In a Heartbeat

Well Saturday’s show was, indeed, a success.  I had no idea how it would turn out as I’d been unable to completely ‘center’ myself all week, and as of Friday night’s rehearsal I wasn’t at the top of my game. 

I’ve been told that my show is fairly ‘tech-heavy,’ and I was a bit saddened to know that I’d be doing the show without the use of any of our designed lighting ques.  The event was held at 12N and though we closed the blinds as best we could, the space remained pretty bright making the use of lights insignificant. 

But the biggest challenge of all didn’t hit me until I got on stage…the audience.  Wow.  Crying babies, fidgeting children, sleeping adults, running in the hallway, laughter in the restroom, and noisy cell phones (even though we expressly asked that they be turned off).  Oh boy.  All I could think was, “What have I signed up for?  What have I gotten myself into?”  But my biggest question was, “Can I do this?”  As I took the stage and I got through my first paragraph of dialogue all I wondered was if I’d make it to the end of the show.  There were so many distractions I felt as though I was a single act in a three-ring circus.  “They’re not even listening.  Why am I here?”  As I went from page to page of my memorized script, my focus went to just getting through it.  “If I can just make it to the end, and not stop, and not complain, and not yell at anyone.  All I have to do is finish – make it to the end.”

And finally the end came.  When I saw it on the horizon, I ran to it with open arms full of glory, passion, and thanks.  I breezed through curtain call, then took my seat for the Q&A session.  And holy smokes!!!!  They WERE listening.  They WERE paying attention.  They DID get it.  I was shocked!  The comments they made post show blew my mind because I seriously thought not a soul (other than Vince) was with me.  I was certain I was up on that stage making a stone cold fool of myself.  But it was just the opposite.  They were affected on a monumental level and I truly believe that lives were definitely changed.  I’m still floored at the response.  Just floored.  The moments I shared with the audience after the show were worth all the headache of the performance.  It was worth it.  And under the exact same circumstances (stress and all) I’d do it again.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you to Rare Woman for giving me the opportunity.  Thank you to Jackie Wilson for joining me on stage once again.  You and your song continue to be a blessing to me.  Thank you to Jaimyon Parker for never leaving my side.  I love you more than Snickers.  And for those that missed it this time around…well shame on you (but I love you anyway).

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

See For Yourself

Today is the day before my show and I don’t have a lot to say, nor do I really have the time.  I’ll leave you with this, and I hope to see you at the show!  Seriously…you just need to see it for yourself…

::::  ABOUT THE SHOW  ::::

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES is an autobiographical one-person show written and performed by Jasmynne Shaye.  It is an honest story of survival that follows the journey of a young child desperately searching for love and acceptance.  This journey leads her to many dead ends forcing her to constantly retrace her steps and in many cases begin at square one all over again.  Treading with much frustration and hopelessness, she somehow manages to cut a clear path. She finds delivery from the rainy days to which she’d grown accustomed and her new path leads her to the warmth and sunshine she’d always longed for.  During the show Jasmynne shares with us her struggles on the often times rocky road to self-acceptance as she finally learns the real meaning of loving herself for herself.

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

Rare Woman Presents...

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes of a one-person show…  So you really want to know what’s going through my head and what I’m doing four days before the show?  Ok, here goes…

• unpacking all of my show props and costumes
• going through all show props and costumes to make certain everything is accounted for
• taking a car load of props/costumes/décor over to the venue tomorrow so that I’m not fighting to get it all in my car on Friday
• running my lines
• running my lines and forcing myself to strike all profanity as per the venue’s request
• studying each of the 12 characters in the show; making certain I not only remember who they are, but that I also remember their motivations
• getting in the right head-space/mood to do the show; this means alone time, certain movies, certain music – things that I’ve found prepare me for the emotional marathon of STEPPING ON A FEW TOES
• writing a new message for the show’s guestbook
• making the lobby collage
• making certain I get some cardio in 3-4 times this week to make certain I don’t get physically tired during the performance
• doing an inventory of all of the show tokens to be sold
• doing an inventory of all of the lobby posters, reviews and show ads
• rehearsing, setting tech, and decorating the lobby Friday night
• resting
• thanking God for another opportunity to share my story

In a nutshell, that’s what I’ll be up to from now until Saturday’s show.  Saturday’s show?  Ohhhhhh…well in case you didn’t know I’ve got a show this Saturday.  Yep – this one coming up.  Here are the details…

WHEN

Saturday, May 12^th @ 12N

WHAT

A special tribute to parents presented by Rare Woman

WHERE

Westchester Christian Church

8740 La Tijera Blvd.

Westchester, CA 90045

FESTIVITIES

Featuring special musical guests, lunch will be served

TICKETS

$20 -- contact Deborah Talley for reservations ph:  323.521.4544

Signing out until Friday…

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

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES Returns: May 12th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Deborah Talley

Phone:  323/521-4544

Email:  deborah@rarewoman.org
 

“Stepping On a Few Toes” Joins Forces with Rare Woman

Rare Woman Presents a Special Tribute to Parents with “Stepping On a Few Toes”

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 30, 2012 – “Stepping On a Few Toes” is Jasmynne Shaye’s one-woman show that premiered in Hollywood, CA May 2009.  The show has had a total of six successful runs, and was nominated for a NAACP National Theatre Award as Best One-Person Show alongside Loretta Devine and Synthia L. Hardy.  In addition, Jasmynne Shaye has been compared to Oscar nominated actress, Gabourey Sidibe, for her powerfully moving performance.  Rare Woman presents a special engagement of “Stepping On a Few Toes” on Saturday, May 12, 2012, as a part of a tribute to parents on this Mother’s Day weekend.  There will be lunch, live musical guests, and a Q&A in addition to Jasmynne Shaye’s performance.  Tickets are $20, and the event begins at 12N and will be held at Westchester Christian Church (8740 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester, CA 90045).  Contact Deborah Talley for reservations (p:  323.521.4544, e:  deborah@rarewoman.org). 

Rare Woman is an organization that was set in place to entitle women and young ladies to be positive, productive and poised and to live a life with purpose. The ladies that represent Rare Woman are passionate about all things that affect the lives of women. Whether it is teen pregnancy, abusive relationships or the effects of growing up without a father, Rare Woman has set out to tackle the issues themselves as well as help nurture and heal the wounds brought on by these issues.  Their mission is to empower women and young ladies to embrace what is rare and beautiful about themselves and each other and to attain self love and respect in order to achieve lifelong success.  With such a strong, worthwhile mission, it seemed only fitting that “Stepping On a Few Toes” partners with this group, as this is a play that deals with one girl’s struggle to find love and acceptance.    

“Stepping On a Few Toes” is a dramatic autobiographical play that has been wowing audiences since it opened in 2009.  Written and performed by Jasmynne Shaye, the show is becoming a classic amongst its followers who come back to see it again and again.  The show has the kind of buzz and following that is almost unheard of in the world of Los Angeles theatre.  Couple brilliant directing by Jaimyon Parker with Shaye’s dynamic artistry and storytelling, and you have the recipe for an inspiring, thought-provoking theatrical presentation.  “Stepping On a Few Toes” gets in your face, under your skin and touches your soul.  Shaye is a master at finding humor in difficult situations and shedding light on taboo subjects.  She makes you laugh and entertains you in such a way that you never realize she’s been ‘stepping on a few toes’ the entire time.

###

Searching For Answers

My first posting for April and I am excited to report that things are already on the move. I have been invited to participate in the production of a short film to be shot later this month. I will join the team as first AD & Production Coordinator. The film is a spoof of Paranormal Activity taking a look at how the plot would unfold if it were the home of an African American family. This project teams me back up with Jaimyon Parker which is always exciting. Expect more updates as the month progresses.

It looks as if STEPPING ON A FEW TOES will be appearing in LA in May!!! ==and the crowd goes wild== Rare Woman, the organization that had me as a guest on their radio show, really wants to sponsor a performance of the show and I believe they are looking at some dates in May. Very exciting news, of course, and as more details come out, I will certainly keep you informed.

That’s really about it. I had an awesome conversation with one of my besties last night that really gave me some perspective. I’m sure you’re about tired of hearing talk about the almighty ‘perspective.’ I’m tired of hearing me talk about perspective, but that’s kind of where I’m at right now. Still on the battlefield. Still suited up (Barney Stinson would be proud) [raise your hand if you watch How I Met Your Mother]. And still searching for answers.

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

Preparing For the Storm

This is my final posting for March and the close of this year’s first quarter. For the three readers that have been with me since January, you remember that I set out to accomplish “one thing each month.” We’re three months in, one quarter in, and I’m gonna take a second to recap my year thus far…

JANUARY
STEPPING ON A FEW TOES successfully completed another run by participating in Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest 2012.

FEBRUARY
I participated in another installment of URBAN LEGENDS, a poetry showcase held several times a year in Hollywood, CA.

I co-directed the short play THE BLACK HISTORY OF POLITICS written by Justin Key.

MARCH
I was a featured guest on the Rare Woman show, and the interview can be heard here: http://gvbradio.com/archives/rarewoman-031612.mp3

With one quarter down and three to go, the year is officially underway. We are IN folks! I’m both excited and nervous as I know there is something different about 2012. There is something fundamentally different about this year. I can’t put my finger on it, and I can’t put it into words. I just know that there are some major forces at work: good and bad, and to make any substantial headway I’m gonna have to keep my battle suit on at all times. I feel like this will be my toughest year yet, and possibly my most rewarding at the same time. I just pray I have the courage to keep going when all hell breaks lose, ‘cause it’s gonna happen. So I ask: will you stand with me? Will you commit to facing fear head on and continuing when the windstorms of life knock you down? Ugh…windstorms…they can be tricky and mighty powerful. Let’s prepare and brace ourselves now. You with me?

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

Do You Hear What I Hear?

So for those that missed it, my radio interview is now available for your listening pleasure via the link below:

CLICK HERE: http://gvbradio.com/archives/rarewoman-031612.mp3

There’s no video footage so this is one that you can let play while you prepare dinner or do the dishes. Consider it background noise that sounds like me yammering on for a bit. Once you’ve had a chance to listen, please – oh please, be a dear and leave a comment on my Facebook on here on the blog. That would be super awesome.

That’s all for today. I’d rather you spend your time listening as opposed to reading my random thoughts today. So there you have it! […there it is…there you go]

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

Replacing Ryan Seacrest

You know what?? Before I get started with anything I’m going to take three seconds to remind my one or two faithful readers that tomorrow is my birthday. For fear of beating a dead horse, I’ll leave it at that.

So! Well you can’t see me grinning over here, but the interview was a success! I really can’t imagine a way that it could have gone any better. Thank you to all of the supporters of the Rare Woman show and thank you to any of my supporters that were able to catch the live broadcast. Your support meant the world. As I mentioned, I’d never done a radio interview before, and it’s very easy to get the feeling that you’re speaking to thin air. It’s not like live theatre where you can see, feel, taste and smell your audience. It’s radio. Maybe they’re tuned in and maybe they’re not. Who knows… So the best feeling in the world was sixty seconds after the show was over, my phone rang and it was my dear friend Vince, and I immediately knew that he’d been listening to the live broadcast. Yes! I wasn’t talking to thin air. Then after I hung up with Vince, one of the hosts shared with me a couple of texts that had come in from listeners commenting on something that I’d said. What!?!? People were actually listening! Now ya’ll are just gonna have to give me a second. My name isn’t Ryan Seacrest, and I’m not a radio personality. I’m not accustomed to speaking into the mic on the daily. That’s not my deal – so you’ll forgive me for being overly thrilled to learn that listeners actually listened! Yeah, I’m kind of amazed. (Shut up – I know it doesn’t take much.)

I’m not gonna spend a lot of time here going into the details of the interview itself. It will soon be available to share with you, so I’ll wait until then so that you’re able to draw your own conclusions (should you choose to listen). Just know that it was a great experience. Very fulfilling, very encouraging, and very uplifting – for me! It was great! And I have to say thank you to the Rare Woman platform for allowing me to share my story with their listeners. They are an amazing bunch of women, and I’m grateful to know each of them.

So, yes…you can add it to my resume. I do radio now and I’m gunning for Ryan’s job.

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

Live On the Air

For all those that are able to listen live, I will be interviewed on the Rare Woman radio show today (Fri, Mar 16^th) at 4pm pst. You can listen online by going to www.gvbradio.com and listening on CHANNEL 2. If you are unable to catch the live broadcast, not to worry it will be available for download thereafter. Thank you to all those that have sent well wishes as this will be my first radio interview. #veryexcited

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

Microphone Check

A couple things are going on this week. (1) I will appear as a guest on a radio show this Friday, March 16^th and (2) Saturday, March 17^th is my birthday – most will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but I will be celebrating the day my mom pushed me from her loins. TMI? Sorry…

So this radio show gig… Well the organization is called RARE WOMAN and here is a little about them: Two outspoken, career women host Rare Woman. They share the same parents and are two sides of the same coin. A forum for conversation both dipped in worldly ideas and thoughts and draped in Godly faith and understanding. Whatever the topic La Roya and Vivienne each bring their own Rare Woman point of view. Their most passionate topics include women, couples (married or single), teens, children and relative topics of the day. They invite callers to speak openly about their experiences, thoughts or feelings from today’s (perhaps unknowing- yet) rare women!

I will be on the show discussing STEPPING ON A FEW TOES and my journey through abuse to healing. It is an opportunity for me to share my story on a global platform and that excites me.

If you’re interested and are able, you can listen live (4pm pst) this Friday via this link: www.gvbradio.com , Channel 2

This will be my first radio interview and I’m thrilled to be losing my virginity to RARE WOMAN. I think they are a wonderful organization doing worthwhile work, and I just hope to inspire at least one individual with my story. I’m definitely looking forward to it!

And my birthday…well, duh?? Who’s not excited about their birthday?? I’m looking forward to receiving lots of love, lots of gifts, and lots of hugs. But I’m mostly excited about the gifts. Actually I’m mostly excited about the money. Yeah, if you were going to get me an iPad or some such – just give me the money instead. If you were gonna get me a new pair of heels…just give me the money instead. If you were gonna get me – well…you see my point.

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