My Producing Debut

This past weekend, I had the honor of producing my very first show, with no help, no direction, and frankly when I started, what felt like almost no idea what to do. I was lucky enough that in my experiences that led me to starting Mercurie Studios llc, that I have spent quite a lot of time both in the director’s chair, as well as the stage manager’s chair. While this is very different from producing a show, it did give me an insight as to what things needed to get done and just how different it was to have everything all be put onto me. Variety Holidaze, I must admit though, while having a few things I wish I could change, was very successful as the first live show for this little company and my little dream.

There is so much that goes into producing a show, and this cabaret was no different. From figuring out a location, to organizing music, finding vendors, and setting a budget, I was brought so far out of my little bubble of comfort, and thrown into the wild of asking and telling others what I wanted. Having the creative freedom to decide and make those decisions was something I wasn’t used to, but honestly I started to relish in it.

One of my goals for this show in particular was to not only highlight local performers, which I was able to do, but to also highlight other local small businesses. I always knew that supporting small businesses was important, but until I owned a small business of my own, I never felt as though I was capable of supporting and promoting them enough. Variety Holidaze was not only a showcase of singers, actors, and poets, but also of artists and crafters.

The support that was shown for not only myself, the performers, and the vendors was so overwhelming and it really did solidify that starting Mercurie was the right decision not only for me, but also for the Buffalo community. This little dream of mine might be small right now, but I hope that in time, it will grow, and we will be able to put on more shows and showcases of many more artistic endeavors.

With Mercurie being what it is, it feels only right to be able to share one of the many beautiful pieces of poetry that was read at Variety Holidaze, written by Janae Leonard ( with their permission, of course!). I want to be able to eventually use this blog to highlight works from poets and storytellers that we might not always hear from, and give them all a little bit more recognition as well. If you know an artist or you are an artist or writer with a short story or poem you wish to be featured, please send a copy to mercuriestudios@gmail.com.

Moon

by Janaé Leonard

In the dark, you’re my light

No matter your shape or size

you still light my night

I find comfort in you

I look for you when the darkness creeps in

You give me a sign if I should do the right things

I’m sorry for the many times I didn’t listen

You’ve been there since I could remember

As a child crying and looking to you to guide me

You never failed me

Never left my side

No matter where I was you were there

In a car, on a plane

Different parts of the world

You’re always there

I love you

What you’ve done and continue to do I’m thankful for

God made you

God made me

He knew I’d look to you

So he made me see

See your greatness

Your power

Your love

Who said the night was beautiful without you?

Who said we can survive without you?

I can’t and I won’t if I could

You’re my friend

I hope my love for you doesn’t fade

I hope my future children will feel the change you made

In me

Forever