Some Thanks

Through the day, we’ll be posting thanks from some of the folks here at 2amt and on the 2amt hashtag on Twitter. Please feel free to join us in the comments section…

Tony Adams, Halcyon Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

Personally, I am thankful for my family and the days and nights filled with joy. Professionally, I am thankful for all the amazing people I am able to spend time with, learn from, collaborate with and be wowed
by on a daily basis.

Amy Wratchford, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, Virginia

I’m thankful for the wonderful brains and hearts that contribute to the 2amt community.

I’m thankful that there are those who care enough about nonprofits to create resources like NFF and BoardSource.

I’m thankful for passionate people of all ages who go see shows, engage in the work, and communicate with us to help make it better.

On a personal note, I’m thankful I can do what I love for a living with an organization I adore & have a family at the same time.

Andie Arthur, South Florida Theatre League, Miami, Florida

I try to focus on what’s good year round, but right now I am especially thankful for the following:

– The South Florida Theatre Community. We’re small and really do feel family-like, which at times can be infuriating, but also means that we can come up with some really exciting things. The Naked Stage’s 24 Hour Theatre Project always reminds me of the possibilities of what we could do if we all worked together.

– True friends. I’ve had some really lovely conversations with some people this week, where I realized that I have these folks’ backs and they have mine, and despite any pettiness that can come up, we’ll make it through.

– Actors who are awesome despite my confusing emails. (You know who you are.)

– Creative Capital. I did their basic weekend workshop at the end of October and while it’s too early to say that it changed everything — it definitely changed the way I look at art and value. Their whole philosophy is that artists are actually good with money, but we don’t value ourselves. If there’s ever a workshop in your area, I highly recommend it. It’s a little weird being with a bunch of visual artists (who look at the world from an entirely different point of view), but the endgame is so worth it.

– A lo

– Reina Hardy. Because she was right four years ago and she’s still right now and if ever I feel the patriarchy is getting me down, I know who to call.

– Speaking of the patriarchy getting me down, I’m thankful for all the work that feminist theatre artists are doing. From those giving talks about the 17% to people just trying in their own way to make better choices, I’m thankful. It takes mindfulness to overcome this hurdle, and so many folks out there do have it.

– Katie Siegel and Scott Wilson for the awesome conversations this week.

– Antonio Amadeo and A Man Puts on a Play — because I absolutely loved seeing a set being built right before me. And I hope other people being excited about that sort of work will create even more exciting work. I hear so many people say “I can’t do _____ because of _____ (normally budget)” and now I can say, “eh, The Naked Stage built a set right in front of me… use your imagination.”

– Similarly, I’m still thankful for the other two shows that had me really breathlessly excited this year: Death and Harry Houdini and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. Taking artistic risks is something to be thankful for, and I’m sorry that the Caldwell isn’t still around to take more.

– All the new theatre companies cropping up in South Florida. We’ve lost about five in the past three years and gained ten. Yes, two of those five were big institutions and will be missed, but think of all the exciting work that can happen with the new companies. We’re doing okay in the circle of life department.

– Ann Kelly, Carol Kassie, and Margaret Ledford. The world’s most awesome, kick-butt board members. Between the four of us, we put together a great, small reception in four days.

– Everyone who has helped me with Lost Girls Theatre and everyone who will help me with Lost Girls Theatre.

– And the folks on the 2amt hashtag, who still are up for crazy conversations even though I’ve been absent. I adore you all and I look forward to our cookie exchange.

More to come…