MAGICAL MONDAY - International Women’s Day and MASK UP!

Happy International Women’s Day! Above you will see just a handful of the women I love and respect within our industry - I could literally keep posting photos ALL DAY of the fierce and fabulous female power that has graced our live stages. When we were full swing, I have literally been in awe of the tenacity, authenticity and luminosity of female representation in the audition room. Women, in our industry, show up with fearlessness on the stage and for each other. Take a minute today to honor the women in your life, or yourself if you are one of these courageous warriors. You deserve it! Consider this a reminder of the unique energy you bring to the audition room and beyond!

As we creep closer to vaccine availability and the sweet promise of an overdue return to live entertainment, please don’t let your guards down. Wear your masks. In fact, DOUBLE mask! Last week I didn’t blog because I was diagnosed with Covid. I am a person who very much plays it safe when it comes to this pandemic - mostly because I have respect for others and I desperately want to see us all return to doing what we love. So, I was shocked by the news that both my boyfriend and I were positive. He had already had his first vaccine shot, soooooo PLEASE don’t feel like your first shot is a license to roam mask free. Play it safe. I know with this message I may be preaching to the choir, but a friendly reminder is always healthy. We have healed and are doing well, but Covid is not fun…it’s generally terrifying. Mask up and hand sani like you mean it!

I cannot wait til I can see all of those powerful, unapologetic, strong female performances light up the stage once more! Til then, be safe and love one another!

It was just this time last year that I was seeing some theatre with this bold and powerful lady…I miss her deeply. Wear a mask so we can work together once more….

Courtney and I at Ain’t Too Proud last year!

MAGICAL MONDAY - ONE BOX AT A TIME

Evita at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. It was a complete joy to work on this with such a masterful team. My only regret - I couldn’t get out to see it because we were in the middle of audition season! Remember audition season?!? (more pics below) #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! I am moving…not far away, but nevertheless moving is so stressful! And, as I pack up everything I’ve ever known in boxes to be hoisted onto a truck in the next few days, I can’t help but think of how many of us have re-located and been transplanted over the last year. Wow - so many boxes of stuff and so much change. It’s exhausting, but also electrifying. Kudos to all of you that had to pack up and change location!

Even though I am deep in the packing process and feeling quite overwhelmed, I woke up thinking “What can I do NOW to prepare myself for a return to our industry even though I’m not sure when we will be completely pulled back in?!?” Of all things to jump into my mind in the middle of a move, but I welcomed the thought…Dizzying to think about, but honestly it was quite hopeful and I think we all need some hopeful thinking right now!

I started to recall last year at this time - where was I in this moment? What was I working on? Who was I welcoming into a room or emailing with an appointment? What projects were on the horizon? Whoop - there was SO much going on and it’s hard to even remember it all. Where do I even start in preparation for something I feel so far away from?

But, it occurred to me that packing and unpacking are useful metaphors in this situation…and in many situations. Take it one box at a time. Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once…start small and keep going!

So, my question for you: As we draw closer to a world that allows for Live Entertainment to re-launch, what box can you unpack NOW that will better prepare you for the future?

And remember, you only one right now….

Missing you all, but can’t wait to see you on the other side of our lengthy, drawn-out “move”…

Holly

MAGICAL MONDAY - CREATIVE MAINTENANCE

Rock of Ages National Tour - Talk about a magical cast! #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! Here’s a reminder that you are all still deeply creative souls, even though our industry continues it’s long slumber. So how are you honoring your own creativity in all of this downtime? How can you fill your “creative well” to stay spontaneous and innovative? I found this handy list on-line that might be useful:

Recently, I was telling someone about a fun practice I have to help me connect creatively in my every day life. I turn normal activities into “Magical Metaphors”. So, a brief walk outside can feel like an expedition and cooking dinner can be mixing ingredients not just for flavor, but also for success and happiness. Sounds a little out there, but, you’d be surprised just how much a small, seemingly insignificant, activity can feel like a transformative experience in the moment when you give it a dreamier context. If nothing else, it really does allow for you to be mindful in the moment.

Find ways everyday to connect to your creative spirit - you deserve it! And, what you choose to do doesn’t have to be connected to the arts, specifically. Write in a journal, stretch, breathe and love. Let yourself dream and fill that artist well with goodness! Gifted souls need fuel …and you are gifted.

Happy Monday! Holly:)

MAGICAL MONDAY - SACRED SPACE

From top left: PJ Masks National Tour, MDQ at Tuacahn, Kinky Boots National Tour & Mary Poppins at The Engeman Theater. #proud2bewojcikseay

I have always thought of the stage as a sacred space. When you are out on the road and arrive in a venue for the first time. Maybe you’ve been there before on other tours, so you have a vague memory of the space or maybe you are stepping foot in the space having no idea what to expect…but the moment you enter, you feel your feet on the floor and gaze out into the empty house, you can feel that spark. The excitement of what is about to happen, but also the echos of all who have been on that stage before you, standing with you and beside you. Even in the house, when dark, there is residual electricity of past shared human experiences - an overwhelming sense that all that has happened there remains and that the spirit of that space wants you to succeed. It’s magical.

A reminder that you create that magic - you have always been the conduit for it, revealing the human condition in unique ways that others cannot. You illuminate the world for others in a brief moment on that stage, but that moment resonates for a lifetime. And you will be called to do so again. Are you ready to feel that magic?

Take a moment to find a small space in your own current residence today, to close your eyes and dream. Dream of that theatre - the most memorable one for you, of staring out into the house, excited for the show. Feel your pulse quicken, your deep breath connect you to the floor grounding your entire being and the goosebumps form. Stay in this space for 5, 10 minutes and ask the theatre and all of those artists who came before you, “What can I do to prepare? How can I best ready myself to illuminate your vastness once more?” Wait for an answer…

Looking forward to seeing you from the house once more.

Happy Monday, Friends! Keep the faith - Holly

Jesus Christ Superstar, National Tour. #proudtobewojcikseay

MAGICAL MONDAY - The Moment Before

Just a few pics from a collection I have of my very favorite moment - the moment before the curtain rises!

Hi Friends,

Happy Snow Day! I have some very trying memories of lugging bags of sides to Pearl Studios during blizzards in the middle of audition season, wondering if anyone would even show up for the call. Guess what - you always showed up and delivered! It’s funny to think that we’d be in the middle of the harrowing audition season right now, engulfed in a sheet of snow. Let this be your reminder of just how dedicated and unstoppable you all truly are!

Today I’d love to tell you about a truly magical moment, that because of you, I’ve had the delight to experience over and over and over again. It’s that moment when I am sitting in the audience just before the show begins, program in hand, feeling the excitement of a full house all around me and waiting to see you hit the stage. The casting process is so fun, but once you accept your roles, we are no longer an active part of the project. Yes, we are there in the background just “incase”, standing by for replacements down the line, but we aren’t there in the rehearsal room with you, experiencing the ups and downs of putting the show together piece by piece. So, when we arrive to see you in performance, nothing is more exciting and rewarding than to experience the brilliance of your work fully realized! Thank you for the joy and pride you’ve instilled in me in this moment throughout the years.

Having been on stage, I know the excitement that is happening on the other side of that curtain in this same moment. That electrifying current that runs through your bloodstream as you wait in darkness for the lights to go up as you are cued by the SM. Hearing the roar of the audience morph into silent anticipation and the music of the orchestra or band start to soar. Don’t lose sight of this feeling. It’s the feeling that made you willing to sludge out in a blizzard to attend that open call. You will experience this magic again. We will return home and it will be twice as joyful - I promise.

What will you do, today, on this “Snow Day” to keep your dream of that moment alive? Take one small action step toward that day when the curtain will rise!

xo Holly

Nick Ferrao and I before the start of The Super You Concert. Yes, we really get THIS excited to see your brilliant work!

Magical Monday - Appreciating the Journey

A Class Act - J2 Spotlight. The day of the shut down, I was supposed to see their opening night performance. I was so proud of this cast and so excited to see the final production. It broke my heart that they didn’t get to go on. I look forward to seeing them when they re-open, though. I believe this WILL happen and I wonder how the experience of all of their journeys will deepen the color of their performances. I can’t wait! (more photos below) #proud2bewojickseay #castingby

Hi Friends!

We are close to reaching the year mark of the dreaded shut down of our industry and I guess I’m feeling reflective. When I walked out of the Wojcik/Seay office on March 12th, having spent the morning cancelling an audition session planned for the following day, I remember saying goodbye to Scott, “See you in a couple of weeks?” It came out like a question, because there was a strange, uncertain energy in the air. But, in that moment, though I was feeling an indescribable sadness, I did believe I’d be back in a couple of weeks. I think, we all did.

Looking back now to that day in March, when I see it in my mind, it feels like that was a different person - not me at all.

So, I’m wondering, if you could go back in time and talk to your pre-Covid Era self, what would you say? Are there things on your personal journey you would have done differently? And if so, why?

I have been inspired by all of you from afar - following your journeys via social media. Seeing how you have adapted, changed and grown over this year has helped me to keep going! During this time, I’ve observed new businesses and temporary careers launch, major cross country moves made with enthusiasm instead of fear, babies being born and new and exciting ways of sharing creativity emerging! It’s incredible and impressive. I’ve also experienced, first hand, care and understanding from you in times when I needed it most. I’ve witnessed brave and loud voices rise up in protests of injustice and support of a better world. You all deserve praise. Despite the distance, it’s been an unbelievably revealing and uplifting experience, because of you.

So take a moment to appreciate all that you have accomplished in this time. Sit with this for a bit, because it is astonishing.

Reminder: You inspire!
Message: Appreciate your journey!

Happy Monday! - Holly

PS. One thing I’ve always wanted to do was find a more meaningful way to impact the lives of creatives and I have been working toward my certification in Life/Career Coaching! I feel deeply proud of this journey and I can’t wait to share it all with you. If you are interested in starting a coaching journey and working together with an aim to “Level Up” - reach out to me… holly@hdbcasting.com

MAGICAL MONDAY - REKINDLE YOUR LOVE

Fancy Nancy - Vital Theatre Company - “How Fancy!”

Hi Friends -

HAPPY MONDAY - New week, New chance to thrive! Here’s a message and a reminder all in one…

I recently listened to an interview with LeAnn Rimes about her struggle to find inner peace in her life, even at the time when she was the most prolific in her career. In the interview, she discussed how depleting it can be to sell something that you love to do as a business - how you can lose sight of the essence of why you wanted to do it in the first place. She was speaking about singing, of course, but it spoke to me on so many levels.

In classes, I constantly hear myself saying “If you have fun in the audition room, we’ll have fun with you.” “If you love what you do, we’ll love what you do.” Often, it’s really just that easy. But, I think, over time, the hard part is remembering how to have fun when what you love has become a commodity. Trust me, you are not alone if you feel this way.

However, in this moment, you have a little time to reconnect to the purest essence of you before we return to a more normal version of our industry. So what can you do to rekindle your love? When you first sang, did you sing with joyful glee on a swing-set with your friends? When you completed your first pirouette, where were you and who celebrated your accomplishment? How about when you got your first pair of pointe shoes? When you made your first appearance on stage, how did it feel when you heard that applause? Do you remember gleefully sneaking a peek at the audience through the curtain before the show began? Feel free to share your memories in the comments below - I’d love to hear them.

Here’s one more question - How can you feed that young, joyful spirit as you practice and prepare for a return to the stage? What more can you do to encourage that inner child to be free?

I remember sitting in Vital Theatre and seeing the first show that I cast. Breathtaking - I think the most rewarding part was seeing the overwhelming delight of the children in the audience to the actors I had helped to put on that stage . At that point, in casting, I had no idea what I was doing or if I was going to be any good at all, but I wasn’t thinking about that - I was having so much fun working on the project and the show was a hit. I plan on spending a good amount of time rethinking my perspective on casting to allow for so much more joy when I am allowed to return to our community. But, I am mostly looking forward to the new playful energy that you bring to the table.

It is not accidental that we call it a play. So get ready to PLAY!

Shine on, friends!

Vital Theatre throughout the years - From top right - Twinkle Tames a Dragon, The Bully, The Butterfly Girl, Owen & Mzee & Stinky Kids. Your love for what you do brought so much joy to children throughout the years!!!

Magical Monday - Gratitude

Hi Friends! Happy Monday. As promised, a message and a reminder for you to start the week. First, a reminder that we are a strong community built on love, creativity and a sharing of artistry. I hope you are remembering just how resilient we are, because when we get our “green light” there will be a lot required of us to help move our culture and community forward!

A message of gratitude for all that you’ve given me throughout the years - not just on stage and in the audition room, but the hallowed hallways of Pearl, Ripley, Nola (RIP) and beyond. I have a “gratitude practice” each morning to try to get the day started on the right foot. This particular practice is through an app, which sometimes sends me prompts and suggestions on what I should explore. Last week, they asked me to remember the pre-quarantine days and be grateful for one thing that I missed more than anything. I wasn’t exactly surprised by my response, but definitely caught off guard by all of the feelings that surfaced as I wrote about it. The deep yearning for those moments stayed will me all week and I just wanted to share it with you….

I know when we are in the thick of audition season, you can sometimes feel unnoticed, under appreciated and overworked. I feel it sometimes, too. But know that you are seen and felt with gratitude. Your artistry and dedication are pure magic in the smallest of moments.

What elements of our industry are you grateful for when you look back? What will it bring you joy to return to? Share in the comments below or send me an email. I’d love to hear about it!

Below are some photos I snapped in various audition rooms and holding rooms. Truthfully, I don’t have many because I do consider the audition space a sacred space. But, every so often when I am truly moved, I save that memory. I hope you enjoy the echos of the past….

HAPPY MONDAY!

Magical Monday - What’s Your 2021 Theme?

Angelina Ballerina - Vital Theatre Company - 2012

Today marks my return to the blog, because I am leaping into 2021 with optimism and determination and I’d like to drag you with me. I’ve decided to start each week with a message and reminder. A message for you to take with you, if you like and a reminder that our industry is strong, our community is dedicated and despite our setbacks, we will prevail!

Today’s message: What is the theme of your year? Instead of setting a goal, set yourself up with an inspiring theme! “Leaping into 2021”, “Taking big risks”, “Transforming perspective”, “A return to discipline”? There are so many possibilities! What speaks to you? When you have this sparkling theme in place, post a reminder for yourself somewhere that you can see it everyday and check in. Throughout your days and weeks, make sure your actions are somehow fitting into this juicy theme - how will you do things differently based on this new concept of living?!? When our industry reopens (and it will), how does your theme change who you are in the audition room or the Zoom Room?!?

And, one more question for you…

See you every Magical Monday with a new message… HOP TO IT!!!

The Klezmer Nutcracker - Vital Theatre Company - 2009

MAGICAL MONDAY - INTENTION

America’s Sweetheart with Musicals Tonight. This cast was SMASHING. I loved loved loved them. (more pics below)

Hi Friends! Intention is such a buzz word for actors, isn’t it? Being specific about your intention in the work that you do as the character is of the utmost importance!!! But, have you ever thought about your own personal intention in the world? I mean YOU, as a human! What is your intention? How do you wish to leave an imprint, be remembered, be seen?

I know this is a super heady question, but putting a personal intention out into the world can be a very magical spell to weave. And to be more specific - what is your intention as a performer/actor/artist? How do you hope to contribute to the culture - to the world? Get very specific. There’s no right or wrong.

Visualize this - who you are, what special brand of energy you are sending out into the atmosphere, how you are transmitting it….Light a candle, play some music, sing, dance and generally take a moment to celebrate your commitment to your intention - for you.

This is some fun and powerful magic. Now go and live your life fully through that beautiful intention….

Shine on,

Holly xo

FATHERS DAY & SUMMER SOLSTICE

Million Dollar Quartet at Tuacahn. So many amazing productions of this show! (see them all below - Riverside Theatre, Millbrook Playhouse, St. Michael’s Playhouse, Tuacahn, Engeman Theater, Theatre Raleigh and more….) #proud2bewojcikseay #ringoffire

Hi Friends! Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is a special day for many reasons. We are into the summer solstice AND it’s a celebration for all of our favorite fathers! When you think of it, what an amazing way for Yin to meet Yang - a perfect colliding of the masculine and feminine energies and all things in between. On top of all of this, there is a rare solar eclipse happening. How electrifying!

We can’t see this from NYC, but here’s information on when it’s happening (essentially late tonight/early Sunday around 3:45 AM and this article also details where you can live stream this awesome event:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2020/06/19/6-places-you-can-stream-the-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-live-on-youtube-facebook-and-webcasts/#3acad4ce2014

I think it’s pretty funny that they are describing this as a “Ring Of Fire” Eclipse, because I just read somewhere else that it’s “World Music Day” tomorrow as well.

So, with all of this magic happening tomorrow, something has got to shift in a better direction for us all! Let’s will it to happen. Get outside, soak in that solstice sun and think happy thoughts! Manifest, friends - Manifest!!!

Also, don’t forget to call your dad (or someone who has been like a dad to you) and thank them for all they do tomorrow.

Holly xo

ZOOM

Scott W sent this to Nick and I today! So hard to believe that we were in this casting session a full year ago. This was an absolute joy and honor to work on. Amazing team, including Crow. I miss my W/S family terribly…but we connect on Zoom almost every week and are all putting positive energy out into the universe for a return to the office within the next few months. Fingers crossed. #proud2bewojcikseay #mst3ktheatre #ilovepuppets

Hi Friends! I hope your weekend is off to a jolly good start. Fridays for me have become “Zoom Fridays!” I have a series of recurring Friday calls lined up with friends and co-workers and I love it. Thinking back on these past few months, I’m not sure I would have made it this far through quarantine without them. These weekly rituals of connecting online have fueled my soul enough to make it through to the next week of quarantine.

Funnily enough, I am and have always been terrible at staying in touch with people. Work really drives me and, often, consumes me! I have always found it hard to stay active in the lives of my friends and family, whether near or far. Always I place at the top of my “To Do List” - call Jen, reach out to Sarah etc…but, somehow with the immediacy of the work that always needs doing and the fact that I have about 3 jobs at any given time, these “to dos” inevitably fall to the bottom of my list. Even at the start of the new year, my resolution typically involves wanting to re-connect and stay in close contact with friends and family. I have consistently carried a deep desire to be a better and more active person in the lives of my loved ones, but continuously fall short.

This is the surprise of this whole crazy quarantine situation - I am connecting more than ever before. Even though I cannot see people in person - I am zooming and face-timing like crazy. I am achieving this goal I have always strived for and it’s revitalizing me! Is there a goal you’ve been able to achieve in our “new normal” that you’ve had on your list? Has something miraculous materialized in your life that you’ve always wished for? Don’t take this for granted! Be grateful and figure out a way to maintain this as we start to drift closer toward a new normalcy. Don’t lose sight of your new magic gift. For me the gift of connection - for you?

Happy Friday and Happy Juneteenth!

Love each other,

Holly xo

WRONG SIDE

Ludo’s Broken Bride - NYMF. To work on this show was like all of my wildest dreams coming true… a rock musical, with an amazing modern dance element and PUPPETS!!! I mean, not to mention the team was absolutely delightful - Creative, kind, open hearted. I loved this cast and will always cherish the moments in the room on this one! (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Sometimes you wake up on the “Wrong Side”. This was the case for me today. Before I even tossed off the covers and put my feet on the floor, I felt overcome by an indescribable sadness for absolutely no reason at all. I am having a good week - I had exciting things on my agenda for today - everything is absolutely fine. Some people call this a “blue day”. I have somewhere the “Blue Day Book” - highly recommended for when you are in a funk…

You can find this on Amazon for a very affordable price. Silly, but seriously worth having on a shelf or in a drawer somewhere, just in case!

One of my favorite descriptions of this phenomena comes from a kindred-literary spirit, Holly GoLightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. She describes it as a case of “the mean reds”. Oh boy…pretty accurate. Gosh, I love her.

Today, though, I decided not to fight it, but surrender to it just enough. Give in to the darkness a little bit and explore what is really there. I wrote about it. I went for a run and meditated on it and then I got home and got to work. Funny thing - I was extremely productive and focused today and I don’t feel the gloom anymore. In fact, a handful of wonderful new opportunities presented themselves to me today and I allowed myself to be open about them all. Now, I feel that gloom more as a focused resigning to small activities that sprung from a depth within. That sounds very heady, I know. But, so many times we try to force ourselves out of our funks….but maybe there is another way?

The next time you are having a “blue day” or even a vicious case of the “mean reds”, I challenge you to embrace it, explore it and see what is really there. If it’s truly too ugly to deal with, there’s always ice cream, but you might surprise yourself!

xo Holly

Ludo’s Broken Bride at NYMF - I mean, come on - puppets, dinosaur puppets, time travel and kick ass rock singing!!! So fun.

SLOW AND STEADY

Hoi Polloi - Musicals Tonight! Really delightful world-premiere of a Noel Coward piece that follows a young couple’s first encounter on a day in London. One day that I wished had lasted forever, because I had so much fun with all of these characters and I fell in love with them falling in love in London. Such a great cast! (More photos below)

Hi Friends! It seems like right now, in this moment, slow and steady is all we have. The past few months have been a strange waiting game and right now, though the rest of the world is starting to open up, we are still waiting.

This can be so so frustrating. Trust me, I am feeling your pain.

When WILL our lives restart? WILL they restart? How can we advance when we feel completely at a stand still?

Pre-quarantine one of the most popular questions from performers has been- “How can I move to the next level? How can I advance? What will make me book that job, get an agent, get noticed, get a callback? What can I change to advance more quickly?”

Sometimes there are small bits of creative criticism and encouragement to be dealt out, that may change a performer’s perspective, but mostly the most frustrating answer of all. “Just keep going - you are doing everything right, you just have to trust and stay in the game.”

What does it mean to stay in the game? Stay creative, maintain and work on your craft/skills, keep your imagination alive and your heart open, show up (in the room or via taped submission - showing up is showing up either way). So, there are always small things you can do for yourself to facilitate personal advancement, but you can’t always force a timeline or a particular result. It’s cliche, but sometimes very true that “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Stay in the game. Keep trusting that we will emerge from our cocoons and really take the time to gestate on all the colorful work that is yet to come….

I am personally so excited for that colorful moment when we can all re-launch. Sometimes the waiting makes it even better!

Shine on - Holly

PERFECTIONISM

Oklahoma at The Engeman Theatre - gorgeous production and cast. #proud2bewojcikseay (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Today let’s talk about perfectionism and the desire to people please. As a performer, this can be your worst enemy. Since we’ve been quarantined, I’ve done a few online forums speaking about and to performers. I find I’m always talking about being authentic to who you are - sharing your unique point of view and embracing yourself wholeheartedly, whether you are in the room, self-taping or even in the rehearsal process. Obviously, we all want to be our best, do our best, put our best foot forward etc…but, at a certain point in your career you need to trust that you are enough. Do the work - do it well and do it with all of your energy - but trust that you cannot make everyone happy all the time and that the work MUST be in sync with your personal energy for you to really shine from the heart.

I recently listened in to the AEA forum regarding self-taping tips from various casting offices in the city. The anxiety level was high, the questions were rapid-fire. “What are the dos the don’ts?” “How should I light?” “What should I wear?” “What if I don’t have a reader?” How do we all figure out this new frontier of taped auditions for live entertainment?!? TOGETHER. There were a lot of excellent tips and thoughts combed through in those couple of hours online, but the bottom line: You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to get it exactly right. You only need to show up, be reliable and be yourself - fully. I promise you. “How do I stand out in a taped submission?” My favorite question - the same way you always stand out - by being 100% uniquely who you are and making choices that speak to your own soul and sharing that with us.

Often times people have asked me, “If you could go back in time and give advice to the former Holly - the actor Holly - what would you say?” It has become my favorite question. I think I would say….”Just be who you are and trust that is enough. Don’t apologize and don’t hold back.”

I know it’s easier said than done - but ditch your desire to people please. Perfectionism is a myth - you are enough!

xo Holly

MAGICAL MONDAY & MY RETURN TO THE BLOG

Jesus Christ Superstar - 50th Anniversary Tour - Worklight Productions. This cast is pure magic. Working on this show was a revelation. I am deeply grateful to be a part of the W/S team and hope to see this re-open soon. #proud2bewojcikseay (more photos below)

Hi Friends! I’ve taken a long break from this blog, but I’m back. With all that is going on in our world, I felt the need to go inward and really explore my own privilege and how I need to evolve on a personal and professional level to become a better, stronger version of myself. Among other things I’ve been exploring and learning about, I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to join in as a listener with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition #BWAYforBLM for their sessions online. Their online forum was incredibly informative and all of those artists were so generous and brave to share their experiences and hopes for the future of our industry.

Today, on Magical Monday, I pull a card for you that is about cleansing, healing and renewed faith to start moving in a more compassionate direction - The Star.

Healing from trauma can be a very deeply messy business, but you must push yourself to cleanse soul and heart. It is important to recharge and forge ahead, renewing your sense of hope and optimism. Our collective change has come to us so fast and hard, but it has been long overdue. Let us all bathe in the healing waters of our shared hope for the future and really get down to starting the work with conviction, truthfulness and love.

I’ve always thought having faith in something you can’t see or feel could be a trap, but now I see that faith is necessary. Faith in humanity. Faith in our collective desire for change.

Happy Magical Monday. Keep the faith.

xo Holly

PS. A sneak preview of a little magic I’ve been brewing. Reach out if you are interested in a Tarot reading via Zoom. I’m offering a deeply discounted read for Theatre Industry & Bar/Restaurant Industry (my friends and family - you know who you are). This will be launched officially next week, but for you today…

https://www.tarotwithholly.com

MAGICAL MONDAY!

Aida at the Engeman Theater - Gorgeous and amazing cast. (More photos below) #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! I took a brief break from blogging to absorb the very real and very necessary change taking place in the world all around us. Around us and through us! It’s exhilarating and promising, but also so much to process. This whole year so far has been so much to process. And while it may seem incredibly trying, I still think this great upheaval is just the beginning of an even greater new era.

Today, I pull a card for you. For us…

Don’t be afraid of The Tower!

This card always jarred me when it came up in readings. For me, it invoked a very obvious image that reminded me of 9/11 and total destruction, so in pulling this one either for myself or for others I am always very sensitive in my reading of the card. I do think it’s incredibly representative of our particular moment in time…

The Tower is built on faulty ground - with faulty material. It represents dishonesty, insecurity, negativity and ideas and situations that are unsustainable. Sound familiar? Of course it only takes one small bolt of lightning to break it open and create massive disruption and total havoc - it wasn’t built to last, because it wasn’t built with integrity.

When this card appears in a spread, it’s obvious that change - violent change is needed to advance to a better place. It’s ok to tear it all down and start over, especially if it’s what we really need. Rip the sucker down and make no apologies.

I think 2020 is our Tower. What wonderful, strong, fair, open-hearted unity can we rebuild from here? Let’s figure it out…let’s right the wrongs…let’s build something stronger…something that can’t and shouldn’t be destroyed.

A while back I wrote in the blog about taking this moment of quarantine to really focus on the forgotten pieces of who you are. I hope you have been doing this. What surprising things have you discovered? Keep diving. Dive deeper. What really matters to you most in the deepest part of your heart? Who are you going to be in 2021? The time to figure that out is now…

Create Magic everywhere you go,

Hollyxo

PS. One of the things I have re-discovered is my passion for Tarot. Because it brings me so much joy to share this gift…I’ve decided to relaunch myself in this direction with purpose and heart. Many of you don’t know that I used to read for events all over the city, but when I became so busy with Casting, it all fell by the wayside. I am opening myself up now. If you are interested in a reading via Zoom or FaceTime, please shoot me an email at my new tarot email - tarotwithholly@gmail.com. Website coming soon.

ADDITIONAL SLEEP TIPS

The 39 Steps - Millbrook Playhouse - 2012. Great cast.

Hi Friends! I’m still continuing my journey toward better sleep and a writer from OutwitTrade, who read my recent blog with Sleep Tips, reached out to me with another article that is very comprehensive and includes tips from many individuals on methods to fall asleep. Thought I’d share it with you…

https://outwittrade.com/how-to-sleep-better

We all need to escape into a a deep slumber, so we can be reborn in the morning…Each day is a new day of opportunities.

Holly xo

MISS YOU

Babes In Arms - Musicals Tonight! Great Cast. More pics below….

Hi Friends! Today I had the great opportunity to participate in CSA’s Meals For Monologues via Zoom. It was so nice to do what I do again- see a few familiar faces and meet some fresh faces - even for just a moment. But, what I have discovered is that I just miss you all so much. I miss your brave and bold heart-forward work in the room. I miss seeing you all in the hallways of Pearl Studios. I miss you deeply. I wanted you to know that.

xo Holly

PATH

Hi Friends! My blog went a little dark because, given the current climate, it just felt a little tone def and Monday didn’t feel very magical - just full of rage and despair. Also, I really wanted some time to go inward and meditate on the personal changes I can make to become a better, more understanding person in the world.

I’ve decided every day I am going to do one thing - take one action - in support of diversity, inclusion and the #blm movement. I have always been an ally, but maybe it’s time to really push myself to do more.

Today I donated to LDF :https://www.naacpldf.org/support/

Tomorrow, I will spend a few hours of my day writing letters/texting/calling. Now that they’ve charged these officers, there are still so many unresolved injustices to be dealt with. Here a some and you bet I will be researching some others : https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#text

I plan on educating myself to know how to better become an active vehicle for change. If you have any thoughts on things I should be doing -please message me or email me. holly@hdbcasting.com. I sincerely welcome ALL thoughts.

I support the protesters - their anger is more than justified. Enough is enough. Anger is useful and brings about change. I believe change is coming. Let’s clear a path…

Holly:)