It's Time For A Natural Barbie

This week, I read about a Natural Hair Group in Columbus, Georgia that transformed 40 African-American Barbie dolls into natural hair beauties. Apparently, there is a tutorial online that teaches you how to transform Barbie's slick, straight hair into a beautiful curly mane. What a great gift for any girl to receive -- a doll that is a reflection of the natural beauty of their hair.

The article states that "although Barbie has been around since 1959 and comes in 50 different nationalities it's rare to find a black doll with textured hair." It's been a long time coming and I commend this group for taking the time to create these dolls.

Maybe with enough persuasion, we can get Mattel on board and we can start to see these dolls in stores all over the world!

Here's the link to send them an email:
http://service.mattel.com/us/ContactUs.aspx


It's so important that our little girls have role models of all types! Let's be the change!


Link to the article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/14/natural-hair-group-in-geo_n_1149574.html#s544755

Are you ‘da next KINK womyn?

Are you ‘da next KINK womyn?

Have you always dreamed of being a part of ‘da Kink in my Hair?
Would you love to spend part of the summer in New York City?
Can you act? sing? dance? drum?

AND

presents…
‘da Kink in my Hair
by trey anthony
directed by Michele Shay
back in Toronto this AUGUST 2011 and we are looking for YOU!



AUDITIONS – OPEN CALL:
Monday May 9, 10am to 5pm
Tuesday May 10, 9am to 8pm
*First come first served

INVITED CALLBACKS:
Wednesday May 11, 9am

LOCATION:
Harlem East Side (upstairs)
67 Richmond Street East
Toronto, M5C 1N9
*No outside food please

REHEARSAL and PERFORMANCE DATES:
Rehearsals in New York City, July 1st-30th
Performances begin Aug 1st – Aug 30th
*Valid passport required


We are looking to fill the following roles:

SHARMAINE – a Hollywood TV star with a secret. She is confident, dynamic and gorgeous. Open to all womyn of colour. Age 20-35. Must sing and move/dance well.

SUZY – A caucasian womyn from the South torn between her love of her family and the love of her husband and young son, who are black . Average looking, girl next door, cute and loveable. Age 18-24. Must sing and move/dance well and be able to do an American Southern accent.

PATSY/MAXINE – A black Christian womyn with strong religious convictions, a sharp sense of humor yet a bit uptight. She is the epitome of rage and grief as she relives the tragedy of her son’s shooting. Mid 40’s. Must sing and move/dance well and be able to do a West Indian accent.


For your AUDITION:
* Be prepared with two, 1 minute monologues - one dramatic and one comedic
* Be prepared to sing a song a-capella and include some movement
* Bring 2 copies of your resume and headshot
**Please note auditions will be live-streamed and there will be a live studio audience


***Ability to play African drums is an asset
****This is a non-equity show, however equity and non equity actors welcome.

For information not included in this call-out contact:info@treyanthonystudios.com

Hey folks!

I am now in producing mode for the theatrical tour of 'da Kink in my Hair! I'm in love with the work that I do! And as I do this work I realize how important it is to do work that you love! I had mentioned in earlier blogs that I was working on A creed for my life. It's a ten part creed. I have posted the first five points to my creed and I will share the rest soon. Feel free to incorporate these points into your own life or create your own creed. Wishing you continued greatness!!!


A creed for my life. by t. anthony

1. I must do work that I love. Work that feeds me challenges me and makes me feel as if my small act or contribution of "work" is making a difference in the world.



"When you're choosing your work and you're choosing the material that you're putting into the world, you have to understand that somebody else's kids are going to see that. Somebody's grandmother is going to see it. Are they going to be better or worse after they have contact with your material?" Will Smith.



2. I must surround myself with people who are committed to personal growth and strive to be "better" people every day, who hold one simple values as myself which is to want to leave the world just a bit better than when they came in it. I want people in my life that would choose me as a friend because they truly like me. People who wish to be around me regardless of whether or not I'm rich, poor, straight, gay, black, white, drive a fast car or ride the bus. They want to be around me because they like who I am. They like my laugh....


"Show me your company and I'll tell you who you are." By my West Indian grandmother. * I don't think she made this up because every black grandmother says it!


3. I must not get attached to possessions, things, or people. They do not define me. I now know that there is no guarantee that the people who are in your life will be there tomorrow. No guarantee that the house you now own will belong to you next week. The person who you vowed you would spend the rest of your life may wake up one morning and decide their life doesn't include you. Nothing ever stays the same. Change is constant so enjoy all these things for the moment that you have them because you never know when that "moment" will be gone forever or simply just change in a small yet very significant way.


"The only constant is change." Greek philosopher Heraclitus


4. I must make my health and personal well being a priority. I must try my best to make healthier food choices. Nourish my body, as I would my mind and my soul. I must truly take care of my physical well-being and exercise regularly and make good food choices. Thus, when going to the grocery store I shouldn't "cheap" out and choose not to buy organic food or choose not to buy fruits and vegetables because the bag of cookies are on sale for $2 and McDonald's has two for one burgers! I must also be selfish with my “ME” time and take time for myself.


“Live in rooms full of light. Avoid heavy food. Be moderate in the drinking of wine. Take massages, baths, exercise, and gymnastics. Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water. Change surroundings and take long journeys. Strictly avoid frightening ideas. Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements listen to music. 
 -- A. Cornelius Celsus


5. I must take risks. I must move out of my safety zone. I should never ever get comfortable with meritocracy. I must trust that I will "know" when it is time for a new beginning, a new way of thinking, and time for me to move on.... Moving on may require me to make new friends, choose a different partner, move to a different city, cut my hair, and take a different route to work. "Moving on" means to me moving away from the familiar.



“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide.”

'da Kinky Hair Womyn are BACK!

I have always dreamt about producing a North American tour of ‘da Kink.
I wanted to self produce a tour and do a tour my way! I wanted to take
'da Kink on the road! Yet I was scared. This was a huge undertaking.
How could “little me” do something so BIG?
Lack of sponsors, money, fear, time, fear, fear, fear… the list goes on for all the reasons I had why it wouldn’t work.
I am finally taking the plunge and I have invested most of my savings and life into this tour. I’m lucky that T.D. Financial Group(my bank!) recognized something valuable in me that was worth investing in, namely myself and my dreams. They have come on board as a presenting partner with my company for the‘da Kink in my Hair North American tour of 2011-2012! We will be rehearsing in New York, and performing in North Carolina with plans to tour Atlanta, Florida, and New York. Of course I had to bring ‘da Kink “home.” So for 14 shows only we will be in Toronto from August 11-21, 2011!

Early Bird Tickets go on sale TODAY April 7th, 2011 $35 for any seat in the house! (weekend regular seats range from $47-$77! so this early bird special is a huge saving! )
To express our thanks to you for one week only early bird tickets will be $35 for any seat in the house! **except for opening night.**
Regular tickets will range from $27-$77 for Box Office information please call(416) 973-4000 or click below for Harbourfront Centre's Box Office and more information.
Harbourfront Centre


Join and "like" our Facebook group where we will be posting exclusive behind the scenes footage of 'da Kink, interviews with the cast, pictures, everything KINKY will go on here! So check it! I will also be posting give aways!
Facebook


And Yes,sometimes I want to do things big! BIG TINGS! How about a KINK royalty night? Do you want to go to ‘da Kink VIP? Yeah girl!


Our red carpet media and VIP opening night reception is August 13th, tickets will be $99, which includes drinks and entrance to our private reception. Only 99 tickets will be available to the public. Come and rub shoulders with Toronto's A-list!

I thank you community for always supporting a little black girl with a DREAM!

blessings,
t

Hey Everybody!

The best Urban Theatre Production company - Trey Anthony Studios has a new exciting website that you just have to check out!
It has all the latest information on yours truly, trey anthony and what my production company is up to these days. Big Tings, Big Tings!

I know your curiosity is killing you, so let satisfaction save you, here is the address: http://treyanthonystudios.com/

I want to shout out to the wonderful ladies at Cinnamon Toast who worked so diligently with me and my team to get our website out to the world and looking so fabulous, if I must say so myself! So if you like what you see on my website? Hit up the ladies at Cinnamon Toast New Media! They specialize in brand identities and updating current visual marketing presence for companies and individuals through web-based, print, and other media. So give them a call, oh and you can say trey sent you! Here is their address: http://cinnamontoastnewmedia.com/

Let me know what you think about the site! This is going to be a big tings year!!!
And big love going out to you all! Thanks for your continued support!

blessings,
trey

I’m forever seeking the sun...

I’m forever seeking the sun.


On February 18th I celebrated my birthday. Birthdays for me are a time of reflection… a time to really examine where I've been and where I want to go.


It seems as if I’m constantly changing. Changes that continue to surprise not only others, but also myself! I now really embrace my alone time. I now deliberately seek intimacy. I no longer need a crowd of people occupying all the spaces in my life in order for me to feel loved and popular. I love my small group of friends. I now clearly know the difference between acquaintances, “friends” on f/book and my real friends. I find I have less time and tolerance for what I view as other people's stuff and "nonsense". I’m finding it easier to disappoint others in order to be true to myself.


My biggest accomplishment is that I’ve finally created a home that is truly mine. One that feels stable, peaceful and lived in. I’ve had many homes, but never really “lived” in them. Lived on the edge and on edge in many spaces. Lived in chaos for most of my life. Now, I’m in love with my home. I love the light spilling from my dining room windows. I love curling up on my living room couch with a good book. Cooking simple meals in my kitchen.


I miss my home when I'm away from it. Long for its peacefulness, quiet, trees and walking trails. I’m a country girl who was trapped inside a city girl’s body! Finally I’m free! I love to be around nature. I'm forever seeking the sun…


I enjoy the work that I do. I have to do work that I feel proud of. I must work with people who I trust and respect.


I now guard my privacy more. Learned from Oprah, Beyonce and Jay Z that my private life is my private life. I am a public person, but not ALL things need to be public. My privacy is non-negotiable.


I have become more selfish with my time and how I choose to spend it. I do not have to be at every event, every family gathering. I no longer need to be everywhere that people think I need to be.


I am trying to be more expressive with my feelings. I tell close ones that I love them. Try to be ok with people loving me and holding me.


I am trying to function from a place of forgiveness rather than judgment, thus it has been easier to forgive my family and others who have hurt me. As a result, it is becoming easier to forgive myself.


I have more faith in God, therefore more faith in myself.


I like the womyn that I am becoming…. I like who I am on most days J


I “enjoy the company that I keep in the quiet moments…"


Every day I am changing, growing, learning and loving. I am committed to working on myself. As I continue to ask myself what type of womyn do I want to be...


I’m currently developing a creed for my life, somewhat of a ten commandments for myself. A guide map to how I want to live. This is a work in progress. I will share it with you once I have figured it all out.


If you were to develop a creed for your own life….what would it be? What would be on your list? What would be your top ten? Will share mine very soon !



Blessings

trey

trey's TVO Interview on Bullying

If this is a subject that you feel your students would benefit hearing me speak about, please call my office at (416)546-6080 and book me as a speaker.

No you hang up...

I CHALLENGE you —Today CALL someone you really like!!!

“ No, you hang up.”
“No. You hang up first.”
“No you hang up.”

Wow! I miss those days of a good old fashion phone call, snuggling under the blankets, talking for hours to my latest crush. Remember those days when you liked someone and they actually asked you for your phone number, and you wrote it down on a piece of paper or even more romantic they would write their number on the palm of your hand and you wouldn’t wash your hands for days because every time you looked down at that number you would smile. Remember?

Remember those days when your phone would ring and you would jump over furniture to answer it nearly breaking your neck in the process?

How the sound of their voice on the other end would make you think indecent thoughts. And you would hold your pee for hours because you didn’t want to get off the phone and it would be too embarrassing for them to hear you flush!

Oh, those were the good old days when you actually picked up the phone and called somebody or even better yet they took the time out to call you! What happened to good old fashion phone conversation? Now I’m asked for my BBM number, Facebook and e-mail addresses. I’ve had my share of far too many email romances that lead absolutely nowhere! And even if they ask for my number they never use it, baby, it’s texting all the way!

And I know I’m not alone in wishing for some phone etiquette and the return of some good old fashion phone courting. I’ve spent many hours with my single friends dissecting people’s lack of phone manner. Our conversations usually sound like this.

“Well he hasn’t called even though I gave him my number two months ago, but he does text me every day to say have a great day! And he did send me a Facebook message yesterday! trey, do you think he’s interested?”

I’m at a lost for words! I just can’t get into this new behaviour. I think it’s impersonal. Honestly- quite rude! And I know that we all lead busy lives but I believe if someone is TRULY interested in you and wanting to really get to know you, they will take some time out of their busy day too just say “hi.” And maybe my standards are too high but I’m sorry, a quick note on Facebook to arrange our first date is not sufficient!

Yet, I’m a hypocrite. Most of my friends and anyone who even wishes to remotely communicate with me, knows the best way to reach me is to either text or e-mail me. I’m notorious for not returning calls. Five years ago, after reading that most successful people never answer their phone during the day because it lessens their productivity. I immediately stopped answering my phone. I listen to my voice mail about every other day.

Yet, when I’m REALLY interested in someone. I take time out of my day to spontaneously call to just say “hi”-- I want to take that time. I need to talk to you.

And my assistant will know that she can interrupt whatever I’m doing so I can take your call.

And I know you’re “The ONE” because I’m always dying to hear your voice so I will find the precious time at the end of my busy day to dial your number to just tell you goodnight. And my heart beats faster when I see your name on my call display and I will high jump over furniture just to answer your call.

And I will hold my pee and we will talk for hours and hours until someone eventually fall asleep on the phone…

Living, simply: a life-changing roommate

One writer remembers her days with a life-changing roommate

Trey Anthony
Special to the Star

He moved in. A small cardboard box, neatly fit under his arm. Two sticks of celery, a loaf of brown bread and a jar of almond butter. I asked him what time his moving truck was coming. He calmly expressed that this was all he had. All that he wanted.

This was my new tenant/roommate, David. He explained to me that he was a minimalist. He believed he didn’t need to have tons of worldly possessions to make him happy. And happy he was.

With great curiosity I watched him as he meditated in the morning and evenings. He read many books. Burned incense. He had deep and insightful conversations with friends who showed up in long, flowered skirts and Birkenstock sandals with wild flowers or jars of home made jam. I thought they were weird, silly hippies. They tried to engage me as they questioned the true meaning of happiness. I would have none of it: I was on a quest to conquer the world! Be a millionaire! Climb the ladder of success!

They could not possibly be a part of my world, where all my friends were striving to buy a bigger house, more brand-name clothing, a Mercedes, another computer. . . We were never satisfied. Never full.

With envy I watched David prepare simple yet delicious raw food meals. He chuckled as I reacted in horror at reading my credit card statement, realizing I spent nearly $185 on a meal at some fancy restaurant of which I couldn’t recall the name.

And as I stared in frustration at my over-stuffed closet and complained that I had absolutely nothing to wear. David would breeze by me in his simple white T-shirt and brown cords. An outfit I had seen on him many times, yet each time he retrieved the outfit from the dryer he would smile and pull the T-shirt over his head, eager to start a new day.

I would come home to find him humming softly to himself as he chewed on a piece of celery while reading a book. Me, stressed and tired from another day of long meetings, talking to people whom I really didn’t care about, battling rush-hour traffic.

But I wanted to buy more things, have more zeros in my bank account, so I took on a night job that I told myself I needed to make ends meet. I felt proud that I had bought my first home and I was only in my mid-’20s. However, I realized that I spent more hours in my car than I actually did living in my brand new fancy suburbia home. I expressed this to David and he stated quietly, “Trey, we all make choices.”

I stomped up the stairs thinking to myself, it must be nice to do nothing all day!

Why would he want to live like that? Doesn’t he want anything out of life?

One day he packed up his little cardboard box and said he felt a desire to leave. Maybe travel a bit. Hitchhike across Canada. Maybe see the world? Maybe work on a farm. He and a few friends were thinking about perhaps getting a place somewhere.

Where? He wasn’t sure where he would end up, but he knew it was time to move on. And then he was gone.

Ten years later I still think of David. Now as I fight the desperate need to try to slow down my life, simplify it, I think about him as I try to respond to my growing desire to move on, go somewhere. Where? I don’t know.

I think of him as my friends and family shake their head in disbelief and talk quietly among themselves that I must be crazy to want to give it all up to just move somewhere quiet, buy a small little house, get out of the rat race.

I think about him as I realize that I now have all of this stuff. Things that I thought would make me happy.

I think about him as I examine my simple desire to have a small room by a lake with a window, and more time to write. I think of him when I admit to myself that all I really want is more time to see my friends. More time to laugh with my brother. Maybe go visit my sister? See my cousin’s new babies? More time to read. More time to write. More time to prepare home-cooked meals. More time to burn candles, light incense. More time to question the true meaning of happiness.

Mission: Be a better dog mom

Published On Wenesday August, 04 2010


Trey Anthony
Special to the Star
If I thought there was a chance that my dog might read this, I would never ever write this.

I've never been a dog person. I'm even surprised that I have a dog! Yet, in one of those stupid lovey dovey moments with my partner, I decided to accept a cream colour bundle of fluff that we affectionately called Samara. We promised that the dog would bind us to each other for eternal life and we would never ever break up!

Six months later I was partnerless and two chocolate brown eyes stared up at me, questioning if I had a clue what I had just signed up for. And that's how dog life started with Samara and me.

I worry about Samara and all of my inner conflicts play out with her and are magnified. I worry that she might get fat, and what her fatness would say about me as an owner. When the other dogs don't play with her in the dog park, I think she may lack social skills or maybe she has really bad doggy breath.

I constantly compare myself to other doggie mommies. One encounter with a friend who's one of those “crazy dog people” left me feeling that sooner or later someone was going to turn me in for being a lousy dog mom. My friend who has two dogs revealed to me that she cooked all of her dog's meals, organic meats and brown rice. Lovely. She also baked them their own treats!

I was grateful that Samara would never know anything about the dog life she really should be leading.

Had I let Samara down by giving her plain old chicken-and-rice dry food?

And treats? When I remembered to buy them, they were usually on sale or if she was lucky enough, a piece of my peanut butter sandwich. Who has time to bake treats? Some people really don't have a life. I tried to conceal my bitterness at my friend's obvious doggy hierarchy and smiled weakly.

However, she decided to kick me while I was down, revealing that she took her dogs out for 45 minutes three times a day. Separately, so they could have one on one time with her. My guilt played out as I recalled Samara's hurried walks packed between my need to write, attend meetings, go out to theatre, check Facebook, pick up groceries or watch Oprah.

I wanted Samara to be able to brag about me some day to her friends in the doggy park. A change was on the horizon.

My mission was to be a better dog mommy, a decision that changed Samara's life and my own. First, better dog food. As I became more conscious of the food that I was giving Samara I also became more aware of the junk that I was putting into my own body. I started reading labels more. I bought more fruits and vegetables, and started eating more salads

I scheduled a veterinary appointment for Samara. I then promptly booked a physical for myself. I figured I didn't want to kick the bucket before Samara.

I scheduled longer walks and cut out Oprah. These walks gave me time to think and be in the moment. I started to appreciate the morning air, birds flying, butterflies singing... you get my point.

On one of our walks I discovered a small deserted park with a set of swings. I haven't been on a swing in about 25 years so I jumped on. It was so liberating. Samara looked at me like I had just lost my mind and started barking and nipping my ankles.

I also threw in some patience. I vowed I would give Samara the time to stop and sniff nearly every blade of grass that she came across. I would not pull on her leash or tap my foot impatiently. I then applied the act of patience in my own life as I tried to be more patient with others and myself.

I also decided to love her more, really love her, like I wanted to be loved. With patience, kindness and appreciation. No more “Miss Critical.” This big love spilled over to myself. As I spoke lovingly to Samara and appreciated her efforts to be a good dog, I used that same voice to validate my attempts to being a good human.

I also learned to cuddle with her. I learned that I liked having her close by, I liked having her count on me, and I learned that I loved having her around because she is always happy to see me.

Most of all I love having someone who thinks I'm the best even if I still give them discounted treats.