Meet Logann Grayce, Storytelling Coach
An Interview with Shenny De Los Angeles
Q: As artists, especially from underrepresented communities, a part of our work is affirming others in a shared lived experience. That’s a part of what makes representation in art a radical form of healing, as it’s an invitation to help people witness themselves. When was the first time you witnessed yourself in a body of work or through someone else’s story, and how did that ignite you to tell your story?
A: I think seeing Fun Home on Broadway and listening to the song, “Ring of Keys” was the first time I really saw elements of myself in a character and of my story. It took me back to these little “a-hah” moments I had growing up that I ignored because homosexuality, and queerness, and gender identity was not spoken about when and where I grew up [in central New Jersey].
Q: In learning how to strengthen your voice as an artist, what was a piece of feedback and/or advice that you received from a great mentor/coach that really stayed with you and not only made your artistic work expand but it also deepened your growth as a person?
A: Don’t be afraid to share your truth. Let go of the fear of judgement. This is about you and not everyone else. Trying to please others and staying quiet keeps you small.
Q: Thinking about the world we’re living in, and how much of the focus is centered on the pain of life, it can feel very challenging to want to keep going and source our stories from a place of joy, curiosity, and wonder. In honoring your lived experience, what affirms you in this life? What keeps the drive and momentum in your body and soul? Even when the world hurts you, how do you believe enough in yourself to choose to live the life you know you deserve?
A: Every time I share my story with an audience. Every time I have an authentic conversation with someone new and am later praised for my bravery and authenticity. And every time I mentor someone younger than me and see and hear and feel the gratitude they show me. Those moments remind that my work on this earth is not finished and I am meant to be here. No matter how empty the fridge is, or how scarce the job opportunities are, or how many micro aggressions the week brings, I tell myself: “I belong in this world, I am okay in this moment, I have enough, and I believe that ‘better’ is on its way as long as I keep showing up for life.”
Logann Grayce (they/them) is a Storytelling Coach with Life Jacket as well as a writer, actor, dancer, activist, and mentor who resides in the metro New York area and hails from central New Jersey. Logann uses storytelling and lived experience to help mentor young Queer folks who are working on finding their voices and gaining confidence to show up authentically and embrace who they are and all they bring to the world. They are a three time Short Play Festival Finalist, and published playwright. Their plays have been featured in several local play festivals as well as in Ohio University’s “The [Trans] Play of Remembrance.” Inspired by their recovery and gender journeys, past trauma, and the phenomenal humans they have met along the way, Logann aims to write pieces that represent underrepresented communities, and challenge audiences to step into a world that might be unfamiliar, allowing their minds to be opened. Logann offers virtual as well as in person support for young trans and non-binary writers who are looking to develop their stories into performance pieces.
Shenny De Los Angeles (she/they) is a Resident Storytelling Artist with Life Jacket. Shenny is a Dominican-American interdisciplinary performing artist and writer who centralizes Black and Brown femmes in their stories, affirming the beauty of being alive. Shenny’s work has been featured at Mabou Mines Theatre, Latina Magazine, Blackstar Film Festival, Latinx Playwright Circle, and Caribbean Writers to name a few! Currently, Shenny is a WaterWorks Emerging Artist at Harlem Stage, where she is developing a ritual play, Sisters by Water, which explores the intimacy and nuance of sisterhood between Haitian & Dominican-American femmes. www.ShennyDeLosAngeles.com
Learn more about Life Jacket Theatre Company and The Storytelling Project.
