I feel lost and found. Lost because I’m drifting away from my consulting work because I don’t enjoy it. Found because Sing After Storms and our amazing cast and crew have made me fall madly in love with the act of creating theater again. I literally run to rehearsal and never want to leave. I relish the roles of playwright, director, and producer. They make me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in a very long time.
I don’t know where this road will lead. I just know I have to keep following this road as far as it will take me because it feels so good to take this journey.
There’s something eerie about abandoned spaces. At one time, it was the largest sugar refinery in the world. We could hear and feel the souls of people who toiled long, exhausting hours in that space from 1882 until 2004, when it was shuttered.
Walker is known for her provocative work that reflects her deep contemplation about gender, race, and the horrors of slavery. Her emotions are raw and her judgements swift. She never sugarcoats her opinions, which makes this exhibit all the more ironic. It runs through July 6th when it will be demolished as most of site is leveled to make way for a new multi-use development. For those who can’t get to Brooklyn to see it, here’s the exhibit through my lens:
I’m humbled and amazed by Mary on so many levels and the best part is that I met her through my blog. It’s relationships like this that make me realize just how blessed I am to have this forum, to write every day, and to know people like Mary. The world needs more people like her.
To help promote Sing After Storms, we’ve ordered beautiful postcards and posters to distribute around New York City thanks to the brilliant design mind of Anuja Singhal. Want to help us get the word out about the show while getting some exercise? Lace up your walking shoes, grab a stack, and let’s go! Your local cafes, shops, library branches, gyms, schools, and community spaces all will do the trick. If you’d like to help us in our marketing efforts please email singafterstorms@chasingdownthemuse.com or leave a comment on this blog post and I’ll get right back to you. Thanks for your support!
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb.
I could barely sleep last night. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning because tonight we’re beginning our rehearsals for Sing After Storms. The journey still feels surreal to me, kind of like I’m walking on sunshine or cloud 9. It’s going to be a fast and furious sprint, though we’re all up for it. And I know we’ll go far because we’re all in this together. Tally-ho!
The tremendously talented and stunning actors and production team members of Sing After Storms all got together last week for the table read and I wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain. All photos courtesy of the lovely Marita La Monica: Sing After Storms Table Read Photos
I am beyond amazed by the incredibly talented team that has hopped on board the Sing After Storms train. When they arrived last night for dinner and the table read, I felt an instant surge of electricity. Talented, committed, and passionate, I am humbled and honored to be on this journey with them. They make me laugh, cry, and learn, over and over again. I will be saying thank you a million times over for this project for many, many days to come. Let’s do this.
We found our leading man for my play, Sing After Storms. I was originally thinking of him for a completely different role and then he walked into the room and knocked it out of the park to play Jack. His instincts, movements, and timing were brilliant. Just goes to show that while it’s good to have a plan, we need to be open to wonderful surprises and possibilities.
Lady Gaga was one of the headliners at SXSW this year and her message was clear: don’t sell out; sell in. To your art, to making something you’re proud of, to creating the life you want. Dedicate and commit yourself to that. Go all out and all in. It’s the only way to really know what you’re capable of doing.
In many ways, I have my dream client – me. My personal projects, Compass Yoga, Sing After Storms, and this blog – are the most meaningful work I do. They don’t pay the bills yet so I create content and programs for a variety of other clients, too. That’s also very gratifying work because I choose those clients as much as they choose me. For a long time I wanted to work with Sesame Workshop and with an Olympics-related organization. It’s been incredible to have those experiences with those clients.
I’m not sure how much longer I’ll need to take on new clients, though as long as I do I want them to be people and organizations I admire, respect, and that can teach me something new. I keep a running list of dream clients and here’s how that list looks at the present moment:
– Pixar. I’ve worked for Disney Theatrical and I think it would be incredible to learn about Pixar’s storytelling machine.
– CBS Sunday Morning. My favorite morning program that I look forward to every weekend. I love they dig up that no other news program finds.
– Charlie Rose. He might be the last true gentleman of his generation who’s still so active in news and media. We could all learn something from Charlie Rose.
– A dog-based company or organization. This could be a nonprofit, dog products company, veterinary practice, or canine services organization. Phineas is a great teacher.
– Tea. I’m a bit of a tea-fanatic and I’d love to learn more about the cultivation, processing, packaging, and sale of it.
Do you have dream clients or partners you’d like to work with?
Christa Avampato 