Cuz, She's a Star!

Fulfilling a dream is…tiring.  It’s like wrestling with a bear.  You’re tangled, trying to get a good grasp, trying to get on top, and you finally pin it down.  You win.  You’ve conquered it, but you are pooped!

I’ve been wrestling with a bear for the past six years!

Being a business owner…being a woman…being a woman business owner…

Tiring.

It isn’t easy, not always fun, can be a bit lonely, make you question your intelligence, and beat you up mentally.

And I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

Sounds cliché.  Yes, I know.  But I’m chasing after something I’m passionate about.  I’m chasing after something that makes me happy.  I’m chasing after something that gives me joy to do, even in the hard moments.  That’s more than a lot of people can say.  Many don’t know what their passionate about…what makes them tick…what gives them butterflies in their stomach.  Many don’t know their purpose.  And I don’t say that to put anyone down.  Everyone’s path is different.  Some may never find it.  Some may take a little bit longer than others.  I’m just grateful that I’m among the chosen few that know what it is now and am doing something about it.

As I said earlier, being a business owner isn’t easy.  There are times that I just want to give up!  Like, when it’s tax season and I have to account for every minute detail over the last year.  Even this OCD girl has her head spin at the very notion of filing taxes.  

Thank God for mom (she’s a bookkeeper and helps me with them every year)!  

Or when I have to figure out how I’m going to fund the many, many projects that I have floating around in my “this is a great idea” folder that lives in my head…and on my jump drive...and on post-its...and my journal...and scraps of paper at the bottom of my bag...

I’m faced with the question, “How do I get others excited about what I’m doing?  How do I win their buy-in?” 

Thing about this business, it’s a lot about who you know…not what.  I just need to get in front of the right people because then, they’ll see my passion. 

Doesn’t always work that way.

Try a different approach.

So, I go back to the drawing board with my team…oh, my team!  My amazing, talented, full of black girl magic team!

They are my rock and foundation (outside of Christ, of course!). 

They tell me when I’m being silly, unrealistic, too optimistic (which is rare), when I should scale back, push my boundaries…they give me balance.  I couldn’t do it without them.  No one can do it all without a village behind them (thanks Shonda for that…everyone needs a village!).

I have called them to cry, to say, “I can’t do this.”  I have passed things off to them…I have taken things from them.  They see MaineDrama with me…they see the beauty…I’ve got their buy-in.  How?

Time.

It all takes time…and I am an impatient woman.  But I see the worth in MDP.  She’s my baby.  My six year old baby.  My demanding, spoiled, very particular baby.  I’m a proud mama who thinks her kid is a star…even if you don’t.  I’m standing up, front row-center, clapping my hands off at her stellar performance (cuz, in my head it was a stellar performance and if you tried to argue with me and tell me otherwise, you might get the hands). 

But, I’m programmed to see her beauty instantaneously…with you, it may take time.  But, at least you’re taking notice.

She’s amazing…and she’ll continue to do great things because I’m part of her village.  I’m the freaking ring leader!

Everyone needs that.

Black Women...Producers...Directors...an Anomaly?

Hey you. Yes you, reading this (thanks for that btw). I have a question for you. Ready? Can you do me a favor and name three Black female directors/producers that are NOT named Oprah, Ava, or Shonda? ...Have some answers for me yet? You didn't Google it did you? If you did, no judgement. Want to know why I won't judge you? Perhaps you can't think of names off the top of your head because Black women are still fighting for opportunities. Perhaps you can't think of Black female directors and producers as easily because they are working in an industry that is dominated by White men. And perhaps there are plenty of Black female producers and directors that are quite talented and do amazing work, but you just don't know of them because they don't receive as much recognition as others.

Deadline recently published an article stating that the The Academy Awards show that aired on February 28th experienced an eight year low in ratings. I will be honest and I say I may have contributed to that. I did not watch. I didn't initially plan to do it as some type of political statement. Yes, it's airing was right off the heels of the popular #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, which shed light on the lack of diversity within The Academy. But more than anything, there was simply just a lack of interest. I didn't even remember that it was airing on that particular day and time, which is quite sad considering my love for media, film, and acting. The award show used to be something I'd watch to gain motivation. It used to be something that inspired me and made me think, "Kenya, this is what you are capable of, if you just continue to dream, believe, and work hard." But is that really true? Is believing, and talent, and hard work enough--especially as a Black woman in America? The older I become, the more conscious and aware I become of societal influences and how they affect my life and those that are like me. The Oscars was no longer something I could watch for inspiration. It was a microcosm of a larger issue and a reminder of the harsh realities of life.

The more I confronted my newly found lack of interest in The Oscars, the more I also realized that maybe the feeling was mutual. Perhaps I wasn't its target demographic. Maybe it meant so little to me, because I meant so little to it/them. Sure, Chris Rock was asked to be the host, but even that couldn't make up for the fact that people of color, specifically Black women, were highly underrepresented, not just on stage, but within The Academy in general. The easy rebuttal is "well DO something about it" or "create your own award shows". And the easy answer to that is "we have been DOING something" and "we have created our own shows". Black women have fought immensely and tirelessly for equality. Black women have created "Black Girls Rock" and "Essence's Black Women in Hollywood" to honor and inspire young Black girls and women alike. All of those things are important and they matter, but it doesn't stop there. How much less are we getting paid in comparison to our counterparts? How much does having an Academy Award, or even a nomination, affect your reputation, opportunities, and pay? And how much does reputation, opportunities, and pay influence one's ability to answer the question "Name three Black female directors/producers"? Creating our own does not mean that we must stop striving to gain more access.
 
MaineDrama Productions is comprised of three Black women who all desire to one day be one of those names that come to mind when you think of Black female directors and producers. It is our hope that you assist us in utilizing the arts to make a difference. We want to create work that shines a light on taboo topics. We want to create meaningful work that challenges the status quo and educates, uplifts, empowers, inspires, and provokes conversation. But we can't get there without access. We can't get there without resources. And we can't get there without support. Although i've had to accept some of the harsh realities of life about institutional racism & sexism, power dynamics, and under-representation, I've also accepted that there is hope and a difference can be made. But we will need your help to do it. More info on how you can assist us here.

Oh, and if you're still googling Black female directors/producers, you can stop now. "Tramaine, Kenya, and Adriene" will do just fine :-)

May Newsletter: MaineDrama's Monthly News Update...Check Us Out!

Thank you for supporting MaineDrama Productions! View this email in your browser MaineDrama Productions  Newsletter A one-stop shop for all your MaineDrama business! HELP US MEET OUR GOAL!   Time is winding down!  Where did it go?  And this is how I feel right now...screaming!!!! Rehearsals for Point...Blank...Period! started two days ago and July will be here before we know it!  AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!  Rehearsal spaces confirmed, cast and crew signed, and all of the other pieces are coming together.  We're moving forward.  We are excited about the show...I KNOW you will be too! We're still fundraising and need to raise $3000 by June 1, 2014.  Click the button below or the link above to help us reach our goal.  We can't do it without you!!  But, you already know that.  You keep us moving forward. Want to make a specific donation or one in-kind?  Email us at info@mainedramapro.com. You can purchase ad space, donate set materials, and more.  Just ask us how! We finally received our location and show dates!!!  The show will be held at the Goethe Institut – Gallery (812 7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20001).  Show dates are:   July 11, 2014 at 10:00 pm July 16, 2014 at 9:30 pm July 20, 2014 at 8:30 pm July 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm July 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm As soon as tickets go on sale, we’ll let you know!  So, keep checking back in!!  Point…Blank…Period! is a riveting compilation of spoken word, monologues, and short scenes centered around a woman’s period!  That’s right…that monthly visitor that we can’t live with but can’t live without. This production will look at various women’s love/hate relationship with that life-giving function that we so desperately need. Whether you’re a man or woman, this promises to be a funny and insightful look at ‘Aunt Flow.’  Donate/Invest Today! Connecting Exploratory Artists with Adventurous Audiences This production is presented as a part of the 2014 Capital Fringe Festival, a program of the Washington, DC non-profit Capital Fringe. FEATURED EMERGING ARTIST OF THE MONTH Necole Ryse is an upcoming young adult fiction writer from the small town of Clinton, MD, with big hopes, dreams, and ambitions. She graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in 2009. As most post-college kids endure, Necole jumped from job to job in attempts to set financial stability for her future. Unfortunately, while working and saving so much, she forgot one thing: to enjoy life. In May 2013, she quit her job and decided to follow her dreams to write fiction. She gave herself one year to become a signed author or she was going back to work. Guess which one happened first? Necole enjoys binge watching Harry Potter, chocolate covered pretzels and Criminal Minds marathons.    Contact info:  Website: www.necoleryse.com Twitter & IG: @necoleryse Facebook: www.facebook.com/necoleryse MAINEDRAMA PRODUCTIONS SUPPORTS... Creating a business can be tough. Let HDGrid help you get started. A quality logo, business card, or website can be the difference between nailing that first impression with customers/clients, and getting lost in the shuffle. HDGrid Graphics was founded with one goal in mind: helping entrepreneurs, artists, and local businesses succeed. Mixing years of graphic experience with a mindset and knowledge for business and marketing, we work diligently to assist in building your brand. Our team prides itself on professionalism and creativity, bringing a genuine passion to our work and treating your ideas as our own. Whether you currently run a small business, or are looking into starting your own company, we want to deliver stunning, captivating and unforgettable designs that can breathe life into your dream. At HDGrid, we’ve tackled a wide variety of projects. Logos, business cards, websites, shirts, magazines, flyers, album covers, professional presentations, letterhead, merchandise design – we’ve just about designed it all. You don’t have to stress about breaking your budget for quality design work. Bring us your project, and together we’ll make something great.   Ready to get started? Visit us at www.hdgrid.com, or email us at hdgridgraphics@gmail.com.   Brunch For A Cause returns this summer Sunday, June 22nd at M Street Bar & Grill in DC. All attendees will enjoy a three course meal and unlimited mimosas or champagne. Proceeds from this brunch will benefit Miriam's Kitchen, an organization focused on combating chronic homelessness. A representative from Miriam's Kitchen will be present to talk about the organization in more detail and answer questions. There will also be raffle prizes!!!     PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY JUNE 1, 2014   PURCHASE TICKET: http://brunchforacausesummer14.eventbrite.com    Facebook Website Twitter Email Instagram Blogger LinkedIn Copyright © 2014 MaineDrama Productions LLC, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Won't You Help Out A Friend Today?

Hello Friends!

I hope you are well!  As you know, I am in middle of production for my next project, Point...Blank...Period!  I'm so excited about the show and what's down the pipeline.

We just went through a few rounds of auditions and will start rehearsals at the end of this month!  Time is flying and there is still a mountain of things to accomplish before opening night.  I hope that you've been keeping up with our progress through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my website!

With anything that you want to do, and do it well, it takes financing.  First off, thank you to everyone that has financially supported us thus far.  It means so much and has helped us to keep this production going.  But we still have a ways to go.  Won't you help us out?  Below is a link to donate today.  Your support is how we keep going.

DONATE HERE

Tell your friends and keep driving the buzz about this show!  I promise, it will be well worth it!  The production is being presented as part of the 2014 Capital Fringe Festival, running July 10-27, 2014.  

Love you all and thank you in advance!

Tramaine

April Newsletter: Digest this month's MaineDrama News!

Thank you for supporting MaineDrama Productions! View this email in your browser MaineDrama Productions  Newsletter A one-stop shop for all your MaineDrama business! HELP US MEET OUR GOAL! but somewhere between awkward, pre-pubescent, giggle inducing, curiously animated films in elementary school…annnnnd realizing the blue liquid in maxi-pad commercials was actually supposed to be red… (which took me, way too long) I guess, I grew up a bit Guess what we did? We got the male perspective!  That's right...we got into the man's mind about the woman's monthly visit.  Want to hear more? You've got to stay connected with us, promote us, and donate! We're always fundraising and trying to spread the word about Point...Blank...Period!  It won't stop until the premiere of the show, July 10-27, 2014! Point…Blank…Period! is a riveting compilation of spoken word, monologues, and short scenes centered around a woman’s period!  That’s right…that monthly visitor that we can’t live with but can’t live without. This production will look at various women’s love/hate relationship with that life-giving function that we so desperately need. Whether you’re a man or woman, this promises to be a funny and insightful look at ‘Aunt Flow.’  Donate/Invest Today! Connecting Exploratory Artists with Adventurous Audiences This production is presented as a part of the 2014 Capital Fringe Festival, a program of the Washington, DC non-profit Capital Fringe. FEATURED EMERGING ARTIST OF THE MONTH Kenya D. Morris, affectionately known as "Kenya D.", prides herself in capitalizing on every opportunity that is given to her and using her passion for media and the arts to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Kenya is a native of Los Angeles, California, and received her collegiate education as a Radio/TV/Film student within the School of Communications, as well as a Theatre Arts student within the Division of Fine Arts at Howard University in Washington, DC. Kenya's love for the arts was sparked in her adolescence via touring nationally, as well as internationally with her high school's musical theatre ensemble. She continued to hone her skills in college by co-producing and acting in several student led TV, film, and theatre productions; coordinating, hosting, and participating in a monthly talent showcase on campus called "Wednesday Night Live"; and finding her voice as a writer via blogging, poetry, and spoken word. All of these opportunities have contributed to her love for artistic expression, as well as community outreach. Kenya is currently an education administrator, and a freelance consultant. When she isn't busy writing, doing make up, focusing on social activism, or performing & speaking at events in the DC area, you can probably find her screaming at her TV over a Lakers or Cowboys game, eating dessert, or playing with her adopted miniature poodle named Kanye Fancypants Morris (yes...that is really his name).  She is a co-writer for MaineDrama Productions' current project Point...Blank...Period!, and looks forward to all that is to come. It is her desire to utilize her skills to make a positive lasting impression on the world and to assist in equipping others to do the same. For more information, visit www.kenyad.com or email kenyadmorris@gmail.com. Facebook Website Twitter Email Instagram Blogger LinkedIn Copyright © 2014 MaineDrama Productions LLC, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences