I co-directed, choreographed, and danced for 4 years in Random With a Purpose, a collaboratively student-run and student-created dance production presented every winter at UC Santa Cruz. I worked with cast and crew on the full life cycle of multiple showcases.
Random with a Purpose XXVIII: PRISM
Role: Co-Artistic Director
Co-Directors: Katy Meeks & Leilani Westman
Project: Live Dance Production
Time Frame: April 2019 - February 2020
Venue: UC Santa Cruz Theater Arts Mainstage
Performances: February 14 - 16 & 20 - 23, 2020
Prism facilitated introspection for choreographers and cast alike to produce work integral to their identity. The properties of a prism functioned as a framework for reflecting on how the various experiences and identities of an individual align to form a unique individual with unique perceptions. Like a prism can make visible the spectrum of light, this show aimed to dissect how our identities influence our thinking, lives, and interactions with others. The final product was centered in a space focused on seeking out camouflaged perspectives and thereupon harmonizing all of our various lenses.
I co-led a student-run live dance production from proposal to opening night at a scale of 18 choreographers, 14 pieces, 3 studios, 7-week rehearsal period.
• Co-wrote the proposal that set the theme, scope, and technical plan for the year.
• Co-ran auditions and casting, and co-wrote a choreographer handbook with expectations and deadlines from production.
• Built the rehearsal schedule across 14 pieces, three spaces, and every cast member’s availability, with three in-progress showings to ensure choreographic development in line with the theme.
• Coordinated weekly with professional scenic, lighting, media, sound, costume, and promotions staff.
• Managed budget and fundraising on a small, fee-funded budget, and ran marketing, social media, and graphic design.
• Built the cast community, including bonding events and a Canvas course with a syllabus, assignments, and feedback.
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Photo by Stephen Louis Marino
Syncopation
Role: Choreographer
Co-Choreographer: Katy Meeks
Project: Experimental Tap Dance Piece
Time Frame: October 2018 - February 2019
Shown In Random With A Purpose XXVII: Via (Directed by Kat Brault, Sabrina Baños, Megan Schneider) and Santa Cruz Dancing In The Streets 2019
Developed for a show themed to process over product, it puts tap itself in the focus instead of using it to carry an idea. The piece moves from the chaos of tappers warming up together, to layered rhythms, to each dancer showing their own style, and ends with “shave and a haircut.”
View a recording here!
Symbiosis
Role: Choreographer
Project: Experimental Tap Dance Piece
Time Frame: October 2019 - February 2020
Shown In: Random With A Purpose XXVIII: Prism
A rhythmic investigation into how the many lives we lead externally support and combat each other internally. For two-thirds of the piece no dancer performs the same step at the same time, and every dancer’s rhythm grows from the same three rhythms taught in rehearsal. I worked with a lighting designer on footlights so the audience watches the feet, and I auditioned dancers with a warm-up and a section of choreography to test rhythm and musicality.
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
Photo by Steve Dibartolomeo
