Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 43: Recalling a time when our mental, physical, spiritual or emotional health was compromised.
Day 44: Recalling our rock bottom as well our peak time in our lives.
Day 45: Recalling a meaningful moment of celebration in our lives.
Day 46: Calling to mind our biggest fan and supporter.
Day 47: Calling to mind our Fathers or Father Figures.
Day 48: Calling to mind our Mothers, Mother Figures or Mother Nature.
Day 49: Calling to mind our “Chosen Family”.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 36: Recalling a betrayal we suffered.
Day 37: Recalling a crowded event or gathering we attended in the past.
Day 38: Exploring our sexuality.
Day 39: Exploring our resentments.
Day 40: Revisiting our childhood home in our minds.
Day 41: Exploring our understanding of God.
Day 42: Recalling a time when we acted as a leader.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 29: Recalling a Best Friend.
Day 30: Recalling our proudest accomplishment.
Day 31: Letting our imaginations carry us into a fantasy.
Day 32: Processing a conflict in our lives.
Day 33: Exploring our purpose.
Day 34: Exploring a leap of faith that we took.
Day 35: Recalling an act of generosity.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
The Whitefire Theatre is a beautiful, 84-seat, state-of-the-art theatre in Sherman Oaks. With the support of Artistic Director Bryan Rasmussen and solo theatre teacher Jessica Lynn Johnson, creator of the Soaring Solo artistic community, hundreds – if not thousands – of people have been able to develop and share their stories at Whitefire Theatre. To me, it’s so much more than a theatre – it’s an artistic home.
I am one of those performers and am now an internationally touring artist – having completed a 25 show run of my solo show Shattered at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2019. As a result, I also now utilize my story to support discussions on mental health and trauma recovery – two themes I explore in Shattered.
Hands down, I would not have started this journey, had it not been for Whitefire Theatre. Whitefire is where I first saw Kimleigh Smith powerfully perform her critically acclaimed solo show T-O-T-A-L-L-Y about transforming her trauma; and, with Kimleigh’s loving support, I slowly started to write about transforming mine. Whitefire is where I made the leap to attend Jessica Lynn Johnson’s exceptional (and free!) solo show class on the Whitefire stage – space donated by Artistic Director Bryan Rasmussen. And in 2017, with the expert guidance of my director Jessica Lynn Johnson, the Whitefire Theatre is where I premiered my solo show Shattered at The Whitefire Theatre SoloFest – the largest solo theatre festival on the West Coast.
I return every year to perform Shattered at Whitefire Theatre SoloFestbecause Bryan creates a festival that is incredibly supportive for the solo artist; but, more so, I return for the community.
With COVID-19 threatening many small businesses, the impact on the arts has been especially painful. Please consider supporting Whitefire Theatre to continue their great work!
My story is just one of many. I asked fellow artists at Whitefire to weigh in on their journeys and experiences.
These are their stories:
“The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke often of his Vision of a Beloved Community – a community that honors the Dignity and Worth of every Individual with no one left out! The Whitefire Theatre Management and Community masterfully activates that Vision in every show it produces. Whether through a solo or ensemble performance – LA audiences experience subject matter from A to Z – uncensored – with no experience left out – honoring the Dignity and Worth and Creativity of All! Edutainment at its Best! Truly, the Beloved Community in Action!” ~ Candace Carnicelli (Ex. Dir., Common Peace, Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence) / Writer/Performer – Becoming Peace, a One Woman Rhythmic Dramedy about Power, Culture, Violence and Nonviolence
“Having found the Whitefire Theatre, and working with Jessica Lynn Johnson, has emboldened me to pursue all kinds of projects just knowing that there is a supportive and encouraging community of artists there. Solofest, in particular, the largest celebration of solo theatre on the West Coast, is incredibly inspiring and diverse, and offers not only the opportunity to take in these incredible performances, but is pretty much a welcome mat for anyone interested in pursuing an adventure in the theatrical arts. Community is what it is about, I have never experienced such close yet far reaching camaraderie.” ~ Lisa Verlo, Writer/Performer – HOLLYWOODN’T
“The Whitefire Theatre gave me a safe place to perform my solo show. Bryan and the support staff are generous, competent and helpful.” ~ Susan Porter, Writer/Performer – Wake Up Little Susy
“I have been part of The Whitefire Theatre for about 10 years. I’ve had my original works produced many times. Bryan has been a mentor AND a brother to me. He has truly built a loving supportive creative environment for artists of all levels. I perform all over the country, but I’m happiest at home at The Whitefire because of Bryan and his generous spirit.” ~ Toni Perrotta, Writer/Performer – Here’s What I’m Saying: Life Lessons From An Italian Mama
“Bryan Rasmussen and the team at Whitefire Theatre truly brought my life back to the stage where it always belonged. The chance to bring my shows to life in such a beautiful venue, supported by someone with such a passion for solo-performers and a capable crew…well, it was like being at home.” ~ Heather Dowling, Writer/Performer – Unemployed. Finally. & Fertile
“The theatre’s artistic director, Bryan Rasmussen, is a kind, generous soul, a visionary and passionate supporter of solo theatre, which he frequently says is the most challenging of all theatrical expressions for any actor to undertake. The Whitefire has anchored, midwived and given me and my one-woman show, ‘Wild At Hart’, a home to return to and feel loved and celebrated within. It has also given home to the extraordinary Soaring Solo Theatre Community that Jessica Lynn Johnson created – a tribe of tremendously talented misfits who somehow all fit together in answering the inner call to Tell Their Stories. And the world, all of us as the larger tribe of belonging, need these stories!” ~ Kamakshi Hart, Writer/Performer – Wild At Hart
“The Whitefire Theatre has always had a welcoming, special and deeply creative energy for me. Before I premiered my show this past February, I used to take class here and was always in awe of their solofest shows. I wanted to be a part of it, badly.
Fast forward many moons later, thanks to Jessica Lynn Johnson, Bryan Rasmussen and Brandon Loeser, my show was brought into this world with their solid theatrical production savvy. I had zero worries (which made me worry) they knew me and what I needed and proceeded to produce magic not only for my sold out audience, but for me as well. I’m still in awe of how easy they make it look!” ~ Maeria Pae, Writer/Performer – Ma’s Kitchen
“I have quite a few lovely stories to share. I have had the privilege of performing at the Whitefire for the last 21 years and this place has literally changed my life. I came to LA for a 6 week run with all intentions of returning home to New York City. However, people plan and g-d laughs because instead of returning home, my show got picked up and produced for a six months run and won “BEST SOLO PRODUCTION” that year at the ADA AWARDS. I also had the AMAZING fortune of meeting my husband at The Whitefire theater. This phenomenal place has been my lucky charm. I am eternally grateful!” ~ Pam Levin, Writer/Performer – Tales of Modern Motherhood – Parts I & II
“The Whitefire Theater and the Soaring Solo community taught me to be so much more than just a performer. With their guidance, I’ve learned to value my stories, my voice, and my capacity for storytelling. They’ve empowered me to create, and I will be forever grateful.” ~ Brandon Raman, Writer/Performer – I Can’t Indian Good
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 22 – Identifying an Influencer in our lives.
Day 23 – Recalling a moment of Recognition in our lives.
Day 24 – Getting in touch with our feelings of jealousy and envy.
Day 25 – Exploring Coronavirus Covid-19 as a metaphor.
Day 26 – Exploring a coming of age memory.
Day 27 – Identifying an enemy in our lives.
Day 28 – Recalling a time of exploration in our lives.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
This Spotlight focuses on Jessica Lynn Johnson, proud founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the direction and development of one person plays who has collaborated on well over 100 solo shows and is still going strong despite the current shutdown. And now she is offering free classes on ZOOM until it is possible to perform in a theater again.
Shari Barrett (SB): What would you like readers to know about your theatrical background?
Jessica Lynn Johnson (JLJ): Besides encouraging other solo artists to develop their own shows while operating my company Soaring Solo, I am also a solo artist myself and have toured for 13+ years with my own two award-winning one woman shows. I am also on the Board of the LA Women’s Theatre Festival and we have been empowering diverse women’s voices for nearly 3 decades!
Lastly, I would like everyone to know that I have taught a 100% FREE One Person Play Development Class for about a decade, and while this has primarily been at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, I have now taken my free class online via ZOOM. In addition, I also offer affordable and awesome coaching (one-on-one, small group, and power pair sessions) because as a solo artist myself I know how important it is to get valuable feedback at an affordable price.
(SB): What production(s) were you involved with when word went out you needed to immediately postpone/cancel the shows?
(JLJ): At any given time, I have 20-30 solo shows up and running with some making their world premiere and others simply continuing to tour since I work with my solo artists for years and help them tour internationally. All of that said, I had close to two dozen solo shows coming up that I directed and developed in three different festivals (Solofest 2020 at Whitefire Theatre, LA Women’s Theatre Festival in March, and the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June). And of course, those have all been postponed.
Bryan Rasmussen at the Whitefire Theatre is such an innovative Artistic Director and had been perfecting the Live Stream experience of shows long before this COVID-19 pandemic took over. Therefore, he is planning to begin streaming shows as soon as mandates dictate this is possible. Many of my clients are excited to experiment with this new medium which is planned to begin in June.
(SB):How did you communicate the shutdown with your clients?
(JLJ): Every artist has handled the devastation of this moment differently. Therefore, some clients have processed this news with me on the phone, others have found texting and emailing the best way to process. And many have been partaking in my ongoing free online class, my coaching services, and my free daily Isolate Meditate Create experience, so events were discussed via all those options. My free guided meditation and writing sessions take place on ZOOM at 9am (PT) during the Stay at Home, with more information available on JessicaLynnJohnson.com.
All to say, this is such a challenging time and it is important to respect each person’s nuanced way of handling this crisis and hold space for their feelings and the mode in which they feel comfortable engaging.
(SB) Are plans in place to present shows at a future date and how are you keeping the Arts alive during social distancing?
(JLJ): As an eternal optimist, I encourage my clients to “Never Give Up” and “Always Think Outside the Box”. We must “Let Go of What Was” and step into the reality of “What Is.” Suffice it to say, I am in discussion with several clients about the Live Streaming dates for those who were in the tail end of Solofest, and therefore unable to perform their shows when COVID-19 hit. I am also in discussion with those who would like to wait until we are able to gather in person at Whitefire to resume the production of their shows. I respect both choices.
As it stands right now, the Hollywood Fringe which is traditionally held in June has been postponed until October, and most people are eager to partake during this rescheduled time and I will be there to support them in the Fall.
The LA Women’s Theatre Festival is also in talks about next steps to carry on with our programming, and our publicist Philip Sokoloff will certainly make an official statement on that once the Board has agreed upon appropriate next steps.
Lastly, I encourage everyone to TAKE CREATIVE ACTION right now since Art is more important than ever! After all, how many of us are getting through this challenging time by reading a good book, binging television shows and films, or tuning into content being streamed around the globe? I hope the majority of us are nurturing our souls and entertaining our minds with Art to get through this day-to-day madness.
For example, recently my brilliantly talented client Dana Lynn and I hosted a ZOOM reading of her one-woman show Transcending the Mirror about her journey to accept and love herself as a lesbian woman, and we had 40 people tune in and give us incredible feedback to implement into the script.
We have moved all of our Soaring Solo LLC services online, and I have also transferred all of my coaching services and my 100% free One Person Play Development class to ZOOM so that we can all continue with our Art and not be stopped by this virus. I like to say kill the coronavirus and NOT creativity! As such, I am still coaching solo artists in the development and direction of their one-person plays from the comfort of their living room, offering One-on-One coaching, small group coaching featuring 6 solo artists at a time, and Power Pairs where two artists work together with me on larger excerpts of their solo shows.
With all the fear and uncertainty in the world right now, I know many people appreciate something else to focus on besides the virus and I want to provide that much needed creative outlet for them. And for those who are financial strained and cannot afford my paid services, I have got their back too, offering my 100% free One-Person Play development class on Saturday mornings, as well as my free guided meditation and writing sessions on ZOOM daily at 9am (PT). For more information on my free class and my paid services, please visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com
Yes, we need to keep our physical bodies healthy right now, but our mind, heart and spirit need to stay healthy too. Creative expression is a HUGE part of that overall wellness. This is a season for pioneers, innovators, and trailblazers to come forward and take the lead. We all need to think outside of the box and find ways to serve and connect and share our Art like never before. Yes, it is sad that we cannot perform in a theater at this moment in time, but desperation often breeds ingenuity. So, turn that negativity into new ways of creatively expressing yourself and connecting with others. There are true possibilities here if we can let go of the old and step into the new.
Stay healthy, stocked, safe and healthy everyone. We will get through this together!
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 15 – Recalling a great Love story from our lives.
Day 16 – Get in touch with a shameful secret, an embarrassing story, or the thing we thought we would never share with anyone.
Day 17 – Imagining climbing a mountain to reach our dreams and removing weights that hold us back.
Day 18 – Examining a life lesson that continues to circle back around and around again in our lives.
Day 19 – Recalling a piece of Art that was meaningful to us.
Day 20 – Recalling a crossroad moment in our lives.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
Everyday of the Stay at Home mandate of the COVID-19 crisis, Jessica Lynn Johnson, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER, invites you to create your one person play through her guided meditation and visualization. She encourages you to isolate, meditate, and create as an artistic community EVERY DAY as we are in the STAY AT HOME mode.
Day 1 – Exploring themes of FEAR & HOPE during the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis
Day 2 – Exploring themes of LOSS & GAIN during the coronavirus COVID-19
Day 3 – Exploring our HAPPY PLACE
Day 4 – Exploring SPEED WRITING on themes of Health, Home, Change & Community
Day 5 – Exploring a memory of a struggle that you were able to survive
Day 6 – Exploring our most predominant feeling during COVID-19
Day 7 – Exploring a relationship that has been on the forefront of our minds during COVID-19
Jessica Lynn Johnson, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, is the Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, a company dedicated solely to the Direction & Development of one person plays. Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre and has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows (and still going strong)! Visit www.JessicaLynnJohnson.com for more information on Jessica’s work Directing and Developing 1 Person Plays.
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Better Lemons will close its virtual doors on June 1. Thank you for the Memories and the Love all these years! May all your Art continue to THRIVE!
Better Lemons will close its virtual doors on June 1. Thank you for the Memories and the Love all these years! May all your Art continue to THRIVE!
Better Lemons will close its virtual doors on June 1. Thank you for the Memories and the Love all these years! May all your Art continue to THRIVE!
I am one of those performers and am now an internationally touring artist – having completed a 25 show run of my solo show 
