I’m so thankful to be teaching during a time like this. It was a gift to be able to work with this group this weekend. I met Geraldine at Improv Camp. I met Kat when I taught a couple years ago in Liverpool. I met Paul in online drop ins with the Nursey Theatre at the beginning of the pandemic. I met Ruddy several years ago when he was a student in my class at Finest City Improv. I met Susan in online jams with MKE improv. I play with Chandra on a team that meets weekly online. I met…
Let’s face it, going a year without performing on a real stage (or floor of any kind) with your friends is a drag. It’s not the same without the communal laughter, the hugs, the after show conversations. We’ve been missing so much. But I’m really impressed with the way that communities have soldiered on! There has been so much unexpected connection. And it’s been a huge joy to play with friends from all over the world. I was beyond delighted when my friend, Amanda Rountree, invited me to perform in a show with her and some of her favorite performers….
Tough times call for more creative ways to keep theatres alive. And Curious Comedy in Portland, Oregon is doing just that!! They’re hosting a 25 hours improv-a-thon fundraiser with 250 improvisors participating. SO FUN! I’m excited to join the virtual stage as the clock strikes midnight on Feb 13. I got to visit Curious Comedy in 2015 on a trip to Portland. It’s a great place and they need support to keep going. More info is on the facebook event link below that! Cheers to love and improv! You can make donations HERE! Click here to view the event on Facebook!
Thank goodness I finally found my way to the good vibes felt in the improv jams hosted by Michelle Gilliam and MKE Improv. Should’ve happened sooner, but the new year finds me with a change in routine and structure in my calendar and headspace. So really, I think I made it at just the right time. The MKE jams have such great energy and I’m just sitting here at home going from anxious and blah to feeling like my cup was just filled within 75 minutes. And sometimes when you least expect it, there’s a moment of improv magic. The…
So 2020 was something wasn’t it? And 2021 is already acting up. But here we are. While I’ve been lucky to coach improv teams online during the pandemic, I haven’t taught a regular class or workshop in a while. Aside from coaching, I spent much of 2020 in the student seat. Losing the opportunity to travel, teach and connect with folks in person was such a shock. And it’s one that we’ve all dealt with in so many different ways. I couldn’t handle not staying connected to others in some way. Online improv has been such a gift! And it…
This is my first Christmas alone. I’ve never really had a holiday tradition to follow each year. I’ve been with my dad or my mom, or with my aunt and uncle, or with partners’ families. But I’ve never been alone. I’ve always been with others.But here I am. The theme of 2020. I’m alone in my space as another holiday rolls through. I’m honestly mostly comfortable on my own. But there is some shame that comes with it. With finding myself in this solitary space time and time again. With being that one who is always kind of roaming about and…
During these times that are anything but normal, it’s extra wonderful when people find unique ways to connect us, especially creatively. Kelly Buttermore and Justin Peters are carrying on the improv festival vibe even when we can’t be together in real life. I’m extra thankful that it’s happening during the holiday season which feels a little extra challenging this year. Also, it’s quite lovely how Kelly and Justin have brought people together with weekly zoom hangouts and have scheduled check ins with each of the teams/performers. There will be four days of very normal bits, characters, standup, sketch, variety acts, music, improv,…
*See bottom for photo info!Over four months into the pandemic and here we are, living a life where much of our entertainment is found online. Live comedy, music, art, theater, sporting events. This has been such a strange time with so many unexpected turns. I feel lucky to be where I’m at. Able to safely work from home for a job I’ve wanted to leave so often in the last decade to follow my passion. But here I am with the steady job to catch me. I can’t complain. I’m lucky. Just missing that passion part. Which feels so extra right…
I don’t know if you need to hear this, but:It’s okay if you normally love living alone, but feel lonely.It’s okay if you live with a big family and feel lonely.It’s okay if you aren’t feeling like you’re appreciating your loved ones right now.It’s okay if you haven’t started writing the book you wanted, or getting that painting started, or putting up the cabinets in the garage.It’s okay if you’re afraid of running out of your favorite food/snacks, even though you probably have enough.It’s okay if the laundry is piling up. It’s okay if there are dishes in the sink.It’s okay…
I brought in the last month of 2019 in Ireland, one of the most magical places I’ve ever encountered. I paired an improv festival with a solo weekend trip and with that so many of my little fluffy dreams came true. My journey started in Galway which was buzzing with Christmas markets and twinkle lights at every turn. It was my third trip to Ireland and I was finally visiting this lovely little land. I wandered streets and drank tea and took a tour of the Cliffs of Moher. It was all the things I’d wanted to do for so…