Individual Artist Project Grant

Evidenced by research documenting growing rates of depression and anxiety, this is a very difficult time in our world. The isolating pandemic has limited our ability to gather in community. DTV can provide some joy during this time of darkness, and, as the pandemic hopefully soon comes to a close, will offer a sense of connection. Creating engaging music and setting the stage for a live production will bring meaning and purpose to our collaborative team - that we can then share with our communities through performance and digital distribution. The ?dance? in DTV is especially relevant. Research has found that getting people dancing can decrease levels of depression, stress and anxiety (Salihu, Kwan and Wong, 2021). Music and dance have the potential to bring joy and connection, and DTV can spark movement and a sense of belonging. Getting people dancing in Duluth is timely given the December 2021 repeal of the city ordinance that prohibited dancing in unlicensed establishments. People in Duluth are now free to dance where they wish, and DTV is ready to provide communities with engaging music and live performances. I'm especially eager to attract a new generation of theater goers, namely younger patrons. DTV bridges concerts and live theater. With my experience in yoga, dance, musical theater, and choreography, I know how to help people move and rediscover the joy of dancing. Dance TV is truly intended to reignite audience members' passion for dancing.1. Create a contract with a BIPOC-owned recording studio to produce the album. Pinnacle Point Studio (based in Duluth) 2. Recruit diverse artists who bring different perspectives, voices, and styles to reflect the broader community and celebrate diversity. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists Pinnacle Pointe Studios (BIPOC-run company) Brandon Jackson (BIPOC gospel singer/drag performer) Andy Frye (gay artist) 3. Collaborate with professional songwriters to develop 18 original songs that will be the foundation for DTV. Although demos of the songs have been created, collaborating with these professional lyricists and songwriters will bring the songs to the next level of quality and professionalism. 4. Collaborate with a diverse set of vocalists to reflect a variety of styles/beats/sounds/voices. 5. Professionally record album/mix/master the songs. 6. Distribute the album on streaming platforms. All of this work will culminate in a fully realized album ready for the next phase of developing DTV. I am a dependable, committed mid-career artist who has vision, energy, strong professional networks in Duluth and Minneapolis, diverse experiences, a solid reputation, and a hard work ethic. I am persistent even when challenges arise, and bring projects to completion with a high level of professionalism. I am highly organized and attentive to detail, and have experience producing shows with large casts. As noted in my resume, I completed my BFA in Theatre/Dance and more recently obtained certificates in Graphic Design/Digital Media and Videography. I have experience as an actor, director, writer, choreographer, videographer, and producer -- I know how to put on shows. Finally, the DTV show itself is already written, so our team is poised and eager to take the project to the next steps of creating the album and later filming it with a live audience. Many original cast and production team members have committed to participating, and we are excited to proceed. 1. Will have signed contract with BIPOC-owned recording studio. 2. Will have diversity (race, sexual orientation, gender) in our production team (at least 30% of the team will be from an under-represented group). 3. Will have hired the songwriters, had at least 4 meetings, and collaboratively written the final versions of 18 songs so they are ready to perform. 4. Will have hired vocalists, had regular rehearsals, and collaboratively recorded the 18 songs. 5. Will have mixed and mastered (digitally lift up the quality to make them ready for radio/strea