Connection. Humor. Meaningful conversation.
I joined The Theater of Public Policy in 2018 as a cast member. I was terrified. The cast was — IS — an incredible pool of talent. I am regularly humbled and inspired by equal measure by the live theater we create. Our amazing cast pulls me up with them to explore huge, hard issues like prison reform and reproductive rights, in front of live audiences. Did I mention that we make up the characters and scenes as we go? We leave the stage hoping we have touched the audience, through sincerity, laughter and reflection. Always the question, "Did we impact someone in a fresh, meaningful way?"
So long ago, a player (in red headband)Sometimes I pine for the clear-cut win/loss framework that sports provided me in my youth and early career path, as college athlete and coach. Job well done = great teamwork, great plays and yes, usually a win.
But as I age and support my children's growth, I develop greater appreciation for the gray areas. And greater willingness to dive into the gray without freaking out. The fuzzy edges of teamwork; the faith involved in trusting a teammate; the insecurity of collaboration. The muddiness of our big human questions.
Questions like, "When does life begin and end?" or "How do we make plans for the end of our life?" are the very questions that T2P2 is brave enough to dig into — intellectually, through thoughtful conversations on stage with the Jim and Fred emoting peerless Tane Danger — and emotionally through live improvisational theater. The muddiness is more thoroughly explored by engaging our whole selves, mind and body (and soul).
In 2019 I joined The Theater of Public Policy/Danger Boat Productions as a part-time staff member, once again diving into a position for which I felt daunted. As a Business Manager I am grateful for the opportunity to learn on the job, navigating business-y spreadsheets. My background in sports and knowing what teamwork feels like, is a quality I am proud to bring to the operations team.
Finally, I am taking the lead of our Education Programs with Danger Boat, as we develop and expand ouImprov Parenting family improv classr programs. Many of you know Improv Parenting, the fourth baby I've been raising alongside G, E and Z. As we navigate this difficult time, I am glad to bring the assets and particularities of Improv Parenting to the T2P2/Danger Boat team. We are joining forces to quickly grow interesting and engaging programs online (for now), until we can once again gather in person.
We need YOUR support to continue to bring connection, humor, and meaningful conversation to the gray and complicated times.