A moment of grounding
March 2020 through to the present day (and onward) has been generation-defining. On the one hand there’s been much social and political progress, and there’s still much to be done so that all humans can breathe and enjoy the pursuit of happiness. Forgive sounding trite, but world peace still sounds pretty rad to me.
On the other hand, I’ve heard some folks refer to this past year as a “lost” one in which personal productivity froze. That has certainly felt at moments to be the case, especially for those of us in the arts. However, I have witnessed much growth, passion, fortitude, & tenacity among my colleagues. It’s inspiring.
Along those lines, I thought I’d just take a moment to document the artistic endeavors of which I was a part this past year. It’s something I hope to look back on, and from which I may glean hope in future times of darkness and challenge. A la my college freshman year Acting 101 exercise entitled “This Is Me”, I’ll state these as simple facts:
I taught piano to more students and learned how effective virtual teaching can actually be.
I participated in readings of plays and screenplays (The Boys in the Back of the Room by James Patrick Nelson, The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer, Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow by Halley Feiffer, Faun: A Drama in Three Acts by Matthew Liu, Saving Spencer by Spencer Scalamoni with Skyline Theatre Company, Wonder Tales/Trust UR Local Squirrel with Planet Connections, directed by Carrie Klewin Lawrence).
I performed for and was the face of Members Only Boylesque’s online event “Hard Drive”.
I acted in Season 2 Episode 13 of The Food That Built America for the History Channel.
I performed live on stage with my Hello Girls castmates to record the song “Making History” as part of the First Colors Ceremony to unveil the new WWI Memorial in Washington, DC.
I collaborated with my dear friend Brian Soliwoda to create a piano reel.
I invested in new headshots with photographer Todd Estrin (including the shot above).
I worked as a Standardized Patient for the first time.
I performed solo for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s virtual concert.
I bought a brand new electronic keyboard Roland FP-30X, a real dream of an instrument.
And there are other important things to note: I biked and raised over $300 for Cycle for the Cause and the LGBT Community Center (thanks to my supportive friends & family); I volunteered at various NY Cares locations/events and found a volunteer home at the UCSS Meatloaf Kitchen on the Lower East Side; I got to see my family much more than I thought would be possible; I spent time in the Shenandoah Valley, Cancun, and the Jersey shore with loved ones; and (getting real here for a second) I let go of and grew beyond a toxic home environment, such that I’m feeling the expansiveness of my soul come back more and more each day.
I don’t know what the meaning of life is, but I do know that there is so much for which to give thanks. And I am not even CLOSE to the end of my journey as an artist and a New Yorker.
Amen.
-Matt
April 23, 2021