welcome to clyde's

Play about formerly incarcerated kitchen staff brings laughter and redemption to Austin

Clyde's is comedic play by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.

Photo courtesy of Ground Floor Theatre

A comedic play called Clyde's serves up a tale of second chances at Ground Floor Theatre starting May 16. The heartwarming comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage blends humor and heart on a stage dedicated to amplifying the stories of historically marginalized communities.

The story revolves around the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff at Clyde's, a sandwich shop. As they navigate their new lives and their tough-as-nails boss, Clyde (played by Yunina Barbour-Payne), they find purpose and inspiration in their shared quest to create the perfect sandwich. Under the direction of Lacey Cannon Gonzales and Carl Gonzales, the cast has worked to bring these complex characters to life.

"Each performance offers a distinct experience; What occurs on a Friday night differs from a Sunday matinee," said the directors in an email to CultureMap, emphasizing the live allure of theater. "Nothing quite matches the atmosphere of sharing the same space, immersed in the energy of the actors and fellow audience members. Together, everyone is taking a collective journey."

While the play deals with heavy themes, it does so with a generous serving of humor. Reintegrating into society is, of course, not as simple as making a perfect sandwich, but the parallels are where truth can be found without forcing the point. The directors believe that laughter can be a powerful tool for connecting with audiences and driving home important messages.

"Humor serves as a powerful tool in storytelling," they continue. "We are fortunate to be working with incredibly talented actors that understand the energy and balance needed for this production. In rehearsals, we have worked together to bring nuanced perspectives to the characters. These conversations allowed us to navigate the comedic moments with finesse, while also delving into the heavier subject matter with authenticity."

As an incubator for innovative and groundbreaking works, Ground Floor Theater aims to illuminate the experiences of often overlooked groups, providing a platform for their stories to be told and their voices to be heard. In addition to Clyde's, this season features works about the trans experience, institutionalized racism, and an Iranian's imaginings of a world he can't travel (season extra).

"Representation in theatre is incredibly important," says Ground Floor Theatre founder Lisa Scheps, also in an email. "I think seeing ourselves realistically reflected back from the stage gives us a little credibility. As a trans person, it was only recently I saw trans representation in the media that wasn’t derogatory or clownish and that had a huge impact on me. GFT really wants to shine a light on those communities that seldom bask in its glow."

Returning to this spoonful of sugar idea — humorous theater about complex and often heavy topics — Scheps encourages people to seek out some viewpoints outside of their comfort zone and experience through storytelling.

"Theatre is a safe and entertaining way to do that," she says. "Who doesn’t want to learn about other lives, experiences, and adventures?”

In keeping with Ground Floor Theatre's commitment to "theatre for everyone," tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can basis. Suggested prices are $25 for general admission. Shows run May 16 through June 1. Tickets available at groundfloortheatre.org

theatre plays

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