Artonomics

Sneak Peek #2: 2012 A Poem for Every Day This Year

2012-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

Wanted to share another excerpt from my 2012 Project : A New Poem for Every Day This Year
Wrote this on the day I had my interview for my new job in Chicago. Today is a week since I have relocated and reading through this piece reminds me again of how awesome God is and how much I am truly blessed. Coming here was definitely a hard thing to do, getting out of my comfort zone, away from family, friends, my linesisters, and wubbs (inside thing). I received this job less than a month after graduation (favor). God has brought me here for a purpose and I have to embrace that. Embrace that He will never leave me that the desires of my heart will come to fruition. So readers I hope that you also experience the favor of God, know that His love will take you to places you never thought they would and as long as you stay in His will, there is nothing to fear. Much love

He Favors Me
January 5, 2012
He favors me
Even when I don't see
Even when I neglect
Even when I doubt
He favors me
I'm living a life pre-destined
by His hands
fashioned in a way specifically for me
Tailored made for me
He...favors me
Alone I am not
Comforted I am by His love
His peace
Everything that I am doing
He has prepared me
Financially, mentally, physically
He favors me
He chose me
To be here in this moment
To do this thing, to travel this way
No coincidences
No happenstances
My GOD..oh.. He favors me
Those around me can't understand
My path, my journey
But it is He who comprehends
Those silent prayers
Those thoughts in my head
He is that friend
Who listens when I lay in my bed reflecting
Asking these questions no one wants to answer
He favors me
Now more than ever I get it
I understand more and more
His love
His grace
His mercy
His favor
He...favors me

Sneak Peek into my 2012 Creative Project A Poem for Every Day This Year

2012-01-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and all that jazz! This year I decided to write a new poem for every day of the year. These poems will be based off thoughts or experiences that occurred on that particular day. Hopefully this could be some material for a play or even a book. I wanted to share this one in particular with you all and I hope you enjoy.

This is a poem I wrote on the day I celebrated my first Founders' Day as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On January 13, 2012 we as an organization celebrated 99 years of service to the world and to one another as sisters. It is a day we honor the vision of our 22 founders and their commitment to make a difference in the world. I am humbled and honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization and it is my prayer that God continues to guide and strengthen us individuallly and collectively.

Readers , enjoy and to my sawrahs....OO-OOP!

Sisterhood is not the label we stamp on our website
Something that sounds good or appeals to a target audience
It's not something we say in front of our peers to put on face
Our sisterhood is in the small things
The rides home
Loaning money in times of need
Being someone there when love is lost
The meals
The fellowship
The calls just to say I love you
The texts just to check
Defining our sisterhood is not in the words we say
But in our actions
True sisterhood is embodied, preserved, grown, and nurtured
In our actions
Our sisterhood is what helps a bad day turn into an amazing one
Full of positive energy and love
Our sisterhood is ours
Not defined individually, but collectively
Collective hearts
Collective minds
Collective spirits
Joining together to form a bond
The envy of many, admired by more
Our sisterhood is overflowing
in love
in hope
in truth
Not perfect but always striving to be better daily
changing the world daily
For our sisterhood is more than a one day goal
But a lifetime promise to abide in love

Do you think it's possible for a man and a woman to be friends?

2011-12-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

Over the past two weeks this conversation has come up numerous times. On twitter .... at friends house..over texts and phone calls, I thought I could get away from the topic but yesterday I read a wonderful book by Pearl Cleage entitled, " I Wish I Had a Red Dress". My blog is all about artistic expression in all forms so I just thought I would share an excerpt in which the character Sister explains four possible ways friendships between men and women evolve. I think it is a interesting view and covers all of the discussions that have happened over the last few weeks. Please share your comments and tell me if you agree!

"When you're speaking of heterosexuals, and I assume we are, there are only four." She held up her fingers to count them off. "One, there's acknowledged sexual attraction on both sides and it's only a matter of time before friends become lovers, unless there is an honorable reason why they shouldn't such as fragile health or a serious prior commitment. Two, there's sexual attraction on one side only, which, unless handled carefully, can result in complicated fantasies, unrequited longings, serious bouts of denial, and ultimately a busted friendship and a broken heart. Three, there is no sexual attraction present on either side, in which the case the friendship will quickly run its course since in most case the only reason people cross the great gender divide is if there are sexual possibilities present on the other side. Otherwise, you're probably going to have more fun going out with your girlfriends or hangin' with the homeboys."
I laughed. "You're dating yourself! What's number four?"
"That's when there's sexual attraction on both sides, but the parties have, for whatever reasons, been unwilling or unable to express it, so they sublimate all that energy into shared work experiences that keep them in close contact until they figure out how to get together."

Not bad huh?
If you like you what have read please check out "I Wish I Had a Red Dress" by Pearl Cleage.
I am now reading "Sounds Like Crazy" by Shana Mahaffey if I get anything from that..please be on the lookout for a new post!
Much love

2011 Rite of Sankofa Speech

2011-12-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

Every year The African American Cultural Center hosts Rite of Sankofa, a ceremony in which African-American students are celebrated for their achievements in their organizations within Intercultural Affairs and the university. This ceremony is also special because it allows family to participate in the ceremony. This year I was chosen to do the student remarks. I wanted to share this with you all.
Congrats to the UGA Class of 2011!!

I have been to a couple of Rite of Sankofa celebrations. I have always wanted to participate in it.And here it was, finally Renaldo gave me the opportunity to do this speech…but what do I say? I didn’t want to give generic lessons on life or general memories.I wanted this to be something we all could relate to. And what better connects us than music, more specifically a music playlist. You see, a music playlist is essential to every college student. It gets you through those days when you need a little pick me up. It fuels you even more on those days when you are feeling good.

You have to make a playlist for house parties

You have the study session playlists

You have road trip playlists

The before you go out playlist

The morning before test playlist

In all my memories music has been just as important as the memories

With a little inspiration from the Sigmas and their Sigma Week Mixtape and the Omegas for their Mixtape, I decided to create a Fall 2011 playlist/mixtape.

Fall 2007 is where our class playlist begins

Track 1: Kanye and TPain- The Good Life

As freshman we lived the good life

That year 18,000 applied to UGA, 4,000 were accepted and we were among those elite living in Brumby, Russell, Creswell (or Payne/Morris)

We had it good…snellebrations, bet

Escort Van adventures and parties at the Ritz or Tasty World jamming to Shawty is a Ten by the Dream or Buy You a Drank by TPain

Teaching our roommates or peers the Soulja Boy's Superman

Our first football season...the good life

We went to our first and maybe even our last BEST meeting

Grand Hall was in the old Tate where BEST’s Rep Your High School was...and yes there used to be parties in Memorial Hall Ballroom...the good life

We attended programs hosted by FAB like Are You Smarter Than a Freshman?

Attending our first Café Soul and making connections with one another and upperclassmen

Hanging out in the 4^th floor in the AACC in the café

Hanging out in the MSP lounge

The good life

Lesson from freshman year: Each new experience is the good life…embrace it

Fall 2008 Track 2: A Milli- Lil Wayne

Probably my best year here at UGA was my sophomore year

Sophomore year we just had a good time, new friends, maintaining friendships, and of course election time. We established ourselves in organizations. We were glad that we made it past freshman year and there were some who didn’t

But also in sophomore year there was a lot of change…the Greek Life office moved from memorial hall to Tate, Tate 2 opens, The Ritz closes (a moment of silence) but in all those changes we just had a good time

It was during this time I truly experience the greatness of BUGA (or Black UGA) more than just a title, it was a community of support. It was here I was the reigning Miss Black UGA and I walked around doing a documentary and here was my peers supporting me and giving their opinion and working towards a community.Twitter really came on the scene, a new innovation that we took over who would have thought we would change from Facebook

Track 3: My President is Black

The day after President Obama was elected, Tate Time was live and blasted through the center My President is Black, my lambo’s blue

Yes change was all around us but we still had a good time

Lesson from sophomore year: Change will always be there but its how you adapt to it that matters

Fall 2009 Track 4: Never Would Have Made it- Marvin Sap

The end of sophomore year and the beginning of junior year that song was my theme song.. a Marvin Sap Pandora station was added. I don’t know what it was but junior year was that struggle. We were in our major classes and partying slowed down … just a little

We dropped some of those organizations we were so involved in, people moved off campus

People were turning 21

Tests were hard, life was crazy but we never would have made it without God… let the church say… AMEN

Track 5: Change gon come- Sam Cooke

To see some of us finally become greek was a long time coming but it was a good feeling…from watching the probates as freshman and to actually participate in them and to come up to one another and say “It’s been a long time coming” and we all knew what it meant

Lesson from junior year: In the midst of trials and tribulations, the ones who are truly there for you will stand by your side

Fall 2010 Track 6: Moment for Life- Nicki Minaj

Senior year...we did all the things we never thought we would do

Georgia/Florida game, new jobs

Internships, study abroad

It was also during senior year we celebrated the 50^th anniversary of desegregation here at the university

A moment for life I will never forget was the chance to meet Charlayne Hunter-Gault, the first African-American woman to attend the University of Georgia and my soror

Planning and promoting asold out BOB concert

Some of us found out we were not graduating in May but celebrated with the May grads like we were

Lesson from senior year: There are moments in life you must always hold dear to your heart

Fall 2011 Track 7: Rolling in the Deep- Adele

Going into the last semester

Everyone was on the grind. Going on interviews, applying for fellowships or grad schools. Leading organizations. Trying to teach the underclassmen

No time for nonsense. Everyone is more blunt. Coming on campus is for business not leisure. Tate Time...non existent

Lesson from this semester: Personal growth is important. Love is not always what you expect it to be...but when you’re heart is pure it will work out.

Tomorrow we will become alumni … and as I reflect on this playlist I am glad it has gotten me through this experience. But now is the time to retire it for a while and begin a new one

2011 and beyond

Track 1: Ambition –Wale

"Ambition is priceless/It’s something that’s in your veins/And I put that on my name"

We all have ambition in our hearts that have gotten us to this point.

If I would leave a final lesson to this class is that we should let the ambition in our hearts not just be an individual ambition but a collective one.

Look to your left and your right I hope that this is not the last time we try and see one another

I hope this is not the last time we are in a room celebrating our achievements

Let’s strive to make my or your Ambition our ambition

The ambition that comes together for homecoming tailgates

That keeps in touch with one another

That reaches back to those graduating behind us

That ambition that is the foundation for the success that is sure to come after tomorrow

Much love

Thoughts of Opening Night...Morning of

2011-12-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

The time is now 5:50 a.m.
I have a quick paper to do...buuuuut I had to write this instead.
So my original plan was to write a blog post everyday this week leading up to opening night. I had this grand plan of pointing out different lessons I had learned throughout the week and relate them all to a big theme...and as you can see...no posts

So here I am ... morning of opening night

What do directors think of opening night?

Are they nervous? Is it just another day? Are they pissed? Did they get any sleep the night before? Do they try and think of last minute things to add?

After rehearsal last night, I had all intentions of hanging out with my sorority sisters and friends and just taking a moment to relax, but after picking up a friend for game night at my house, I collapsed on my bed as the laughter of my friends continued as background music for my sleep.

So here I am... morning of opening night

What do actors think of opening night?

Are they going over lines? Are they just relieved that the night is here and soon to be over?

Thinking about all the shows I have done. I was usually nervous but excited. I do get a little sad because once he show run is over, that's it...the ensemble never comes back to rehearsal. The set is broken down. The costumes are returned to the closet. The props are put on the shelf.

So here I am...morning of opening night

I am calm
I am grateful
I am excited

I am amazed at the spirit of peace that has come over my body this week. I am grateful to God for providing that peace. Things have NOT gone the way I planned and yet I smile. People have said some crazy things to me and trust I usually snap. (Yes I got a little snappy side) But I am content.

I am very thankful to the people who have been in my corner throughout this entire process, sending text messages (Casey), calling to see if I needed anything (Morgann, Tanya, Serena, Jeffrey), stepping into my cast and doing it big (Jeffrey), giving me rides home (my cast and classmates)....

It has been those things and more that I have been reflecting on.

I am in a career and life planning class and sometimes during class we have interview questions that we answer at the end of class. This week one of the questions asked was, " Who is more important, the leader or followers?" I remember a classmate mentioning how neither is more important but rather the collective resources of leaders and followers make a team most effective.

I agree wholeheartedly. At the beginning of this rehearsal process, I told the cast how I wanted us to create this story. Yes I had ideas but some things in my head are not the best when seen in real life. There had to be a balance. We as an ensemble had to create something amazing. It could not just be me and after rehearsal last night, I think our task is complete.

So here I am... morning of opening night

Relaxed, a little sleepy but feeling great. If I could blog about the big lesson of this moment, I would say it would be.....

Recognize and embrace the support system.

I have been able to be calm because of the people around me who have been dedicated and determined to make this show a success.
So here I am...morning of opening night
As I director, what do I do??

Say thanks

Much love

My Personal Manifesto

2011-07-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

So thanks to those who read my blog these past two days, I appreciate your support. I'm not doing a whole lot with this thing but if a few words make your day a little better than I feel as though I can keep posting things.
Ok so last semester I had to take a Senior Seminar Class and an assignment was given to us to create a personal manifesto. Basically what it is a a summary of what you want out of life, your goals, how do you want to accomplish it overarching goal. In general it is really a vision of your life.

I really liked the assignment and I have kept this notebook sheet around me and I wanted to share it. These past few blogs I have really been evaluating the next phase I am going in life and along this journey I wanted to reflect on why I am here and the vision I am headed towards..enjoy!

LeaderShape Vision: Have a theatre in every county in the nation

"I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt. I hope and get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good. I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games." -The Ragamuffin Gospel

"My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it." -The Ragamuffin Gospel

I want to be...in, around, under, over, peeking through a window, squished between, voluntarily committed to the stage in every capacity that I can, and I never want to put my passions on the back burner.

I can't sit in an office. i can;t get up before 9 am (actually 10 a.m. is the better option) I need good food, good laughs, cool friends that I can have movie nights with, cocktail hours with, frequent resort trips with with us living out our dreams.

I want to mend relationships, forgive those who have done me wrong, lose this weight...grr, live near a city, make money that helps me live comfortable (well at least comfortable enough to see a play at least twice a month), and oh yes shock the hell out of those who say, "Oh so you are a theatre major...what do you want to do with that?"

Reflections: The People I need in my life

2011-07-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sooo yeah I feel like every time I post to the blog, I am apologizing for not posting in a while. Well this time is no different but I think what I can promise is that I will keep posting when I have an epiphany moment. Which is why I am writing ...yay!

I will be posting this blog and one more within the next two days so for those who do read and missed reading my posts, you will get a double dose for fun.

Ok so lately I have been watching a lot of youtube videos. More specifically I have become a big fanatic of Phill Wade, Issa Rae (Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl Series), and Fly Guys.

These videos are a mixture of good music, good laughs, and good talent. (Thank you guys for making my days a little happier with your talents)

But most importantly the thing that stood out to me was what all of these individuals had in common:
Some good people in their life

Take for example Phill Wade, he has a good videographer/photographer/designer Mr. SpB2, legit people who produce his music and perform with him i.e. TyReal and Deric Anderson

Issa Rae has developed a phenomenal portfolio of film credits with the help of her friends and peers.

And as I began to think harder I started to notice other successful people, music or art projects that I love, have all included a group of friends and peers passionate about their crafts and are now doing it big and have had an impact on my experience at UGA.
Shout out to
Jaspects
Lyric Jones
Nikkiyo Films
(Just to name a few)

As a lover of the arts, I often get frustrated at the lack of these type of roles, the lack of those type of films, the desire to do and be me in this industry and it was in the last few days that I realized sometimes I just have to make it happen. I need to get those people in my life and start making moves. Because I can't complain about the things I want to see if I do not create them. And I feel as though the people I have mentioned above have done just that.

So I have resolved to make a list of the people I need in my life. These people have been those who have some great talents, who are determined, and who can get things done. These are people who have been called to a great purpose to make a difference and hey I need to be around you.
To all those who read this I suggest you try this activity, get your list together. In whatever career path you decide to have, you need those who have a similar drive and mentality and want to create new paths instead of just following the footprints in the old ones.

The following is my list of people who I need in my life, (this is just off the top of my head) and if I forget some people no worries, if I need you I will call you. But these are people who I have encountered in my life in some form or fashion and are legit and in general we can help one another do better and bigger things.

-Kelundra Smith
- Elea Soler
-Elliott Dixon
-Josh Delaney
- Tayler Stanley
- Nathan Spring
-Chloe Zeitounian
- Mario Haynes
-Carol Kaboya
-Rebecca Marken
- Casey Bruce
- Al Heartley
-Harry Valentine
-Laura West
-Rasaan Wyzard
- Janelle Clinton
- Alfred Richardson
- Jenna Causey
- Tiffany Hobbs
-Cody Sanders
-Anthony Agbaere
-Milton Lewis
- Gregory Locke
-Jeffrey McNair
- Markel Davis
- Jake Young
-Paige Pulaski
-Adetinpo Thomas
-Adedolapo Adekunle
- Jordan Lewis
-Denver Blackwell

There are more but here this is a start....
Get your list together people and make some moves.

If you wake up in the morning and all you can think about is writing.....

2011-05-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Yes it has been a while since this has been updated... moving on.
So I really like the movie Sister Act 2 and every once in a while I think about different quotes from it.
So today what popped in my head was the scene where Whoopi Goldberg is talking to Lauryn Hill and trying to persuade her character to think more about singing and joining the choir. Here is the quote...well actually here is the scene:

Whoopi: I know you want to sing. See. I love to sing. Nothing makes me happier.I either wanted to be a singer or the head of the Ice Capades. Hey. Do you know who the Ice Capades are? Don't roll your eyes. They were very cool. I went to my mother who gave me this book...called Letters To A Young Poet. Rainer Maria Rilke.He's a fabulous writer. A fellow used to write to him and say: "I want to be a writer. Please read my stuff." And Rilke says to this guy: "Don't ask me about being a writer. lf when you wake up in the morning you can think of nothing but writing...then you're a writer."I'm gonna saythe same thing to you. If you wake up in the mornin' and you can't think of anything but singin' first...then you're supposed to be a singer.

Girl: What's the point of your story. Sister? What's the point?

Whoopi: Read the book.

END SCENE

Ok so I am in the process of editing a play that I wrote almost two years ago. Why two years? Well ...yeah kinda complicated (I really just had to take a break from it and partly just did not have the energy to edit)
BUT ....I have decided that this will be a summer of writing and this is the first project.

So how does this relate to the quote?

Well in order for this to be a summer of writing, I guess I am reflecting on myself as a writer of plays. So for those who read my blogs, those who write plays, those who read plays...what suggestions do you have for upcoming playwrights in general? How do you get through dry spells? What inspires you to write? Where do you get your ideas from?

Yeah this is a summer of writing, reflection...and more. I am waking up in the morning trying to be.. a playwright?

Stay tuned.

AMC got money from me in 2010

2010-12-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yes this is the second post I have done today but I had a great idea for a post and I wanted to go ahead and write it before I forget about it and well, just not do it.

I looooove watching movies. It started when I was young and my mother would buy any movie my sister and I wanted. Present day, things are pretty much the same and it is so bad that my mom and I will memorize the dates when movies are going to be released and she or I will be two copies of the movie to add to our collections.

So thanks to a great movie buddy (shoutout to Kelundra) I saw some pretty good movies this year and I am excited for the ones to come in the new year. So what I have is my top movies for 2010, my wish list (those I wanted to see but just didn't) and those I am looking forward to seeing in 2011. If there are any movies you guys think I should add to my wish list, please comment and I will Netflix or buy it.

I must say that animated movies dominated the 2010 year for me so this list will be comprised mostly of some great animated films. So now lets get to it.

My Top 2010 Movies (in no particular order)
Toy Story 3- great finale to the series, I cried (like the sap I am) and it just felt good to watch it

Megamind- hilarious and not your average hero movie, loved it

Tangled- creative, funny, pretty in 3D

Karate Kid- - the scene with Jackie Chan and Jayden with the car lights and shadows, brilliant filmography

How to Train Your Dragon- did not expect for this to be so funny, glad I saw it

Book of Eli- refreshing, had a great message and just great (except for the annoying co-star..she bothered me slightly)

Despicable Me- OMG hilarious to the point where my boyfriend and I have inside jokes about it

Hot Tub Time Machine- I thought this was going to be soooo corny, but it was a great laugh!

Date Night- Tina Fey never lets me down and I have been bringing this movie with me to others houses

Just Wright- one word: Common, and I will say, no write it again COMMON plus the thick girl wins!! (ha ha skinny hoes..lol j/k)

2010 Wish List

Eat. Pray.Love

Love and Other Drugs

Burlesque

Letters to God

Black Swan

2011 Excitement

Frankie and Alice

Rio

Cars 2

The Dilemma

Kung Fu Panda 2

Sherlock Holmes 2

Just Go With It

War Horse

On an ending note, I really want to see more black performers in film in 2011. (other than Tyler Perry) Not knocking everything he does ( I appreciate ya bra) but I want to see a variety of black films, black directors, black screenwriters doing it big in 2011. So please help a sistah out!

Alright I think this will be my last post for 2010. Thank you all for following the blog and giving your feedback. I will do a better job of posting things in 2011.

What if???

2010-12-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

So I was riding in the car the other day and I started reflecting on society and how nowadays a lot of people want success and they want it quickly. I scan through Facebook and see a lot of my friends who are self-proclaimed models. (which is rather annoying because one photoshoot of yourself half-dressed with your cousin's new camera from Christmas, hardly qualifies you to be a model..but I digress) I look at tv and you have people like Sheree from The Real Housewives of Atlanta who just decides one day to become and actress and all of a sudden getting headshots and performing on stage.

So as I was riding I began to panic a little, what if in a few years the degree I worked hard these past four years for doesn't mean anything?? What if getting a degree and having a degree in the arts becomes ancient and people laugh at it? What if all over it matters more about the money you have and how much money you can raise than true talent? What if places like Julliard and NYU become museums of how the performing arts used to be?

It is sad that people think that nurturing a craft such as dance, music, drama etc is something that can be launched in one day and that is it. I think this is one reason why there are folks who truly dislike the work that Tyler Perry does. You know it is one thing to begin as an amateur and create decent work but then it is another to continue to parade around, disrespect the craft, and not receive training in the art that you create and expect to receive nods from everybody.

I am not saying that raw talent is a bad thing. There are probably plenty of stars out there who did not receive formal training and are doing well and are learning from those who have receive training.

The point I am trying to emphasize is that nurturing your craft should be the most important thing.

Your intentions for wanting to be on the screen, stage, etc should not be because "Well since I have this amount, I should be on tv" or "Since I know these people, I think I should be an actor/actress" or "Hey I am skinny and tall maybe I should be a model" or "I'm not really feeling this job maybe if I get an agent and become an actor in Hollywood I can get more money".

We are coming into a new year and I want to see talent from genuine and creative people. Those who truly want to share their gifts with others to entertain, to inspire, to uplift and then of course get a little money too. (Hey I have to be a little realistic)

I never want the what if's I mentioned earlier to become a reality.

Final Undergrad Stage Crew Experience

2010-11-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

UGA's Dept. of Theatre and Film Studies Production of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Yes I am a slacker....and yes it has been since August since a post has been made on this blog. So to those who have been reading, my apologies and I will do my best to do better in life when it comes to updating this. Soooo I guess the way to start this blog back up to describe my experience working stage crew for the last time in my undergraduate career. The show was the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee directed by the wonderful George Contini. Ironically, it had been 3 years since I worked crew for a show and that show was Urinetown: The Musical directed by Mirla Criste. So two musicals on my belt...oh yeah.

I must say that doing crew can be a long exhausting run, nights can be long and things can get tedious. But for what it is worth, I can now add a little something more to my resume (light board operator)

I for one was dreading having to do it, but there is always a lesson to be learned or something I can observe.So I can say that there were two takeaways from the experience of working crew for Putnam. (And just a warning I can be sappy about things so these takeaways are a little more on the sappy side )

1. It is refreshing to see talented actors on the stage
I don't want to brag too much about the theatre department I am a part of but hey, we have talent. I worked crew from Oct. 25th- November 14th seeing the show over 30 times and it never got old seeing the cast perform. I do not think I could say that about every show I will see in my lifetime. And maybe it is just me being a sap for everything but it felt good to see my peers onstage receive laughs and applause for their hardwork. And it is a plus to see actors who can effectively sing, dance, and act for two hours with no intermission. (Talent at UGA!!!) There were nights when things just did not go as planned but these actors were able to camouflage the mistakes and keep the show going. It is scary yet inspiring. Could I be as clever to keep moving? I like things to go as planned, I do not know if I could handle unexpected things onstage. And I am horrible at improv. (Who ever said that an actor had to be good at improv should be shot!...j/k ) But nevertheless there are people who are my peers who have a great talent and I enjoy learning from them.

2. The cast family
On the last two days of the show, I observed as cast members signed cards for the director and a cast member who fell ill during the run. The director got them all small tokens and letters of appreciation. The assistant stage manager made cupcakes. The cast got the musicians toys. And even though the crew came into the production scene late, there was still a sense of family that was cultivated. I guess when you don't do a show for a while you forget about those small things. To this day, I can be around former cast members of Once on this Island (a show I was in 3 years ago) and we can just bust out singing songs from the show. Of course this is not to say that the cast family is peachy clean and there are no disagreements or tension here and there. But in the end, a show has to go on and when the show ends we laugh and enjoy the memories that were created.

So even though I was dreading this crew assignment, it was a great...good experience.

To Audition or Not to Audition ...That is the Question!!!

2010-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again for me and about 200 (well this number may be an exaggeration) other Theatre undergraduate majors at the University of Georgia to get their monologues together, read the plays for the upcoming season, and sign their name on the ever eluding and daunting call board for auditions. I guess this year kind of caught me off guard, even though in the back of my mind I know this happens the first weekend in the school year, and has been this way since forever...lol. But I said to myself over the summer that I would get my monologues together early and have no worries once the auditions come around the corner. That plan...EPIC fail. So I come back to campus about two weeks before school starts and realize that I need to get my life together.

But getting my life together for auditions involves a lot more than just finding monologues and reading the plays. For those who know me, I am very much involved on campus (darn me the overachiever). As of now I serve on two executive boards, I work for housing, and of course I am a senior so the class load is pretty involved, and there is just always something I find that is on my to-do list or calendar to do. And so here I was having to make a decision.. to audition or not to audition.

This decision is really crucial for three main reasons:

1. I have never been in an University Theatre show. It is not required at my school to be in a department show in order to graduate but at times I feel like such a slacker because here I am a Theatre Major and I have never even been in a show with the department.

2.Hey this is my last year..ever since attending the University I have put theatre on the the backburner for other organizations that were not really my passion. For once I just want to be able to be fully committed to my department and have all the faculty know my passion and my fellow classmates say "Hey there she goes again, she must really love what she does" or even "Dang she is doing too much, can she just sit down somewhere"

3. Going along with reason one, I have just wanted to be in a regular University Theatre show, not the one with the "multicultural themes" where fellow classmates whisper around each other and say "Well they only got in because they were _____" I want my first show with University Theatre to be something I got in purely because of my talent. (yes I believe that is possible)

You see I love being in, around, under, behind, on (you get the point) the stage. I get itchy and my heart beats faster when I am just sitting in the audience and I cannot experience the stage. I will tell anyone Theatre is all I really know and even with that there is still so much for me to know, so many more plays to see, write, direct, and act in.

But yet again I found myself asking the question "Do I need to audition?"

I made my decision this week just four days before auditions and I can say I am content with the answer. The answer: Not to audition.

Like I said earlier, I am very much involved on campus. And although I feel as though I put theatre on the back burner sometimes, I still have to stay true to the commitments that I have signed my name to. I think as a performer, or person of the arts, you have to stay committed to the contract of the rehearsal schedule, you have to stay committed to the notes that were given to the director. You have to stay committed to blocking. Because of the commitment is lost, the most beautifully written show with the best intentions can become a horrid show with people wanting their money back, critics writing their dislike during the show, and your reputation going down the drain.

At the end of the day I would rather be known in the department as one who stays committed to tasks I have been charged with and do well at those instead of trying to do everything and being known as one who cannot be trusted with putting on a show or given a task.

I have all my life to explore the theatre world, but it is in these precious months that I can hold on to the promises I made.

And hey I signed up to stage crew a show for this semester that is required for the major so my "itch" can be relieved a little. :)

It's all in the Small Things

2010-06-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

So I have made it safely back to the states and as I try to get over the jet lag, I begin reflecting back on my experience in London. I am so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to travel abroad and in London out of all places. Since my last post I got a chance to see Sister Act the Musical (AMAZING!!!), The Lion King (AMAZING), eat at a Gordon Ramsey Restaurant called Foxtrot Oscar, go to West End Live 2010, and act like a big kid at the Science Museum. 6 weeks is a long time to truly experience a place and I think I have seen all the ups and downs of London. This post is just to reflect on the small things I enjoyed in London. To my readers, I urge you all to experience visiting, studying, etc overseas. It is truly a great experience and I stole this idea from my classmate. I plan on filling up passport before it expires in 2020... who is with me??

1. Pre-sliced mangos for about 2 pounds
2. The ability to ride for two stops on the Tube and find myself in the middle of West End
3. Always finding something free to do
4. Eating McDonald's and not seeing grease and not having my stomach messed up afterwards
5. Being fascinated with flowers in the park and find myself taking pictures of all the ones I past by
6. Eating scones!!
7. Tea with milk
8. Going to 2-3 museums in one day for free
9. Covent Garden!!!
10. Getting my exercise on..because I was walking everywhere (oh how I have become so lazy in a matter of 2 days..lol)
11. People trying to guess which part of the states I am from
12. Costa Coffee (so much better than Starbucks)
13. Tesco Express (the smallest store with everything you need that is open for 24 hours)

ENERGY ENERGY!!!

2010-06-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

So I am in my last week of London...tear! But I think that it will be time to come home once this week is over. I have finally had Bangers and Mash (basically mashed poataoes and sausages), so that makes me certified in English cuisine...lol. I saw a bit of the Queen's birthday parade known as the Trooping of the Colour

1. How do people in London not know about the Queen's birthday parade?? Like they shut down streets??
2. Energy, Energy!! (DJ in Moonlighting Club who said this the whole night)
3. People watching went to a whole new level at Moonlighting Club, in fact we have gotten to the point where if we see something crazy we will just say that it is "moonlighting"
Example:
Woman walks by in jeggings that are too small
We look at one another and say "now she know she moonlighting"
4. So I have come to the conclusion that half of London does not work..lol. It is 9 a.m. I am going to work, why are you on the tube with 5 shopping bags?
5. I wrote a 12 page paper in 2 days...gotta love procrastination..grrr
6.So I went to the National Gallery and why were there over 10 pictures that have Baby Jesus breastfeeding
7. "I mean you know he had to eat but dang"- Kelundra in response to seeing all the pictures of Baby Jesus breast feeding
8. Saw Avenue Q and I find myself singing songs from it at least 3-4 times a day (now humming "Only for now...for now")
9. Saw Sister Act the Musical...sooooooo great! Now it is on my top 3 list from London shows that I have seen so far. Plus I got a chance to meet the star Patina Miller
10. Oh hi ho- Paradise Found.... probably one of the corniest musicals ever in life
11.Went to Stonehenge
12. They have a TK Maxx..lol
13. hey I know my Americans, ya'll don't like to pay for shit!- club promoter
14. Yeah ya'll looking for quality hip hop, we got it right here (Chris Brown song plays) #epicfail
15. What a pleasure it must be for you to look upon my beauty every day.- La Dispute
16. Endsleigh Court...when our lights don't work, our internet connection is better :)
17. Went for a couple of days without a toilet seat...grrr

Awkward!

2010-06-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

So this past week i began my internship with Pure Events Hospitality and Event Management. It has been a good experience thus far especially since I cmae during a period of high volume for clients and events. Since my second degree in Public Relations I wanted the opportunity to have an internship with event management. I also got the opportunity to go to Madame Tussauds, which was so amazing. Beyonce was getting repaired so that was the only one who I really wanted to see but I did not get a chance to. So I have the random list for this week, and as always if you have any questions about the list, just comment and I will explain.

1. Take it...take it like a man- Kelundra telling the ATM to take her debit card.
2. Oooooh they have free refills- At Pizza Hut (this was the first place we have seen in 4 weeks!!)
3. So I had my first and hopefully only experience where i threw up after a play- Thanks Cleansed by Sarah Kane (I am vomiting in my mouth thinking about it)
4. Saw myself on the Graham Norton show...YAAAY!!
5. Saw my teacher on the Graham Norton show (although he was knocked out of a chair on National TV!!)
6. Love Brighton Beach! (It is sooo pretty)
7. I only have two more weeks left (tear)
8.But since I only have 2 weeks, I am doing everything that I possibly can...and slightly ignoring the fact that I am studying.
9.Saw Sex in the City 2...was thoroughly entertained.
10. Going to the movies in London, interesting. For the previews, they have commercials and people talk all the way through them....grrrr
11. I have found people watching as a form of entertainment
12. Miley Cyrus talks a lot, there were some things I found out about her on the Graham Norton show that I could have done without.
13. Things the British don't believe in: ice, water fountains, vending machines, napkins, salt
14. I felt like I was in elementary one day at my inernship this past week
15. Last week after experiencing the Paris Metro I was so happy to get back to the London Tube. This week after being squished in between 3 people on the Tube, I am not so sure.
16. Taking pictures with the wax figure of Hitler kind of bothers me..walk away slowly.

Ruined at Almeida Theatre..AMAZING!!

2010-06-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

So last night was an epic night!! I had the pleasure of seeing the play Ruined written by Lynn Nottage. Ruined tells the story of a woman's bar in the Congo during the civil war. Within the bar the owner Mama Nadi sells drinks and pleasure to the soldiers who come along the road. Once you step into the bar, all of the politics and violence from the outside remain there. The show was performed at the Almeida Theatre in London.

Seeing this production was beneficial to me in many ways. First the UGA Department of Theatre and Film Studies will be putting on Ruined in the Spring of 2011 so it was good to be able to see the show and get a feel for what is expected if I was interested in auditioning. Also UGA has certain shows that are unproduced which basically means that all of the props, costumes, and set are provided by the actors and directors. The show at Almeida was of course produced so it was a little intimidating to think of how UGA could pull this all of. But I am an optimistic individual so I feel as though it was be perfect and the woman who is directing the show is the one and only Dr. Freda Scott Giles and I am confident in the work that she is capable of as a director.

Jenny Jules played the lead role in Ruined as Mama Nadi and I truly loved her performance. She went above and beyond with the accent, her gait as her character, and the committment to emotion. For the UGA production I would want the role of Mama Nadi and attempt to be just as good as Jenny Jules. I don't want to talk too much about the plot because for those who are going to see the show, I want you all to be surprised and fully enjoy the script (which won a Pulitizer Prize by the way).

Sometimes after shows, it is customary to stand outside the stage door and get autographs of the actors in the show. Well of course after a giving the production a standing ovation, I definitely waited outside the door The cast was so humble and really great people to talk to. I got everyone's autograph except like 3 which kind of sucks but out of all the shows we have been to here in London, I got the most autographs from Ruined. YAAY!!

Adrienn Gecse from The London Insider did a review of the show that was at the Almeida so I would encourage everyone to read it. And of course I think I am a new fan of the Almeida in general because it was there that Ruined made its European premiere and Lynn Nottage herself worked with the cast during rehearsals. (so awesome) This is the last week of the show and she is supposed to come back during the week. I almost want to go back and see the show again just to have the chance to meet her.

So ladies and gentlemen, Spring 2011 be prepared to see greatness at UGA and read more up on Ruined if you get a chance!!

Where's the Romance Part 2

2010-06-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

23. French duded tryna holla but clearly I did not understand a word he was saying..be gone!
24. French dudes tryna holla at French girl and she ignores you completely..guess your game does not work in your own language.
25. I need to get me a metro hustle- Kelundra
26. I'm leaving Paris (tear) but I'm going back to London (wipes tears)
27. Rode on the slowest train ever on the way to the Palace of Versallies
28. Ha ha ha street hustlers I have an umbrella!!
29. Louis XIV- loved all things gaudy
30. Watched Days of our lives and Scrubs in French
31. Hey ya'll let's go to Pussy's- Kelundra pointing at a location with that name..hot mess
32.The street Boulevard de Clichy that leads to Moulin Rouge is crazy!!
33. Had I remembered how this shirt fits I probably would have made a different bra decision- Kelundra
34. Please take off that nose...nope that was hers...oh!
35. Kelundra found her Paris lapel pin in a souvenior place next to a sex shop
36.Buddha and Buddha's lady friend outside of the Museum of Eroticism
37. Plug in an iron and short circuit everything in Hotel de Place
38. Woman breast feeds her child on the train, gets off train, one minute later gets back on train and begs for money..confused
39.Mental breakdowns because we missed our train back to London
40. The French don't like Americans...no really
41. Going to another country, not prepared for roaming charges =epic fail
42. Touring Notre Dame during Mass= even more of an epic fail
43.We got so familiar with the Paris Orly airport and didn't even fly to Paris, we took a train
44. Unnesscary art is everywhere in Paris, but it is sooo pretty!!

Where's the Romance? (Cue Accordian)

2010-06-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was one of the most amazing, exhilirating, stressful, entertaining, wildest experiences ever! What began as a rocky start turned into a wonderful vacation. I got the chance to eat some good french cuisine and stay at a nice hotel. I think that the biggest thing that I can take away from the Paris experience is how much we stereotype a place and once you see it, you realize how wrong those stereotypes were. I remember thinking of Paris as this wonderfully romantic place with music everywhere. But when I got there, no music, gypsies, and grafitti. Don't get me wrong, Paris is still a beautiful place but I am grateful that I got to see more than just the tourist area. The random list from Paris is pretty long, but funny and I hope you guys enjoy it.
1. It's more expensive than free- The Eiffel Tower Hustle
2. Excuse me, you speak English- The opening lines of the gypsy encounter
3. I'm disillusioned, where are the mimes??- Erin
4. Oooo bun buns. Bonjour French bunnies!! -Erin when she saw rabbits outside our hotel
5. WTF- Erin looking at a towel strapped to a bed as a sheet at Hotel de Place
6. WTF???- everything at Hotel de Place
7. Where's the romance? (Cue accordian)- I said this on the metro station and as soon as I said it, a man walks onto the train and begins playing his accordian
8. The London Tube is definitely better than the Paris Metro
9. Grafitti?? Really Paris
10. We have to have at least one expensive French dinner
11. Is this the same unknown soldier known to God and Washington?
12. Eiffel Tower Hustle- So there are like 50 men outside the Eiffel who try selling you water, planes, Eiffel Tower mini's...ahhh it was horrid
13. Sooo if something happens we can jump out of the window
14. Is that black mold- Looking at the mold on the walls at Hotel de Place
15. Didn't Paris outlaw smoking 3 years ago in public places...just saying
16. Did he just drug us?
17. He has denim blue eyes- Kelundra commenting on the tour guide on the Batobus
18. Last day in Paris- do everything that we possibly can and of course miss our bus to get back to the hotel
19. So if we can't pay for the hotel room, Erin will be working at La Diva making her amateur debut
20. 2 person quartet singing horribly in French
21. Hippopatamus- French Applebee's
22. Observing 1st date of couple on train- A woman not interested in a man is obvious no matter what language they are speaking

Life's a Drag...well not really

2010-06-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

So this past week in London has been pretty amazing!! I went to three shows and they were all wonderful in their own ways. Monday night I went to a drag show at this sketch place called the Cellar Door. The address to this place was Zero Aldywch street and we ended up walking past it. Why?? Well it is literally underground that has a structure on top of it on the sidewalk. It was fun though. I also got a chance to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical... AMAZING! I was thoroughly entertained from the beginning to the end. On Wednesday I went to the famous Shakespeare Globe Theatre and saw a very bloody production of Macbeth but I enjoyed it and was very glad that I was not in the orchestra pit.This post only covers things from Monday to Wednesday because of course I went to Paris for the Bank Holiday weekend. So here is the random list from last week and if you guys have any questions just let me know!!

1. I did not run, I walked briskly- Erin on finding out a crush she has was at the laundrette around the corner from our flat
2. Love is in the air and so it pollution. P-O-L-L-U-T-I-O-N Pollution Pollution- Cookie the drag queen we saw at the Cellar Door
3. Don't you wish your girlfriend could stand up and pee!- Cookie at the Cellar Door
4. I think I need to write a book on social cues- Kelundra
5. People don't know how to move to the center- UGA crowded bus formation
6. We went back to the old days last week, no hot water, no problem, time to boil water
7. When the funds run low, it is definitely ok to blowdry clothes in the room
8. I saw so many colors in the production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert that my eyes were tired
9. Favorite costume from Priscilla was the cupcakes...hands down
10. Money is honey and don't you forget that- Tour guide at the Globe Theatre

It's a steep Hill, don't talk!

2010-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

1. Stripper Juice- A conversation in which a study abroad classmate describes why he does not go to strip clubs
2. Flashback, Flash forward
3. Public Displays of Affection is a trend
4. It took me to travel to London to really understand God's grace in the smallest things (trees,rivers, lakes) It's the ragamuffin in me
5. Speaking of Ragamuffin, I am now reading The Ragamuffin Gospel, I encourage everyone to read it
6. I was in two hemispheres at one time...so cool
7. No vending machines here
8. No free water,like where are the water fountains??...grrr ( I have never been so dehydrated in my life)
9. I am taking pictures of everything...sooo feel like a tourist but darn proud of it.
10. BBQ weather is 70 degrees, man people would not like Atlanta
11. War Horse is the best example of theater I have seen in a long time. it is coming to broadway soon so be on the lookout
12. About to see the Prime Meridian and the tour guide says "Its a steep hill, don't talk" What did we do? Talk and was definitely out of breath
13. Had my first American moment on London, people tried to cut in line when we reached the Prime Meridian...nope, it was not going to work
14. We stole a bad teenage boy's water gun, with a good reason, he was squirting water at every person who passed by how rude!
15. I have come to the conclusion that kids run the parents over here. I would dare not wander off in the park while my mom has a search party after me!
16. When I come home I am going to spend a week watching American tv, don't bother me. Man we only have 4 channels over here
17. I am going to be so sexy when I come back, I have walked all over London and I will be walking a whole lot more for the next three weeks who needs Weight Watchers when you visit London??

LONDON TIMES

2010-05-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hello good people! I know it has been a while since I have done a post but a lot has been going on, one of them being I AM IN LONDON YAAAAAYYY!! I have been over here for a week now and I have gotten pretty adjusted to everything here. I love this city and I especially love their appreciation for the arts. It is so a part of their culture like ... I dunno. I really can't think of antyhing that is really vital to the American culture like the way theatre is apart of the London culture. It is kind of sad but at the same time leaves me inspired to want to bring it to that level. Call me crazy but there is a possibility and I am a very optimistic person. (So there is hope) When I stop being optimistic, then run for the hills ladies and gentlemen... RUN! Anyway, I will be uploaded pics here and there of my experience. Maybe one pic a day that describes my day or something that interests me about the city. Also I have decided to start a "Random London List". This list will comprise of things I saw while traveling, random thoughts I had, or random things that I or some of my classmates have said. So I hope you enjoy the list and if there is a question about any of the items on the random list, just post a comment and I will explain. (Some might be inside jokes or things you would just have to be here to understand)

1. Kimberly Clark products...in London
2. When she said 60 minutes, she really meant it.
3. I hope the thick girls are represented in your store- Passing by pictures of models on the walls of stores
4. Jammin to Maxwell on the Mp3 player ..missing my babe
5.Good things I brought batteries
6.Everybody is in black tights, London has really taken this trend to a whole new level
7. Why is it so loud? Clocks chimming, hammering outside my room, floors squeaking
8. Why is it so cold?
9. "People must eat out all the time"- Kelundra looking at our dishes in the kitchen
10. Why is there a picture of a deer on the wall?
11. £3.95 phone..gotta love it
12. "Hello I'm London and I'm cold!"-Kelundra
13. I'm studying the extracurricular activities of the Holy Ghost- London Assurance
14. What the deuce?
15. Father and daughter rock/paper/scissors moment on the tube
16. It's amazing how much the past dictates this city (both good and bad)
17. Yes,no, yes, no, yes...NOOOO! -George
18. They drive BMW's over here like they are Hondas-Kelundra
19.You Americans talk so freely, your language is veery loose and you talk so loud- Guard at Primark
20. I'm going to try to King's chocolate- Kelundra on buying Cadbury chocolate
21. I miss my smartphone..tear
22. Going over things we need at the grovery store Me- Clorox Wipes Kelundra- We also need a toilet seat warmer
23. Mind the Gap

Blog Surfing in the Afternoon

2010-04-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

2amtheatre
Blogger David J. Loehr discusses Washington Post writer Peter Marks article on theatre in the White House. Loehr discusses various points that Marks states and then offers solutions and suggestions that widen the spectrum of encouraging the arts across the nation.

TheatreForte Video of a women who waited in line 1:00 a.m. for an audition for Hair. She was the first in line though at 8:30 a.m. Show business?

GuardianTheatreblog
The blogger Chris Wilkinson found the video from the blog above and discusses the reality of the "starving artist" in today's society. Ultimately the blogger points out that enough is enough for actors "if artists want to flourish both creatively and economically, they need to take absolute responsibility for their own work. Instead of waiting in line for the chance to land a small part in a big musical, they should be creating and producing their own theatre pieces." Check out link and tell me what you think.

ARTSBlog: In this post, the Emerging Leader Survey Results are revealed and the blog discusses what the results mean for those in the arts industry and offers a summary of solutions for the future.

The Joy of Arts in Ronnie Campbell

2010-04-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

On April 19th hundreds of men, women, and children marched the streets of downtown Atlanta advocating for one cause: saving the arts. A wide spectrum of colors flooded through streets through signs and costumes. Protestors carried the signs “You can’t spell smart without art” and “Have a heart, save the arts”. Shouts could be heard loud and clear at the Atlanta Capitol where dance, music, speech and art came together. Among this crowd of people full of passion for this cause was Mr. Ronnie “RL” Campbell, Entertainment Manager and CEO of The Campbell Entertainment Organization.

It was at this place that Campbell became a part of the restoration of funding for the Georgia Council for the Arts. “It’s very bittersweet. I helped to rally artists for the march on the capitol and was out there right alongside with them,” said Campbell reflecting on the rally. “It felt good to know that our government officials actually listened and turned around their decision to cut GCA funding completely, but I’ll always feel like it’s never enough.” Campbell’s life shows a glimpse of the determination, love, and drive he and many others present at the rally have for the arts.

Originally from East Orange, NJ, Campbell settled in the South where he attended Georgia State University for his undergraduate studies. Campbell graduated in 2003 with a concentration in Theatre. Campbell then went on to American Intercontinental University for Business Administration. For over ten years, Campbell has been involved professionally with the arts industry through various mediums. Specifically in the Atlanta area, he has worked with the Alliance Theatre and Horizon Theatre Company, just to name a few. He was Co-Founder and Production Manager of Act-N- Up Youth Theatre in Lithonia, GA.

Primarily, Campbell handles live events for theatre, dance, film and the music industry where the motto “Don’t Sweat the Small Things, that’s what we’re here For” drives his organization to produce shows of the highest standards. As leader of his company he takes those words to heart and tries to look to others as an influence. “I admire people who fight for what they believe in. This doesn’t just stop and start with Artists, but I constantly learn from people who feel strongly about an issue.” Campbell is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the performing arts labor union that represents actors and stage managers in the United States.

Although it has been ten years that he has been working professionally in the industry, Campbell’s love for the arts began as a toddler. “I remember growing up as a child, going to the circus and wanting to know ‘how’d they do that?’“ The motivation to that question has led Campbell to a life of spontaneity and satisfaction. “I wanted a career where I didn’t have to do the same thing day after day.” For Campbell, this desire has come true. Campbell feels as though the best part of what he does for a living is that no day is the same as the previous day. “It changes so frequently. I go over the day’s to-do list for my various clients while having my morning coffee. Then I see where the day takes me. My workdays can get to be 16-20 hour days depending on what client I’m working on with at the time.”

“Assertive, optimistic, and spiritual” are words chosen by Campbell to describe himself. Throughout his daily interactions he exhibits these traits in numerous ways. Under Campbell’s Facebook page are over 30 albums of pictures from shows, award ceremonies, and travels across the nation. The experience of working with so many different clients, especially within the arts has given Campbell a new perspective. “I have a better appreciation for how to work well with any and everybody because of my involvement with the arts. I can understand the world around me, because I look at it through a different set of eyes everyday and can appreciate the beauty of things that others take for granted all the time.”

In a society where it seems as though being successful in the arts is not possible, Campbell has found a balance of what he loves, being successful, and most importantly experiencing pure joy. “I feel that the place for art in society today is what it was even during Shakespeare’s time, a tool for one to express her/ himself creatively and emotionally in order to being about a social change,” says Campbell. “So many people look at all of the different mediums of art and see them purely as entertainment, but art to me is nourishment for the soul.”

DENZEL WASHINGTON, VIOLA DAVIS AND FENCES

2010-04-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

Sooo I really wish I can be in New York right now to see the Broadway show of Fences starring Viola Davis and Denzel Washington. Maybe they will make a film version!! Check out the links I got pictures from the YBF of those who came to see the premiere and a little bit about the show.

The Blogging World is Intense

2010-04-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

I decided to move away from Atlanta Arts Blogs for a minute so here are some really great stories.

City Room
Donations save the day for the Harlem School of the Arts. It was closed down because of a $500,000 deficit and private donors, arts education advocates, and more stepped in to help out.

Perez Hilton
So Madonna's eldest daughter Lourdes may be enrolling in LaGuardia Performing Arts School. Supposedly from this post she got a special audition for herself to be shielded from the pressure. Money has privileges I guess.

Denver Westword
A big corporation Qwest goes into merger by Century Tel and this has some worried about the Denver arts organizations. I never thought about how mergers could affect the funding for certain arts organizations. Check out the link and tell me what you think.

The Moderate Voice:
From death comes birth, from destruction comes resurrection. This post is a response to the Political loss in Poland the writer forms a analogy of how a loss can turn into a possibility. The analogy comes from how the Atlanta Arts Alliance began.

Backstage
And we thought that cosmetic surgery was the hottest thing around. Welllll maybe not so much. The blogger from this site shares with us an article from the NY Times about how Hollywood is reconsidered selecting those who go through cosmetic surgeries.

The Mission Paradox
The theatre world is real serious about its marketing techniques these days. This post talks about the benefit of arts organizations to do advance sales for shows.

GrantmakersintheArts
National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman announces the latest round for the fiscal year 2010. he Arts Endowment will distribute $97,632,100 through 1,323 grants to nonprofit national, regional, state, and local organizations nationwide.

CommunityArtsNetwork
Sooo deep down I am a poet..lol. But seriously I write a little poetry here and there and I found this post about poems being posted all around the UK. The collection is called "Poemsfor...". They were collected by a UK charity called Hyphen-21. The poems are in different languages ranging from Albenian to Vietnamese.

ArtsAdmin:
CEOs of arts organization and their salaries. In times of economic turmoil, the blogger discusses those in chief officer positions who have takeno pay cuts. Is this right? What makes non profits different?

Arlene Goldbard:
Blogger Arlene Goldbard discusses the Local Jobs for America Act and how the mention of arts in the community is not mentioned. Goldbard feels as though the spirit of the Works Progress Administration is no longer here in America.

Offstageright:
It is often said how much of a burden it is to carry around emotional baggage throughout your life. how does that affect your experiences when going out? Especially when it comes to cultural events, does emotional baggage carry with it a cloud over your outing. In this blog post, the author explores the baggage the audience carries with them and what organizations can do to help lessen that baggage.

Looking Through Some Blogs and What do I find?

2010-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Thought Maker http://thoughtmarker.blogspot.com/
So in an effort to do more than just theatre, I found a blog that explores underground creativity in Atlanta. This post particular showcases a local artist Totem who has painted a mural on the side of local printers Fallen Arrows building on Dekalb Avenue

Three Cities Group
Social media on to a new level for the arts. In this blog post you will learn about a social-based artist network that has been created for artists to come together and use one another as a resource. To all my followers check it out and see what you think.

Hope.culture.love
This blog I think will become a favorite on my list. The two individuals who run the blog say that “We are artists. We express ourselves through photography, philm, and music. And I must say that the photography is a plus for me. Check it out.

Arts Relish On April 16th, 2010. The Archetype Gallery opened The New Pan-African Ideal featuring various works from a nationally selected group of artists. Curator Christopher Hutchinson chose a variety of works from photography to multimedia installation pieces that he said displayed the shared experience of colonialism. Through the work, Hutchinson hoped to encourage a dialogue that would broaden the definition of Pan-Africanism to account for a multitude of narratives.

CultureSurfing Upcoming artists and the comic book scene. How does this relate to the arts? How not? Spiderman and Batman are not the only ways artists are using to express themselves and especially within the Atlanta area, the comic book scene is looking pretty hot. Check out the link.

Gothamist Even landmarked theatres aren’t safe when it comes to money. In this post, the blogger discusses how a theatre built in 1916 and is the “longest-running movie house in the nation” may not have the funds to be renovated and operational. Times are hard.

Laist.com
Maybe there is hope for venues somewhere in this nation. The iconic Westlake Theatre, a part of the MacArthur Park community since 1926, has been awarded a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the April e-newsletter of the Office of Historic Resources.

Al.com
The South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores, Alabama was given a stipend of $6,000 from its City Council. This stipend will go towards their increased participation in the community and after school programs.

Culture monster Arts budget proposals in Los Angeles. Blogger Mike Boehm talks about how the proposals don’t look too bad for L.A. County but the city of Los Angeles has a different story.

Huffington Post
Glee can save the day. In this post James Sims talks about the effect the popular Fox show Glee has on the arts education budgets across the nation. Glee is advocating for change in America. (side note: I need to get on the Glee bandwagon, I am slackin’)

A Beautiful Moment

2010-04-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

So yesterday the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Georgia unveiled its Fine Arts Theatre after a two year renovation. I was there in attendance of course and it was so breathtaking to see the theatre. Along with this post are some pictures from the theatre that I took. I mean it was so bright in there and the design was beautiful. I was glad to see people from all across campus come and support our department and I hope that this is a sign of more to come with the department.It was especially good to see the University President Dr. Adams. For the past three years I have been here, I always felt that he thought of our department as the foster child of the university. But we are talented individuals who have a lot to offer to the university and I just hope that his speech yesterday was more than just a front to show good face but a sincere gesture at wanting to support our department.

Theatre in Politics in 2010

2010-04-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Guardian Theatre Blog: General elections are going on in the UK and of course there is buzz all around. But how does theatre relate to it and can it have an affect? In this post, the writer talks about a couple of plays and how politics plays within it.

Arts Go Green for Earth Day

2010-04-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Art Beat has a really nice post about two companies in the music industry who have decided to join in with sustainability for Earth Day. Check out the link

Could this blog thing be more??

2010-04-22T14:18:00.001-07:00

Sooo I was searching again for more blogs to follow so that I can stay updated on what's going on with the arts but also and I think I just want to make more blog look more legit.. lol. (The more blogs I had the more people will take me seriously) Anyway I found another blog called BroadwayGirlNYC and from just reading her about me, I knew that I would like reading it. Her last post was on March 14, 2010 (yeah it has been a while) but regardless of the date there is a reason why I am bringing it up. Ok so Broadwayworld.com which from her post says is the largest theatre site on the Internet invited her to be a column writer on their website. They felt that she was the most popular independent Tweeter about theatre on the popular social networking service, Twitter. I think that is a pretty cool honor.

Then I found another blog: The ITBA (Independent Theater Bloggers Association) Below is their little schpill (hopefully you know what I was trying to say..well..type)
The ITBA (Independent Theater Bloggers Association) was formed in 2009 by a group of the most passionate theater bloggers on the World Wide Web. The members of the association blog about all aspects and all varieties of both commercial and non-profit theater, from big Broadway musicals performed in Times Square, to the most unique forms of entertainment performed off-off Broadway on the Lower East Side, as well as productions all over the country and all over the world. Together they see thousands of productions, and, without being paid or prodded, they write about them.

The Association was formed out of a desire to provide structure to the quickly growing theatrical blogosphere, as well as to give new media voices a chance to recognize excellence.

If I want, I can get more information about how I can join the ITBA and this got me to thinking "Could this blog thing be more?"

Yeah this started out as a class assignment but I think I am getting the hang out of it and I would not mind continuing this on to see where it could go. My professor Barry Hollander think that we as students should blog because it helps with our writing. So I think this could be a possibility.

So help me ladies and gentlemen: Could this blog thing be more? (And also check out the links I used in this post)

Morality Of Arts Marketing

2010-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

So I just found a new blog today 2amtheatre. I added it to my blog list because from reading the first page, I found that I liked more than just the look of the blog but also the content...lol. Anyway on April 14th, the writer of the blog post, Alli Houseworth, makes mention of a marketing campaign used by a group of women in Times Square:

They are promoting David Mamet’s new play Race. Race is a story about a group of lawyers who are representing a case in which a man has been accused of raping a woman. Two of the lawyers are male (one white, one black), the other lawyer is a black female, the accused is a white male, and the “victim” (in quotes because this is a Mamet play, after all) is a black female. As the story unfolds we learn that the “victim” was wearing a red sequined dress at the time the alleged crime was committed.

The street team for Race that has been spotted working around TKTS in Times Square is comprised of women of various races who wear short, strapless, red sequined dresses (like the one the “victim” wore in the play) and who hand flyers to passersby.

The question was then posed: Is this an effective grassroots marketing campaign for the new play Race? Houseworth continues with asking basic marketing questions:

1. Does the Race street team grab your attention?
2. Do they get people talking?
3. Are the memorable?
4. Are they distinguishable in a crowd of other ads and messages?
5. Do they align with the rest of the marketing campaign (or, in other words, do they fit the “brand” of Race)?
6. Does this particular street team sell tickets?
7. And finally, do they convey an appropriate message so that an audience member’s expectations are met when they see the show?

Houseworth states her argument that the answers to questions 1-6 should be yes but the 7th question is a bit more complex. Houseworth goes on to say that "We’re in the business of selling art. And, theatre is distinguishable from all other arts because it is the one medium in which there is a direct expression of the human condition."

The writer of the post felt that the campaign members were being shameful and was disappointed in the decision to have the women in red dresses especially since the character they are dressed up as was raped in the play. (And it was especially shameful because the women were seen flirting with men who would pass by)

I have never read the play Race and I think sometime in the future I would and then I could have a better opinion on the significance of the red dress and even better what the play is about (ha). But from just looking at this on the surface, I would not be disappointed in the women (I probably would't flirt if I were them) but I do not see anything wrong. I am sure the play has some very serious undertones within it but what other way would they have advertise the play? Enacting the rape, have a court scene? I think the use of the symbolism of the red dress does catch the eye and it is when the flyers are giving to those who pass by they can then see the seriousness of the play and take interest. I think it is a big reaction to be ashamed of the actions of the company and the marketing team.

I thank Alli Houseworth for this article because it does bring up a good question. How far do you go to get attention for the arts? Now there are some really provacative ways advertising is getting audience attention. Should the arts follow that trend for the sake of attendance? Tell me what you think and read more of the post here Arts Marketing Morality

Oh how I love CreativeLoafing

2010-04-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

CreativeLoafing So on April 19th there was a big rally in downtown Atlanta for the arts!! Hundreds of people participated. There were performances, speechs,and more. On this link you will find photos from the rally.

UPdates on the Save the Georgia Council for the Arts Campaign

2010-04-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

ArtsCriticATL just made my day!! I was searching through a couple of blogs today and stumbled across ArtsCriticATL.com. On the link provided above, you will find out how Senator Jack Hill has helped with The Georgia Council for the Arts Campaign. Thanks to those who have been reading and I will comtinue to keep you updated!!

UPDATES Save the Georgia Council for The Arts

2010-04-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Creative Loafing: A rally hosted on April 17th in Atlanta featured several guerilla performances. Also on this link is more information about how to contact your reps in order to save the Georgia Council For the Arts. Get a move on it people!!

Also below is a link to a video that was on Youtube that shows how grand the rally was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G0d6_7MXWI

SAVE GEORGIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS!!

2010-04-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I guess this is my first opportunity for me to really put to use the purpose of this blog!

Take a look at this article
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/state-arts-council-facing-462782.html

This one too:
http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/2010/04/the-end-of-georgia-council-for-the-arts/

I first heard about news of this through an email from Horizon Theatre Company. I receive their monthly updates about their upcoming shows.

Something interesting to note is that "Georgia would become the only state in the U.S. without an arts agency if that plan holds as the budget works its way through the Senate before going to Gov. Sonny Perdue."

This cannot be possible. I am a firm believer in how much the arts is beneficial to each and every human being. It hurts that people can casually dismiss that.

In this email the Horizon Theatre sent, if this bill is passed:

"Cutting arts funding at the state level would send the harrowing message that the arts are no longer necessary for the health and prosperity of our great state and its economy, a message that simply isn't true since recent studies have shown that the arts in Georgia had a net economic impact of approximately $387 million, and contributed more than $18.6 million in tax revenue last year."

So I am here to help, here are ways that you as readers of my blog can help out and make a difference. We cannot let this happen!

*Have all staff and Board members of your organization contact their Senator individually.
*Send an e-mail to your mailing list with a sample message that people can cut and paste into their own e-mail. Include a specific example of the impact your organization has on your community or a program that may be cut if funding is eliminated.
*Put a sample e-mail and the link to locate representatives on your website or Facebook page.
*Contact media in your area. If they need more information, ask them to contact GCA's Public Relations Manager Jhai James at 404.685.2784 or jjames@gaarts.org.
*Anyone who knows a Senator should reach out and make direct contact.
*Pass along your concerns to people who are not in the arts industry, but who are impacted by program reductions, such as a Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Main Street Program, local restaurants, schools, senior centers, etc. Ask these people to also contact their Senator.
*Inform the audience before a performance this weekend; include an insert in your organization programs, brochures and other collateral that explains the budget process and how to contact the Senate.

As more information comes available to me I will let you know!
Much love

Tyler Perry Movie hits big this past weekend

2010-04-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

In it's opening weekend, Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?" took in 30.1 million. I am happy and I being one of those individuals who helped with that number. (I saw it twice this past weekend...big smile). I did hear of those who did not like the film but hey I enjoyed and for this blog, I think that is all that matters. Below are a couple of links that mentioned the success of the weekend. And if you did not go and see it, please do. Regardless of your preference I think it is good to be exposed to all different types of films just so you can be exposed to the structure, the dialogue, the cinematography, etc.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/clash-of-the-titans-tyler-perry-dreamworks-train-dragon.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/05/entertainment/la-et-box-officeside5-2010apr05

Until next time, much love

INTRODUCING ARTONOMICS!!

2010-03-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hello good people!
At this moment I am trying to think of a really clever way to introducing this blog but unfortunately, my brain is shut down for the day and no creative juices are flowing. This is really sad because this blog is all about creativity and expression. (mental note: please change the default profile look, not really expressing creativity) But anyway, welcome to Artonomics. To explain the title, I will have to start with my love for the arts. Currently I am a third year student at the University of Georgia pursuing a dual degree in Theatre and Public Relations. I love everything about the stageL writing, singing, dancing, music, acting...etc (you get the point). It is all I have ever done (well for at least I can remember). I used to participate in Oratorical contests, plays, joined theatre companies in my community, write shows, stage managed for shows. I have not done costume, makeup, of lighting design but hey I'm young. So that is beginning. As a student in Jour 3410 which is Newswriting and Reporting, I am required to start a blog about a topic that is newsworthy. After trying to think of different topics like health care, crime, diversity, sports, blah blah blah,(no offense to those who write blogs about the previously mentioned topics..still have love for you) I knew that only one topic mattered to me...THE ARTS!!! Now, to make it newsworthy. (serious voice) With the recent change in our economy, there have been a lot of changes in the budgets for arts programs across the nation. There is always a joke I have with my theatre friends about how the arts is always the first program to go in times such as these. I often laugh about this but deep down inside I am afraid for the future of our nation. As a lover for the arts, I am also an advocate. I truly believe that without the arts, our world is one sad place. Individuals need to be able to have an outlet to freely express themselves without judgement or fear. It is within the realms of the stage, that this free expression is granted and it is disheartening to see how others can so easily dismiss it. So here in a nutshell is Artonomics. For the next couple of weeks, join me in finding out the changes arts programs are going through because of the economy. I hope that this can be a collaborative exploration for I am not aware of everything that goes on in the arts realm but I want to so that I can better advocate for it. Bear with me, I am not to the blogging thing and I am not going to do daily updates, probably weekly. Oh and by the way my name is Bridgette.
Much love