What I'm Doing for Christmas Vacation

Dear community friends,

Well, I'm home. It's not just that I'm snuggled under a warm blanket with Logan on the couch, wearing fuzzy slippers, enjoying the lights sparkling on our Christmas tree. Paige is upstairs sleeping, and Ben is out in the studio putting trim around the windows and doors. Our home is peaceful, and I love it.

And the studio ... I love my new studio! I am opening my own teaching studio, for acting and singing lessons, this month. This studio is attached to my home, and could be considered not only as my own Christmas present, but as my gift to the Dexter community.

I have been teaching private voice and acting lessons for many years, and this is the first time I have had my very own studio space in which to teach.

So, I am not only home; more deeply, I feel like I have arrived. I've been working for this my whole life.

As a kid, I knew I wanted to perform, act, sing and put on plays. I grew up on a farm in Chelsea, and acted out shows with my dog, Cookie, on my own makeshift stage (it was the roof that had slid to the ground from atop the old chicken coop). My early skills of hamming, singing, playing to an audience (of 20 acres of alfalfa) were formed there.

I graduated from Chelsea High School, attended Michigan State University, and kept a hand in collegiate and community theater while obtaining "a marketable degree" and working as a social worker for 10 years.

I discovered, however, that the dream of performing could not be set aside to watch from the wings. My heart told me repeatedly: "Be onstage. Create art. Do theater. Express your full self and share it with others."

In 2001, I took a leave of absence from my full-time social work job to complete a year-long Equity acting internship program at Boarshead Professional Theatre in Lansing. I moved there, ate, breathed, slept theater, worked like a dog (a busy border collie comes to mind), rarely had a day off ... and I loved every minute of it. I was immersed in the theater world I had longed to join. And once I was in, I knew I would never leave it.

Armed with 40 of the 50 points I needed to join Actors' Equity Association (the union of professional actors), I earned my remaining points by performing at Meadowbrook Theatre in Rochester. I also began teaching theater. I started teaching musical theater classes at area dance studios, and then began teaching private voice and acting students out of my own home (first in Jackson, and then in Ann Arbor).

Add directing to the mix, and I earned my slashes: I became a bona fide actor/director/vocalist/coach. 

I love my life in theater. I love working with students and inspiring them to do their best. In fact, I discovered my purpose for existence is "to inspire others to do and be their best." Helping others realize their dreams is indescribably rewarding. To change people's lives, explore, discover, play, make their deepest desires a reality? I'm in Heaven. And it turns out Heaven is right here on Second Street in lovely little Dexter.

My husband, children and I moved from Ann Arbor to Dexter nearly one year ago. We chose this specific home due to its proximity to delightful downtown, to , and for the fabulous large space attached to this house. We have converted a giant woodworking shop into a beautiful teaching studio.

So, my life and livelihood have my family and the wonderful world of theater both present center stage. To be able to be with my family, perform and direct down the street, and teach in literally my own backyard? Believe me, I don't need to go anywhere, for Christmas vacation or many other times besides that.

I am happy. I am home. I am living my dreams. And I am here to help you live out yours.

Check out CarrieJay.com for more details on lessons. I am accepting new students of all ages and skill levels for private coaching. I also have gift certificates available, in time for holiday shopping!

Come to my new studio! We are hosting a grand opening on Dec.19, from 5-8 p.m., followed by neighborhood caroling from 8-9 p.m. Everyone is welcome. 

I couldn't be more thrilled to share this dream come true with you. Come and introduce yourself, and tell me your dreams. Let's explore together how we can make them all come true.