When we got outside the street was filled with smoke. That smoke cloud triggered me and I burst into tears…as I walked. I was scared. And as I walked, shivering, I felt a strong-arm around my waist and a hand in mine…it was my scene partner Amy . She walked with me as I cried and guided me down the street telling me everything was going to be okay. An actor named Jeremy who is in the first play of the evening, passed us scarf covering his face…saying… “Cover your face. Cover it.” guiding his scene partner …who had her face covered as they moved down the street towards clear air.

We ended up just eating together while we waited for word.  Other groups who were meeting for rehearsal stopped by to say hello as they sat at another table and it was like a Barrow Group Theater Party at the Tick Tock Diner on 34th st.

About 2 hours passed and our producer Porter told us the fire was not in our building, but two doors down and that we would be able to get back into the theater in 30 minutes and we could do our invited dress rehearsal at 8:00pm.

I’m usually the one in an emergency who is calm and helping others…but yesterday, I couldn’t.  But there were folks who could and did and for that I’m grateful.

People who aren’t involved in the entertainment industry are guided to think that creative process is individual.  We see the actor on stage screen or film and immediately focus on the individual.  But that individual is just a small part of a collective community that is working together in order to tell the story. The people who run lights, sound, costumes, set, direct, manage the stage and the actors, props, box office, PR, cleaning crews, catering… all make a production come together.

When an emergency happens, these awesome folks still are able to kick into full gear to coordinate and care for and support one another…this is what it means to feel safe.  This is what community feels like.

In a world where safe space is fragile….it’s important to acknowledge when we are cared for and know that everyone is capable of being able to support one another when things get rough.

I am so grateful to be a part of  the community that is…The Barrow Group Theater company.

We did our second run last night and have our first previews  of our show today.  Here’s to the crew…sending you so much love and gratitude for all your hard work, professionalism and loving kindness.