The Extreme Staycation

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Motivation I think everyone struggles to be motivated on occasion. During this weird time we now find ourselves in, I think that people will be experiencing conflicting feelings. Firstly, a feeling of abundance.  As a creative, you've almost been gifted time.  Time is the thing we all wish we had more of.  Time to write, time to work on those monologues, practice tap, perfect your guitar chords.  And now it's all we have. Secondly, pressure.  I've got time, I have to use it.  Why aren't I using this time better?  What else can I do? Thirdly, being overwhelmed.  There are almost too many options.  I have a calendar full of activities - calls, quizzes, writing and acting groups.  And what am I missing out on?  So many things to watch on tv, theatre being streamed, free books to read or listen to, free exercise classes... And then it becomes too much an...

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation Life is now all about being online.  In the last couple of days, I have had conversations over Zoom with family members across the country and abroad and a seven way chat with friends on Google Hangouts which was super fun!  I've also taken a playwriting workshop with a teacher from Standford University and have plans for a jazz class on Monday night. We are in touch with each other more than ever in a world of social media, WhatsApp and the capability that the internet gives us to call anyone anywhere in the world.  But in the last few days I have found this increasing as my WhatsApp groups are all the more active - and I love it. I have plans to write some letters too Today was Mothering Sunday in the UK.  I popped over to see my mum - put flowers on her doorstep, rang the bell, then stood behind the gate, over a meter away.  It felt bizarre but I truly believe we should all do ou...

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Work All forthcoming social or work engagements from my diary have been removed.  It's a blank slate apart from reminders to give the cat her flea and worm medicine which she will be most pleased about. As of Tuesday night, all my freelance work has been cancelled.  This isn't exactly surprising as all my work (acting or work in between) involves: 1. lots of other people 2. public buildings that hold lots of people 3. travelling with other people unnecessarily to places with lots of people I'm genuinely concerned for my many friends and colleagues who will have no income for the foreseeable future.  I don't have a solution except to suggest that if you have kids who might need child care as the schools are closing and can afford to pay someone, consider asking any of your friends who are potentially going to be struggling. The acting industry is, as ever, being creative and resilient - casting...