“WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH… THE GETTY GETS GOING!”
My mother always told me the key to success is a strong catchphrase. “Getty,” she’d say, “You’re a good egg and a good writer, but if you want your career to take flight, you need a fun tagline.”
MOM’S FAVORITE CATCHPHRASES:
- You ain’t seen puffin yet!
- Oh, the places you’ll crow!
- Don’t forget to call your mother.
Got it, Mom. Getty gets it. (Hey! That could work!)
You might be wondering who I am and how on earth I was plucked from the crowd to become your 2016–17 Artslandia Youth Am- bassador! Well, the name is Getty, Getty the Go-Getter, and I’m here to ruffle a few feath- ers in the Portland arts scene. Even though I’m new in town, I’m highly qualified for this position. I graduated with honors from the Birdue School of Journalism in LaFLYette, Indiana. After following the great migration to Portland, I was lucky to land a fantastic job as Northwest Children’s Theater’s new Inbound Communications Specialist (or as they keep referring to it: “Mailroom Intern”).
“WHAT YOU SQUAWKIN’ ABOUT WILLIS?”
I know you’re probably thinking that I’m just another out-of-town transplant, lured to Portland by craft bird seed or dreams of being the next Birdie Sanders, but the truth is that I’m here for the arts. I’ve been in love with art and performance ever since my classroom field trip to Chekhov’s The Seagull (the tragic story of a kindhearted bird who has an unfortunate run-in with a confused Russian playwright). I am in constant awe of the power of story, music, and movement to uplift the spirit and send our emotions soaring.
But my true passion is youth arts. Portland’s youth arts scene is totally “on flock” (I used that correctly, right kids?). I can’t tell you how excited I am to take in the Oregon Symphony or to see people fly through the air at Echo Theater, and of course, I am especially looking forward to my first year at Northwest Children’s Theater. “If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow…” then you can bet your beak Getty will there to cover the story. From The Wizard of Oz, to an intriguingly titled Robin Hood, to an ALL-BIRD produc- tion of The Tail of Sleeping Beauty, I could not be more excited for the coming season. That said, I would like to know a little more about this Cat in the Hat they keep mentioning… I’m keeping my feathers crossed that he’s a vegan, like most Portland cats.
Speaking of Portland, can we have a conversation about rent in this town? Forget dreams of owning a one-birdroom studio; I’m currently spending my nights at a VERY overcrowded hostel in a lovely old NW Portland chimney (Sidenote: Do swifts EVER sleep? It’s 9 p.m. guys. Time to stop circling and go to bed. Sheesh!) But back to the arts…
I am THRILLED to represent this great city as Artslandia’s Youth Ambassador. While this year’s annual publication is my first, I can already tell it’s going to be Artslandia’s best. This magazine you hold in your hands or talons is an absolute treasure trove, packed with egg-ceptional activities and information. You can LITERALLY learn to banter like the Bard by checking out page 34 for Literal Shakespeare! Personally, I’ve already begun hunting for Portland’s secret masterpieces using Get Out and Explore Portland on page 42. As for the year to come, check back regularly for a bird’s eye view (or as I call it… a view) on upcoming performances and youth events throughout the year. I’ll peck out the truth and take you backstage for behind-the-scenes sneak-beaks at the Nutcracker, symphony, and more!
And remember, my friends of a feather, if there’s a story to tell or an exclusive to scoop, Getty’s got it! (Catchphrase accomplished.)
The post From the Ambassador | Getty the Go-Getter appeared first on Artslandia - Portland's Performing Arts Guide.