I returned to the stage. I have given myself a goal to perform a new hour in one year and have it professionally recorded. I have to work on baby steps to get there. For bigger audiences, I’m out of practice, but I have a routine of going to open mics or smaller venues the week before to “test run” and get a better feel for the piece and how it lands. I also have a slue of people that I can ask for feedback from, getting their honest opinion of how the piece hits them. Most of this would be considered “storytelling”, last week I tried poetry slam at Ruckas and Rumpus Revival, (formally Tourettes without Regrets). The experience of being in a competition was nerve-wracking, something I forgot from being away for so long. Something I noticed was that lines I thought were funny, dropped dead silent, and the piece was more series than I thought. I also noticed as with many of the other mics that most audiences become dead silent when I approach. Full attention, it feels good to be seen. I am also more aware that in my day of working from home or co-working from a co-working space, I am mostly a solitary creature, living, eating, and working alone. The function of the performance is to bring people together in a live experience where we can commune. I definitely felt the comradery and kudos from those who saw what I did. I forgot the experience of having the “shine”- to shine my light on the world and feel recognition for this. Everyone wants to be recognized for their craft.
BAF- Building A Following with Link Exchange (you can be a part of this with your own link to share + promotional efforts. The show attended “Ruckus and Rumpus Revival” can be seen at the Continental Club, in West Oakland, on the 2nd Thursday, next on Dec. 14.
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