Monday, June 22, 2009

Intrepid Investigative Guy Bill Hageman Recommends Jane the Phoole!

"Ann-Elizabeth is a detailed-oriented manager .... no, wait ... she is a fun, entertaining person who I highly recommend."

(Bill Hageman says he's the Morale Officer for the Chicago Tribune.  Keep fighting that good fight, Bill!)

Evil Genius Ivanovich the Impossibilist Shows Mercy!

"Ann-Elizabeth rolls the essence of street theater, stand up comedy, and wacky non-sequitur and tempers it with the ability to listen to each individual audience member and inserts a dash of humanity and comes up with the essence of Fool... She provides customized humor to cause the audience to laugh with her at life, and to look at themselves for what is right and fun. This skill is tragically short in today's world. 

"We need more fools like A-E. And we need to see A-E out there working for us more.

"I can't recommend her highly enough."

(Chris Ragaisis is also Chris Ivanovich, master of the Impossible and of BLOWING YOUR MIND. His magic illusions will unsettle, perturb and rattle you. And you will LOVE IT! Ivanovich Ivanovich Ivanovich!)

Immense and Articulate Kindness from Patti Lahey!

"Ann-Elizabeth has a keen sense of communication and is brilliant with language. Her command of vernacular phrases and ability to connect with the layman or the genius is a talent we can only hope to possess. I would recommend her for any public speaking engagement where you want to impress your audience. She is unique and genuine in both her work and personal life. Her administrative support is unparalleled do to her attention to detail and professional poise. Every city needs a spokesperson of her caliber."

(Patti Lahey is the very reason I began my career in interactive environmental theater. Without her encouragement, none of this would be happening. Thanks, thanks and ever thanks, Patti!  Now to convince the City of Milwaukee that I mean them no harm...)

The Indomitable David Hoshko Shouts Out!

"Ann-Elizabeth was always a joy to work with. She always brought the 'funny' or at least knew where to call to get some. She's a performer who never knows when to stop, or even that she's allowed to from time to time."

(David Hoshko was a Production Stage Manager for the Bristol Renaissance Faire for many years. During Bristol's first Feast of Fools in 1997, he was immortalized when his surname was incorporated into this mad little battle-cry the Fooles bellowed constantly:  "Bando! Fassl! Hoshko!" Many heartfelt thanks, David!)

Genius Stephanie Draus drops some science!

"I have known Ann-Elizabeth for decades, and have had the pleasure of working with her on many artistic projects. She is a fount of creativity, able to birth new ideas and bring them to wonderful reality without visible strain. She is probably the hardest-working woman I know, eminently trustworthy, and unafraid to chart new territory. I hope to work with her again, and am inspired by her daily."

(Stephanie Draus is a teacher, dancer and naturopathic physician who owns Stellaria Natural Health in Chicago, and she and I have been friends and sisters for about a hundred thousand brazillion years.  Cheers, Drausie!)

Julie Perkins shares praise, and by the way, she is an Empress!

"Ann-Elizabeth hands down is one of the most amazing people that I have ever met. Besides that fact that she is outrageously funny, she is smart, witty, creative and truly genuine! I have found that working with her, she is supportive and encouraging. She is a natural teacher, a great listener and a gracious performer."

(Julie Perkins is the Assistant Guildemistress of the Bristol Renaissance Faire's Guilde of St. George.  She's an amazing, powerful woman who should pretty much be in charge of everything in the whole world.  Thanks, Julie!)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Mighty bushels of kudos from Efry Ayala!

"Ann-Elizabeth, or AE, as we often refer to her, is quite possibly the most energetic, motivating, and passionate entertainer and teacher I have ever had the chance to work with. While being engaged with work as a costumer and actor at the Bristol Renaissance Fair, I first came into contact with AE as a student of hers. Her activities and coaching were critical to my success, but really it was her highly engaging entertainment style that makes every student be attracted to her a mentor and leader. I am a Corporate Trainer professionally and the skills she taught me for acting have also greatly influenced my professional classroom style.

"Her biggest quality by far is that of being a larger-than-life entertainer. AE's ability to transfor a miniscule hitorical character into a regional celebrity is fodder for legends. She is never one to miss an opportunity to engage a patron, especially big and little children, or a fellow actor. Her presence is so bombastic that even if all the lights were to go out of the world, her laugh, physcial characterization, and persona would light up the room, theater, parade, or forest preserve she performed in. One never knows how the world will turn when interacting with AE, and that is the best part."

(Efrain "Efry" Ayala is the Senior Learning and Development Specialist at Panduit, and he's also the Founder, Designer and Dressmaker at AyalaMurano, Inc.)