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.

Out With a Bang

Well, my friends… The ones that were supposed to be there showed up, and you helped me make history last night. Seriously. Oh. My. Gosh. What!?!? Six runs of this show, and that may have been the best performance I’ve ever given. I’ll say this much, from an actor’s perspective, I’ve never felt more connected with the material than I did last night. I amazed myself – and that’s never happened before. I’m typically satisfied or dissatisfied with a performance, but I’m never ‘amazed’ by anything I do. I figure with a little practice anyone could do it. But last night was different. It really was. And the energy was electric! Whoa! Good grief! I wish I were a more talented writer and had a better command of the English language so that I could accurately convey these sentiments, but ‘whoa’ and ‘good grief’ is about the best I can come up with right now. Man, oh, man… I’m super grateful, thankful, and appreciative for all the love you guys showed me last night. You really, really made my day – cause it had been a pretty rough one right up until I took the stage (more on that later). Catherine Hooper: thank you. Peet Montzingo: you’re an angel. Rane Laymance and Jaimyon Parker: you both have hung in there with me for three gosh-darn years, and I don’t take that lightly. Vince Palmieri: you may well be my number one fan and supporter. What in the world would I do without you? A chance meeting at a theatre has grown into one of the most special friendships of my life. I owe you so much, and I love you to pieces.

So for those that weren’t there? STEPPING ON A FEW TOES went out with a bang! Yeah, we did! It was a spectacular show, an incredible audience, and we couldn’t have been hosted by a better person. Bryan Rasmussen at the Whitefire Theatre…you’re attention to detail is insane and the show was better for it. Thank you everyone for helping to put a huge smile on my face last night. Six runs in three years…I could have never done it without you. Lots of hugs and kisses to all of my fans and supporters!

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.