The art of producing is such a beautiful thing to me. It is an ability to move with the rhythm of the work itself. It is the connecting of an open and creative approach to things that can be seen as more rigid and systematic. Like a dance between the hemispheres of the brain and time itself, a producer weaves the behind the scenes tapestry from the many pieces creating the whole; it is facilitating the materialization of dreams.
As creatives, this dream making is done in community. Each member of the community brings an important piece. However, I have noticed that creatives are often stretched thinly to accommodate a shortage of community. The result can be burn out or even the loss of drive. Creatives need support, they need to have community they can trust. One that supports the vision.
I have a saying, ‘the vibe is in the details’. For me, this means that the subtleties and nuance are often poignant. These seemingly small parts are the building blocks of shared experience. They are body language or mannerisms, phrases or speed of speech, they are the cultural pieces. As someone who has relocated to Aotearoa it was these small details that I found I missed the most. It felt like years before I was able to find my community, the ones who seemed to know the language of these small things with me.
Finding my community was like a missing piece, because while there are many wonderful folks, my community did not require me to explain why something held such deep meaning. Instead of trying to contort myself to fit into spaces that did not value the things that made me; me. I was able to show up full. Our creative work, our stories, our dreams deserve the same. They deserve to be told in their fullness, without apology. The subtle and not so subtle things that breathe the life of our culture into what we do, needs to be able to shine completely.
The Producers in Training (PIT) programme is about growing a community of producers who can support diverse creatives and their stories. Our unique perspectives are needed but they should not come at the cost of our wellbeing. The process of dream creation should not be extractive, it should be fulfilling. PIT is unique, it is teaching from a POC perspective, uses a holistic framework, and supports more inclusive storytelling.
Black Creatives Aotearoa, Proudly Asian Theatre, and Alif Theatre have come together to support new and aspiring producers from Asian, Black, and Middle Eastern communities in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and Ōtautahi. This collaboration seeks to empower our communities in sustainable ways. Ensuring the future of diverse stories throughout Aotearoa.
Are you an aspiring Asian, Black or Middle Eastern producer?
Find out more about the Producers In Training programme HERE
Raised in the well irrigated coastal desert of Southern California, Daisy, has had a wide range of experience, including published writer, book-keeper, human resource manager, planning and logistics, project manager, and marketer. She is a learner, builder and innovator able to bring together creativity and strategy. Daisy took her wide range of skills and turned them to production, marketing, and design. In the role of Producer, she has been the linchpin in over 8 productions, all while navigating lockdowns and digital pivots.
She has successfully developed and implemented social media strategies and designed various marketing campaigns resulting in high turnout and engagement.