COMMUNITY WORK
The Rise Up Project next tackled the story of Matthew Shepard's brutal beating and death.
We felt called to examine the seemingly innocent ignorance of many communities in America. As the executive producer for "The Laramie Project", I wanted the storytelling to be painfully honest. A virtual version of this show gave us that chance; in the midst of fear and uncertainty in late 2020, our cast and crew became a family, letting their walls down to share necessary truths. The production raised over $2,000 in ticket revenue and donations. |
Another playwriting contest was aimed at BIPOC artists under the age of 18. The Rise Up Project put on this virtual performance in April, featuring two shows examining relationships between young people of different backgrounds, as well as self-reflection.
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After the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, theatres large and small realized they had an obligation to lift up voices of the BIPOC community.
Initially formed as The Diversity Committee, then The Rise Up Project, acting out of the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse, our goal was to combat racism in the theatre community and in the world.
Our first project, "Voices Not Heard", was a playwriting contest for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying artists. The result was two one-act plays telling stories that we don't often get to hear.
Camarillo Skyway Playhouse put on another original show next, "Two Asians Dating", which sheds light on the effects culture and identity have on relationships.
Initially formed as The Diversity Committee, then The Rise Up Project, acting out of the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse, our goal was to combat racism in the theatre community and in the world.
Our first project, "Voices Not Heard", was a playwriting contest for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying artists. The result was two one-act plays telling stories that we don't often get to hear.
Camarillo Skyway Playhouse put on another original show next, "Two Asians Dating", which sheds light on the effects culture and identity have on relationships.
SDP SHOWCASES
Beginning in September of 2019, I directed a youth theatre group focused on original and thought-provoking work. Comprised of students within the community aged 12-19, the Stage Door Players (SDP) was the only free opportunity for young performers in the entire county.
In the midst of the pandemic, we searched for ways to express our frustration, hopelessness, and overcome the feelings of social isolation. "Electronic Barrier" tumbled into existence and is some of the most honest work I've seen by performers of any age.
"Love, War, and Everything In Between" was the first SDP showcase under my direction. They performed a series of or original scenes and monologues for the biggest audience the group had ever seen to date.
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The second SDP show under my direction turned into a "whodunnit" murder mystery. The students explored roles they wouldn't normally play and enjoyed experimenting with different endings. |
172 PUSH UPS
Written by Scott Mullen
172 Push Ups explores old prejudices and the power that love and kindness have.
I was lucky enough to direct this show in a festival of one-acts that ran for two weekends in September 2019 at The Elite Theater Company in Oxnard, CA.
([email protected])
172 Push Ups explores old prejudices and the power that love and kindness have.
I was lucky enough to direct this show in a festival of one-acts that ran for two weekends in September 2019 at The Elite Theater Company in Oxnard, CA.
([email protected])
TRASH
A series of 10 vignettes, TRASH is a one act play that shines a blinding light on the casual sexism that women of all ages, races, and classes are subject to on a daily basis. TRASH is about and for women. The purpose of the show is to resonate with any woman who has ever felt like she was less than. We are enough.