Sherifa Abudulai, 2017 Palefsky Collision Project Member
How did you get involved in theatre?
“I was in theatre in elementary school. I have four older sisters and they did theatre, so I kind of just followed them. After school, we’d walk to the high school for rehearsals and everything. I just stuck on it through school. It wasn’t until high school when I decided that this was what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to do anything else.”
Describe your first theatre-related memory.
“Actually, we [my sisters and I] were pretty dramatic kids growing up. So we would have performances with the movie playing in the background. I think it was Beauty and the Beast. And so my sister and I would alternate who would be playing the Beauty and who would be playing the Beast. So my earliest memory was being the Beast. I remember I was upset because I wanted to be Beauty. I wanted to be Belle. And I was like ‘Oh god, please let me be Belle.’ And she said ‘No!’ But it was so good because I was so mad — I really got into character.”
Have you ever seen a production that has changed your life?
“I would say The Phantom of the Opera. It was the first show I’d seen on a huge scale, and it changed my mind into wanting to do theatre as an actual career. It was life-changing, mostly because of the production side of it.”
What is your biggest struggle?
“Preventing myself in making a fool out of myself. Theatre. Everyone’s watching you. The smallest things that happen to me, the whole performance could be amazing, but my mind would feel terrible about it. Also, I really love musical theatre, and I want to sing, dance, do the whole she-bang. When I was in the 8th grade, I broke my hip. It was really difficult to dance because I can’t really open my legs and I can’t kick as high. I just got a hip replacement, so I’m still working through it.”
How did you end up at the Alliance Theatre?
“I was at a thespian conference and I saw a few people with these cool orange water bottles. I asked them where they got them and they told me the Alliance Theatre booth. I met Sarah [Alliance Teen and Adult Program Manager] there. So she talked and told me about the summer camp internship. I decided with my friend that we were going to be interns at the biggest theatre in Atlanta. But I was actually late for my interview, so that year I didn’t get to do it. The next year I auditioned for the Governor’s Honor Program and then I got to the last stage and did not make it. I thought ‘You know what, Sherifa, you are not just going to sit at home this summer summer.’ I interviewed and I got it! So it was just a domino effect – internship, Teen Ensemble and now the Collision Project. It was really cool.”
What does the Palefsky Collision Project mean to you?
“It means a lot of things to me. Walking into this, I was wondering ‘Are they going to make us cry? Are they going to make us laugh? Is it all happy kumbaya and stuff?’ But it truly does open you up. I think as artists we really need to expose ourselves to areas in which we don’t think we can or want to expose ourselves to. Out of body experiences. When I think about any art-related thing, you have to be vulnerable, and the project has created a vulnerable space for us to learn how to be vulnerable. Accept that you’re vulnerable and express that vulnerability in a way that’s so beautiful and captures the audience. It’s like creating a family, you know? A good backbone to fall on. It really instills strength and determination in you to do things beyond the project.”
A little known fact about yourself?
“One thing I love to tell people is that I will be attending New York University in the fall studying theatre. I was in the Teen Ensemble and that’s what really pushed me. I mean, I had always wanted to attend NYU since I saw Phantom of the Opera. But then Ameenah [director and writer of last year’s teen production Freedom Over Me] went to NYU and I was like ‘Oh my gosh, it’s a sign! I see it, God. I see the sign!’ She wrote a letter of recommendation for me.”
What is your hope for the future?
“My hope for the future is to invoke a change through art. To inspire someone to do something. To change something. Can be something small or something big. I want to inspire others just like other performers have done for me.”
Describe the best theatre-related project in which you have been involved.
“This project right here: Collision! So amazing. Other projects you get the script, you talk to your actors, you know. Here, you really get to know these people, and through getting to know them, it forms the art. It’s mind-blowing. We are the characters.”
What makes you feel fulfilled?
“That feeling when I get on stage and I know I’ve made an effect on the audience. That a-ha moment.”
If you had any piece of advice for a group of people, what would it be?
“Do you. Do what makes you happy because the world would be so better if everyone’s doing what they want to do.”
by A’riel Tinter, Brand Journalist
Austin Geter, 2017 Palefsky Collision Project Member & Education Intern
How did you get involved with theatre?
“I’ve always wanted to be involved growing up. I remember seeing Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theatre when I was five and said, ‘yep, that’s what I want to do.’ I went to a K-12 school and the high school class director needed someone to play Max the Dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I got the part [at ten] because I was the only one who fit the costume. After they did that, they did Seussical and so I got to be Max the Dog again. I caught the bug and kept doing shows both in and out of school. Fun fact, senior year we did Seussical again and I got to be Horton, so it was like full circle. From Max to Horton.”
What show has changed your life?
“Last summer, it was my first trip to New York. It’s kind of a dumb way to say it, but I lost my Broadway virginity with The Color Purple with Cynthia Errivo and it changed everything I ever wanted to do. Just with John Doyle’s minimalistic staging and the amazing acting and singing. Also, Serenbe Playhouse’s production of Miss Saigon last summer. They brought in a live helicopter for the show. Everything about that production was immersive and amazing. I think their work is amazing. It shifted my goal for the kind of theatre I want to make.”
What is your biggest struggle?
“Choosing myself sometimes. I’m very focused on others, on their problems, on their issues. And even very focused on sacrificing parts of myself if it will please others. So I’d say that’s the biggest issue. Just realizing sometimes I have to say no. Recognizing that ultimately it’s my life and I’ve gotta follow the path that’s right for me.”
How did you end up at the Alliance?
“The Woodruff did a ‘teen voices’ exhibit and I had a photography piece in there. That’s how I first got in contact with Sarah [Alliance Teen and Adults Program Manager]. Then I was in a part of the 2016/17 teen ensemble and fell in love.”
What does the Collision Project mean to you?
“What’s so fascinating to me about the Collision Project is the fact that it’s planting the roots in young people to inspire them to use their art for social justice and change. To the Alliance, it’s not just another show to put on… it’s about launching this group of teenagers year after year to be world changers through their talents and passions. From both being apart of it, and looking at it from a staff-type perspective, it’s mind-boggling to me. I truly believe that this is the direction all arts education institutions should take, and I’m so appreciative to work in a place that has this sort of vision.”
A fun fact about yourself?
“I don’t go anywhere without my blue Camelbak water bottle. I literally go everywhere with it. I left it at a party the other day, but my friend texted me and told me he had it because everyone there already knew it was mine.”
What is your hope for the future?
“I think my dream for my future is that I will be able to use my voice in the arts, in whatever capacity that may be, to further teach people, to grow people. To inspire them to continue to love and be kind and do good. In the world, my hope would be that world continues to let the good prevail.”
Describe the best theatre-related project in which you’ve been involved.
“My sophomore year of high school, I was a part of Antigone Now, a play adaptation set in a post-apocalyptic world. It was an ensemble piece. My school won a big theatre award against like twenty other schools. I just learned so much about humanity, working in an ensemble and about myself as an actor and the voice I can have in a show.”
What makes you feel fulfilled?
“Art. Because I think it has so much power to impact people and change people. And transform the world. There’s a reason it’s been since the beginning of man to now that art is still prevalent in our lives. Anything I do with the arts makes me feel fulfilled and happy.”
What piece of advice would you give to a group of people?
“Don’t act in fear. Act in love and humility. Trust your gut. In the same vein, don’t compromise yourself. Always be willing to stand up for what you know is right and what is good for you.”
What is your biggest accomplishment?
“I’ve had such an interesting time post-high school reflecting on what was really my impact on the school and the people around me. This freshman that I mentored my senior year just texted me and said ‘Hey, just so you know, I think you are the only reason I made it through my freshman year. You helped me so much.’ The idea that I did impact her and hopefully I’ve impacted other people just gives me a real sense of accomplishment.”
by A’riel Tinter, Brand Journalist
Elisia’ Parker, Group Services Coordinator
Without using words in your job title, what do you do at the Alliance?
“I am a trained professional wrangler of all humans, big and small, that travel in packs to ensure they are presented the opportunity to experience the magic of the Alliance Theatre together. I have a specific focus on wrangling bus loads of school teachers and students to our school day matinees.”
How did you get involved in theatre?
“My mother always fancied visiting theatres, museums and art galleries and I fell in love with these wonderful places as a child. I am intrigued by anything and everything that allows us as individuals to be free of rules and instruction the free will to be expressive on your own terms. Art serves as that outlet. I fell in love with the art of theatre in the 6th grade when my best friend and I randomly decided to audition for the production of Oliver Twist with our city theatre, Granville Little Theatre, in Oxford, North Carolina. Ironically, we were cast as orphans, while my 6 year-old little sister at the time was cast as a lead. It was so much fun! A lot of work, but so much fun.”
Describe your first theatre-related memory.
“My first theatre-related memory was during my pre-school graduation where I was cast as the Sun in the production of Mother Gooses Garden. I wore a tan leotard with a ginormous yellow cardboard cutout sun that engulfed my tiny body. I cried in the wings whilst awaiting my part and my mother had to come give me a pep talk. I’m sure some of my colleagues would get a kick out of knowing that, at some point in my life, I was a reserved individual with not much to say. Much has changed now. Very much!”
Have you even seen any show that has changed your life?
“I recently attended a production of The Colored Museum at Tri-Cities High School in Atlanta. I initially found myself at Tri-Cities to promote our acting classes to the students and parents of the school’s drama department. I ended up deciding to attend the performance the next evening. As an alumna of an HBCU with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a concentration in African American studies, exploring such topics in any magnitude captures my attention. I have seen a plethora of African American-based productions and loved them, but none of them were exactly life-changing. Good, but not life-altering. The Colored Museum is a play that presents a charge against the history of racism in America, beginning with the institution of slavery, through the oppressive social and economic conditions that African Americans have faced and still face today. The Colored Museum mirrored life as I have seen and experienced, creating a unimaginably relatable experience on stage. It was a production that engaged its audience members in many facets, but most importantly, created conversation, understanding and unity among its audience members.”
What is your biggest struggle?
“Dealing with growing pains. At 27, I have lived long enough to not have experienced too much, but to have experienced some things that I wish I didn’t have to. The transition from college to real-life adulting has been a whirlwind of struggle and panic, dealing with all types of emotions, witnessing so many social injustices, financial worries and the lists goes on. I have to remind myself every day that I am still learning, still growing and have plenty of time to cultivate the desires I have for my life. I am not behind, but working to be ahead! My very good friend and former Alliance Theatre house manager Marjon Wolfe always tells me, ‘Elisia,’ you aren’t a microwave. You can’t have everything now. But just trust the process.” And I live by that. Every day I trust the process.'”
How did you arrive working at the Alliance?
“Funny story! It had always been a goal of mine to work at a museum. I moved to Atlanta from North Carolina to take a position with Verizon Wireless as my first adult job after college. It was horrible! As an artist and free spirit, corporate America was not for me. Still longing to work at a museum, I submitted an application at every one I could find in Atlanta. When I ran across the Alliance Theatre’s website, I jumped at the opportunity to apply there. It had never occurred to me that I could work in a theatre before then. But in an effort to protect my sanity from my job, and to pursue other life ventures, I decided to move back home with my parents in North Carolina. In the middle of packing, Human Resources called me to offer an interview. It was three weeks before I was set to relocate. Jessica Boatright & Thomas Pinckney choose me and the rest is history. The Alliance and God provided me the opportunity to stay in Atlanta, work with the best organization I have ever been a part of, and to stay with my best friend, who will hopefully be my husband one day!”
What does the off-site season mean to you?
“Excitement! The off-site season is presenting a great opportunity for someone like me, a non-native of Atlanta, to tour the city and visit all of the beautiful venues and restaurants this great city has to offer. I am most excited at the opportunity to market the consignment program that I head at the Alliance in all of the surrounding neighborhoods we are traveling to. I want to present a formal invitation to all of Atlanta. All are welcome. We want everyone at the Alliance. And I do mean everyone!”
A little known fact about you.
“I was a pageant child and model—a real glamour girl. Just without the fake teeth. Yes, my mother entered me into every modeling competition and pageant from North Carolina to California.I was also offered to be the face of “Little Debbie” commercials in 1995. I can sing, but am very shy, although I do produce my own shower and car concerts. I was a competition swimmer as well for 5 years.”
About the Alliance?
“I have only been working for the Alliance Theatre for two years, so I don’t know much, but I do know that there are secret doors, stairwells and hallways. It’s a maze! I believe one day one of these secret passages that I have yet to discover will reveal something very cool. And then I’ll have a better answer for this question”
What is your hope for the future?
“For the world—faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love! Love conquers all. For me, to honor God and live the most fulfilling, healthiest and happiest life I can with my family, and to one day raise children that will make a difference for the better good of the world.”
Describe the best theatre-related project in which you’ve been involved.
“My best theatre-related project was attending the sizzle for Ethel. It was my very first sizzle. I had the opportunity to attend alongside the star of the show, Terry Burrell, her awesome stage manager lark hackshaw and the hilarious director Kenneth Roberson. I was promoting group sales for the upcoming performance dates. Tyrone Jackson, the very talented musical director, played a number of pieces from the show, and also played a Jill Scott song that I ending up singing in the living room post-party. The snippet of the performance that Terry did was breathtaking! The opportunity that was presented to me to attend the sizzle was one that I will never forget. The task of brainstorming group ideas with the cast, director and stage manager post-sizzle was amazing. I decided to sit in on the final dress and tech meeting of Ethel, which was an entire new experience for me in itself. Ethel also doubles as my favorite performance to date while being employed at the Alliance Theatre. Who would’ve guessed?”
What makes you fulfilled?
“Accomplishing or reaching a goal that I have set for myself. I love the feeling of knowing that I can dream up a dream, or challenge myself to do better or be better and to experience the feeling of pure satisfaction and joy when I have reached and or accomplished such a milestone. Practicing self motivation, determination and resilience makes me feel powerful!”
What advice would you give a group of people?
“My piece of advice would be ‘to only believe and to remember that all is well.” When you find yourself in the midst of a storm, you can run, but it will catch up and knock you down. You can stand your ground to protect your ego, but it will eventually overcome and overwhelm you. Or you can use the storm as an opportunity to transform yourself to match the circumstance! If you believe the storm will pass and know it to be true in your heart, it indeed will pass. Always remember that ‘no matter what your present circumstance looks like, all is well because you believe.'”
by A’riel Tinter, Brand Journalist