Motivating Forces

Okay, I have to get some words out. With all my prep for the upcoming URTA auditions (picture a bunch of different grad schools, all with MFA programs, in one city at one time in one place to watch potential students audition), I've been doing a lot of thinking about my motivating force. What drives me to push against the tide of depreciation suddenly befalling art in America.

This past year, as I’ve been working for a children’s theatre as well as princessing, my audiences have been primarily under the age of 10. Thus, the subject matter we present to these kids has to be straight to the point, honest, and applicable to everyday situations in which a child might find themselves. This means the lessons we teach often have to do with anti-bullying, friendliness to outsiders, working together, sharing, and daring to do what’s best for the greater good. Interestingly enough, these are all attributes I have found lacking in one that is supposed to be our ultimate role model. It has been eye opening to me how real and pure and honest we as actors in children's theatre have to be for kids to take us seriously. No shtick or pretense for their keen eyes. Children truly are great judges of character, in both senses of the word. I hope children (and their parents) walk away from the theatre full of questions as to how they might be kinder, braver, or more motivated to create change. I want to create art that inspires adults and children alike to become the best versions of themselves and make good in the world. Soon I hope to tackle more controversial themes and complex stories, for a broader audience, and represent onstage those whose voices might not be heard amidst the wave of prejudice that seems to be flooding our country unfiltered. This art form, that allows performing artists to inspire action, and the incredible people that have marched nearly every day since January 20th, I have hope that good can still be the motivating force for this country.

We. The. People.

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