Empowerment Day Interview with Facilitator: Valeri Ross

VALERI ROSS

"Submitting a Winning Package for a Solo Festival" (Co-Facilitator)

Q: Why is it important to be a part of LAWTF’s EMPOWERMENT DAY?

A: The business of art is how we insure that our art continues. It is our window into when we should reach outside ourselves to share our work and when we should go inside ourselves to create new work. Sharing and Creating without the one, the other falls flat.

Q: Have you participated before, and if so, in what capacity?

A: Yes, I have participated once before for the same workshop, "Submitting a Winning Package for a Solo Festival."

Q: What skills do you feel you bring for the role you will offer for LAWTF’s EMPOWERMENT DAY?

A: I have been a LAWTF Screening Panelist for 10 years and an artist for 40.  I am a working union actor and I have had my own successful one person show as well as understudying for Adilah Barnes' "I Am That I Am - Woman, Black".

EMPOWERMENT DAY 2015 facilitators, panelists and participants.

 EMPOWERMENT DAY 2015 facilitators, panelists and participants.

Q: Why do you feel it important that solo artists have such a forum for their work?

A: Solo artists are a special lot.  When you can command the stage on your own; often writing, directing and performing; when you can bring your message in a coffee shop or an auditorium, when you bring so much and ask so little - that is art that wants to be shared, that has a compelling story to tell.  We would do well to listen.

Q: What areas will be covered in your workshop/panel?

A: How to submit your application for the LAWTF from the point of view of the Screening Panelists.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: Proud to be a part of the LAWTF team...

Be Well,

Valeri