It’s Behind Me Now

Ok. Can I just start my saying kudos to me? Kudos to me for sticking to my plan to post every Tue/Fri. If no one else wants to pat me on the back, I don’t have a problem doing it myself. I’ve gotten quite good at that over the years. So good that I don’t even mind the sore shoulders anymore. So congrats to you, Jaz! And thank you for keeping your promise to post every Tue/Fri. Job well done!

Yeah, I know. Enough of that. It was beginning to sound a bit ridiculous and overdone. So I had a conversation with a dear friend last evening and he said something very simple, yet very profound. We were discussing some challenges he’d been dealing with and he mentioned that he was still dealing with them, but his response was, “…I’m just putting it behind me.” Those six words said so much to me, but most of all it screamed the word ‘choice.’ Though he was still dealing with some pretty crappy stuff, he’d made the choice to put it behind him, move forward and not dwell. Boy, oh boy…that’s a phrase that’ll be going up on my refrigerator for sure. Not even to get all “Tony Robbins” on you, but we’ll all get thrown some curve balls probably more often than we’d like. The questions have always been: 1)What do you with the curve ball? 2)How does the curve ball affect your mental wellbeing? My comrade has shown be very clearly that making the deliberate decision to put the curve ball and all it’s nonsense behind you delivers unimaginable benefits, and I’m sold! You can’t see me, but I’m waving a firm finger to all of my “junk,” I’m putting my foot down, and I’m moving on. Done and done.

What does any of this have to do with STEPPING ON A FEW TOES, you ask? Well if you’ve seen the show, you know very well what it’s got to do with; if you haven’t…well…ummm…you gotta see the show. But I’m not in Los Angeles, Jasmynne! Ohhhh, stop complaining. We have show supporter packets available to any and all who want them. For a small donation of $20 we will happily have one sent to you asap. Mail us a check or use our Paypal account and you’ll be days away from experiencing everything this show offers. For more info on how to get your packet send Noelle an email, and she’ll get you sorted out (soft_noelle@yahoo.com).

Yes, I’m aware that I’ll be on stage Thursday. Yes, I’m overwhelmed. Yes, I’m having a hard time focusing. Don’t judge me.

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

2012 Is a Looker

So I think I’m gonna try to take a page out of Mega Millions’ book…. The lottery numbers are drawn every Tuesday and Friday (from what I hear). If we’re doing New Year’s resolutions (and we’re really not) I will resolve to make every possible attempt to post on Tuesdays and Fridays. I think I can commit to that, and if I can’t… Well then, shame on me.

As for the list in my last post:

1- Programs: DONE
2- Online ticketing: DONE
3- Press release: DONE
4- New flyers: DONE
5- Invite reviewers: DONE
6- My lines – still to do
7- Props – still to do
8- Packets – in progress
9- Invite guests – to do Jan 2nd

And I’m feeling great. All the “hard” stuff is now out of the way so that I can concentrate on the performance itself – which is where I like to spend my energy. It’s been a productive week, which (of course) makes me happy. Now I’m able to spend some quality time reflecting, thinking, and game planning tomorrow. If 2012 is gonna be the year I need it to be, it certainly isn’t gonna happen magically. Ya’ girl has her work cut out for her, and I’ve got to make sure I have a solid plan in place. THAT’S what I’ll be doing tomorrow. Planning, planning, planning. Let’s say good-bye to 2011, and welcome this pretty girl they’re calling “2012!” See you on the other side!

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

Watch Me

Ok, play time is over. Time to get down to business. Things to do to prepare for Jan 26th performance:

1- Print programs (85)
2- Set up online ticketing
3- Generate new press release
4- Create new flyer(s)
5- Invite reviewers (5)
6- Review my lines
7- Replace some props
8- Assemble supporter packets
9- Invite guests

So far on this list I have 40 programs printed, and I’ve invited one reviewer…so, yes… I have my work cut out for me. Not to worry, much of this will be accomplished this week. Watch me.

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

Can You Hear My Smile?

Hi, Ms. Joas! To anyone else that happens upon this blog, Ms. Joas is the name of my one faithful reader. Since I know she’s out there, I will, from time to time, address her by name if it’s all the same to you (whoever you might be).

I’ve been on a brief siesta sulking, licking my wounds, and grieving over the personal issue that I’ve had to deal with. I believe I’m slowly coming out of the funk, and am now ready to dig back in there. I heard myself smile with excitement on Wednesday (yes, my smiles are audible), and it was the realization that I needed to remind me that life does go on. Bad stuff happens, but life always goes on (unless that bad thing takes your life). So here I am, creeping out from under the rock where I was hiding. I’m admittedly frail and weak, but I think I’m ready to face the world again. Bottom line, I’ve got much to do to not only get ready for my January 26th performance, but also for this amazing 2012 I’m about to be blessed with. Yes, I’m totally claiming it – I dare you to try to stop me.

It is official, and I am official. As of Wednesday, December 21, 2011, when asked, “What do you do?” my response will be, “I’m an actor.” Because Ms. Joas, I AM! Yeppers, my SAG card came in the mail on Wednesday, and it was just the ray of light that I needed to push me out of my dark spell. Yaaay, SAG!

Moving onward and upward…I’ll be spending the next few days generating leads for the show in Dallas, Houston & Hawaii, taking a look at an Australian theater festival, and organizing the UK lead info I’ve been given thus far. For January’s show I’ve got to design the show program and the new flyers to be used. I’ve also got to get the online ticketing set up to go live as of the first of the year. I’ve got to see that we generate a new press release that will be ready to go out as of the first, and I’ve got to follow up on some leads to do reviews of the show. Lots to do…lots to do. I’ve also got to get some headshots over to Stein so they can pick what they feel best represents me.

I’m a SAG actor now, so suck it, rainy days!

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

PRESS RELEASE

“Stepping On a Few Toes” Accepted Into Solo Show Festival
Show Will Be Featured in Solo Show Festival Presented by Whitefire Theatre

LOS ANGELES, CA – November 29, 2011 – “Stepping On a Few Toes” has just been accepted to participate in the 2012 Solo Show Festival presented by Whitefire Theatre. The festival takes place in January and will feature a variety of one-person shows from artists all over the country. “Stepping On a Few Toes” will be showcased on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 8pm at Whitefire Theatre (13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423). Tickets are $20 and will soon be available for purchase.

“Stepping On a Few Toes” is a dramatic autobiographical play that has been wowing audiences since it premiered in 2009. Written and performed by Jasmynne Shaye, the piece 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. The show is a powerhouse of entertainment and was recently nominated for Best One Person Show by the National NAACP Theatre Awards.

Currently Los Angeles-based, Jasmynne Shaye is a member of Write Act Repertory theatre company in Hollywood. A North Carolina native and graduate of NC State University, Shaye has been performing on stage since age five. Most recently she can be found playing the role of THERESA in Wind in the Willow Tree (www.windinthewillowtree.com), a new webseries that she not only acts in, but participates in the production of as well. Shaye is owner and founder of Sassy J Designs (www.sassyjdesigns.com), a line of fingerless gloves that are featured in the webseries. She also works professionally as a certified nutritionist at Day One Nutrition (www.dayonenutrition.com), a company she began shortly after graduating from college.

Director Jaimyon Parker, a NAACP National Theatre Award nominee for Best Local Playwright for "James and Joseph" in 2009, left Houston for Los Angeles in 2004. He's since starred in several award-winning independent films including "Sweettooth" - a Telly Award winner and pick for HBO's Latino Film Festival, "Bar Moments" and "How Shaw Parker Fell in Love." He has directed four independent films, and performed on many stages in Los Angeles, including the prestigious Stella Adler Theater.

# # #

Whitefire’s 2012 Solo Show Festival

I know it’s been a while. Please don’t crucify me. I told you if I’m not here you can always rest assured that I’m out THERE working. And I have been. Drum roll please………. STEPPING ON A FEW TOES will be a part of Whitefire Theatre’s Solo Show Festival in January 2012!! Yes! Our performance night is Thursday: January 26th at 8pm. Write that down, ‘cause it’s gonna be awesome! Absolutely fantabulous! The Whitefire is a wonderful space, and they’ve long catered to the needs of the solo artist, so it’s an honor to be included in this upcoming festival. Of course there will be lots to do between now and then, but that’s all part of the game (as you’re learning). Tickets are $20 and will go on sale late Dec/early Jan – and they will go fast. So to my one loyal reader, get your ticket early!

In other news, the promo brochure is being worked on, and I can NOT wait until it’s done. It’s going to serve as an incredible marketing tool for the show. Oh gosh!! How did I forget!?!? The show officially has its on toll free number! Exciting right??!! Tasty Chuckle Productions can now be reached at: 866-500-6007. We are official and legit. =insert happy dance= Let’s see, what else…Well I got the word on an April trip to Hawaii, so now we need to push to get a performance for a local venue out there. Yep – I need to get on top of that asap.

So that’s it for now. I had a great Thanksgiving (not that you asked), and I’m looking forward to gettin’ my grind on from now until New Year’s Eve. Stay out of my way if you’re not about being productive, and please take no offense if I’m not quickly returning your call. No harm is meant.

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