The Unicorn Protests
I perform my little heart out on the Santa Monica Pier with my new microphone and amp. On the walk home, I picture the project of turning this adorable character into a bona fide crowd-gathering show. But my heart isn’t in it. That week, I plan to attend an anti-ICE...
The Unicorn Considers “Crowd Work”
The last you heard from me, I was happy-as-a-clam trying new stuff as a mythical creature on the Santa Monica Pier. My experiments continue. Several times I invite tourists to do the Macarena. (It’s fun when it works.) I also offer whimsical bits of fortune-cookie...
A Unicorn Experiments (Part 5, The Unicorn Series)
I thought I’d be back at the pier right away, but I need a few days to recover. I return with a combination of joy and anxiety. The experience feels momentous, so I keep recording the process. On the Way General transcript: Holy shit. It’s one week later, and...
The Morning After (Part 4 of the Unicorn Series)
It's the morning after my debut on the Santa Monica Pier. I have an insight that feels big. I grab my phone to record it. General transcript: There's something happening with this, my desire to do this thing at the pier. I had a feeling that the reason for it would be...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn (Part 3)
In the first and second installments of my story, I describe my plan to dress up as a friendly, mythical creature and make myself available for photos with tourists. I aim to provide a deluxe experience, so I craft a pocket-sized list of services. I am excited to get...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn (Part 2)
In my first installment of this story, I told you how after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I quietly stopped performing. It wasn’t a conscious choice, but it was an appropriate one. I had spent a month - what felt like - begging people to come to my show. On the bus,...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn – Part 1
A Unicorn Prepares I’m in a public toilet at the Santa Monica Pier on a Tuesday. My heart pounds as I change from street clothes into a colorful, star-studded onesie with a horn at the top. I’ve crafted a basket with beads and a sign that says “Tips are Delightful!” ...
The Sure Thing
When I was 14 years old in 1985, a movie came out about a college guy who’s unlucky in love. He embarks on a road trip across the country - with the promise that he’ll meet a woman who’s a “sure thing.” I remember the movie fondly; I can even quote it. I bet that if...
Humble Pie
I woke up last night with jabbing self-criticism and a deep sense of shame. It was related to an event I hosted yesterday. Cuddle Sanctuary's monthly alumni calls invite former students to talk shop and support each other. I often offer ideas, experience, tips and...
I Was Called Out.
Note for Black readers and other people of color: I share the story below for my mostly white audience. Feel free to read and contact me with any comments. A Black student sent me a long email. She had a lot to say. The first time I read it, I skimmed it because it...