Two summers ago, I had the pleasure of working with an assistant director who introduced me to a little phrase that would change the way that I looked at acting. Specifics Set You Free. It’s something that one of her college professors would tell them in class. We soon adopted it into our daily mantra,Continue reading “#specificssetyoufree”
Category Archives: Arts Advocacy
The Company Way
If you follow this blog at all, you know that I am most passionate about my work with young actors. A year ago, I had the good fortune to be hired to work with the Civic Arts Stage Company; first as the music director, and eventually as the director of the program. Civic Arts is aContinue reading “The Company Way”
“So how do you do it with just words and just music?”
“It’s all uncharted.” Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles took the UC Berkeley Greek Theatre by storm last night. The performance was the last stop on her “Little Black Dress” tour. Sara crisscrossed the country this summer, mostly playing songs from her newest album, “The Blessed Unrest.” It’s a new album, with a new, more electronic sound, she’sContinue reading ““So how do you do it with just words and just music?””
All the Sounds of the Earth Are Like Music
Music truly is all around us. It’s in a Robin’s song, the rustling of leaves, and waves crashing against the shore. But how often do we actually stop to hear the sounds of the world around us? My running team only has a few rules: No strollers, no pets, no wimps, and no earbuds. AtContinue reading “All the Sounds of the Earth Are Like Music”
Be Kind to Your Parents
I often use this blog as a venue to write about my work with children. In reviewing my archive of past entires, I realized that I left out one very important detail of my work – parents. It is impossible to work with children and not encounter their parents. In fact, if I didn’t everContinue reading “Be Kind to Your Parents”
The Frozen Phenomenon
If you have kids in your life in any capacity, odds are that you can sing “Let It Go” from memory. The hit song from the new Disney feature Frozen has swept the nation. It seems that every child in America has seen the film, downloaded the soundtrack, and proceeded to listen to each songContinue reading “The Frozen Phenomenon”
How To Succeed
This week, I’ve been giving a great deal of thought to my role as a director and leader in various theatrical settings. I found myself in a situation where I needed to clearly articulate the various aspects of my job and how I am able to do each of them successfully. Following the structure ofContinue reading “How To Succeed”
Who’s Who In The Cast
A large portion of the success of any production comes down to casting. We see it all the time in the movies and on Broadway. Producers know that by casting a world-renowned actor or a popular celebrity, there is a greater chance of people buying tickets to the show. Pop singer Carly Rae Jepson ofContinue reading “Who’s Who In The Cast”
“It makes you wish that the world could be as lovely as it looks.”
What I love most about musical theatre is that it has the power to fill the viewer with hope and possibility. Musical theatre exists in a world of heightened existence. Where characters sing when the emotional stakes are too high to simply just talk. Where kings, peasants, sailors, and movie stars explode into dance whenContinue reading ““It makes you wish that the world could be as lovely as it looks.””
Why Kids Are Better
“It’s a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought, that if you become a teacher by your pupils you’ll be taught.” – Oscar Hammerstein II If only I could have known what these words would one day mean to me when I played Anna Leonowens in our 8th grade version of THE KINGContinue reading “Why Kids Are Better”
Rachel Robinson Music 