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As I'm writing this in May 2023, it's hard to even imagine how different my life looked at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Traversing the country, flitting from gig to gig, regional theater to school, bus to van, proscenium to round, to a complete stand-still. I was fortunate enough to navigate a few contracts in 2020-2021 that were able to continue, as safely as possible. However, the glitz and glam of being a non-equity actor was starting to fade. All that glitters is in fact not gold. My partner, Derek, and I had to make significant and difficult decisions about the future. Our desires changed. We still wanted to be artists, but at what cost? There had to be a more sustainable way. We didn't necessarily find the answer, but we did create a new way of living that would eventually become our "new normal." We moved back to Southwest Florida, this time settling in Bradenton along the Manatee River—nestled just in between Sarasota and St. Petersburg, two uniquely cultural and beachy escapes. We each found what I lovingly call "muggle jobs," me back in the marketing and communications sphere, and Derek in a project manager role... and, somehow, between all of this change, we were able to slowly crawl back into artistic projects. I say slowly with a smirk, because it's actually incredible what we've been able to achieve in our relatively short time in Florida. Since moving back to this area less than 2 years, I've been a part of 9 (NINE!!!!!) projects: seven of which were new works, world premieres, or self-created & written. The other two were blockbuster, prolific pieces in the fabric of musical theater canon. To say I'm hashtag-blessed is an understatement. AUGUST 2021 I directed the new play, O.U.T. by Derek Sikkema, as part of the Sarasota Players' New Play Festival 2021. The play festival took place virtually over Zoom in August, and O.U.T. was first runner up in the festival. OCTOBER 2021 I directed the new play, That Kiss by D.C. Cathro, as part of Theatre Odyssey's One Act Play Festival. It starred two of my favorite local actresses, Tahlia Byers and Kathryn Parks. Our play won first prize at the festival, which is such an honor for both the playwright and our trio of women. AUGUST 2021 - NOVEMBER 2021 I got to revisit Into the Woods for the third time, reprising my role as The Baker's Wife with a new theatre company, JUMP! Encore. The outdoor production took place amongst the live oak trees at Hunsader Farms. I previously played the role at McLeod Summer Playhouse in 2017; and played the Stepmother at TheatreZone in Naples, 2015. DECEMBER 2021 - FEBRUARY 2022 I was a part of the world premiere cast of Ruby at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, FL. The production was meant to run January 12, 2022 - February 27, 2022 - but experienced several delays and an eventual cancellation due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Ruby will return to the stages of WBTT in 2024. APRIL 2022 - MAY 2022 I created, wrote, directed, and choreographed the original Broadway-style revue called The Sarasota Divas with the Players Centre of Sarasota. This "Broadway on the Bay" series was held at Selby Gardens in Sarasota and Waterside at Lakewood Ranch in May, and featured several Sarasota stage favorites: Eve Caballero, Kathryn Parks, Alana Opie, Jennifer Baker, and Berry Ayers. Oh! And a guest appearance by moi—because why not write yourself into the show? JULY 2022 I was honored to be a part of Derek Brookens' new play reading, Gin Rickey, as part of the Sarasota Players New Play Festival 2022. I played the role of Lina, directed by Elliott Raines. JULY 2022 - OCT 2022 ICONIC! I got to direct and choreograph RENT in Manatee Performing Arts Center's Kiwanis Studio Theater, an intimate 75-seat black box. Read my director's note here to learn more about our production. MARCH 2023 Danae starred in "Nineteen" by Katherine Michelle Tanner, a new musical about the women's suffragist movement with Tree Fort Productions in Sarasota, FL. This two-hander explored the people who worked to get the 19th amendment passed. It was so special to share the stage with the writer and composer, Miss KMT herself! FEB - MAY 2023 The Hat Theater Collective, founded by Danae DeShazer, premiered its inaugural production: "The Ballad of Old Manatee," an original musical inspired by true events from early Manatee County history. This immersive, outdoor theatrical experience debuted at the Manatee Village Historical Park in downtown Bradenton, FL. "The Ballad of Old Manatee" was created by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens. With a story by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens, the book, music, and lyrics were written by Derek Brookens. Directed by and self-produced by Danae DeShazer. Read all about it here! In collaboration with Manatee Village Historical Commission, Inc., the production raised thousands of dollars for historical preservation. I am endlessly proud of the work, the creative process, and just happy to be here.
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