We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time I have realized the importance of having a life outside of my work. I used to be so consumed with checking off my job to-do list, it felt that I wasn’t truly living. To have goals and work at accomplishing them is fine, but to be dominated by those goals drains a person. To counteract this, I started dedicating a certain amount of hours a day to myself. Things I do during that time consist of going for: walk, chatting with friends, listening to a new podcast, or just watching a tv show. The things I do to destress or just to get away from work don’t have to be huge, but it cannot be work-related. I noticed that when I incorporated “me-time,” I was happy to start back up work. Task did not seem as daunting, I came in with a clear mind and fresh ideas
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Recently I graduated with my Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. What I learned about my art and who I am as an artist during graduate school is I like theatre for social change. Scripts or devised pieces that focus on a story from an unheard voice will always spark my interest. Our country is built off of diversity. My work accentuates the voices that have been suppressed in the past. With the uncertain times we live in, I have started a YouTube channel called “Theatre from My View.” On the channel, I discuss scripts and how I would direct them from my perspective. Being a woman of color in the theatre industry can be very daunting. My voice has been silenced on certain occasions, whether it be purposefully or inadvertently. “Theatre from My View” is not only an outlet to expose people to more plays but to expose people to how I, as a woman of color, view a piece of theatre and how it directly impacts me. What I want people to take away from the work I do is that there is not only one perspective or one voice. I want people to understand there is a multitude of ways to approach theatre. Never feel that you are limited to one view. Theatre, first and foremost, is a collaboration of different perspectives.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would start with taking them on a hike up Stone Mountain, but before that we would stop by Dekalb Farmer’s Market to get food for a picnic. The next day we would go to the Center for Puppetry Arts to see a show and tour the museum. Afterwards we would head to Atlantic Station for a bite to eat and drinks at the Yard House, and maybe some dessert at one of the stores in the station. There is also a possibility that a band will be playing on the lawn, which is always a bonus.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kennedy Salters is someone I would like to shoutout. She is my best friend, but also a fantastic performer and theatre artist. Through her hard work and leadership, I get inspired to try new things on and off stage. Kennedy also challenges me in how I view life and art. Through the questions, she asks I am forced to focus on a broader perspective and not fixate on a single aspect. Her support is something I truly value, and without it, my journey would not be as fun or fulfilling.
Website: washingtonamanda.com
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.
Image Credits
Production photos take by Kelly Dunn
