Sarah JK Shoemaker

It’s been a hot moment hasn’t it? Let me catch you up to speed on what has been happening so far!

December – March: In production with the Al Marte Collective for “Bad Faith”, an indie film about a girl falling into a cult. We’re set to be picking up filming again this fall, so I’m sure I’ll share more info then!

March – August: I directed and produced a play at the Minnesota Fringe. Weirdly enough I also acted in one of the parts as a performer got COVID. We received some really great reviews! Here are a couple of my favorites:

I was surprised at just how much beauty and grace is packed into this little show. The play moves effortlessly from theatre, to movement, to dance, to spoken word, and the use of the BLB stage was fantastic. It felt like a mixed-media collage of different performance styles, and I appreciated how patient and confident the piece was to allow me space for my own personal interpretation and reflection. It’s short, but also feels the right length, and I could easily see the group take up two other short stories and package them into an anthology evening.

Christopher Kehoe

Loved it. Was left wanting more. Captured one women’s psychological struggle with self identity within the confines of stereotypical societal roles and expectations. Well acted with creative dance and movement that to me was well paced. Could feel the craziness of her internal struggle and wanting to be truly understood by others. Inspired contemplation.

David Shoemaker (yes my dad, which is why I also love it so much!)

An intimate show that deserves a large audience. This story of a woman’s mental collapse following a “rest cure” unfolds gradually with excellent acting, movement, and music. I hadn’t read the original story and later learned it was one of the first feminist short stories dealing with postpartum depression. It’s a short play but packed with emotion, meaning, and conflict. The music is excellent too. The show notes include details for a post-show activity and also lists the music (which I appreciated).

Nanette Sterns

Suffice it to say, I am very proud at my first attempt at directing! I’m sure I’ll be looking into more opportunities as life goes on. But for now, acting is calling me back, and I’m so looking forward to the next opportunity!