CRAFT & SPIRIT

ART
MORE GOOD NEWS

Welcome back to Craft and Spirit. These past couple of days have been a bit of a rush. I’m going to be honest with you and apologize for missing my regular posting schedule, but I think I can make it up to you with some very interesting news.

First and foremost, Beauty and the Beast has been a hit! We’ve made $80,000 or so in ticket sales the very first week, and are currently looking optimistic for ticket sales the next week. We still have this weekend and next for performances make sure to buy your tickets!

Second, I was hired as an Executive Assistant at the Renaissance Performing Arts Association. I am working directly under Chelsie Thompson, the president and CEO of the company. Earlier I wrote something about a mission I had in mind in which I was thinking of taking a bit of a step back, and hunkering in to work off my debts. I’ve kept my promise on that mission.

At the beginning of the Beauty and the Beast process, Chelsie Thompson and I met alongside Ryan Shealy (Artistic Director of The Ren, and a friend). I told her about my plan, which wasn’t fully solidified then. My plan included foresight into what life could be like if I worked here, and that included teaching and creating development programs for local actors and artists here in Mansfield Ohio. After that meeting, I sent her an email solidifying my interest in creating this role with her.

When the show opened she gave me an offer, which was a very good offer, but I wanted more info. Chelsie and I met again, discussing goals, tasks, and pain points. I felt confident that I could help her, so I said “What are the next steps” as we were getting up, finishing the meeting. She said “Come with me to this meeting and take minute notes”. That’s when I was hired. I’ve been working since Tuesday. Hence why I’ve been a bit quiet, everything has moved very quickly.

In that offer was housing so… I live here now. I am now a local to Mansfield Ohio. My goal now is to solidify a position in teaching, development, and coaching within the local community utilizing Chekhov, and my experience as an actor. Moving forward in my own acting career as I go. However, my focus is on debt relief, and getting myself out of this little hole, all while doing what I love.

This is about all I can write for the moment, there’s a lot more coming up that I’m excited about, but I’m not going to say anything until I’m more certain of the execution. I plan on talking about what the next steps are for this newsletter next week so I’ll see you there!