Hello, folks! In reflecting on my time at common art and common cathedral this week, I felt inspired to write a poem about finding God in the common places. I hope this poem might prove to be a fun way to experience or envision these programs!
The Divine in the blue tarps
and folding chairs,
and the wax-stained tablecloth on the piano-bench altar. Continue reading
Hello, Folks! In December, we had our play performance of Richard Berman’s “Super Angel and the Divine Sidekicks Battle the Government”. Two Emerson College film students came to common art to film the process of the making of the play. Last Wednesday, we had the world premiere of the documentary! The documentary was wonderfully done. It was touching to see the community reflected back to itself in an art form in which few people get to see themselves represented. When different members would come on-screen, there would be hollers and cheers from the crowd. It was a great way to honor and celebrate common art and the creativity of the community. Adam, one of the filmmakers who came for the premiere, did a Q&A with the community after the screening, which further helped members connect with the film. Continue reading
It’s my second week back at common art and Boston Warm, and it has been a really warm welcome back into the community. These first two weeks have been filled with sweet art-making time, lots of laughter, and friendly competition over games of Uno. Continue reading
Hello, Folks! This was my last week at common art and Boston Warm until the New Year; and what a wonderful final week it was! On Wednesday we had the world premiere of Richie’s play with our very own Reverend Pam portraying the Voice of God! It was a great performance; it all came together very well. The whole cast really committed to their parts and brought the play to life with passion and joy. We also had a full house for the performance, and there was lots of good energy and excitement in the room. Continue reading
Here at common art and Boston Warm we have had a really wonderful last few weeks rehearsing and preparing for Richie’s play, which is being performed this week!
On Wednesday morning we had a set and costume making table where a few members helped us craft some fun and colorful props for our cast members. The props table was a nice way to invite some artists who weren’t cast members into the play community. During this art making time, many members came up to the table asking excited questions about the play and asking how they can help. The community is abuzz with the anticipation of Richie’s play. Continue reading
Happy Thanksgiving week!
We had another good week here at common art and boston warm. The first rehearsal of Richie’s play went swimmingly! The cast members were game to put on their “theater caps” and brought energy and laughter to our first read-through, playing with putting on funny character voices and creating background noises where the script called for it. It seemed to me that having the rehearsal filmed was really fun for the group and helped us remind us all that the rehearsal time was important and meaningful. Continue reading
This Wednesday is the first cast meeting for common art’s fall play, which I have the honor of co-directing alongside our fabulous playwright, Richard Berman! The plan is to start with a warm-up activity to break the ice and create a comfortable and welcoming meeting environment. Then, Richie will introduce the play by giving a quick overview of the plot and his vision for the performance, which will take place at noon on December 16 in the Parish Hall. Continue reading
I have a shorter blog for you all this week just to report on the current happenings at common art and Boston Warm.
Preparation for longtime member Richard Berman’s play, “Super Angel and the Divine Sidekicks Battle the Government”, is in full swing! This past week we had our casting sign-ups, which was met with a lot of excitement. Many members were eager to sign-up, not only for character roles, but also to offer help with costumes, makeup, tech, and set design. Though I have not been at common art for one of Richie’s plays before, I can already tell that the coordination and performance of these plays bring a lot of joy and meaning into the space. Continue reading
We had a great Halloween here at common art and Boston Warm. We were fortunate that Halloween fell on Friday this year, which meant that we got to have a Halloween party of sorts during Boston Warm! We watched “Nightmare before Christmas”, played some board games, and ate some candy, cookies, and popcorn! Continue reading
We had a fun week here at common art and Boston Warm. Let me catch you up with an encouraging story from this week:
Two Fridays ago, one of our members found a Notre Dame class ring on the street. He came to me wondering how we could track down the owner of the ring. He told me that he could easily pawn the ring and get the money for it, but wanted to return the ring to the rightful owner because he knew they would be hurting over the loss of such a sentimental and valuable ring. Because the ring was engraved with the owner’s initials and graduation date, we decided it might be worth a shot to call the Notre Dame alumni office to see if they could track this person down. Low and behold, it worked! The alumni office was able to find the owner, so I was able to return the ring to her this past Wednesday before common art. Continue reading