casting, directing, consulting
for much of my career, I have had the honor of working with many other incredibly talented folks. and here are some words about alla that jazz.
Delivering feedback without bias
Staying true to the needs of the work
Feedback is issued to serve the needs of the work (verbatim script performance, clear communication, etc.) but before delivering feedback it is essential to first ask:
Is there an error that impedes the work?
Or is there an unconscious bias to be addressed first?
Comb through your language first for bias before sending to the talent.
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Whether you are asking for a correction based on your own listening, or on behalf of a client’s revision request: first determine if the error is a mistake or merely a naturally occurring linguistic hallmark of the talent’s identity.
Do Isolate errors. Also consider filtering any feedback that came directly from the client
Don’t Send off a request for a correction without first adjusting any unintentional micro/macro aggressions
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The best performance comes from a supported environment, free from the threat of personal attacks. To remain as neutral as possible, remain as universal as possible.
Do Use references: Beyoncé, Martha Stewart, Jonathan Van Ness
Don’t Assume you are free of unconscious bias. None of us are unscathed, and we owe it to each other to foster honest environments to complete our best work.
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For example:
Make sure the feedback you are delivering could be received by any party without causing offense. Always ask yourself:
If you were receiving it, how would you prefer this feedback to be delivered?
What words would hurt you, affect your performance, or make you roll your eyes?
Are you giving feedback that relates to the work, or does it actually comment on the performer’s self somehow?
How can you take problematic feedback, find its universal common denominator, and adjust the language accordingly?
And, of course, it’s always a great idea to consume content from creators different than yourself. The broader our horizons, the better we are at communicating overall.
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“The voice is the very emblem of the speaker, indelibly woven into the fabric of speech.”
twas an honor of a lifetime to cast and direct:
Shadow Realm Season 2
“Shadow Realm is the magical, coming-of-age tale of Arya, a teenager who is tormented by demons. Anything to do with his ethnicity, food, traditions or the fascinating mythological stories he has been raised with, has become the building block of unpleasant school experiences…”
For fans of Vedic mythology, young adult adventure, and exciting story-driven audio, Season 2 of Shadow Realm, cast and directed by Elise Randall Modica, is available wherever you get your podcasts!
land acknowledgement, Chicago
Chicago land acknowledgement & ojibwe cultural consultation for:
GAZSCHEBET featured in Bramble’s Fall Reading Series...
Public Reading on October 9th, 2023
A portion of this reading’s proceeds will go to support Chi-Nations Youth Council and the work they do uniting indigenous generations through education and the tending of their First Nations Community Garden.
Client
The Bramble Theatre Co.
Year
2023