I want to be a part of it - New York, NY!
Donation protected
To my dear friends and family:
Exciting news! I'm moving to New York in early September!
An opportunity has arrived that I just can't pass up. I have a connection with the Jim Henson Foundation and they've offered me a temporary position at their office in New York, helping to process grant applications and work on a puppet film festival this fall. I'll make lots of new connections that are invaluable in my field and I'll learn a lot!
I've considered moving to New York for the past few years and right now is a good time for many reasons. I have so many friends in the area - mostly puppeteers from school at UConn and my time at the Eugene O'Neill National Puppetry Conference and a few designer colleagues from school at Portfolio Center. I'm excited to get to explore a new and exciting city and to meet even more new friends! I also plan to continue to take improv classes in the city, as improv has been something I've really gotten into lately.
My plan is to get to work with some of my puppet friends on some puppet slam shows and to audition for shows and film projects there. While I've had many opportunities to work as a puppeteer in Atlanta, I know that I'll have as many or more in New York - and they'll be new and exciting and only can lead to my growth as a performer. I also have an opportunity to work with a Murder Mystery improv-type company, for which I auditioned and was hired here in Atlanta. When I decided to accept the Foundation position in New York, they referred me to the troupe there and I'm planning to meet up with them, so that will bring in some income. I also plan to continue to work as a freelance graphic designer.
I'm starting work at the Foundation the second week of September, so I plan to U-haul it up there the first week of the month. I don't yet know where I'll live, but I do have a friend who is looking for a place for the two (or more) of us, so that's quite a relief. We're looking to live in Brooklyn, where the artists play! I've calculated my moving expenses to be about $3,000.
I appreciate all of the ways that my friends in Atlanta have fostered my growth in the field and have supported me as they have attended many live shows, film openings and improv shows. I also am aware and grateful that I have a firm foundation of support from my friends and family in Kansas and all over.
If you guys would think and pray for me in this moving adventure, I would really appreciate it. I don't really expect my friends and family to fully fund my move - I just wanted to use this to help get the word out and to give updates to those who want to know how it's going. But if you'd like to make a small donation, I would be really grateful. If a few of you could give me $2 toward my necessary coffee expense, or maybe $3.50 toward a gallon of gas for the UHaul, that'd be so helpful!
Any donations collected through gofundme.com will go toward expenses such as: UHaul rental, gas, on-the-road meals, apartment rental deposit and start up expenses for utilities and my first month in New York until I earn my first paycheck. Also: a dream of mine that has grown for a few years.
While I'm really sad about leaving my amazing and supportive friends in my Atlanta home, I'm equally excited to tackle a new city and play with new friends and to develop the friendships I already have there. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you!
Many thanks and much love to all of you for your support!
Amy
Organizer
Amy Rush
Organizer
