Sowing Theatrical Seeds

You may not know this about me (Mark), but gardening is one of my go-to stress relievers. Lately I’ve been spending too much time writing grant applications, submitting proposals, updating the website… you get the idea. Too much time in front of the computer. I enjoy the peace of working with plants. Even on this rainy day, in between acting workshop preparations and setting up meetings, I have been sneaking out to the balcony to get the garden ready.  Preparing the soil, seeds and plants for the growing season ahead.

That’s basically how I spent my fall and winter with the theater company as well. Preparing the soil by developing plans for different theater workshops series’. Scattering seeds by submitting project proposals and funding applications. And preparing the plants by setting up meetings with other arts organizations and potential collaborators. With a little sunshine and water, we will be well on our way. 

What seedlings are starting to break through? By next month we will have three different workshops series up and running. We are finalizing plans to offer our first arts summer camp (details will be on the Learning page soon). We have also added a team member and even won an award at a startup pitch night! 

The first thing to take root was the Elevate English workshop series. These fun-filled interactive workshops use theater games and acting exercises to boost a child’s confidence in speaking English fluently. The series was launched in early March for youth (ages 8-12) and has had steady attendance ever since. They are currently running at Mushmula Dance Studio in Mladost 1 and next month they will also begin at Family Hub located in the Geo Milev district of Sofia. Both locations will offer the Elevate English series for youth and teens. Pop on over to the website for more information and the registration form. 

In mid-May our introduction to acting classes will spring forth for adults and teens. The Act Casual series has been developed for those who wish to learn about acting or want to chase away their stage fright. Registration is open now and they will be running in Mladost 1 at Mushmula. More information can be found on our website. 

The first bloom of the season arrived in the form of our new Lead Designer and company partner. Gabriela Tsonkova is a set and costume designer as well as visual and concept artist. She recently returned to Bulgaria and is excited to get to work. She will be responsible for the production elements of each performance and will coordinate with other designers as needed. Look out for her fine arts/ painting workshop series that will crop up in mid-May. Subscribe to our blog for more information about Gabriela’s career and her artistic journeys. 

And we wish to celebrate our early harvest fruits! Theater Visions participated in #Pitch2Pitch in early April along with three other startup companies. The host for the event, Networking Premium, ran a wonderful event and every company went home with a prize. Gabriela and I had one minute to pitch about the company and then a five minute question and answer session with the judges. Then, while the judges deliberated, we fielded questions from the audience. When the results were announced Theater Visions was able to celebrate after receiving the top prize of the night! 

The time that I spent preparing the business model, cultivating the soil, and nurturing connections is starting to provide a potential crop. As I look back at the seed of an idea to set up the first  English language theater in Bulgaria, I know the fields will require much work, but I can also take some encouragement as I see the seedlings begin to poke their heads out of the ground.