Monday, August 10, 2020
Keep Yes, And-ing this summer with a weekly roundup of notable events, helpful resources, and delightful distractions to keep you connected, inspired, and activated through these sweltering months. Delivered to your inbox every Monday morning, the OA Summer Series invites you to connect from a distance!
If you have friends or relatives who would like this weekly resource guide, you can tell them to sign up here.
BE WELL
Hi Noon Improv (Thursdays @ noon ET, 30 minutes) No experience necessary and all are welcome! Did you know that just 20 minutes of improv practice promotes overall wellbeing? Laugh it out with Opening Act’s Jeremiah Thompson (Act 2 Fellow), Cathleen Carr, and special guest Paul Gutkowski with this weekly, free, 30 minute improv boost to keep you connected and resilient! Registration is required!
Feel better by doing Yoga with Halima! (Monday @ noon, Friday @ noon, Saturday @ 11:30am, Sunday @ 10am) ET. Teaching since 2014, Halima’s Vinyasa yoga classes focus on proper alignment and straightforward yet challenging sequences in a light-hearted, welcoming environment. Halima believes a mindful practice can decompress and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit! Off the mat Halima is a NYC based actor and Opening Act teaching artist who’s a proud U of Michigan alum. Classes are Pay What You Can.
WATCHING
So much to discuss as we mark the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting the Women’s vote! Join 19th Represents: Suffrage Tuesday, August 11th from 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm ET for a powerhouse conversation featuring Stacey Abrams, Alicia Garza, María Teresa Kumar, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Meryl Streep, and Zoe Saldaña.
READING
… And then catch up on the history of this complicated amendment and the continued work we collectively face now and ahead with this piece from National Geographic.
LISTENING
Parade has named September by Earth, Wind & Fire as the happiest song of all time. As we prep ourselves for a busy fall, let’s take a quick moment to DANCE IT OUT!
LEARNING
If you’ve been reading the Summer Series surely you’ve caught mention of Abolitionist Teaching. This movement is gathering steam quickly and we continue to learn and grow as we read and engage more. For parents, educators, or anyone interested in growing young people who feel valued, heard, and seen with accompanying policies that protect their potential, check out this helpful Guide for Racial Justice and Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning.
FAMILY FUN
Join Opening Act’s Marcus Johnson and Justin Daniel Wednesday, August 12th @ 1:00 pm ET for this lively Opening Act workshop intended for the whole family! Tune into this asynchronous class on Facebook Live and Youtube!
COMMUNITY
Applications are now open for the Fall 2020 Teaching Artist Project (TAP). This year’s program will be virtual, opening up a rare opportunity for those not living in the NYC metro region. Learn more about this richly rigorous experience for artists here.
WHAT OA STUDENTS ARE UP TO
Our friend, photographer Charles Chessler is taking point on mentoring and gearing up former Opening Act students interested in visual storytelling. Learn more, including how you can support his efforts here!
Thanks for reading and please reach out with suggestions and submission ideas to hello@openingact.org and don’t forget to follow our Act 2 Fellows on Instagram! See you next Monday!
Got your back!