Erica Wilpon
🕺🏻: Andrew N. Ruggieri

12/08/2023

8 years of today. I am beyond grateful.

I am continuing to find out how I do what I love with an ever changing body. Just a few weeks ago I had a day where I went to the hospital for an oncology follow up and then immediately went to a Broadway opening night red carpet. The security guard asked me to open my bags and he asked me what I was carrying. I simply said, “This is a monopod, sir.” 😂😂😂

My dear friend Paul reminded me, “Remember when you worried if you’d ever be able to hold your equipment again and now you’re CARRYING IT INTO THE HOSPITAL?!” A much needed reminder of my progress.

As I left the hospital headed to Broadway with my head spinning filled with the new information, new meds, and a myriad of new protocols to follow, I just thought, “my life is really weird, really hard, and really great all at the same time.”

Having this business I love has given me something else to focus on as I continue to recover and have blood counts shift. It is a true gift.

So thank you to my wonderful clients, incredible collaborators, and great community for your love, support, and encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep being Shady. 😘