In every neighborhood, there is someone who makes the Arts a part of their life, and our community. You'd be surprised to discover how many different people use the arts to improve the quality of life in our hometown. EAT MORE ART! VEGAS will feature them regularly in our series "10 Bites."
What performing art do you do?
I have the great honor of directing Marcus Weiss in this one-person show, Every Brilliant Thing. This devised work was written by Duncan McMillan and the result of many workshops and several years of dedicated work. MacMillan responsibly addresses the subject of depression and suicide with great sensitivity and invites the audience to join in the journey: The magical thinking of a 7-year-old boy and his unwavering belief that he can heal his mother’s severe depression by creating a list of Every Brilliant Thing is the just beginning of a remarkable journey One rich in all the humor, love, passion and sorrow that life promises.
Why do you do it?
We open on September 13 and run for 3 weekends, Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday Matinee at 2 pm.
What’s your favorite production/performance so far?
Working with Marcus and my Stage Manager, Nicole Killion. There is so much joy, love and laughter that happens in our rehearsals. We laugh alot. Don’t get me wrong, we challenge each other, discover, but we’re laughing along the way because it’s a delightfully funny script. That's what makes this work magical- it's like life, filled with both humor and pain.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I teach at Theatre at The College of Southern Nevada and have worked as a voice over artist. I currently have the honor of working part-time for Dignity Health in their Palliative Care Department.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I've had the great privilege of audiences sharing how past performances have affected them. As a performance artist, my intention is to tell the story with honesty and integrity. It's my prayer that the work will create a new perspective or discovery, provide some kind of healing or just take them on an unexpected journey.
What would you be doing if you weren't performing your art?
Finding another way to bring art into my life.
Name something you love about Las Vegas, and why.
Taken from my personal list of Every Brilliant Thing: getting to walk my dogs in the wee hours of the morning and watching the sunrise and change colors- it's as if this moment is made just for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Show up. Show up on time. Show up on time and dressed to play.
What superpower would you have and why?
I would like to be Gill Girl because I have a great passion for the ocean and dream of swimming underwater with whales and dolphins.
Any future projects?
I'm delighted to share that I'lll be directing Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at the Las Vegas Little Theatre in February!
See Jane Walsh's latest project, Every Brilliant Thing now playing at Cockroach Theatre Company!
Are you a local artist of any discipline? Do you work with a company as a designer, stagehand or administrative staff? We'd love to get your 10 Bites to share. Fill out a form here, and you might be featured in a post!