[Perform-Talk] Membership Introductions!

Mon Nov 2 19:35:21 UTC 2015

Just came back from Nebraska state convention. Super busy, so meant to post
sooner, but alas, better late than never!

I'm Bridgit from Nebraska. I technically do not have my BFA in vocal
performance as I did not complete my last semester due to health
complications, which is also how and when I lost my vision. When I went back
to school after nonvisual training, I changed directions and received my BFA
in creative writing. I'm now back in school pursuing my MFA in writing. In
addition to writing and editing, I would like to teach at the collegiate
level.

Since childhood, I have been obsessed with performing. I started dancing as
soon as I could walk. My mom was a dance teacher, and my sister and I took
tap, ballet and jazz growing up. I have always been drawn to acting and
Singing, and as young as eight, I was adamant I would pursue a career in
performing. In high school and my early twenties, I was involved in music
theatre in both school and in my community. I was on the dance team in high
school. And in my late teens/early twenties, I was asked to direct a acting
troupe at my church. To this day, my family makes fun of me because I
constantly sang at home, usually learning a song for choir or a show, but
also just for the fun of it, LOL!

Nowadays I write more than perform. My son loves when I sing though, and I
do it often for him! Though I haven't performed in years, I still am
involved in it. Omaha has a thriving arts community, and I attend local
theatre, including touring Broadway shows, local shows, concerts (we have a
huge Indie scene here) and so much more. I would like to maybe perform again
in some capacity, but I don't have much time these days.

I also have a slight hiccup with reading. Due to a nerve condition, reading
Braille is difficult. I can feel the Braille dots, but it's hard to
distinguish characters. I can write it well, but Braille is unfortunately
not an efficient means of reading for me. As a writer and editor, I have
learned and devised ways to make screen reading work for me, but it can be
tedious at times, though I have a system in place. But when it comes to
learning music or scripts, it's difficult. I took a couple of theatre
classes my second time at university, and I did well, but learning material
was not easy, especially when performing with others. Music is easier
because I actually was really good at picking up music by ear before
becoming blind, so that helps now. I often can pick out harmonies just by
ear. But learning lyrics can be difficult. I can sit at home and go through
lyrics on the computer or listen to a song, but if in a choir or group it's
difficult to learn on the spot, and definitely sight reading is not an
option, or great option, for me. So I'm still working through how I could
overcome this obstacle to do stage work again. Especially during the
rehearsal phase. 

Okay, that's my sob story, LOL!

I'm hoping to assist with Spotlight since I have a writing and editing
background. I want to find new interest in the Federation to help with. I'm
my local chapter president, and I serve on the Nebraska state board as well
as with various committees. But I want to expand my national involvement in
the organization. I think PAD is a great fit for me.

And to end, I live in Omaha, Nebraska with my husband, Ross, and our
three-year-old son, Declan. Both say I'm the greatest singer in the world,
LOL!

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Perform-talk [mailto:perform-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Lizzy via Perform-talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 10:51 AM
To: perform-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Lizzy <lizzym0827 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Perform-Talk] Membership Introductions!

Hi All,
Since a few members of the board have recently had the chance to 
introduce or reintroduce themselves, I'd like to invite the 
membership to do the same.  If you haven't posted an introduction 
within the last two months or so, please let us know who's here! 
You may share as much or as little as you'd like.  I'm interested 
to know what your performing Art is, was, might be in the future, 
or what performing arts you're interested in learning more about.  
Of course we're interested to know what state you're from (jam 
session anyone?), and if you have any questions for the board or 
membership feel free to share those as well.  It can be as formal 
or informal as you'd like! As the old cliche goes, "Just be 
yourself!"
I'm excited to see who we have in this strong and ever growing 
division!
Federation Love,
Lizzy

-
Elizabeth Muhammad
NFBPAD - Board Member 2014-2016

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