GOOD NEWS

Elf at the Engeman Theater - amazing cast and always a joy to be in the room with Matt Kunkel and the folks of the Engeman Theater. #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! I think we need a little GOOD news. Here goes…

Here are a few Peaceful Protests that got the job done:

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/peace-protests-dallas-response/

This story is adorable and joyful:

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/boy-hosts-socially-distanced-prom-for-babysitter/

Hooray for Costa Rica:

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/world-celebrates-central-americas-first-same-sex-marriage/

This just makes my heart sing:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/strangers-kindness-helps-columbus-barber-make-ends-meet/ar-BB14HGcx

I hope you enjoyed a little dose of “Good News”. Take heart - we are living in wild times, but mostly, if you look close - we all want to do the right thing. Change is coming.

xo Holly

PLANT SOMETHING

Hi Friends! I am lucky enough to belong to a community garden that sits right next to my apartment building and every day I am deeply grateful for this, especially during this quarantine. Planting flowers, vegetables and herbs and cultivating the best environment I can for them to grow and thrive is oddly rewarding….and encouraging. I’m sharing this because I believe you don’t have to have a garden plot to experience this. Get a pot, some dirt and plant some seeds in your window! I promise it will raise your spirits and give you something to look forward to. All I hope for you is to believe in the promise of tomorrow. There are so many exciting things coming our way when we can finally emerge from this cocoon.

xo, Holly

Social Justice....

HI Friends! It’s hard to live in our world right now. While I do not condone violence and I have always believed the saying “two wrongs don’t make a right”, watching the protests, I have to acknowledge that enough is enough. So many years of our government not listening or even hearing. Why?

When I was 12, I was visiting NYC and got stuck in the middle of a riot in the West Village with my parents. It was terrifying. It was about Rodney King. At 12 years old, you don’t understand that kind of anger - it feels misplaced. But now, why are the same protests and riots happening? I have a hard time watching these protests, but I believe the anger is justified. Why? Why has nothing changes all these years later? It’s complete insanity.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/29/minneapolis-protest-martin-luther-king-quote-riot-george-floyd/5282486002/

Martin Luther King - “A riot is the language of the unheard. What is it that America has failed to hear?…It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. It has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquillity and the status quo than about justice, quality & humanity.”

I believe we can make a change. I just hope this time is finally THE time that we win justice, equality and humanity.

xo Holly

And I promise to listen more…

https://sojo.net/articles/our-white-friends-desiring-be-allies?fbclid=IwAR2jpj_1hF3UvKOIclQGxtIFazib3weiqiJj5I1jd5pPq8AyUZYTfUmpWFE

SLEEPY

Once at The Engeman Theatre was a gorgeous dream of a production. It was so much fun working on the casting and I was completely amazed by the volume of talent that came in for this production. I’ll never forget that callback with everyone playing together in the room - glorious. #proud2bewojcikseay (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Even thought we’ve been in quarantine for some time now and you’d THINK we’d all be used to it by now, I still have nights when sleeping is so difficult. I’m thinking some of you may be in the same predicament. It’s funny because it’s not every night, just every once-in-a-while night. Sharing a few things that have helped me get to sleep. Hoping they may help you achieve nighttime bliss as well.

-Sleepytime tea with Valerian just before bed. Here is the one I use, but I think there are many brands available in grocery and health-food stores.

-A relaxing nighttime meditation to lull you to sleep. I find the sound of this dude’s voice (below) perfect to guide me to a gentle snooze, but there are many different styles of sleep meditations online and available for free! I found meditation so fulfilling at night, that I’ve now signed up for CALM and started meditating during the day, which also helps me to stay centered and focus, in turn making me more relaxed at night. The CALM app is pretty awesome - It’s $70 for a year, but they even have relaxing bedtime stories!!! I’m into it and definitely recommend it.

-HEAVY BLANKET! Ok, this one is pricy, but if you are desperate, it’s damn amazing. I was lucky enough to be gifted one for Christmas and let me tell you, it is like a magic enchanted relaxation charm. Very soothing. I have the Gravity Blanket. Definitely recommend it.

-White Noise Machine can help! Very affordable (more affordable than the heavy blanket). Here’s the one we’ve got in our apartment -

-But, most of all just remember that you are not alone - we are all feeling anxious, antsy and downright scared about the future. A series of deep breaths and knowing that we can and will get through this may be enough. And remember:

I hope with all my heart that some of this information is helpful.

Sweet Dreams, Holly

Here’s one more interesting article to digest about developing a sleep routine that works for you… https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tips

SUMMERTIME QUARANTEAM

Photo from a concert presentation of SuperYou - a new musical that was slated to open off-Broadway TONIGHT! This cast is off the hook. Scroll down to see the video they just released. #superyou #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! As it seems like this lockdown will continue into the summer months, I’ve been doing a lot of research online regarding what activities are safe and what activities are not and hoping to come up with a plan to make quarantine a little more fun. I found this article online today and it’s kinda fun…

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/30/health/how-to-form-a-bubble-wellness/index.html

So, basically, they are saying in this article, find your tribe (10 people or less suggested) and hunker down or play together! Who would you choose to be on your quarantine team? Who is already on your team? Can you plan fun activities with them - camping, out of town excursion to a house or cabin somewhere fun (beach, lake, woods), cookouts or cook-ins? Is there a masked running partner you can adopt or a few neighbors you feel safe to start a stoop cocktail hour with? Choose wisely…

I wish I could pick my team and fly with them to Hawaii or San Juan and hunker in a house on the beach, but sadly I am so NOT wealthy enough for that one…but abundance can be found without funds. I’m going to think about who I want on my team and how we can manifest fun and delicious activities that are safe….so summer won’t feel impossible.

Pick your team!

Cheers, Holly

In case you missed it, the cast of SuperYou released this amazing & uplifting recording today - on the day their show was slated to open off-Broadway. I’d love to have any of these super heroes on my quaranteam. #proud2bewojcikseay

WITHOUT A BOX

Mary Sunshine - Musicals Tonight! Hilarious and talented cast. Loved them. (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Recently there have been a series of articles published concerning the continued demise of the theatre that have literally crushed my soul. Mostly having to do with Broadway and the producers reaction to the shutdown. If you go by their thoughts, it’s a deadly grim situation…but, surely, there has to be a different angle?!?

Yesterday, I posted this article on Facebook…

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-05-19/coronavirus-reopening-theater-future?fbclid=IwAR0nu5i5JJ4CbVgBzizGdhg9j7Zy8z0GXDjA3V4EoR864wLKCaRXUi-iF_A

It’s a pretty cool read - so many great minds envisioning a different versions of a future for the theatre. It will be amazing to see what new forms of theatre are realized when we can finally reconvene in our gorgeous temples of art.

In the meantime, how can we make live performance happen in the time of Corona? I know I’d LOVE to see more small production, character driven shows come to the forefront - minimalist set/costume - less people on stage - maybe easier to produce for an audience cut by one third? Also, what about all of those fun site- specific performances? Shakespeare in the park that moves from location to location could work still, if people are outside, wearing masks and each location has spaces marked on the grass 6 feet apart for the audience. How about we rent a flatbed truck - install a stage and sound system - drive it through the city with a different scene each day? People could literally watch from their windows? Could be fun and wacky.

I know these ideas sound ridiculous - but, let’s get creative - maybe there’s a solution to this that we just haven’t thought of yet! How do you envision the theatre community moving forward? What changes do you hope to see to live shows once we are able to head back into the actual theatres? Let’s brainstorm!

Send me your actual thoughts via email holly@hdbcasting.com or comment below.

xo Holly

MEMORIAL DAY MAGIC MONDAY

Something For The Boys - Musicals Tonight! Love, Love, Loved this cast!

Hi Friends! Instead of pulling a tarot card today, I am lighting a candle in honor of our Veterans.

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to make a trip to France and part of that trip was to visit Normandy and tour the D-day Beaches. I’m not sure anything could have prepared me for the huge set of emotions I would feel that day regarding the many troupes - not just American- that fought for our freedom on those beaches and beyond. The stories our tour guide told of individuals that sacrificed everything for our futures will forever be imprinted on my heart. Gratitude is sometimes lost on a day to day basis, so I suppose that’s why we have holidays, to stop and remind ourselves to be grateful to the people who gave everything so we could have…something.

Above are photos from that day. Honestly, the beach…is just a beach. It’s the lessons I learned from the stories of what happened on that beach that will live in my heart forever. Below are some photos of my grandfather, who I never had the chance to meet. He was a veteran of that same war, though stationed in Okinawa. He sacrificed a lot.

So, today, take a moment to feel deep, deep gratitude. Carry with you, even in these trying times that the magic and love of those who have sacrificed for us, surrounds us - everyday - always.

Happy Memorial Day. Cheer extra loud for those front-line workers tonight. Like your whole life depends on it - cause maybe it does….

xo Holly:)

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

Man Of La Mancha - Stages St. Louis. Boy, do I love being in a room with Mr. Michael Hamilton. He may be one of the sweetest men in showbiz. Wish I had gotten to see this gorgeous production, for which he and the cast received rave reviews! #proud2bewojcikseay (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Somedays this whole experience feels like a weird dream. Today is one of those days. Something about the “holiday weekend”, “summer” and “quarantine” does not go together. Now that the weather is turning around, it feels as if we should all just be released from these prisons, but I understand that is NOT how it works - especially if you are in NYC. If you are feeling confused about acceptable activities here are a few helpful articles I found today:

https://www.vox.com/2020/5/22/21266756/coronavirus-pandemic-covid-risks-social-distancing-chart

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/23/861325631/from-camping-to-dining-out-heres-how-experts-rate-the-risks-of-14-summer-activit

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/22/social-distancing-this-summer-what-we-know-about-beaches-travel-camps.html

Anyway, until we wake up from this crazy dream, please act responsibly, wear your masks, hand sanitize the life outta your hands and stay safe.

xo Holly

“To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lay peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To fight the unbeatable foe
To reach the unreachable star”

We’ll get there…keep reaching!

NETFLIX

A couple of “Stinky Kids” signing autographs after a Vital Theatre Show! Adorable cast. Loved them.

Hi Friends! On a gloomy, rainy day like today - Netflix saves the day!!! I know we’ve all indulged in the usual - Dead To Me, The Crown, Tiger King, Ozark, Riverdale etc….

What are your favorites? Any that you feel like I shouldn’t miss?

Below are a few, fun “foreign” Netflix shows I totally recommend, if you aren’t adverse to reading subtitles.

Happy Viewing and let’s hope the skies clear up and we can head back out into the sunshine!

xo Holly

PS. It’s clear I watch WAY too much Netflix…

If you like scary horror shows, you’ll love Marianne….

Want a sexy soap-opera period piece with a girl power theme? - Cable Girls! Love it. And everyone is so pretty on this show…like REALLY hawt.

Like Riverdale? Ever wonder what life is like for teenagers in Italy? - Baby is for you…

Like a Sci-fi time travel mind bender? Dark is awesome…

Want a creepy mystery to solve? Requiem…

I’m sure you’ve all seen this one and there are no subtitles this time, but Sex Education is a hilarious reminder of what it was like to be a teenager. Also, has some really terrific performances.

Quicksand is incredibly compelling, but it’s a pretty heavy subject matter, so only if you think you are up for it.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND

La Cage at Riverside Theatre! Gorgeous cast. The production that…sort of…happened. I hope it gets a full chance in the future, cause this was a DREAM team. #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! How do you manifest a “holiday weekend” mentality when every day IS a holiday, but you feel like you’re playing hooky and all you want is to return to work? *asking for a friend

But, seriously, this is a HOLIDAY weekend and I had to remind myself of that this morning. Have you been putting pressure on yourself to “accomplish” things, like I have? And when do you give yourself a break from that super-imposed pressure? THIS WEEKEND. (It’s a holiday weekend, by the way).

I guess I’m just trying to say….give yourself permission to lighten up and enjoy the holiday!

xoxoxoxo Holly

WISHFUL THINKING

Elf at Tuacahn Center for The Arts - So much fun to work on and though I didn’t get to see it, I heard they were exquisite. #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! I hope you have had a delicious Thursday. Carlos Lopez shared this video with me on Facebook to cheer me one day and I just love it. I’m sure you’ve all seen it already, but just in case, here it is again. Keep wishing and dreaming for a better day.

“Careful the wish you make, wishes are children…”

Holly xo

ART HEALS

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

QUARANTINE ANTHEM

Something Rotten National Tour! Amazing cast. Loved this show! #proud2bewojcikseay (more photos below)

Hi Friends! Just wondering - do you have a quarantine anthem? I’ve been listening to a lot of music over the past few months to keep spirits high and this classic Kelly Clarkson ditty really speaks to me when I need a lift…so I think this is the one for me. Also, if you apply these lyrics in the “time of corona” it takes on a whole new meaning…Do you have a song that’s getting you through this or that you have really connected to while in lockdown? What is it? Let me know! I’d love to create a whole playlist of songs that everyone leaned on in this time of great aloneness….

Blast this one out and have a dance party for one, Holly xo

MAGICAL MONDAY!

The Apple Tree - Musicals Tonight. When I think of magic, I think of the performance of this cast. Magical. (more pics below)

Hi Friends! I gave my dear friend, Sasha Graham the day off to make magic in other places, so today I pulled a card just for you…say hello to my FAVORITE card - the Strength Card…

This card has always been my favorite because of it’s “hidden” meaning. Above you see three versions - Rider/Waite deck (traditional), Rose Tarot Deck and my friend Sasha’s Haunted Tarot Deck. Let’s muse on what we see…

Card 1 (Rider/Waite) shows a woman who is prying open the jaws of a lion. She appears calm about putting her hand so close the beast’s mouth. Wow - she’s tough, right? But, actually, the truth of the situation is that the lion is a kind of pet of hers, that she has charmed with her good and kind spirit, and so she very easily pats him on the head and he just opens his jaws. There is a spirit of careful oneness that they share together - gentleness & compassion. There is no struggle - there is only ease.

Card 2 (Rose Tarot) - I love this wild eyed magical woman, just embracing this lion with fiery abandon. He’s also pretty wild eyed, but seems content and happy to be so loved and held. Again the two are one and they are surrounded by blooming and full flowers and trees and it seems like they might set off together on a magical journey with absolute faith and no fear.

Card 3 (Haunted Tarot by Sasha Graham) - Cause she’s a genius, Sasha turns another light on this card. The lion is the mirror and the woman in the card stares into the mirror without fear or hesitation - taking in her own inner beauty and strength and feeding off of it. She is strong in her gaze and in her heart.

In all three cards you will spot the infinity symbol or the “lemniscate”. It represents the endless circle of energy and spirit. It’s a reminder that you carry this inner strength with you always. It is a part of who you are and a part of the universe. Connect to it, access it and use it wisely.

If you think about aspects of your life that make you feel like you just keep coming up to a wall - over and over and over again - that obstacle that really frustrates you - that one habit you wish you could change, maybe it’s time to tap into that inner “other” way of approaching it. If you push or try to force it, it might never happen. Embrace it with your inner super-power strength of compassion and kindness. Sneak up on it with warmth and charm - own it with your fierce love. Maybe just maybe it will open it’s jaws to you…

Happy Magical Monday! Cast a spell this week.

With love from my various tarot decks, Holly xo

SMALL GIFTS FROM THE UNIVERSE

50 Shades - The Musical Parody! I worked on this show - off-Broadway and Touring Companies - when I was in Joy Dewing’s Office. So much fun. So much hard work. Great casts - so many hilarious and talented people went through this project!!!

Hi Friends! Another week has come to an end and yet another is upon us. Energy levels and motivation come in waves and it’s hard to “stay on track” when you don’t know where the track leads… But, if you really pay attention, you may find small signals from the universe urging you slowly in a direction.

Last week, I was out on a walk and someone had tossed this gem of a book out on the sidewalk. (see pic below) I know I have a tendency to always try to find a deeper meaning, but this definitely felt like a little angel assuring me that things were going to resurge in our industry and that I needed to keep the faith.

In this book are all of Lin-Manuel’s encouraging morning and night time tweets. Love this so much.

Take a good look around you and maybe you’ll notice some small gifts from the universe, too…waiting just for you!

Message from Lin-Manuel on page 12:

“Gnight!
You’re gonna fall down.
You’re gonna be tested.
You’re gonna learn about yourself.
You’re gonna be brave.
You’re gonna take stands.
You’re gonna make waves.
You’re gonna make history.
You’re gonna need rest. REST UP.”

Rest up - new week is upon us!

xoHolly

CHEERS TO SATURDAY

Sunset Boulevard at The Engeman Theater. Gorgeous production and amazing cast. #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! I need to take a moment to be grateful to be living in a city with many options of “To Go” cocktails. I’m so happy for the availability of “quarantinis” to help me get through this. Cheers to https://mamatriedbk.com ! Cheers to https://brooklynsocialbar.com ! Cheers to Saturday!

And, thank you to ALL Bars that are bottling a little Saturday night for us!

xo Holly :)

PS. If you are craving a cocktail - here are some places throughout the city you can grab one! Support Restaurants & Bars all over NYC! - https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-best-to-go-cocktails-available-right-now-at-bars-and-restaurants-in-nyc-043020

PROUD

Seesaw - J2 Spotlight Company. So much to love about this production, especially the cast! I know that this company will make a comeback and I can’t wait to see A Class Act - which was opening the night that EVERYTHING shut down. I was supposed to be there that night. But I just know I’ll be seeing it down the line! (More cast photos below of Seesaw)

Hi Friends! Happy Friday! I was just out on a run. If you know me at ALL, you know that running is not really my jam, but I’ve been getting out there 4-5 times a week and making myself do it. Before quarantine, this was a goal of mine. I was incredibly inspired by the movie “Brittany Runs A Marathon”, so I had hoped to join a running group this spring to try to motivate myself and meet new people. Obviously, this didn’t work out.

BUT - I’ve been pushing myself to get out there - day in and day out all alone and wearing a mask. Running is super hard and I don’t have the best stamina - so when I say “running” it really means a slow jog alternating with long stretches of walking. I have to be honest - right? Today I set out running and just at that moment (about 10-12 blocks in) when I give up and start walking, I kept running. And running… And there was a kind of party in my head of celebration and disbelief “I’m STILL running!!! I’M STILL RUNNING!!!!”

Then I started to think about this whole scary quarantine experience….and here’s what I want to say to on this sunny Friday…

YOU should be so proud of yourself. This shiz is hard….This has been so difficult on so many levels and YOU ARE STILL RUNNING! No matter where you are in this experience you are KILLING it by just getting through slowly day by day. Way to go! YAY, YOU!

Today take a minute to acknowledge this. Blast out a super uplifting jam and have a dance party in your apartment in honor of yourself! Or, mix an amazing cocktail and give yourself a cheers in the mirror! Or go out side with that mask on and feel the sun beating down all it’s love on your gorgeous face! You deserve it for making it this far!

Keep putting one foot in front of the other, you ROCKSTAR.

xoHolly

NEW HABITS FOR A NEW START

Evita at Riverside Theatre - Man - How I wish I had gotten a break from audition season to go to Florida and see this production! Working on this piece for Riverside and with Marcia Milgrom Dodge was an absolute joy and dream come true. I know this was magical, considering the cast was off-the-charts and Marcia is a genius. (More photos below) #proud2bewojcikseay

Hi Friends! Since the energy is shifting and it feels like things may start to lift a bit, here are just a few thoughts on how to recalibrate your compass in a healthy forward-thinking way….

When you are so far into quarantine that you have forgotten what your old life felt like (which is about where I am now) take inventory on the things you miss and do not miss from that time… Make a sensible list and post this somewhere visible, so when we DO reenter the world and the work force, you can remind yourself of the habits and activities that filled your soul and the ones that just never fulfilled you.

Speaking of habits - what are the NEW habits that you have developed in the last few months that you surprisingly LOVE? I’m starting to love running outside. I’ve rediscovered music in a new way - I find I’ve been listening all throughout the day to music of all genres that really speak to me! I enjoy cooking. And, I’m learning how to meditate and it’s FUN. These are all things I plan to keep in motion when we are all back in motion. Make a list for yourself. Again, put it somewhere visible so you remember to include all of these new rituals in your daily post - quarantine life.

Financial eye-openers….put together a pre-quarantine and during-quarantine budget - look at them side by side. It’s very clarifying. Figure out the financial changes you can make going forward to better serve you! For me, it’s so clear that I do NOT need to spend the kind of money I was spending on bi-weekly gel manicures. Yes, I enjoy having cute nails - but REALLY?!? I can just paint them at home. I’m fully capable of this. For you, maybe it’s something like - “I don’t need that starbucks. I can save that money for something I really want!” or “Why am I subscribed to 8 million online forums that I never use?” or “Maybe I should brown bag my lunch once I’m headed back into work - I don’t need to shell out so much on lunch every day…” Anyway, think about it - make some small healthy financial changes!

GRATITUDE - when we relaunch actual life, don’t forget to be grateful - for the time you had to re-charge and the new opportunities coming your way - full of surprises - some you may like, some not so much - but be ready to feel deep gratitude at having these new opportunities - don’t lose sight of where we’ve all been for the last few months…

Anyway, Happy Thursday. Stay positive - Hollyxo

REWIRING

Grease at Millbrook Playhouse. This cast was adorable and terrific! (more pictures below)

Hi Friends! A week or so ago I volunteered to be a part of an online interview forum with “Save My Audition” and the amazing Aaron Jodoin. It was so great to be a part of it and it really lifted my spirits to see so many familiar faces on the Zoom call.

There was one question asked that caught me a little off-guard - it was a question regarding diversity and inclusion in casting, but specifically asking about body type in casting. I stumbled over it a little, but eventually got to an answer that almost felt right. Still, I can’t stop thinking about it.

See, the truth is I have struggled with body insecurity all of my life, having clawed my way out of an eating disorder at a young age. I have educated myself on the psychology of this disease and the cultural and social factors that contribute to creating this insane collective belief that outward appearance determines success and likability. And even though I know the causes of this crazy mindset, I still have days when I do not feel good in my body. It’s madness. But, it’s absolutely common in our society - we all face this through out our lives.

I recognize that, as a culture, we must change the insane standards we’ve created regarding body type and the perceptions that accompany these standards. I also realize that the entertainment industry perpetuates these stereotypes to sell tickets. This is the piece of the industry that I wish we could all just tear up and rebuild from the ground up. Why are we so narrow thinking when it comes to our own physical wellness?

We’ve come a long way over the past few years regarding diversity and inclusion and it’s been so exciting to be a part of! I truly hope that developing a healthier sensibility regarding body type is the next frontier. But, changing this shared cultural perception is trickier than just casting “against body type”…it means re-wiring the way our entire culture thinks - stepping away from the barrage of Celebrity Culture, reimagining what “sells”, building each other up - not tearing each other down online and in real life. I’m ready to help with that - all of that. This truly needs to be a collective change - an active choice as a society to empower ourselves and others.

There’s a lot of “normal” we don’t need to go back to once this quarantine has lifted…

I’ve seen so much body-talk on line regarding this quarantine - fears and anxieties running wild. Here’s a great resource article, if you are riddled with insecurities regarding your body right now. And just know, we are all in this together - we always were.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fat-is-not-feeling/202004/stressed-about-your-body-in-quarantine

If you would like to continue a dialogue with me regarding this topic, I am available. I welcome any and all ideas on how we can achieve this goal together. holly@hdbcasting.com

Be kind and love yourself, Holly xo

WAKE UP SLOW

No Strings - J2 Spotlight Company! It was an absolute joy to work with this brand new company this year! I loved every minute in the room with them. This cast was gorgeous and so so good. (More pictures below)

Hi Friends! I was out on my usual long walk through Brooklyn today and there is a shift in energy out in the world. Can you feel it? A few more cars out on the road (I have no idea where they need to go…), people passing at a distance in masks - a light buzzing of sound from bits of outdoor activity. We are starting to wake up from this long slumber…

It doesn’t scare me, this energy…It feels right. It’s time to slowly emerge. SLOWLY. I feel like we are all tiny seedlings, popping up and slowly and steadily unfurling our green and reaching for the sun.

We can do this - safely, smartly, and calmly - one little push at a time.

Do you feel it?

See you soon in the sunshine, Holly xo