MizFitonline requested that I blog a bit about my solo performance thing. I know that some people are like, WTF? is that? and WHY would you do such a thing!!
I don’t know. It’s maybe because I am a total ham? Or because I think solo performance is one of the most amazing art forms on earth. What is solo performance, you may wonder.
It’s basically storytelling, alone, on a stage, (actually WITHOUT a microphone, too, but I liked the feel of this photo I found) including acting stuff out. It’s not just standing there with a microphone and talking. It’s living… the story.
I first started taking this awesome solo performance workshop when I saw a friend perform her piece. I was absolutely awestruck, moved, blown away, and WOW. I had never done any acting before in my LIFE but something about this form just really got to me. I asked her “Where did you learn this stuff?” and signed up for the next available class.
That’s when I was introduced to the amazing W. Kamau Bell and the whole “SPW” community. It’s an incredible thing to work with people who are putting it out there in an honest, real, intense, explosive, poetic, artistic way. It’s really amazing. I have come to love these people very much. Many people who started off in SPW now have their own full-length shows that are wildly successful and amazing.
I took two “semesters” of SPW back in 2007 and they were cathartic and fantastic experiences. But then I got really busy with stuff and also felt like I didn’t have a whole lot more to say. IN addition, I was feeling really self conscious on stage. Because of my weight. Both times, my shows were videotaped but after taking a five-second peek, I felt like I was unable to watch either one. I was mortified. I just felt… UGH.
Just a few months ago, I started getting the Itch again. The urge to tell a story. This time I want to tell the Foodie McBody story. To read this blog from beginning to now, is so full of drama! and angst! and triumph and heartbreak and love. I love this story.
Now, the job is to squish it down into 20 minutes and bring it to life. I’m working on it. Working hard. And the show (the first show) will be (NOT on March 28th thank goodness!) on April 6th in San Francisco. Oooooooh how I would love to have some of my blogreaders out in the audience.
I am in love with this form of expression and very excited about the Foodie McBody story, so who knows, it just might expand (I hope it will) and just may one day end up in a city near YOU.
February 20, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I so wish I could be in the audience! I think it’s great to express ourselves…our stories in different ways…I know you’re going to do a stellar job, and I can’t wait to hear about it.
February 20, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Bring your show to Chicago!
You’ve got guts, that’s for sure. Public speaking, oh the horror.
February 20, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I am so excited for you! What a story you have to tell. I wish so much that I could be there to watch you so so so so much!
I am sure you will do amazing and I cannot wait to see you share your story.
Just love ya!
XO
February 20, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Because of you introducing me to this art form, I, too, am hooked, but only as an observer. You are so brave and so creative to do this. Can’t wait to see the performance. Please send out more information close to the date.
February 20, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Well, waaah! I’m going to be out of town that week. But I’m thinking and hoping that this will just be the first of many performances for Foodie. Fracture an appendage!
PS-Saw Ericka’s recent solo which was heartbreaking and awesome and BRAVE…
February 20, 2010 at 9:02 pm
that is really really cool!
and gutsy.
and inspiring.
and needs to come to austin.
bring it, Sister 🙂
February 20, 2010 at 9:03 pm
oooh and you are at my place for a guest post 3.4 or 3.11—-I need to check 🙂
February 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Susan, I am in awe. This is so great. I’m watching it all.
February 21, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Are the details of your show somewhere? (Like the where, what time, etc.?)
February 21, 2010 at 5:40 pm
That is fantastic, FM! I hope you will post a video snippet from the show for your out-of-town fans.
February 22, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I can vouch, this blog is full of drama and human interest… go to it!
February 25, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Wah! I’m on the East Coast…you MUST get someone the videotape this and post on your blog!!!