The Friendship Show

It's time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend!" This week's friend is filmmaker and visual effects artist, Dillon Thomas! Tune in HERE at 11:45 am (PDT). Dillon was an integral member of YUM- one of our longest running PIE's in Leela's PIE Program. This group was committed to honest improv and explored the infinite ways an artist can utilize the truthful monologue towards the goal of greater empathy and understanding amongst the performing artists and audience. He also... supported the Leela Community as a photographer and videographer; documenting many beautiful spontaneous moments of our improv artists. Dillon is currently exploring the new medium that virtual reality is unleashing among artists, and is excited about where this new medium will go. As we have connected as friends over the years- we've shared that quest for deep authentic friendships. Noticing moments of loneliness, and continuing to bravely approach new friendships all the while wearing our hearts on our sleeves. Dillon's also shared with me his challenge in creating friendship bonds with other men. This felt like a common plight for many men- and something worth exploring!

It's almost time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend!" This week's friend is improv teacher and performer, Chris DeJong! Tune into TODAY (Tuesday, 10/6) at 11:45 am (PDT)!... I met Chris at the start of "Leela 2.0" in 2010. I was building up my confidence to bring Leela out of a hiatus after the economic collapse of 2008, and my own burnt outness as an improv theatre artist. I had seen Chris perform at a number of improv shows with Cafe Arts at Off-Market Theaters. I appreciated his honesty and intelligence as a performer and socially he always greeted me with an authentic smile. He had much experience in the ups and downs of SF Bay Area Arts scene, producing many projects himself. When I approached him about joining a cast of improvisors to begin experimenting on some Leela projects, he appeared cautiously optimistic. I really appreciated this. I'm someone that really throws caution to the wind and jumps in HEART first. And after feeling so emotionally depleted and scarred trying to make improv happen in a really challenging economic time in SF, Chris's level-headed attitude was just what I needed. We both know firsthand it takes a ton of work to produce this art form, especially in SF. And that the audience doesn't always show up, the finances don't always look good, and the cost benefit analysis looks grim to most rational minds. And in spite of all this, we're still believers that art has intrinsic value. In true bohemian fashion, we continue performing improv for art's sake. When first meeting Chris- I met his mind... his practicality, his risk assessment, his clarity. And as I got to know him- his spirituality and heart carried our friendship through many creative projects. In today's episode, we'll explore resiliency, and how this balance of mind and heart brings forth grounding when sustaining a friendship over time.

The duality dance

It's almost time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend!" Today's friend is writer, coach, trainer, and actor Michael Aho! Tune in here TODAY (Tuesday, 9/29) at 11:45 am (PDT)! ... Michael and I have been friends since 2002. We met while we were both in graduate school studying Drama Therapy. I was immediately struck by his equal parts of playfulness and vulnerability. Our friendship has carried us through years of grad school, job changes, moves, marriage, and creative projects. He was a founding company member of Leela, and a large part of shaping our artistic voice and mission as a company. He was the hulk in our "Fantastic Four"- a group of fierce brave artists committed to exploring all facets of truthful, artistic play. Michael puts it all on the table. As an artist and a friend, he's not afraid to dip into the shadows, to explore the vulnerable shameful parts, and he pays close attention to the interpersonal process- the HOW of you+me coming together- that dance- that interplay is so important to him. We've both been drawn to work in the field of relationships- and this duality we all feel when in relationship with each other- that push and pull between two people- the light and dark- the highs and the lows. In today's episode, we'll explore the duality of friendship and how dancing in this interplay can bring acceptance to all parts of your relationships.

Acceptance through laughter

It's time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend!" This week's friend is college buddy, performer, and comedy writer, Lynette Cain! Join us HERE on Tuesday, September 22nd 11:45 am (PDT)/ 1:45 pm (CST)!... I met Lynette doing improv in college. I was also cast as "The Ingenue" in a comedic play she wrote called "Artists." I've always loved creatively collaborating with Lynette. She brings equal parts smart and wimsy. Lynette and I have reconnected in a mom's Facebook group. I love this group so much as the culture is all about being real, sharing all the weird, bazarre, and shitty parts of being a mom, and lots of funny memes. The cover photo changes every so often. My favorite was a pic of a toddler passed out on the floor with blocks spelled out on his chest "Toddlers are assholes." This group always gives me a good chuckle and I know I won't get any mom judgement for anything I say here. When Lynette joined the group, I knew this group was gonna take our mom comedy to the next level. Lynette has so much fun wit and snark in her writing. She's also such a kind soul. Whenever I expressed feeling lonely in this group, she was one of the first to reach out to me to connect. No judgment- just support. Today we'll explore friendships which embrace non-judgment and how comedy and laughter brings friends closer together.

Having technical issues going LIVE. Please stay tuned. Hope to be here shortly.

It's time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend." This week's friend is improvisor, director, and theatre maker Mark Duncanson! Tune into today 9/15 at The Friendship Show 11:45 am-12 pm (PDT) ... Mark's been in the SF Bay Area Arts scene for many years. He's a beloved teacher to the next generation of actors and improvisors, teaching the youth of Pleasanton, CA. He's improv famous for his teaching and directing work with Creatures of Impulse. Can we talk about that amazing improv group name?!!! Personally, I worked with Mark on an industrial project. He was my director. I felt so lucky that I got to experience what his teens experience under his direction. It was a complicated shoot. This was Pre-Covid and each of the actors were scattered in separate offices with separate cameras- to show we were communicating to each other via ZOOM (I know- some creepy foreshadowing.) There was a lot of technical jargon we had to nail- and Mark was so positive. He's such a cheerleader- he kept us going through the long hours. If one of us missed a word- we had to "go back to one." And run the whole thing again. That sort of thing can wear on your spirit. As our director, he believed in us- and kept us going- keeping us motivated and positive. And we succeeded. Today, Mark and I will explore the power of positivity in friendships. How can we keep our friends going during challenging times?

Friendship Triangle

It's time for another "Fifteen Minutes of Friend." This week I'm joined by TWO Friends, Reggie Harris and Mallory Penney. Tune in TODAY right HERE on The Friendship Show! Tuesday, September 8th (11:45-12 pm- PDT)... Reggie and Mallory are the co-founders of applied improv company, Better Together Labs. We've been meeting online, inspiring one another to adapt during these unpredictable times. We synch up on so many improv values- fostering an inclusive and welcoming improv space, designing beautiful progressions in our curriculum, and the excitement we get talking together abou the infinite benefits of creative collaboration. I'm a middle child- as such I've always been attracted to friendship triangles. I've been in many. I had two best girlfriends in elementary school. My first improv group I performed with in NYC was a trio. I have adult besties who are twins. Of course- friendship triangles aren't always sunshine and roses. I've experienced a lot of heartache as well in friendship trios. In today's episode, Reggie, Mallory and I will explore the friendship triangle. How to raise up all sides of this equilateral shape, and how we can become better, TOGETHER.