Not All The Stars Are In The Sky

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Well I can safely say that Encounter Entertainment's inaugural Empowerment through Performance Workshop was a resounding success. It has been an amazing journey from conception, through applying for and getting the funding and of course actually making it happen. Jen and I have worked very hard, but all the lost hours of sleep are now forgotten because it was such a wonderful experience. The teens who came to participate in the workshop were all diamonds in the rough...so incredible - some leapt up and shone immediately others who had been downtrodden by life needed a little help to lift their eyes from the floor and their hearts out of despair. But they did it!!! To see them clamour up onto our outdoor stage under the stars in beautiful Northwest Montana and sing, dance and act their little hearts out with such courage and verve was inspiring. This has to have been one of the most amazing experiences of my life - without a doubt... Our generous hosts and benefactors - Bonni and Rob Quist (C & W singer) were so supportive (I think Rob enjoyed the show too!), and it was a real bonus to work with the talented Betsi Morrison, Luke Walrath, David Ackroyd and Mike Aldridge from our sponosr company Alpine Theatre Project. Our trusty and talented volunteers Cowboy Dave, Cathy, Jesse, Bente, Erika and Heather plus our cabin neighbours at Sweetwater Ranch the brothers - Rob and Will really made it possible with their hard work and hearts of gold, as did our sponsors who made it financially feasible...including the Montana Arts Council. The actual event - Night At The Ranch was a precious one - I loved every minute of it, and will never forget the laughter and applause of the audience rolling across the field at Sweetwater Ranch under the starry sky in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains as the wind whispered through the trees and the crows called out.... In the few days we had to recover I was able to explore Bigfork, Columbia Falls, White Fish and the glorious Glacier National Park with Jen and Polly. We saw BEARS!!! What a highlight - the grizzlies are amazing creatures... and then, all too soon, I found myself standing at twightlight on theWhitefish train platform as the Empire Builder rolled into the station to take me Westward and onto the 'Left' Coast.... and so my journey continues.... Currently listening: Odyssey West By Rob Quist & Jack Gladstone Release date: 20 December, 2003