My "Field of Dreams" Moment

When I first decided to switch careers and focus on acting, I was part of a team. This made me feel legit, like I could truly call myself an actress. It also held me back because inside that group, there was a lot of side-talk and not a lot of direct communication. If someone had an issue, it didn’t come to me directly, it floated around me in side channels and whispers. It is not how I believe you build an ensemble. I started feeling like I was being judged by a different standard than everyone else, and I didn’t understand why. It increased my anxiety, made me feel small, and kept me silent. And when I finally spoke up, I was treated like the problem for opening my mouth.

Suffice it to say I left that group and trudged on, completing the improv program at another theater and joining another group. And boy what a relief! This group feels much different: We speak freely with one another and are all invested in the success of our group.

Separating from that original improv group also gave me the opportunity to chart new paths for myself in teaching improv, performing, and now puppetry. So many amazing things are on the horizon: puppet shows at the Field Museum, in Amsterdam, and in Halle, Germany. Teaching opportunities in improv and puppetry for kids and adults, including a workshop for journalists. And, of course, the production of my solo show.

None of this would have been possible unless I took that leap of faith to leave a toxic group and forge my own path. I also sort of kind of started my own company called Krafwerks (although I just did that for a grant application, but it has a nice ring to it so I’ll keep using it.)

Of course, this also means I have to promote myself and my shows, which like most artists, I hate doing. So, let’s get that part over with:

Upcoming Show

Conversations We Can’t Have | Feb 11 at 7:30pm | Bughouse Theater

Conversations We Can’t Have | Feb 25 at 10:30pm | IMPROAmsterdam