That’s What She Said: the start of something amazing
Sitting on the patio with two of my friends, watching our girls romp through the yard, a project was born.
We were having the same conversation that we often had.
“How can we make the world a wee bit brighter for other women?”
“Wouldn’t it be great to work together?”
“What can we do to show our girls that we are strong women, loving and supporting each other?”
Even though it was a familiar conversation, something was different on that night.
Our conversation turned to “What if…?”
What if we started our own project? What if we started a project totally focused on supporting women? What if we put on a show, giving voice to women’s stories?
The most commonly used phrase in our circle of friends, (because we are immature like that) is “That’s What She Said!”
The She Said Project became a runaway train.
The next few days were a whirlwind of meetings.
The venue of our dreams fell into place.
With only a promise of chocolate, the speakers committed to the crazy train.
Complete strangers were calling to offer their help. “I’m an attorney/graphic designer/dramaturge/photographer/mom of daughters and I want to help.”
I couldn’t help thinking of all the “mommy wars” stories I had read or seen on the news. I don’t know those women. That is not my experience. The women I know are cheering each other on. The women that have gotten on this crazy train of The She Said Project totally defy the “women are catty” outlook. These women are hellbent on encouraging other women to be bold, to be fierce and to be heard.
So, on October 5, 2013, three ordinary women will take a show from a backyard dream to the stage.
That’s What She Said: 7 Women Who Will Blow You Away.
If we can do it, you can do it.
Dream a little dream, ladies. Whatever that dream is, say it out loud.
Say it to people that will shout from the rooftops, “YOU CAN DO IT!”
Now, go write your book, run your marathon, start your business. Be your own superhero.
KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS + CHRISTIE CLINIC PRESENT
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: 7 WOMEN WHO WILL BLOW YOU AWAY
Fasten your seatbelts for That’s What She Said: 7 Women Who Will Blow You Away, a bold new show at Krannert Center on October 5th, 2013 at 7:30pm. Seven incredible speakers, including four local women, will share their unheard, remarkable stories in seven-minute increments. The featured women, who range from age 20 to age 85, will bring their personal stories to the stage to encourage women to live fearlessly and embrace who they are
Be prepared to snort-laugh and ugly-cry during these seven-minute talks:
Kerry Rossow, Humor Author/Local Streaker: Naked on Healey Street
Nicole Leigh Shaw, Author/Typo Artist: My Father, Whose Name Art Kevin
Nicole Knepper, Blogger/Author: 45 Minutes
Keesha Beckford, Dancer/Writer: Searching for the Skinny Mirror
Casey Wakefield, Cause Entreprenuer: This Might Surprise You
Angela Shelton, Activist/Movie Star: Bang a Gong
Peyton Stewart, Art Student/Aspiring Rapper: Are You Okay?
Special Guest, Mrs. Ruth Latham, age 85
Featured Artist, Karyl Wackerlin
That’s What She Said was founded by Kerry Rossow, Casey Wakefield, and Jill Youse, who wanted to make a difference for women in the Champaign-Urbana community. The show was inspired by TED talks, a global speaker series focused on “ideas worth spreading.”
“Not all great ideas begin in the boardroom,” said Kerry Rossow. “This one was born in the backyard. We were sitting around the patio table, talking about what we hoped for our girls someday. We realized that as mothers, we need to set the example in what we do and the way we talk. Then we decided to bring the idea to life on stage by turning the spotlight on women who have made the decision to live an authentic life. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can encourage each other to live purposefully.”
A portion of the proceeds will benefit local women’s charities. That’s What She Said is made possible by Christie Clinic, with collaboration from Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Community partners include Armstrong Lumber, Busey, Caitlin at M.J. Reed Jewelers, Checkered Moon, Circles Boutique, Dixon Graphics, Dr. Jeremy Youse in Christie Clinic’s Department of Dermatology, HouseTalkN, The McDonald Group Real Estate Company, O’Brien Toyota, NEOI Marketing, and Stevie Jay Broadcasting.
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Tickets are $25 each ($15 for students) and on sale August 10, 2013 at 10am. Call 800/KCPATIX, 217.333.6280, TTY: 217.333.9714, or visit KrannertCenter.com. Detailed speaker information can be found at www.SheSaidProject.com.
Please note: Show is not meant for kids, includes adult themes and content.
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ABOUT KERRY: A recovering teacher, Kerry Rossow blogs about houses and her life shenanigans atHouseTalkN. Fearing her mother’s disapproval, she secretly shares irreverent and incriminating posts at In The Powder Room. Kerry is a contributor to the chart topping, I Just Want To Pee Alone book and was recently cast in Listen To Your Mother!
You can also find Kerry on facebook and twitter, bringing shame to her family, one status update at a time!
This piece was written by Kerry Rossow of HouseTalkN exclusively for Bonbon Break Media, LLC.
CONTINUE READING IN THE BEDROOM
