Motown National Tour with Wojcik/Seay Casting provided one of the most memorable audition experiences I can remember (read below for details). But, also, the amount of talent we saw for this tour was UNREAL. These casts made us so proud. #proud2bewojcikseay
Hi Friends! I know we are all a little weary of just how long it may take our industry to bounce back - especially theatre and live entertainment. Right now, looking into the future of our community can feel a little grim. Yet, we’re all still homebound creating, writing, singing, dancing and generally trying to put our positive and creative energy out there into the world on other forums. I still believe, though it may take time, that our industry will be back and stronger than ever.
Why do I believe this? Art and entertainment are healing activities that bring people together. They provide human connection in a way that is unique to all other activities. We all learn in our college history classes about the catharsis of Greek theatre. On line it’s described this way, “When used in literature, catharsis is the the release of emotions such as pity, sadness, and fear through witnessing art. Catharsis involves the change of extreme emotion to lead to internal restoration and renewal.” But, with a live audience, it’s really so much more - such a deep and strong shared experience - a strengthening of community - an intense revealing of humanity.
When we were in Casting Sessions for Motown National Tour with W/S Casting, we experienced the magic and healing power of this very thing. The day after the results of the last Presidential Election became a day of great mourning and fear for our community for so many reasons. We had all taken it very hard - I know I didn’t sleep at all that night - you could see the wear & tear on our faces and in our spirits when we arrived at the office early that morning to collect the materials for our Motown Session. When we got to Pearl, the team, similarly lost and depleted, joined us at the table and the session began. Wow - the performers that came in were on FIRE. There was an exhilarating energy and heart that they brought to the table that really caught me off-guard and renewed my faith in humanity. We had moments of tears, laughter, joy, pain and we all shared it together in that room - team, casting and performers in a united front. I will never forget that day and will always be eternally grateful for it and to be surrounded by so much shared love, despite the uncertainty - Gayle, Scott, Schele, Brian and all of the amazing talent that had the courage and faith to come to us, open-hearted and raw.
So, you see…we’ll be back - you’ll be back stronger than ever. We need you…people are scared and nervous so it may take some time, but when they are ready to return, promise me you’ll be there with an open heart ready to work.
xo Holly
