Ep 33: Creative Process and Mental Health w/ Kayla Martine, Andrew Garrett, and Markia Nicole Smith

Summary: In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month we are launching a month-long series that looks at mental theatre in theatre. This week we are diving into the creative process behind creating work that explores mental health from creation, to production and finally performance. In this episode, we deep dive into Indoor Person, which had it’s premiere this past February at Normal Ave in New York City. We have joined the Playwright, Kayla Martine, Director, Andrew Garrett, and the actor who portrayed the role of Cleo, Markia Nicole Smith. MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Kayla Martine (Playwright): Kayla Martine is a New York-based playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, and romance novelist. Her tragicomedy, Indoor Person, premiered Off-Broadway this past February through Normal Ave. Other works for the stage include (De)Fermentation, and The Eating Disorder Play. She has written and produced several short films that ran the festival circuit and co-created and produced Curmudgeons Sketch, an online sketch comedy channel. To learn more, you can visit her website, www.kaylamartine.com. @kayla_martine (Instagram). @kaylamartine (Twitter) Andrew Garrett (Director): Andrew Garrett is a bi-coastal creative leader that splits his time between New York and Seattle. Though he has worked throughout the theatre, he is primarily a director, producer and educator. He is also the founder and artistic director of The Scratch - an arts organization dedicated to fostering new work. His work is all about bringing people together. Leading from a place of love, his work revolves around new play development, intergenerational workshops, community engagement and strengthening the connection between art and society. He recently directed the world premiere production of Kayla Martine’s Indoor Person at Normal Ave. More information about Mind The Gap. @TheAndrewGarrett (Instagram), TheAndrewGarrett@gmail.com Markia Nicole Smith (Actor): Markia Nicole Smith is a 23 year old Baltimore native living in NYC. She recently graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in Acting. She’s worked regionally at the Pittsburgh Public theatre as well as with Normal Ave. in NYC. Markia is a proud bisexual black woman in the arts! @markia_nicole(Instagram/Twitter) About Indoor Person: Indoor Person is a tragicomedy about Addie and Cleo, a modern-day high-functioning agoraphobe and the one who tries to keep her afloat. Addie can’t leave the house. Cleo can’t leave Addie. "Functioning" is a fine line, so fine that maintaining the balance just might be impossible. More about the world premiere production. Audience Statement: Indoor Person contains the following themes that may be triggering to some audience members: Interpersonal and Personal Violence, Suicide, and Mental Health Conditions. Additionally, there are moments when a physical gun is present on stage. More About Normal Ave: Normal Ave believes in redefining normal by nurturing an inclusive community of fresh, diverse voices and inviting collaborative freedom at every stage of the artistic process. Our accessible programming of new and existing works spark curiosity, challenge perception, and welcome our artists and audiences to think, listen and respond in radical ways. website If you have questions or ideas for future episodes reach out to Lindsay anytime at lindsay@retheatreco.com. You can find out more about RE:THEATRE and Lindsay’s work at www.retheatreco.com, by following RE:THEATRE on Facebook or by following Lindsay on Instagram @re.theatre.