Wow...It is the end of 2011 already and I am looking back on this year with a lot of awe and gratitude for this continuing examination into life, stories, theater and deep human expression/connection.
These are the qualities that keep me in devotion to the art of solo performance. Often, I say to my clients and students that I believe audiences love seeing one person shows because we are all looking to each others as models for how to live.We get a bird's eye view into the solo performer's life, point of view, humor, pathos and ability to transform and transcend circumstances and utilize them as a basis for art.
This year, I began the year by offering the first, ever StoryHealers training to a group of 7 individuals. I am ending the year with 4 people still in process with me which I consider a pretty excellent accomplishment. These amazing and creative people are learning to utilize solo performance/personal monologues in a therapeutic context for individuals and groups who have experienced trauma, loss, illness and transition (who hasn't, right?) This is a process I began developing in 2002 with The Cancer Monologues and went on to utilize with nearly 100 groups. Deep thanks go out to Ariane Mahmoud-Ghazi, a dear friend and gifted trauma therapist for assisting in the training process. There is deep satisfaction in knowing that this therapeutic monologue process will be shared in more communities to serve, heal and inspire.
A new training will begin in April 2012. Please e-mail Tanya@ProjectLifeStories.org for more information if you are considering attending.
This year had many "firsts". Aside from the StoryHealers training, Project LifeStories produced the first annual Santa Fe Solo Performance Festival. This is a yearly curated festival of solo shows. For our first season we had 12 performances of 6 shows with selected solo artists from the U.S. and Canada. (www.SantaFeSoloPerfomanceFest.com) Our plans for 2012 are to at least double the number of shows next year. As we continue to establish Santa Fe, NM as an actual solo performance destination, we are grateful to all the audiences, performers and support. Several of our first festival performers are going on to runs in NYC and Toronto including Tracey Erin Smith, Stacey Bernstein and Ann Marie Houghtailing who premiers her brilliant show, "Renegade Princess" at Stage Left Studios in Manhattan this Spring. (www.StageLeftStudios.com) Do not miss this show if you are in NYC
The Solo Performance Festival is also continuing to bring great solo performers on tour through Santa Fe at the Lodge. This winter, we are bringing out the amazingly talented Lauren Weedman (BUST, Comedy Central) and Ann Randolph (Squeeze Box, Off-Broadway run) withe their new shows. I'll also be directing Santa Fe favorites, Debrianna Mansini and Jane Lancaster in their upcoming solo shows in March.
A New Year is almost upon us...It is always a great time for a new creative beginning. Haven't you waited long enough? Make this year the year YOU write and perform you one person show or get trained to facilitate the StoryHealers Therapeutic Monologue Process in your community!
I offer writing/performance opportunities all year round. Creative Solo Blessings...to be continued...
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