Arts for Everyone

So, I explained why the volunteer experience was perfect, but let me tell you a little bit about why I chose to travel from Salem, MA to New York to Volunteer for this Sensory Friendly Performance of Wicked.



Let's go back in time a bit:
Right out of College I was fortunate to receive an internship position with a wonderful regional theatre. I was a Company and Production Management Intern and to this day I consider it one of the best Professional experiences of my career. During a performance of a family oriented event in a packed house, a child became very vocally responsive to the performance. The family was sitting in the front orchestra in the middle of the aisle. While the child was not in danger and the child was enjoying the performance, the other audience members and the cast were having difficulty. The audience was distracted. The cast felt that the responsive nature would cause them to possibly make a mistake on stage (of note: This was an incredibly technically advanced production. The cast and crew were also dealing with another situation that was causing adjustments to the show on a daily basis)


I remember this situation causing a lot of tension, not just for this performance but for future performances.

I'll be honest, I don't remember the outcome (I don't remember if the family returned for the second act). I just remember how much tension this caused among the entire company.

Over the years I have thought about this experience a lot. Many experiences have brought it front of mind. In my current job, I work with Box Office professionals and many of them are working to make more accessible environments for their audiences. It is from these people that I learned about organizations that present sensory friendly performances. Again, I thought of this family. 20 years ago nobody would have thought of sensory friendly performances, and here we are in 2018 creating these environments.

So, I certainly had this child in mind when I signed up to volunteer for this performance.

A couple of months ago I was trolling twitter, and of course keeping tabs on my favorite Come From Away Cast. They were all talking about the TDF performance that they had just experienced. They talked about how welcoming the audience was, how responsive they were, how wonderful the experience was. I was touched, I was moved. I thought of that child 18 years ago. In other pictures on twitter I saw people in volunteer T-shirts and thought "Hey, I want to do that." Thankfully the folks from TDF were super responsive and got right back to me with a form to fill out. when they announced sign ups for Wicked, I was THERE!

I arrived for training and was presented with my name badge and my T-shirt. The training was so perfect. They ran it so well.

After training and breakfast we headed over to the gershwin, I forgot how huge that theatre is. We packed u our backpacks with fidgets. Kooshballs and stress stars. These would be handed out to the guests as they arrived at the theatre. These fidgets are one way to help make the theatre experience more relaxed for people with sensory issues.

As guests arrived at the theatre, being able to give out these fidgets brought so much joy to so many faces. My name was also very popular among so many visitors (It's amazing how many people know someone names Elizabeth. also, apparently Joseph's girlfriend is named Elizabeth. I assured the group of girls that were so beautifully dressed up that I was not Joseph's girlfriend).



I'll admit that I had to put a lot of my own theatre etiquette standards aside during this performance. This was a relaxed performance. This was a day where if someone needed some food to keep them comfortable, they were able to bring food into the theatre. If someone needed an ipad to communicate, an ipad was allowed in the theatre. While this is normally something that would drive me crazy. Today, it is what made the day perfect. The message of the day was "relax".. If you know me, you might know that is not the easiest thing for me to do. The message of the day was "don't say no" but rather "Let me see what I can do". When parents ask "is this okay" It was wonderful to be able to say "Yes, it's totally fine today"

It was more than the experience that was perfect. Everything about this day was more than I expected. Wicked is a show that I have always enjoyed, but experiencing it with this audience was so much more. This audience was truly cheering for Elphaba. Elphaba, a girl who is different. A girl who is misunderstood, a girl who doesn't want to be different, a girl who can't always control her emotions.

I look forward to more experiences like this in my future. I am so thankful that TDF offers this opportunity not only for people with sensory issues, but for those of us that need to remember that Arts are truley for everyone.

Why this Volunteer experience was perfect

I consider myself to be a really good volunteer. I can take lead if you want me too, I can stand back and wait to be told what to do when needed as well (that one is harder, but I can and will). Sometimes being a volunteer can be frustrating. You feel like you are a burden to the staff, you don't feel respected, you are told to sit and wait and nothing actually happens. Yesterday I volunteered for the TDF Autism Friendly performance of Wicked. I'll tell you more about the actual day later, I want to tell you specifically why this Volunteer experience tops the charts for me.

Responsiveness leading up to the event.

I learned about volunteering for these performances on Twitter. The Come From Away cast was posting about how amazing the experience was. After following a few hashtags, I then saw pictures of people in volunteer T--shirts. I posted on Twitter "How can one Volunteer" I received a tweet within an hour and was signed up to be notified.

I got the email about Wicked, I signed up immediately.

I received a prompt reply that I was on the list.

I received emails with good information (addresses, instructions, phone numbers). The one time that I had a question (Would I be able to lock up my bag) I received a prompt reply back.

Why does this matter? Volunteers have questions, they deserve a response. You wouldn't ignore a coworker, don't ignore them.

Well Planned day
- I had specific directions to Ripley Greer, even a follow up email that day with an address reminder.
- I arrived and we started PROMPTLY at 10 am (I used to stage manage, I don't like things starting late)
- We quickly went around the room and everyone introduced ourselves.
- We were introduced to the staff.
- We heard from the staff and collaborators about the event (Why this performance was different, why we have to be aware of the Gershwin)
- We were told specifically what we would be doing, and what we would NOT be doing.

Volunteers don't deserve to have time wasted. Time at this event was VERY respected.

Proper training
- I received the exact amount of training needed. No more, no less. I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew who to reach out to for what. People wore color coded t-shirts designating their roles. We were also told what to say to guests as they arrived at the theatre (never no, only "Let me look into that for you")

Training is important to volunteers. It's just as important to teach us what we are supposed to do, and what we are not supposed to do. At this performance, we are there to assist. We want parents and children to feel comfortable. If a parent had said to me "Would you watch my child while I get something" My normal response is "OF COURSE". Having been specifically instructed not to, I knew that I would need to put my normal "let me help with everything" aside. That is was okay for me to say "I cannot help with this"

Proper identification
Name tags, color coded T-shirts. This made the day SO MUCH EASIER!!!!

recognition
We were always told exactly how much our help made the performance and the day better. I genuinely felt that. I never felt like I was getting a pat on the head. I genuinely felt that my presence was respected.

food
Okay, this will sound silly, but it is SO NOT!!! We were told there would be breakfast. I assumed bagels and danish. NOPE! ACTUAL breakfast. Toast, eggs, potatoes, etc. This is not frivilous. Volunteers need to be FED! especially on a day like this. We left Ripley Greer at 11 and we were ALL on our feet until the end of Wicked (Have you SEEN Wicked? FYI.. It's long). If they had served danishes and muffins we would have all been sugar crashing before defying gravity. Having an actual meal was so appreciated!


I obviously have more to say about this experience. It was amazing and I'm still trying to find words. I didn't want today to pass without this shout out to TDF for creating a wonderful volunteer experience. I am looking forward to the next one.



If you want to be on the notification list for future volunteer opportunities, sign up here.

If you want to sign up to be notified about purchasing tickets to these autism friendly performances, sign up here.

knitting monstrosity

I keep my copy of "At Knit's End" on the window sill next to the tub, because I frequently read it while taking a relaxing bath. I find the Stepahnie to be one of the most honest authors that I have eve encountered (she also really helped launch PatPat's Hats to a whole new world).

Last night I came across the Knitting monstrosity. I have about 4 of those in my house. They are taking up residency on needles that I really need for other projects. They are sitting in piles waiting to be noticed. Some of them I may get back to, others I know will never tun into anything so I really should just give up.

One that I hope will not meet it's ugly fate is my Snow WHite. I love the seweater, I love the pattern, I love the yarn. I wanted it to be my christmas sweate but sadly, that was not to be.

So, we shall see. HEre is hoping.

What I learned from Come from Away

Recently a post was put on Twitter "What has Come From Away" Taught you. This show has taught me so much. Seeing this production was overwhelming.

What have I learned?

1. Be Kinder than you need to be.

2 Where you are is where you are meant to be.

3 Tomorrow may not be promised, so enjoy each moment that you have where you are.

4 Live in the moment.

5 If you think about someone, tell them.

6 It's amazing what some spare bedding can mean to someone.

7 There can be too much toilet paper.

8 Don't forget about the animals.

9 Some places are better than Disneyland

10 it's over 20 ft to jump from the door of a plane.

11 Fish CAN be cooked with cheese

12 someone needs to clean the bathrooms

13 the moose will move when she's good and ready

14 Take lots of pictures

15 Always share your vodka

16 It's okay to steal someones grill

17. let the puppy sleep

18. Do not judge a person by their looks

19. Love more

20. sometimes, just go to the bar.

21. Newfoundland has it's own timezone

22. What Toutens are

23. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, you'll find your heart.

24. What an ugly stick is

25. Why rush tickets cost $38 (yeah, I should have figured that one out sooner)

26. That Come From Away fans are all wonderful

27. The Come From Away Cast is the kindest Cast on Broadway

28. That even before you visit Newfoundland the people are welcoming (I have been offered places to stay, places for dinner, and personal tours of Gander already)

29. If you knit for the Cast, they will wear your handknits (thank you Astrid)

30. I learned who Beverly Bass is

31. I learned that Jenn Colella is just wonderful, and why a wonderful friend admired her so much.

32. The CFA Cast will help You give back to others (thank you Petrina)

33. That trees will sprout leaves even after they are cut down.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38. I have learned what I want to be when I grow up.




To say I'm a Fan is an understatement. To say that I love the show is the tip of the iceberg. To say that the show moved me brings me to tears.

I've Lost 2 skeins of yarn

Yes, I still talk about knitting on my blog...

So, 2 years ago I visited Salt Lake City. I enjoy being a yarn tourist. What is a Yarn Tourist you say? When I visit a new place, i look for Yarn stores (what, you don'?)/ Visiting LYS throughout the country has let me meet new people, see local yarns, a learn about the local culture.

So, when I visited Salt Lake City i went to Blazing Needles this remains to be one of hte most interesting Yarn stores that I have ever visited. I gushed about it on my blog

So, While I was there I looked for local yarn, something I tend to do. I purchased 2 skeins of Summit. Yes, you read that correctly... It's cashmere.

I liked this yarn instantly because I loved what was written on the tag.

Utah surprises people because its people are surprising. We are journeyers, transplants, saints, and sinners. We gather in unusual places - knitting shops, cycling groups, book clubs, and outdoor summer concerts. We’re blessed with great heights, looking out over high desert valleys and glacier-cut canyons, appreciating the expanse and views.



I had plans for this yarn. I put this yarn in a safe place. I planned for this yarn to remind me of the absolute stunning beauty of Utah.

So, please... take a mmoment and send up a prayer for my missing skeins. It really wants to become something beautiful.

It Doesn't feel like Yesterday

I'm not writing this because I want people to feel sad, I'm writing this because the parts of me that want to forget this day knows that I never will.


I'm not going to lie and tell you that what happened last year feels like yesterday. Saying that would be untrue. This year has been so slow. Each moment has dragged. Maybe it's because I keep thinking "well, when one year happens it gets easier right?"

I don't think it does.

While it feels like forever ago, and much longer than a year, I can replay the moments of January 16th and 17th 2017 like they were yesterday. I can remember these moments like they just happened. I can remember jumping online just to see how things were going at work. I was planning to brag that I was eating key lime pie and getting a pedicure... but let's face it, I'm also a control freak and I had to check in, that's what I do.

Patrick had posted that you hadn't gotten online for your fundraising training. I was frustrated, I was annoyed, and I was concerned. It was a fine line that I was walking at that moment. Concerned that something was wrong, annoyed that you hadn't reached out for help... But I knew that we would reach you and it would be okay.

But this time you didn't answer. This time you didn't jump back online. This time you weren't there.

I went to watch the sunset.

You still hadn't called back.

I called Ll, told her we needed to call the Queens police for a wellness check. She said that wasn't something that we could do.

I found your sister and mom on Facebook. I told them we were concerned.

Then we waited. I had terrible dreams that night. I knew something wasn't right.

mom and I left Key west. Patrick Texted. I told him I could call him back in 5 minutes.

We pulled into the parking lot of a garden center. Patrick told me you were gone...

I called L. I made lists.... who should we call? Who should we tell? How would we tell people? I couldn't let people hear about this over social media.

We got to the car rental place. I spoke with Dottie. someone had already told her.

I got on the shuttle bus and my phone rang. It was a Jacksonville number. I knew it would be your mom. I couldn't make her say it. I told her "I heard.... and I'm so sorry..."

I went through security and people started calling me. I realized a couple of people that I should call, because I would be on a plane soon.

I went to the convenience store at the airport. I looked for tissues, I got a snack and a water.

I got on the plane. I felt it was a good time to start watching Parks and rec (thankful that Amy Poehler could get me through this rough time)

I landed in Boston. Carla Jean had posted the announcement. I called Brian, and he already knew.


I got back to Salem. I got a roast beef sandwich. I snuggled with my cat and I cried.

I cried almost every day for months. I don't remember the first day that I didn't cry, but I remember it happening.

Yes, I found joy this year. I found joy discovering the shows and performers that you always told me to listen to (translation... I discovered Jenn Colella and Christianne Knoll), I have chosen to love musical theatre without apologies.

Yes, I have dealt with loss. I wish I could pinpoint why your loss hurts so much. Yours is a loss that will stick with me. I miss you. I miss you a lot. I wish we had more time. We should have seen Jenn colella together. You should have been here to see Christiane with me. I chalk that up to things that just aren't fair.

Hope

When I started going back to church I learned what Advent really was. I remember walking into a church on the first Sunday of Advent. I was not in a great place. I had hurt myself a few days before. I was in pain, I was frustrated, I was feeling sorry for myself. The choice to go back to church was almost one of obligation, the choice of the church was convenience... I could walk there because my injury limited my driving.

I realized it was the start of Advent and I thought "Oh great, everyone is going to be excited for Christmas and I'm just not there yet." The first words spoken by the pastor that day were "Waiting is hard." She went on to discuss how while we are in a joyful season, we are waiting for something. WE are waiting for something when days shorter and there is more darkness. We are waiting and that just isn't easy.

It was the first Advent season where I listened to what each week meant, I thought the candles were just for each week. I'm sure I was taught what they meant when I was a child, but I was an adult now. The first week of advent symbolizes hope.

One of these Decembers I am going to sit here and think "Wow, that was an amazing year" and I really can't wait until I get to do that. Instead I sit here one more December and I am thinking "This year was rough". I won't say I want it to be over so that I can start new, because I know better than to think that January 1st will bring amazing things. Really it just brings a new page on the calendar.

This week I have hope that I can look back on this year and find my moments of joy. I will look back on the moments of sadness, as those moments have shaped me this year.