Alright! The second episode of the Perpetual Visitor Podcast is here (yes, it's a couple of weeks late, but hey, I'm trying to let go of this perfectionism thing for 2016!) and I'm excited to share it with you. Right now, I'm just sharing it in a downloadable format while I look into getting it onto iTunes or Podbean or another such platform. Poor planning? What can I say, I tend to leap before I look, at least creatively.

This episode is about change and the fact that life will get much more interesting when we accept change in all its forms. From the earth spinning at 1000 mph to moving to a new city to developing a food allergy, there is no part of our existence that is exempt from change. It's here to stay so let's get comfortable with it.

Have a listen, and as always feel free to leave a comment with any thoughts you have! And if all else fails, you can always enjoy David Bowie singing about change.

I went to an audition for a short film at my alma mater this weekend. The decision to go was somewhat last minute, but after working mostly on plays for the last three years or so, I find myself wanting a chance to do a little bit of film work again.

Even with having attended quite a few auditions in the last several years, I still get pretty nervous. I think part of my problem is that moment when I walk into the room and see two or three or four people behind a table, staring at me. There's something about being a solo performer in front of a group of people with notepads and clipboards and pencils that brings on that familiar knot in my stomach. A little voice in my head starts to taunt me "They're just waiting for you to fail."

The last few times I've auditioned or presented new work of my own, I've experimented with a little trick I like to call "Fill Your Arena". Instead of focusing on the fear that I'm in a room full of people that want to see me fall on my face and are just waiting for me to make a mistake, I now try filling the room with my people. 

I imagine everyone that I have in my life that supports me in the room with me. My mom is there, as is my mother-in-law, and of course, my husband and my cat (in your imagination, pets are definitely welcome in auditions). I fill the room with my dearest friends and family, from high school to grad school--all the amazing teachers and professors I've had over the rooms are there as well. You know who else is in my imaginary arena? Kindred creative spirits, dead and alive, many of them people I've never met, but who I believe who would be willing to support an artist going into the creative arena. Philip Seymour Hoffman is there, along with Charlie Chaplin, and Katharine Hepburn. Liz Gilbert usually stops by, sitting next to Louisa May Alcott. Sometimes Shakespeare even stops by, and if I'm lucky Paul McCartney is there too. With all these people in the room with me, I feel a bit braver. Now, even if my audition isn't perfect, at least I'm sharing something with people I trust. 

As it turns out, the audition was right down the hall from the Multi-Purpose Room at Emerson, where I first performed my solo documentary play SafeGuard, almost four years ago. I remember pacing outside the space before the performance started, almost completely paralyzed with fear. I was terrified that I couldn't face an audience with something I had written myself. I felt so vulnerable, like there was no place to hide. Right before the show was scheduled to begin, a friend found me in the hall, put her hands on my shoulders and said "You can do this."

I can still hear that voice whenever I am about to dive into something scary--if I let the voice sink in, suddenly scary feels a little more like exciting. I'll never forget to "fill my arena" ever again--I need that support and love when I'm gearing up to take a risk.

To all of you who have been my creative net, I hope you know who you are and just how much you mean to me. Thank you. I want to spend my life making sure I can provide the same beautiful support for you when it's your turn in your arena. You can do this.

Anyone have any more tricks for cultivating courage in the creative arena? I'm always looking for more tool for my toolbox, so leave a comment if you have any ideas!

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It's been unusually warm here in Boston, but there's no denying that it's still winter. It's usually dark long before I leave my day job office, and the lack of daylight leaves me seeking out a giggle or two wherever I can. If anything can ward off the remainder of the winter, it's comedy, right?

I discovered this fun little comic strip online, and I'm still working my way through the archives, which go back a couple of years. I've worn many hats in the theatre over the last decade (let's face it--who hasn't?) and I've been getting equal kicks over the comics about costume design, stage management, acting, and directing.

My all time favorite television series about the theatre is the brilliant Slings and Arrows, which centers on Geoffrey Tennent, a former actor who returns from a long hiatus to his theatrical home to take on the role of Interim Artistic Director. Drama ensues, of course, as his ex-girlfriend, token divas, obnoxious general managers, and the ghost of a dead director returns to haunt him. The theatre is based on the real life Stratford Festival in Canada and the series is a love letter to Shakespeare.  It's hysterical at times and one of the most poignant things I've ever seen. Trust me, it's well worth checking out.

I haven't seen the movie spoof Waiting for Guffman, but have been told a few times by fellow theatre friends that it's a must watch. It's filmed in the mockumentary style of The Office and follows the small town residents of Blaine, Missouri as they prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their town with a community theatre production. I can't wait to check it out!

What about you? Do you have any theatre memes, comics, of films you'd recommend? I love poking fun at the theatre and am grateful that so many people have found ways to do it so brilliantly. Please do share if you have any suggestions!