A fun and successful first day of This American Dream Creative Development with Christine and Jacquie. We had some in-depth conversations about what the American Dream means to them as Americans who have lived with this mentality all of their lives. ​

Yuki' Journey is officially open. The kids were going wild! They loved it - especially 'cleaning the ocean' and the 'forest.' Can't wait to continue playing this role for the next three months! 

I began rehearsals today for The Mantua Project. The Mantua Theatre Project addresses the needs of the youth of the Mantua and Powelton Village neighborhoods with self-affirming activities where they can realize their self-worth and the diversity of their imagination, through positive experiences of success through the use of theater arts.

​It is so much fun! I am playing an iPhone! Adrienne Mackay is directing and Nate Alford-Tate is playing the Yo-Yo. I've never laughed so much in my laugh rehearsing this brilliant script written by Ali Saial. 

We perform Sunday 3rd June, 2018 at Drexel University. 

Today is my last day working with Kimie. What an adventure it has been. I am so grateful to have worked with two open, brave, creative women (Danielle!) on this magical project. Good luck to the both of you for your run of Yuki's Journey! 

We had our first run with children today - and they loved it! Especially the bubbles! I teared up watching Kimie perform and seeing how the kids responded so positively to the world she created. I feel very blessed to bring so much joy to our audience. 

I am so honored to be the recipient of The Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship! Many thanks to Australia Council, Perpetual and the late John Chisholm Marten for supporting my studies at Pig Iron and my career. 

THE MARTEN BEQUEST:
Travelling scholarships from The Marten Bequest are administered by the Australia Council on behalf of Perpetual as trustee. The scholarships provide financial support under the categories acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing to help talented Australian artists achieve their dreams.
John Chisholm Marten (1908 - 1966) was born in Kent, England and moved to Australia at a young age, residing in Sydney for his adult life. John Marten was a theatrical artist and well known for his appreciation and support of the arts community. 
John was actively involved in many different art forms. He was trained in Spanish dancing and served in the merchant navy during the war. John also co-authored The Bali Ballet Murders with Cornelius Conyn which was published in Australia, London and also translated into Dutch and published in the Netherlands. (This novel can be found at the Mitchell Library A823/C768/IAI) 
A strong advocate for the artistic capabilities of young Australians, he understood the costs involved in study and training programs. In light of this, Marten established through a charitable trust, The Marten Bequest.
Travelling scholarships from The Marten Bequest offer talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either overseas or interstate.
​
2018 Recipients of The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships are:
Acting – Jacinta Yelland
Ballet – Brayden Gallucci
Instrumental Music – Bridget O’Donnell
Painting – Jahnne Pasco-White
Poetry – Tamryn Bennett
Prose – Jessica Friedmann
Sculpture – Lauren Burrow

I began rehearsals today for Please Touch Museum's production of Yuki's Journey. This is going to be such a fun show to create and perform. Already having a blast playing with fellow actor, Kimie and our director, Danielle! 

We did it! We completed the first year of the MFA in Devised Performance at Pig Iron! I'm so proud of myself and my cohort. What a year it was - many laughs, moments of joy, challenges, tears and hugs. Cannot wait for the second year and everything that entails!  Thanks to Pig Iron, my family and friends and most of all my wonderful husband for your support this year. Here we are below celebrating the end with 1st and 2nd years.

The time has come! Our last showing for the year based on our train trip across the country. We are so proud of our work - we created this piece over less than two months but in reality pulled it all together in less than a week. Hope you get to see it!