My Artist Manifesto

Theatre is colorful.

I have always been captivated by color. As a child, I would press down hard on my crayons so that my coloring sheets would pop. I loved watching the blank sheet of paper before me come to life by the stroke of my hand. In the same light, theatre is being given a blank canvas and the liberty to paint something beautiful. From the rainbows of joy to the darkness of sorrow, the human condition is vast in its colorful tones and moods. As an artist, I am thankful for the gift of storytelling and song that allows me to authentically represent the human condition on stage.

Theatre is collaborative.

Creating a memorable theatre experience begins by creating with others. The most enriching experiences I have had are those in which I learn and grow with others throughout the process. I embrace collaborative efforts that are creative, diverse and require vulnerability by nature. It takes a lot of courage to share an artist vision, musical idea, or make a bold choice on stage. However, just as iron sharpens iron, one artist sharpens another. I love that theatre is collaborative because it gives me the space to enjoy the talent that my friends and colleagues bring to the table, share my own ideas, and receive feedback and criticism that challenges me as an artist.

Theatre is selfless.

I reject selfish theatre. It is not about self-glory or praise. Before every performance I check my heart. I pray that I would be a light to someone. I pray that the long hours I spend on my craft would never be for the purpose of earning an applause, but would be meant to bless someone. I choose theatre because of the joy I experience through storytelling and the platform it presents for me to serve and love on my community. There is an element of selfishness to having a unique gift and choosing to keep it for yourself, instead of humbly sharing it with others. Pride is ugly. I embrace humble theatre.