Let's Get Real Creative

One thing that really struck me about Tshana Jamara is how utterly resourceful she is. Whether she's directing a show, learning how to light a production, or crafting a particularly complicated prop, Tshana puts in the work and figures it out. I loved chatting with her about how her many interests in the arts, how she learned how to ask for help, and how she takes any opportunity to follow where her heart is telling her to go.

Here's what we talked about:

• How she caught the theatre bug later on
• Struggling with comparison in grad school
• Figuring out everything by herself in the beginning
• Looking for resources, guidance, and ideas anywhere she could
• The many production aspects of a show that are rarely talked about
• How traveling helps her get ideas and fresh perspectives
• Finding opportunities both to grow in what you love, and to try new things

Here's what we talked about:

• How she uses her sculpting background for other projects
• How the validation from kids is different
• Why being "creative" or "artistic" doesn't always encompass all art forms
• How her glasses influenced her style of art
• The many facets of her business, all of which she loves
• Why everyone can be creative, and everyone's creativity is different

In this third solo episode, I talk briefly about the many layers and effort that go into our creative projects, why it's our responsibility to understand that in others, and how empathy for other creators can lift US up too.

Here's what we talked about:

• Growing up around the arts
• Taking a chance on yourself, even when scared
• The importance of having a good support system
• Feeling validated based on no complaints, instead of praise
• Why mistakes aren't a big deal
• Life is too short - try everything you want. Be open to learning and following your interests

When I first learned that local actress and director Sheila Kelleher had written and staged her own original musical, I thought, "Wow, she did all of that by herself?" But talking with Sheila made it clear that her story is one of following detours, listening to herself, and trusting that things will turn out the way they're supposed to be. We chatted about her musical, losing and regaining her creativity amidst an annulment and motherhood, the role of a director, and finding value in all of your life experiences.

Here's what we talked about:

• The role of the director as the eyes of the audience
• Trusting the detours in life, because they are rarely mistakes
• Giving yourself deadlines and support from others
• Telling the best story you can, without worrying about what others think
• Everything has value because it teaches you something
• Following your interests to find what you love

Here's what we talked about:

• The world of ceramics and pottery
• Finding opportunities through friends, experiences, and offering to help
• Putting your work out there and closing the sale
• Educating people about the value of your work
• Letting your kids be part of your process
• Doing a little at a time whenever you can

Okay, you know you've got some lofty goals for 2022. It's a new year, after all. But what do you do when you realize that the only person making those happen is, in fact, you? How do you fit it all in? Today in my second solo episode, I talk about how I "did it all" in the year 2021 to have my second child, launch this podcast, and generally stay afloat doing a million different things. Maybe you'll find a tip or two to help your year along!

Here are some takeaways I'm trying to practice myself:

1. Figure out your goals for the year - what do you want to be remembered for? Then figure out your motivation - why do they matter?
2. Break your big goals down into the smallest possible micro baby steps so that it's almost impossible to NOT do them.
3. Schedule "focus blocks" on your calendar (even 5 minutes!) to make time for your baby steps. Make this time non-negotiable.

Ever wonder if there's more to being an accompanist than meets the eye (or rather, ear)? That's one reason Sarah Troxler prefers the term "collaborative pianist," a true partner with the other performers she works with to get the final product right. In this episode, we unearth the various layers of being a music director and collaborator, and really, any kind of artist.

Here's what we talked about:

• Where her love for collaboration in the community began
• Learning by observing and doing
• What it means to be a collaborator
• How to see the many layers behind the "big picture"
• The importance of preparation and not taking your skills for granted
• Taking care of yourself and rediscovering what you love

Gene Ellis is a fiction and poetry writer, five-time NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participant, soon-to-be-published author, performer, and did I mention, husband and father of two. Though Gene and I met in the theatre world, in this episode we talked about writing, the road through novel-writing and getting his publishing deal, the myth of life balance, gaining confidence in yourself, and finding support from others.

Here's what we talked about:

• How his love for writing stemmed from a group project in school, not from a very young age
• What it felt like on Day 1 of writing a novel in a month
• Scheduling time for creativity and putting in the work
• Letting your art take up space in your mind
• Finding support and confidence from family, friends, and Facebook groups
• Redefining how you think about yourself - finding the confidence to say "I am a writer / (Insert your art form)"

Says Casey Delbasso, "As a digital content producer, on-air host, lifestyle writer, and editor, I believe you can truly have AND do it all! Starting my career working in news production, it was then I realized my superpower was talking to people and sharing their stories." In this episode, Casey and I talked about all the different types of things she works on, creating the path that feels best to you, creating authentic connections with others, and finding validation within yourself.

Here's what we covered:

• Ignoring the common advice about focusing on one thing and trying all kinds of interests instead.
• Listening to what people say lights you up and makes you proud
• Following your own intuition and what feels right for you, even if that goes against the advice of people you respect.
• Creating healthy boundaries when you are your brand. Don't let the popularity or success of your work define or break you as a person.
• Finding your small group of loyal followers and your own internal validation and creating for yourself.
• Writing everything down so you can always look back and use your ideas later.