"The Oz Chronicles"- Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Brelby is known for their upscale, jaw dropping summer epics that make you sit on the edge of your seat, and motivate you to invest in a gym membership. The Oz Chronicles being their third, it was clear that expectations would be raised, and limits would be challenged. Low and behold, they did not disappoint. As I sat by two of my closest friends with all of our hands grabbing each other with anticipation from one scene to the next, it was so apparent that we were definitely not in Arizona anymore. 

Play in a Nutshell: The land of OZ has been taken under control by the Wicked Witch of the North, Mombi and her loyal subjects. With the power of evil, she has managed to wipe out the memories of Oz from its citizens, creating a sense of terror throughout the land. Now, it is up to Ozma, their original graceful leader, Dorothy, and her other loving subjects including a promising Girl and Boy to overthrow Mombi's dominance, and bring peace back to Oz.

First of all, the design elements in this show made me speechless. Though Theatre Works is not their usual home for their summer epics, they have definitely taken the creative freedom (and rightfully so) to adapt to their environment by providing this production with gorgeous scenery by Brian Maticic; colorfully intricate lighting by Mollie Flanagan; beautifully crafted puppets by Mia Passarella; trendy and playful costumes by Carolyn McBurney; thoughtful and complex hair and make up by Melody Chrispen; charming underscore by Jessica Holt; effective props by Jean Hailey, and innovative media design by Fernando Perez. Creating a land as complex and bold as Oz is a beast in itself, and these effects alone made it easy for the audience to become engrossed into the story immediately.

But what is a show without its actors? And boy, has Brian Maticic cast this show with careful thought and creativity. It was so refreshing to see not only Brelby veterans take on bold and exciting personalities outside their comfort zones, but also notice a plethora of new and friendly faces making their Brelby debut. The cast works together effortlessly, providing each other with loving care and boisterous gusto with every swing of their sword or kick of their heel. It is not a show featuring 27 individual performances, it is an ensemble of 27 hands creating magic together with fire and imagination.

Shelby Maticic's writing brings Baum's precious childhood books seamlessly from the page to the stage, crafting the characters we all know and love with witty dialogue and a fresh layer of skin. Especially considering the amount of books that were used to build the script, the amount of flow and consistency featured in Maticic's play provides the audience with a strong tale to be adored by Oz fanatics young and old. 

Brian Maticic's directing in both performance and fight choreography create the land of Oz for the dreamer in all of us. With his patience and eagerness, he has adapted brilliantly to the environment i nhis blocking and stage combat. To consider this production as a spectacle is an understatement; the amount of heart, dedication, and momentum that is splashed onto the stage is an example of why Brelby is so good at what they do. Case in point- if you want a night of thrilling and entertaining theatre, go see this show.

The Oz Chronicles has its final showings this weekend. Be sure to check it out for its limited run! Tickets can be purchased at brelby.com or at the door.

Location: Theatre Works (Peoria Center for Performing Arts)
Show Dates and Times: August 18-20 @ 7:30, August 20-21 @ 3pm

Cast: 

Boy: Jared Queen
Girl: Kristiana Faddoul
Smith: Luke Gomez
Tinker: Clayton Caufman
Ozma: Shelby Maticic
Mombi: Megan O'connor
Dorothy: Jessie Tully
The Hungry Tiger: Devon Mahon
The Cowardly Lion: Tim Mccandless
Captain Fyter: Mat Vansen
Jinjur: Anabel Olguin
Ervic: Jaren Navenma
Gryphon: Zachary Arnold
Unicorn: Bertha Cortes
Polychrome: Kim See
West: Chelsea Jauregui
East- Megan Olsen
South: Chavez Benally
Jester: Van Rockwell
The Tin Man: David Magadan
Zeb Hugson: Brandon Sanchez
Lurline: Ilana Lydia
Locasta: Sheryl Willaims
Toodles: Shandi Mortenson
China Girl: Maria Hailey
Margaret: Mary-Elizabeth Gilbertson
Bristle: Gabriel Escudero

Design Team:
Playwright: Shelby Maticic

Director/Scenic Designer: Brian Maticic

Media Designer: Fernando Perez
Lighting Designer: Mollie Flanagan
Costume Designer: Carolyn McBurney
Hair & Makeup Designer: Melody Chrispen
Sound Design: Jessica Holt
Props Design: Jean Hailey
Puppet Designer: Mia Passarella

Meet the Dryers: Instagram Dat!

Social media is a companion to all of us. It connects us to our friends, it boosts our self-esteem, it allows us to interact with anyone we like without having to put on pants. But what happens when we allow it to change who we are? What is the damage that can be done when we hide behind a screen, and create the life we want others to believe? Meet the Dryers at Brelby Theatre Company provokes these questions to be asked in the best ways possible- with a turkey, a cellphone, and lots of wine. 

Playwright's Synopsis:  "Meet the Dryers follows the story of James, an introverted 16 year old, who finds solace and acknowledgement through the extreme embellishment of stories about his real life family for his followers online. Our audiences will experience the fantastical world of James’ imagination played out onstage, as well as a glimpse into the personalities of his quirky family through their social media interactions, displayed prominently on the stage for the audience to see. When his stories begin to spin out of control, James begins to question whether he is in control of his online presence, or whether it is controlling him. Meet the Dryers is an exploration of how social media impacts our lives, no matter which generation you hail from".

The cast features the lovable Brelby Ensemble, one of the many strong choices made by director, Shelby Maticic. Because of the natural chemistry already established between the Brelby bunch, every moment of brilliant dysfunctional chaos seems effortless; it does not take a rocket science to see the amount of love these individuals have for one another. Bold is an understatement for this production, as it features not only an impressive use of visual and technological effects, but also a wide range of eccentric characters ranging from adorkable to fierce. Mat Vansen captures the moody, imaginative teenager, James Dryer, with sass and sincerity. He displays the social media addict in all of us in a lighthearted, and ridiculously truthful manner. The beloved "old married couple", Joan and Mark Dryer, are wholesomely played by Melody Chrispen and Cody Goulder. These are the parents you ask before every birthday party to stay upstairs in order to avoid embarrassment, and Chrispen and Goulder create the adoring connection we all hope to grow old with one day. On the other side of the couple train, April Rideout and Fernando Perez play the not so lovey-dovey Alex and Maria Jennings. The relationship they have created establishes a very important theme within the play, that the best form of communication is when two people are face to face. 

Shelby Maticic, makes a darling appearance as Minnie Presely, the smart, genuine librarian. Shelby gives nothing but a sincere performance filled with pose and ambition. Poor Minnie is the single pringle we all hate to be at family gatherings, and Maticic's portrayal allows us to find a little sense of humor and heart within ourselves. Mia Passarella graces the stage again as the beautiful "girl next door" Rena Dryer- the token sister any family would be lucky to have. Passarella manages to balance the innocence and curiosity of a blossoming young woman, causing you to want to pinch her cheeks, or maybe ask her out on a date. Bring in the high school heart-throb Liam Dryer played by Devon Mahon, and you have a sibling match made in heaven. Mahon's delivery as the family's "golden boy" is distinct and grounded; the sibling that takes on the responsibility of keeping the family in one piece. Brian Maticic playing Hiram Finkel creates the precious next door neighbor we all wanted to have as an adopted sibling. Brian's performance of Hiram is definitely a show stealer, next to Megan O'Connor's sensual, saucy portrayal of Grandma Corky, who makes you both cringe and fall in love with her all in the same moment. With all of these characters in one room, it is only expected for chaos to be the main entree of the meal. However with connection, heart, and spirit, this cast of top notch actors create a fresh take on the modern American family that we all find in our everyday lives. 

Playwrights Megan O'Conner, Shelby Maticic, and Luke Gomez hand us a play that reflect the family we go home to every night. With witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, these writers have created a world that capture the delicious hell storm a family gathering can bring. Involving the use of technology adds the complication of today's technological obsessed world; how to truly stay connected to our loved ones without allowing a vibrating IPhone get in the way of an old-fashion conversation. 

Meet the Dryers captures the family dinner we experience every holiday season; a night filled with love, disaster, and sex tips from Grandma. Brelby Theatre Company has made Season 8 a year of innovation and creativity, and this production is the epitome of that very mission.

To purchase tickets, visit brelby.com/tickets. **Contains strong adult language and material. Mature audiences preferred.**

Show Dates:

April 15th-16th, 22nd-23rd, 29th @ 7:30 pm

April 16th-17th, 23rd-24th, 30th @ 2pm

missing grace- Brelby's Finest Drama

    missing grace written by the valley's most valued playwright, John Perovich, opened at the Brelby studio this past weekend. As a Brelby regular, I was intrigued by their commitment to keeping the plot of this new work a mystery. When I walked into the studio opening night, my interest grew even deeper as I saw a bare stage before me, with only a refrigerator to set the scene. As the lights went down, and the powerful Mia Passerella locked eyes with her audience, I became completely sucked into the heartbreak and anguish of the intricately crafted characters that unraveled before me. 

   The story centers around Grace and Robert, a modern, middle-aged couple who are dealing with the loss of their ten-year-old son, Billy. Though Grace and Robert are desperately trying to conduct the appearance of a normal life with the support of Grace's young and beautifully intoxicating cousin Allison, Grace seems to fall deeper through the rabbit hole of her wounded mind. With a birthday cake, and a fire burning in each of their hearts, the family is left to deal with the consequences of the past, and the reality of a new beginning.

    Mia Passerella is breathtaking as Grace. The moment she walks onto the stage, her eyes tell the tale of a woman with an aching heart. The fire within them spread into her soul, connecting each moment with extreme depth, and passionate delivery. The amount of empathy she expresses for a mother with a broken heart is absolutely extraordinary. I found myself having trouble catching my breath multiple times throughout the show. Bring in her counter part Matt Clarke who plays Robert Davis, and you have the makings of a dynamite duo. The two go together like fine wine and cheese, delicately matching their broken hearts to complete one other. Clarke is a powerhouse on his own; his performance of a man crumbling under the weight of reality allows the audience to see both sides of the tarnished coin. Allison Bauer as the "middle man" (or shall I say, woman), brings an adoring complexity to the play. One of the strongest choices Perovich has made is not allowing Allison to seem like a secondary character in the chaos of Grace and Robert's predicament. He sets her up as an equal part in all the craziness, and Bauer rises up to the challenge, establishing her character as the voice of reason. As individuals, they provide the audience with ultimate tenderness. As a trio, they set fire to the melting candle.

    Perovich has written a drama that will pull at your heart strings. He has mastered the ability to bring a sense of truth to the experience of grieving, without overwhelming the audience, or playing the emotion. Perovich has always provided the Brelby studio with works that connect to one's subconscious. I have no doubt that missing grace in particular will make its way into theatres around the valley. As always, director Brian Maticic lives up to his reputation of digging deep into the text, and finding shining layers of gold. It is obvious in the work itself how collaborative this piece was with the entire creative team, and to witness it's magic on a bare stage was truly a pleasure to see.

    missing grace recognizes the missing pieces in all of us. It inspires new beginnings; it forces us to face the demons we try to hide in our closets. Most importantly, it provides comfort to those in suffering, and sparks hope for a better tomorrow. missing grace has its final showings this weekend. Tickets can be bought both online brelby.com, and in person. Feel free to call 623-282-2781 for more information.


Showings:
Thursday @ 7:30
Friday @ 7:30
Saturday @ 2pm



     

Windfall: Brelby Theatre Company

Brelby Theatre Company just kicked off their eight season with an original dark comedy, Windfall written by the ever talented, Brian Maticic. Being a Brelby artist, it was unusual for me to attend one of their opening nights completely clueless as to what I was about to see. Low and behold, what they revealed was some of the most intoxicating pieces of theatre I have seen in awhile.

The play follows three best friends; Owen, Trent, and Olivia, who is also Trent's girlfriend. Trent, an endearing slacker, has depended on Owen's responsible nature all of his life. However, their friendship is tested when Trent finds himself in an awful financial frenzy. As reality starts to wake Trent up from his long, overdue slumber, Trent fakes his own death to escape the eye of his storm. This situation becomes even more complicated when it is found out that Trent has won the lottery. With multiple twists and turns, you follow this trio of friends as they try to protect their lives together through the hell storm Trent has caused.

First of all, Devon Mahon is exceptional as Trent, approaching each moment with effortless sincerity and humor. He has made Trent into a character that even though may infuriate you, you can't help but adore his presence when he appears onstage. David Magadan captures Owen's heart. Seeing Magadan in multiple productions at Brelby, it was beautiful to see him bring life to a character who is so delicately loving. The lovely Shelby Maticic has you in the palm of her hand throughout the entire show, making Olivia the beautiful and selfless "girl next door", who will steal any man's heart the moment she smiles at them. It was obvious to see that Olivia is the rock for both of these boys, and Maticic delivers each line with radiant ease, and positivity.

However, no story is complete without a tight bunch of strong supporting characters. Megan O'Conner gives a heartbreaking performance as Trent's mother, Theresa, pouring every ounce of her soul into each scene she graces her presence in. Seeing O'Conner dive into her dramatic acting chops was refreshing. I could see multiple women wiping tears from their face during her many emotional monologues. On the other side of the "mama" coin, Chelsea Jauregui is a hoot as Owen's mother, finding a perfect balance between caring mother, and girl's crazy best friend. Also a difficult role, Jauregui handles her character with energy and fun, lighting up some of the more darker moments with her hilarious comedic timing. Wearing multiple different hats (or shall I say wigs?), Mat Vansen gives multiple distinct performances as Randy, and other walk-ins. Every play needs "the character guy" to enter, and steal the scene, and Vansen does just that with dedication, and effortless flare. 

Brian Maticic has written a rich, thought provoking piece with dialogue that seems to just roll of an actors tongue. It is not hard to feel entranced into the world he has created with his ability to pull our heart strings one minute, and make us cry from laughter the next. I have no doubt this play will be produced again, hopefully even published for all the world to read. Of course, no show can be put together without a fearless leader, and Fernando Perez, the director, has done some remarkable work. He has managed to believably create a slice of real life in a world of absurdity. I hope that he will continue to pursue his talent in future projects.

All and all, Windfall is theatrical roller coaster. It takes you through hoops; it raises questions; it pushes boundaries. Good dark comedies are hard to come by, and this one is definitely a memorable piece of theatre. 

Windfall continues this weekend, and closes next Saturday, the 13th. Hop onto brelby.com, or call (623) 282-2781 to secure tickets before they are all gone!

A Sweet Love Note to 2015

2015 was the year I almost didn't see. It was the year I not only realized how important it is to take care of yourself, but that nothing, as cliche as it sounds, is impossible. Along with that, it was also the year I learned that it is important to recognize those you love when you still can hold them in your arms (RIP Tata). My limits were challenged this year, but I was blessed in multiple different ways. I  I would love to say I have completely transformed as a person... but there are always steps to take. I may not be fully confident in who I am, or what I can do,but I am here. I am breathing. I am continuing to take risks, and fight for what I want.

A year of hardships, and love is nothing without the people you share it with. So, I would like to take this opportunity to mention those who made this year a little easier.

 Jessi: My best friend since Junior year. The woman I can always count on to see in the audience as I take my bow, or listen to me attentively as I bitch about one thing or another. Thank you for being a friend to me all these years. Thank you for picking up the phone at all hours of the night. Thank you for being on my side even when I know I am wrong. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, the strongest woman I admire everyday. Please know that no matter what, I will always have your back. Thank you for being in my life.

 Dejon: A therapist. A brother. You and I have had quite a ride together. You are the one to be my voice of reason, but never make me feel ridiculous for my feelings. I am so proud of your accomplishments this year- finding your passion for acting again, and moving on to U of A. You make me proud every time I see you. And your tendency to check up on me every now and then just to say "hello" means more than you could know. I love you buddy. Thank you for being an example of what a friend, and man should be.

 Eric: A man of utter talent, humor, and heart. I don't think I could put into words how much our friendship means to me. On my worse days, you lend me your ears. On my best days, you are the first to applaud. When I need someone to shake me, and bring me back to reality, you are the first one to do so. Thank you for being a friend I can play with on and offstage. Thank you for always being willing to hear my endless banter. Thank you for telling me I am enough when I don't believe it myself. And thank you for never making me feel stupid when I share my ups and downs. You are my pal. The most talented actor I have ever met.Cinderella was an absolute blessing having you by my side. Please know how much potential and ability you have to rock this world. Remember me when you star in your own sitcom that you probably will produce, and write yourself.

 Ursa: A best friend. A kind, gentle soul. A woman who has more heart in her finger than I do in my entire body. My god girl, I would be lost without you. You have been such an incredible friend to me,and I don't think I can repay you for all of the love you have showed me this year. You have remained at my side through it all, and it has been such a blessing getting to know everything about you. Thank you for showing me love when I needed it the most. For having my back when I was down. For taking me to school, or Safeway, or auditions because I am a broke ass bitch. For laughing with me when I wanted to cry. I love you girl. You are such a special person. And I will always, always, ALWAYS be there for you until the end.

 Shelby: My gab pal. My favorite makeup queen. A friend to act ridiculous with, and who encourages me to be my best. I love you so much, and I am so glad you came back into my life when you did. Late night trips to Walmart, or shopping parties to the mall are memories I cherish with all of my heart. You were there for me at my worst, and what you did for me is something I can never repay. Thank you for being a stage mom at all of my shows. Thank you for doing me up for all of my special occasions. Thank you for driving my broke ass around when I need a lift. Thank you for allowing me to be my silly self. Thank you for pushing me to see myself as the beautiful woman I see when I look at you.

 Madi: My biggest cheerleader. The most boss ass bitch I have ever met. Becoming closer with you this year is one of the things I am most grateful for. You have always been such a passionate, fiery soul, and it has been wonderful seeing you blossom into the lovely woman you are today. Thank you for cheering the loudest when you see me on stage. Thank you for laughing with me until we can't breathe. Thank you for offering me a hug when I need a boost. And thank you for inspiring me to push myself in my art. You astound me everyday with how talented, and intelligent you are with everything you do. You are the pure epitome of "you can do anything you set your mind to". You are the artist I strive to be, and I have no doubt you will continue to take this world by storm.

 Nathan: My little brother from another mother. This semester brought us from acquaintances to good friends, and that makes me so happy. Thank you for our many talks in the PAC. Thank you for being patient as I spill my guts out to you for the millionth time. Thank you for checking up on me to make sure I am okay. And thank you for having the biggest smile on your face when I share good news. This semester I saw you take charge, and believe in your ability as both a designer, and a person. And because you reminded me in your lovely Christmas card, it is my duty to remind you-"You are enough. You are more than enough. Never let anyone tell you different".

 Robert: One of the best people I have ever met. A man of absolute heart, determination, and spunk. Thank you for pushing me to love who I am. Thank you for lending me your shoulder when I need to cry. Thank you for helping me sort out my crazy, mixed up mind. Thank you for taking the time to help me see that I have control of my own damn life. You are wonderful, and know that you deserve to be everyone's first choice. You are more than the man that is there to pick up everyone's messes, you are the man whose strength we try to emulate as we face our own battles. This year I know has been very hard for you. But the courage, and fire you have every day just to wake up in the morning, and face the flames, is something that will carry you through the storm. I love you buddy. And I am here to take on those fiery pits of any hell storm with you.

 Ixy: My lady love. My sister. The most talented woman I have ever met, and the kind of fearless performer I admire with such awe. You are the definition of a woman with radiance. Thank you for being with me when I take a bow. Thank you for the endless rides (You rock Uptadel family) to rehearsal and back. Thank you for the sleepovers when I need a place to veg out. Thank you for offering me a protein bar when you know I forgot to eat dinner. You are very precious to me, and I hope to have many, many more journeys with you on and off the stage. "I would not wish any companion in the world but you...now, now sister don't be modest-I'm sure he'll pick you." (: Mandy: My sister from another mister. Regardless how many times we see each other a year, when we do, it is like no time has passed. Thank you for being one of my biggest support systems. Thank you for hearing my countless stories, and never seeming bored. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, and for our special talks that I always look forward to when we can meet. I love you to the moon and back girl. You are such a special woman, one of grace and modesty, and I know that you have a beautiful life ahead of you, even more beautiful than your presence is in this world.

 Amber: A woman I hope to grow up to be. Through it all, you have been there for me with no complaints. You have opened your soul, and offered me words of wisdom. You have chosen to spend wonderful afternoons with me, and for that, I am forever grateful. When you walked into my life two years ago, you showed me what it meant to be a friend. You demonstrate the kind of person I want to be. I hope you know how much you mean to me, and how much of who you are is going to take you to the highest of heights in this world. Keep kicking ass girl. You are capable of anything.

 The Bond Family: I hope you find your way to read this, because without you guys, my life would be so empty. Thank you for treating me as one of your own. Thank you Steve, for always yelling "Bravo" when I take my bow. Thank you Jackie, for your sweet texts, just to tell me that you love me. Thank you Christine, for with every performance giving me the best encouragement. Thank you Chelsea, for reminding me that it is okay not to be okay. I can always count on you guys to route for me as I do anything in this world. Your loving souls have lifted me up when I fell down, and please know that I will be here for you guys with whatever you need.

M3: Whenever I think of any of you guys, I think of this group. This group became so much more than just friends who watch movies together. We have become a family. Whether it's being there to support each other at our many performances, or offering love when life gets in the way, having you guys in my life has been such a blessing these past few years, (holy cow, YEARS?!). 

Brian and Shelby: I know, I know. Beating a dead horse with how much I love you guys, but I just can't not include you in this thank you. As you know, I was very lost coming to your theatre. I was searching for a place to take my "next step" in my career. Then, I lost myself. I didn't believe I had the talent or fire within me to succeed in this business. I hated who I saw in the mirror; I didn't believe I had the strength to continue to try. Your theatre saved my life. It helped me to discover that little energetic, dramatic girl who loved performing so much, that I thought died. Thank you for giving a chance. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't. Thank you for sending me messages filled of love when I wasn't feeling my best. Because of you guys, I found that I am capable. Because of you two, I rebuilt the Alexxis that I thought was gone. Because of the theatre you have created, I found not only another place to feel warm in, but a place to create. To inspire. To imagine. To tell my insecurity monster to shut the hell up. Thank you for showing me that I am enough. I will continue to spread your mission, and encourage everyone to come experience your beautiful company. 

Brelby Family: Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. Thank you for inspiring me to be the best performer I can be. Thank you for cheering me on opening night of Fangirl, when I was petrified of disappointing you. Thank you for showing me that it is not about the recognition, or proving something to others, it is about the art.

 You all have left a big hand print on my heart. 2015 was a little insane, but because of you, I survived the many peaks and valleys. I may have lost a piece of myself, but I gained so much more in the end. Most importantly, I gained all of you. 

Here is to 2016. May it bring to us joy, good challenges, and many self discoveries. 

"You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you are". 
-Alexxis

Understanding Feminism

    So over the last few weeks, I have been shocked to learn how many people disagree with feminism. When I would mention that it is the belief that men and women should be equal, they agreed with the notion, but continued to disagree with me about labeling yourself as a "feminist" because in their mind, it was about women superiority. I would go to explain that there are women out there who pervert feminism, making it seem like its this"let's hate men" fiesta, but that is far from feminists are trying to achieve. Their response was a faint nod of casual agreement, and I just gave up on trying to make them care.

So, how about we talk about feminism, shall we?

1. Feminism is the belief that both sexes should be equal socially, politically, and economically. THAT IS IT.

    It is not about women being more powerful than men. It is not about proving women are the better sex, and all men are horny douchebags who need to be "taken down" (please, if you call yourself a feminist and seriously believe this, you need to rethink how that is not hypocritical). It is simply the belief that men and women should be treated with the same amount of respect, given the same pay, and not be oppressed by society or our government. If you agree with any of these concepts, guess what my friend, you are a feminist.

2. It fights for the rights of both sexes, not just women.

   Yes, feminism is not just for women. It supports the rights of men as well. Men should not be subjected to sexual harassment, assault, or domestic violence. Neither should women. If a woman hits her boyfriend, she should be given the same treatment as a man who hits his wife. No gray area. Just like women should not be slut shamed for being sexually active, or harassed for not enjoying "feminine" activities, a man should not be labeled as "weak" or called a "pussy" for not being good at football, or deciding to remain abstinent until his wedding day. Feminism is all about not letting one's anatomy dictate how he/she should be treated. We are all human beings. We should not be treated differently just because of what is in our pants. 

3. It's all about respect.

      If a girl is walking down the street near a busy intersection, don't shout at her. If a guy is running  in a park with his shirt off, don't catcall. If a woman has given herself the consent to drink and is quite intoxicated, don't take advantage of her. And if a man doesn't want to be intimate one night, don't force him to. This is what feminism is all about. Respecting each other's personal space.

So, awesome! Equality is great. But, this is 2015. Why do we still need to be active feminists?

    Regardless of how simple these concepts are, they are not being practiced. Women are still being paid less than men. Rape cases for both sexes are still not being taken seriously. Women and young girls are still being asked "what were you wearing?" when reporting a sexual assault. And domestic and sexual violence against men is treated as a mocking display of their masculinity. We have fought so hard, and are still so far. So what can we do as individuals to truly reach the goal of gender equality?

1. Don't mock feminism or feminists. Yes, like every thing good in this earth, there are people out there who pervert the main concept. Become educated, and learn how feminism protects the fundamental rights of both men and women.

2. Understand that every time you make a rape joke, or categorize either sex with a derogatory label, you are being part of the problem. 

3. Respect each other's choices, and if you don't, keep your mouth shut. How a person decides to live their personal life (as long it is not harmful to themselves or others) is none of your business. 

4. If you are a witness or victim to a violent act of any kind, take action. 

5. If you see someone being sexually harassed, speak up. 

Basically like our kindergarten teachers taught us: treat others how you want to be treated. 

Feminism is more than just a movement, it is a basic human right. We all deserve to be treated as equals. And it is time more than ever to start taking serious action, and understand that feminism is not about "taking the man down". It is about fighting for our rights as human beings. 

A Year Ago Today..

So many wonderful things have happened to me this past week. One that has really made me take a step back and look at myself through a different mirror was being cast as one of my dream roles, Miranda, in Shakespeare's The Tempest at Brelby Theatre Company. Now of course, every role is a gift, and whenever you get the chance to work as an actor is always something to thank your lucky stars for. But why this opportunity is so precious to me is because of who I was a year ago. And that me, was not even dreaming of continuing to act. She was fighting for the strength to live.

Flashback to Summer 2014 Alexxis: Self-deprecating. self-loathing. Beating herself up for previous performances and missed "marks" in her acting that she thought defined her talent. Unable to step in front of her summer Shakespeare class and deliver Cleopatra without stepping upstage out of complete fear. Unable to perform a monologue or a made up scene in her room without bursting into tears, and telling herself she was shit. Depression and anxiety were tearing her apart, she didn't ever think she would be able to act again, or be cast by someone who had a basic idea of what talent was. 

With counseling I began making progress with my mental health. And when fall semester started, I was in recognition about how I was feeling, and that it was not something to be ashamed of. However, the beginning of this year my depression took a turn for the worst. I started experiencing more panic attacks, and one awful afternoon, I almost attempted to end my life. I hated who I was. I didn't think I would ever have the strength or fire to accomplish my dreams. If I was always going to be in my own way, what was the point of being here anyways?

Everyday since then has been a struggle. With many peaks and valleys, I certainly mastered the dance of "one step forward, two steps back". I cannot say that I am recovered, but I can say that I have made some triumphs. From the help of caring friends and loved ones, I have found the courage to breathe. And because of the overwhelming compassion and energy of Brelby, I have found the fire to act again out of pure love, and discover that I am capable of a lot more than I give myself credit for. Oh boy, there is still a long way to go. And my crippling feelings of self doubt still creep up now and again. But I have been shown that life is worth experiencing, and that I do have the power to make a fulfilling life for myself. 

So here is my shout out to you, dear friends. Whether it be to those who are struggling with depression, experiencing low self-esteem, or simply just doubting your ability to accomplish your heart's desires; you are extraordinary. Never let yourself, or anyone break you down to a level where you doubt your worth or capability in this world. You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you are. The journey I am sure has not been easy. But I promise you my love, it will be worth it. There is so much to discover. So much to live for. So much beauty in this life to experience. And from someone who was so close to taking away her opportunity to see it, believe me when I say that everything will be okay. Yes, life can be a bitch. All that means is you just need to take it down. (;

Thank you to everyone over this past year for your love and support. It has given me the strength to fight. I am certainly not lying when I say I could have not gotten here without all of you. <3