As another Thanksgiving passes, I wanted to take a quick second to thank those who have been so helpful to me throughout this year. Below are some great people who if you don't know already, you might want to.
Michael Ian Cedar- A dear friend with his own awesome blog. Michael has been supportive of my move from teaching full time to bootsrapping this business.
Joshua Rivedal- One of the PLAE Alumni who just started his own blog. Josh has been a great sounding board for me as I continue to develop my projects.
Richard Biever- Founder of Singing on Stage productions, Richard has been kind enough to give me the opportunity to speak on two of his panels and it has been great.
Amanda Slavin- Introduced me to the book The Tipping Point and changed my view of connecting forever.
Katrina Ylimaki- PLAE Alumni and one of the founders of the West Village Musical Theatre Festival, is always supportive of my endeavors.
My BNI Chapter 46- A really great group of folks who have been supportive of my work thus far and have helped me make some great connections
Lenny Schwartz- One of my best friends who has produced shows that I have written and worked with me now for 15 years
Lilli Wosk- Another PLAE Alumni who has been so supportive of what I do and so helpful
Robin Carus and Jennifer Ajemian of J&R Creative- Whenever I have had a casting need or was looking for someone for a project they have both been there and have also been there when I've needed a friend.
Ken Davenport- For always being a great mentor who I can come to with questions and challenges.
Jessica Porter- For being a part of my first stab at a networking group and supporting the work I do.
The list could go on and on, but these are just a handful of the influential people in my life who have been there for me as I have navigated the waters of entrepreneurship. Make sure you take the time today to thank those who have helped you. It's important.
Excelsior!
Want to take a class in my new school? Click here.
The next Solving for X is coming up. Grab your tickets here.
I created an evening version of Solving for X for those who cannot do weekends here.
So as we all sit down to enjoy our turkey with our families, we're called to think about what we are thankful for. As I look back at this year, there are a number of folks who I just want to say Thank you to and here they are:
Shelby Company- This scrappy bunch of newcomers has done nothing but amazing work since I first started coming and seeing their shows. They have the rest of the day to finish their Kickstarter campaign and I wish them nothing but the best. If you have a little extra, consider sending a little something. They are really awesome.
The Planet Connections Festivity- Started by my dear friend Glory Kadigan, this festivity has been a launching pad for many new and awesome companies. I have met so many great directors, playwrights, and designers through this festival and look forward to meeting many more.
Broadwayworld.com- This site has hosted my column 99 and Under the Radar for a full year now and it has been a great experience for me. A special shout out to my friend Jessica Lewis who approached me year ago to do this column.
My producing partners on all of my development projects- I would not be able to do any of the things I have done without the support of my many producing partners over the past year. So thank you to Michael Ian Cedar, Jeremy Handelman, Alex Orbovich, Kate Russo, Patricia Klausner, David Greer, Dauna Williams, Sarak Melissa Rotker, Bill Connington, and many more for helping me realize many of my producing dreams.
My long time mentor and the reason I blog, Ken Davenport.
All of the folks who have helped Small Pond either by helping on our productions or just being there for support. Including: Mariette Booth, Allison Broder, Sarah Jane Marek, Sergei Burbank, Peter Dagger, and Rachel Klein.
Last but not least, my family including my mom who reads this blog every day.
Hi mom.
And my girlfriend Norah who listens to every "new" idea I have which can be a tiring task. Thanks for believing in me.
And of course Thank YOU for reading this blog.
It's wonderful to know I have readers who enjoy hearing from me. So cut that Turkey, enjoy your nap and of course...
Excelsior!
I wanted to take a moment today to honor a really great producer. This isn't a producer in the traditional sense. She's never raised money for a show or acted or directed anything, but she has worked extensively with budgets and the managing of personal relationships. She's worked with numerous teams and has taught dozens of people how to do their jobs well. She's from Rhode Island and has a similar day job to mine. You won't find her on facebook or linkedin, but I know for a fact she reads this blog. She works incredibly hard everyday and truly changes the lives of the children she teaches. She also produced something I think is kind of cool.
Me.
Happy Birthday, Mom.
Thanks for everything you do for me and for the kids you teach.
Oh! and I promise to call more often
Excelsior!
As my mother calls out my name to come downstairs and hop in the car, I'm writing this quick blog post. In a few hours I will be filled with good food, and spending time with my family anf friends. I wish you and yours the very best today on a day when we as producers don't have to worry about getting a show up (unless any of you are doing A Christmas Carol or another Holiday-themed piece) and can just be concerned with our family and friends. I also got a very nice gift. I found out this blog is one of the top 50 NBC Universal blogs, so thanks to all of my readers who have gotten it to this point in such a short time!
Happy Holidays folks! Now stop reading this an get your nogg on!
And if you're in the city, check out ZERO tonight as a possible movie alternative. I know you will not be disappointed.
Excelsior!
