cool summer school

Texas Musical Theatre Workshop's Giant Steps: An Urbean Musical breathes younglife into old tale

Giant Steps Rehearsal.
Photo by Josh Rasmussen
Giant Steps Rehearsal.
Photo by Josh Rasmussen
Giant Steps Rehearsal.
Photo by Josh Rasmussen
Giant Steps Rehearsal.
Photo by Josh Rasmussen

If you’re in search of a budget-friendly way to add a shot of culture to your family’s Friday evening activities, then look no further than the B. Iden Payne Theatre. This Friday, June 29, as part of the Texas Musical Theatre Workshop hosted at the University of Texas and done in conjunction with Texas State University-San Marcos, the theater will come alive with a staged dramatic reading of its upcoming new musical, Giant Steps: An Urbean Musical.

The musical is a product of the arts-intensive summer program, which is itself a collaborative effort between UT Austin and Texas State University. Texas Musical Theatre Workshop is a unique pre-collegiate program geared toward high school-aged students who are potentially interested in pursuing musical theater careers.

Participants are taught by seasoned industry professionals, and are given invaluable exposure to behind-the-scenes logistics. In the case of Giant Steps: An Urbean Musical, the students have had the opportunity to learn the full breadth of the creative processes that go into developing, perfecting and staging a new work.

The musical is directed by Broadway star Billy Porter with music and lyrics by newcomer Michael Dexter and book by Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominated Eric H. Weinberger.

As a modern-day interpretation of the classic “Jack and the Beanstalk” fairytale, the story follows a 15-year-old boy — J Johnson —chronicling his dreams of becoming a superhero in order to escape his dreary reality living in an inner-city tenement basement apartment. As in the original, J has a fortuitous encounter with a stranger (in this case a street vendor) that ultimately leads to the procurement of the fate-changing magical beans.

Although Friday’s performance will be more of a 'sneak peek' staged reading, the final production will feature a range of lively music ranging from Gospel to Calypso.

---

This staged reading of Giant Steps: An Urbean Musical will be held on June 29 at 7 p.m. at the B. Iden Payne Theatre (300 E. 23rd St.) located in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building on the University of Texas campus. Admission is free and open to the public. Click here for more information on the Texas Musical Theatre Workshop.

unspecified

Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

visual art drawing books