Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Today I type with pride as I seem to be back on shed-ule. Yes, I said shed-ule. I’m a snobby Brit in my head and it comes out in my speech from time to time. Don’t judge me.

OK, so there is lots going on. Never mind that I’m a bit out of sorts because they are re-flooring the kitchen/dining area in my apartment. Why out of sorts? Well because that area is home to my computer and work desk. So it’s been moved, disconnected, and placed elsewhere until the work is complete. And I’m such a dedicated writer (stretching it a bit, I know) that today I blog to you from a friend’s PC (I’m a PC). Forgive me for piling on the unrelated info, but I just wanted someone out there to know that I’m going the extra mile today.

Moving on…I had a great meeting with Catherine Hooper yesterday, and now the ball is in my court to write up a script for this Rihanna pitch video we’re trying to do. If I can pull this off, and actually get the thing done, it’s actually gonna’ be pretty cute. Funny even. So to all those sending me good vibes, please keep it up as I’ll be needing an extra dose or two this week.

I’m beginning to feel the noose tighten around my neck a bit… This is the final rehearsal week for the Black History Month tribute show to be held at Justin Key’s church this coming Sunday. Translation: we’re down to the wire, tying up loose ends, trying to complete these last minute tasks, and feeling the pre-show panic. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. Jaimyon Parker has brought me on board for a new project he’s developing (that is really kick-a$$), and I’m helping him out with some of the preliminary details. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. I’m waking up everyday and going to work, not necessarily with a smile on my face, but I’m going. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. And I’m trying out this new thing in 2012 where I actually make an earnest attempt to have a social life. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. I’m even going so far as to try this thing where you “enjoy the moment.” Hahahaa!! Hahahaa!! Now doesn’t that just sound like a crock?!? I know. I thought only crazy, lazy, unambitious, procrastinators “enjoyed the moment.” I’ve always believed it to be such a care-free, irresponsible way to live, but I’m slowly taking baby-steps to change that methodology. And, personally, I think it’s about the hardest thing I’ve ever tackled. It just goes against everything I believe in, and everything I’ve been taught. I’ve always been a “plan for tomorrow” kind of gal, and never a “live for today” person. God no. The phrase alone makes me want to slap some sense into someone. (I told you this is hard for me.) But I’m trying. I’m making slow attempts, and I’m giving it a whirl. I am so out of my comfort zone that it makes me want to spit, but onward and upward I go. Ya’ll keep your fingers and toes crossed for me on this one!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Back to Life

Hello, fellow reader. So it happened…I broke my posting ritual, and interestingly enough it seems as if only one person noticed so I’m writing today’s blog directly to her. I won’t call her by name, but she wrote to me and begged that I blog soon. OK – well maybe she didn’t beg, but she did call me out for not blogging. And, yes, it felt good. It felt good to know that there is a seemingly faithful reader (or two) out there.

Alright, alright. Enough about that. Before I get started here, just want to mention that URBAN LEGENDS had a wonderful show this past Sunday night. It was unfortunately the same day that Whitney Houston was pronounced dead (may she rest in peace) and the night of the Grammy’s. We were competing with a lot, but it was a great show nonetheless. I’m looking forward to our April installment.

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES? Well we’re rocking and rolling! I was introduced to a fantastic contact at The Rare Woman. They are an organization that is speaking out about abuse and helping women heal from the damage that abusive pasts cause. The organization also has a radio show that I will be featured on in March just before heading out to Barbados. In addition, they are speaking about the possibility of hosting a performance so that I can share my story with their group. Very, very exciting. This is definitely the kind of thing I want to be doing with STEPPING ON A FEW TOES, and I am thrilled to be having this conversation with The Rare Woman.

Let’s see…what else…OH! I met another individual last week that gave me some fantastic marketing ideas for the show. Oh my gosh! I’m not even sure how the conversation got started, but this guy had some awesome ideas, and I’m going to try my hardest to implement them both. They will both require a bit of work – different kinds of work, but I think the first idea he gave me I can try to get to work on asap. The other is a bit more creative, and will require me to create some partnerships of sorts. I know, I know. “Why the secrets, Jasmynne?!” And it’s not that I’m trying to keep things under lock and key with a zipped lip, I just haven’t had time to really explore the ideas myself and I want to be able to do that before I go blabbing about something that may or may not even work. I’m confident they will, but I want to do my research first. Fair enough?

OK, Purple Lady (she knows who she is)! Onward and upward we move! I believe I mentioned that I’m co-directing a play with Justin Key this month. The show is a part of a Black History Month tribute that his church is doing. Rehearsals have been going well, and I’m looking forward to February 26th to see the finished product, ‘cause it’s gonna’ be funny!

Again, my apologies for missing a post. I was experiencing technical difficulties with my computer, but I am now back to life.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Preparing to Set Sail

As mid-month makes its way in, I’m thinking not about Valentine’s Day, but about my upcoming travels. Barbados in March and Hawaii in April. Who do I think I am, right? For a person that has done little to no traveling since 2005, I’m really doing it up in 2012. I was just informed that my host hotel in Barbados will be the lovely Divi Southwinds (http://www.diviresorts.com/resorts/southwinds/index.html) you see in the photo here. And, yes, I am very excited.

There is still much to do, however. My biggest hurdle will be figuring out the most safe and economic way to ship my costumes and props. Mind you, I’m not trying to get mirrors, chairs, and baskets from one side of the world to the other. I will only be traveling with the essentials. All the bulky items I can get once I’m there, but the costumes and wardrobe boxes/closets are a must. For the wardrobe boxes/closets I’m looking for one of those specialized shipping containers that are often used for trade shows and such. A sturdy plastic rectangular-shaped box or case of sorts. Looks like one site is calling it an Expo Transport Case. Whatever the name – I’m gonna’ need one. Then there is the situation of the luggage. Airlines have gotten so ridiculous about the size, weight, and number of checked bags allowed that it’s gonna’ be tricky. I’ll be going with my standard luggage, in addition to the show’s costumes – and that’s a doozie… Soooooo it’s gonna’ take a little work and maneuvering on my end, but I think I’m up to it. However, if anyone is actually reading this post and has some ideas on shipping I’d love to hear from you. Shoot Noelle an email at soft_noelle@yahoo.com. We can take all the suggestions we can get.

Other than shipping and learning my lines, I’ve also got to make certain I’m well stocked on promo materials. One doesn’t go to a different city let alone another country without sufficient promo materials for all the new friend you’re sure to make. And then of course, there’s Rihanna. The good girl gone bad. I’ve not forgotten about you Ri Ri….you’ll be hearing from me soon.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

It’s Not Like Riding a Bike

Good news to report: the show WILL be going to Barbados! STEPPING ON A FEW TOES will officially be an “international sensation!” (Isn’t that what they call it?) This is extremely exciting news, but the real ‘work’ starts here. They will handle travel and accommodations, but I’ve got to figure out the logistics of getting the costumes and props shipped over there. I’ve also got to begin to get some media contacts out there as well so that there’s sufficient coverage of the event. You certainly don’t perform in Barbados without having press/media coverage. That would almost be a waste, so I’ve really got to get on top of that.

I’m still working with Catherine Hooper and she’s doing the best she can to beat some sense into me on all things ‘online.’ I had no idea that there was so much that I wasn’t aware of. I mean, my goodness, I’m online all the time. I Facebook… I Tweet… But she’s teaching me that having a strong online presence is about so much more. Like: “There’s an app for that.” So the rest of this week will be spent schooling myself and trying to tackle the assignments she’s given me. I feel like she’s forcing me to ride a unicycle perfectly on my first try. No big deal, ‘cause I love a challenge.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Social Media Attack

Today is Friday the 13th, and I’m calling it a day of luck, fortune, and new beginnings. I had the opportunity to meet with Catherine Hooper today, and best I can tell she’s a social media genius. She’d probably never call herself that, but that’s ok. She was kind enough to give me about an hour of her time to see how we can shake things up a bit for the web presence of STEPPING ON A FEW TOES, and I’m excited. Right off the bat she had some excellent ideas, and she seems to get my vision for the overall branding of the project. If God and the universe continue to smile on me Catherine will come on board as a permanent member of the STEPPING ON A FEW TOES team – and that just makes me want to do the happy dance.

Also on today (I hate when people say “on today.”) in a land far, far away – called Barbados, my liaison hosted a private screening of the show for potential sponsors. I will find out how everything went tomorrow and I’ll surely keep you posted. We’re actually looking at the possibility of expanding Barbados to a three-city tour as opposed to a single show. Yes, exciting.

As the holiday season comes to an official ‘close’ of sorts, we will be back in full swing on Monday contacting potential venues to host the show and I’m ready to really dig in like my life depends on it (‘cause it kinda’ does).

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Tag: I’m It

The marketing and promo continues, and is proving to be successful. But I’ve been doing this for three years, and I’ve learned that you promote right up until you hit the stage. The day of the show there seems to always be a frenzy of activity from last-minute supporters. And trust me, I’m always thankful for it, it would just be nice to not have to be the one dealing with said frenzy. Show day I like to spend my time with me. Thinking…praying…preparing…that’s a perfect show day for me, and I have yet to experience one like that. For the past three years right up until I take the stage I’ve been the “it” person. Overseeing…managing…organizing… Definitely one of the draw-backs of self-producing a solo show: you’re it. You are the beginning, the middle, and the end. If it has to get done at the end of the day you are the one that has to do it. It’s all a part of paying your dues right? That’s what I heard someone say once, not sure if I believe it or not…

I got communication from Barbados, and things are looking hopeful. My liaison is trying to turn the trip into a three-city tour – which, of course, would be awesome. As I learn more I’ll keep you posted.

I will be teaching a new class this year: BUILDING YOUR ONE PERSON SHOW. Classes will begin in February, and I’m hosting a free orientation on January 30th for those that want to come and get some info. I’ve got a One-Month Beginner’s Class as well as a Three-Month Advanced Intensive which is geared toward those that are seriously trying to write and mount a solo show. I’m very excited about the new class sessions. So many have been asking me to teach a class on this for some time now, and I’m looking forward to the fun we’ll be having. That’s it for today!!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Happy, Happy – Joy, Joy

People always make such a big deal about Friday, TGIF and so forth. I’ve never really gotten into it myself, but I am feeling awful grateful this morning. I got a voice message from a dear friend, Justin Key (www.justindkey.com), this morning, and it was just the surge of energy I needed to do what I have to do to finish up this year on the right track. I’m still sitting here incredibly happy for him, and the whole thing reminded me just how important it is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals – whatever that means for you. For me it means I MUST be around other go-getters. Other people that have ridiculously big dreams. Other people that aren’t afraid to stand for something even if that means standing alone. I am most centered and most productive when I’m spending the bulk of my time with those sorts of people. I just had to check myself, that’s all.

Anywho, there is some good news. Barbara Joas will be joining my team as Marketing Coordinator! Yaayy!! I am very excited about this new addition! She was one of the folks that submitted for the PA position, and she possesses a skill set that I just couldn’t pass up. Welcome, Barbara! I am very excited to begin working with you!

Other good news: I’ve been given a contact in the UK to begin conversations on how to get my show there. This is huge. It’s been a dream for me to perform all over the world, and with Barbados and the UK as possibilities for 2012, I may well be on my way. I very excited to how this unfolds.

Back to the administrivia…I have to draft my Employment Contract (I finally settled on one), a Confidentiality Agreement, Time Sheet, Workflow Log, and a Duties and Responsibilities document among other things. I’ve got a meeting scheduled with Barbara this Sunday and there is much work to do between now and then. But it will get done.

Now I’m off to finish those last minute things before my meeting with Jaimyon later today, and I think my weekend is officially off to a great start. Happy, happy – joy, joy!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.