These bi-weekly letters document my journey of monetizing creativity. Take what inspires you and leave what doesn't resonate. xx

Möther’s Creme Diaries ‘LIVE’

The live show that ran last year was a success. Not due to the audience turnout or profit margins, but because I managed to bring the podcast script to life in a cohesive and entertaining way.

But something was still missing from the production.

The show was good, but not great, and this had nothing to do with the performances. It was something with my setup.

After a trip to San Francisco, I stumbled upon a drag parody musical of the film "Scream". The show was fantastic. It's the kind of show I aspire to be part of. It was campy and fun, and left me wanting more.

More importantly, it got me thinking, "My show needs to be 100% live. I need actual actors."

If you didn't attend my first two shows, most of the dialogue was pre-recorded and lip synced by performers.

My reasoning was that the show was adapted from a podcast, so I wanted to keep it on brand. But, that wasn't the only reason. I also wanted to put on a show within a budget, which meant minimizing rehearsals and tech support.

Honestly, I think it was my way of minimizing work and maintaining creative control.

Well, I'm very excited to premiere a 100% completely 'live' performance of Mother's Cream Diaries at Fringe Fest.

Lights, Camera, Actors Wanted

I wasn't aware that we had such a shortage of drag performers in LA who can act, and I'm not counting those who were part of their middle school ensemble cast.

I mean actual theater PERFORMERS!

In the past, I've worked with drag performers and made the mistake of assuming anyone could act or at least wing it. Boy was I wrong.

After learning the hard way, causing me to a developing thicker skin, I've become way more selective in casting my projects.

I studied acting for many years, everything from drama and multi-cam to improv. I'm very passionate about the art form.

But over the years, the art of acting has been watered down with apps like Vine and TikTok. Everyone thinks their a comedian.

And don't get me started on the acting challenges on Rupaul's Drag Race. They have made it difficult for performers to understand what good acting is.

To me, it's very simple. Is the character believable in that situation? You can be crazy and over the top, but it needs to be truthful to the character.

Casting News

I'm thrilled to welcome Abhora, best known for her participation in Dragula season two, to the role of Nurse Jackie at the Fringe Fest.

I approached Abhora after watching her performance at Precinct in DTLA. The idea of casting a ghoulish queen had never crossed my mind, but Nurse Jackie is the perfect character to experiment with.

Abhora also filled me in on Nurse Jackie’s backstory.

Nurse Jackie is an overworked divorcee and mother of two with three grandkids. She used to be a caring woman, but now she handles her patients like animals. Even though she has a very important bowling league competition tonight, she wouldn't miss the opportunity of giving one of her long time patients a lethal injection of self euthansaia.

I'm still on the hunt for my lead character, Vivian. I had my heart set on Salina Estitties, as she created the character while lending her voice to the podcast.

However, with Fringe falling on Pride month, it's hard to book her for three consecutive shows without scheduling conflicts.

I'm very particular about this character as she's carrying the entire show. She needs to be a trained actor or be able to play herself.

That being said, in this day and age, I think it's important for queens to have as much training as possible in all areas of entertainment.

Unfortunately, a lot of the emphasis is on the look, which I totally appreciate, but I’m looking for a new breed of queens. Queens who can convey believable emotion in character.

Queens for television and film…

"Welcome To Your Life. There's No Turning Back."

That phrase hits hard when you get to the right age and start thinking about things.

I'm in that situation right now. I've been creative all my life, funding my own endeavors for years, but now as I transition into this exciting role in nightlife, I feel a part of my creativity fading.

I know it's ultimately what I want, but it's still tough because it's all I've ever known and I'm giving it up to earn a living.

There's a big plan for me that I have yet to understand, but I know it's coming. I need to be patient and listen to my instincts.

Also, I'm genuinely grateful for my life at this very moment! We often forget how far we've come and how happy we actually are because the "present" self has convinced us that the "future" self will be even happier.

But this is it! Enjoy the ride!

Tickets are now on sale on the Fringe Fest website. I will have official cast news in the next newsletter.

Friday June 7 2024, 8:30 PM | 1hr

Saturday June 22 2024, 5:00 PM | 1hr

Saturday June 29 2024, 3:30 PM | 1hr

In closing, there is a lot to cover this summer of 2024.

I'll be managing the Desert Five Spot on my own for a few weeks while my boss sets up a branch in New York. Will I sink or swim?

After the fringe fest, I'll learn the fate of "Möther's Creme Diaries 'LIVE'". Will I continue with the live show, or should I put it aside and focus on nightlife?

Only time will tell.

P.S. I'm still on the hunt for a business partner. I'm seeking someone who not only complements my strengths but also brings fresh insight and wisdom to MCD and beyond.

Thank you all for reading xx

If you have any questions or suggestions for the newsletter, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. This is an open creative space!