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Twenty Questions with Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Sonia Goldberg

2/28/2020

Welcome to our TWENTY QUESTIONS series. Here, team members from administrators to designers to teachers answer questions about themselves. Have a question you want us to add to the list? Leave a comment!

Sonia Goldberg was a touring Actor/Educator in the Summer of 2019. She has played a couple roles in Compass productions. She played Sylvia Silverton Cinderella (Saves the World!) and The Queen in Peas and Harmony. Her favorite Compass play is Jungle Book! She says, "I only saw it once, but I LOVE [it]! The script is genuinely funny. I laughed until my cheeks hurt! And Mowgli as a character is kind and courageous. Mowgli is so much fun to watch".

Sonia dressed as Rose from the Compass production of Peas and Harmony.

#1 What was your favorite music group in middle school?

I was obsessed with Evanescence. I had multiple t-shirts and wristbands from hot topic to prove it. I was a bit of a wanna-be goth back in the day!

#2 Soup or salad?

Sooooooup.

#3 Villain or hero?

Villain! But the kind of villain who secretly has a heart of gold and gets redeemed in the end! So, both, kind of.

#4 Cake or pie?

That’s rough. But it’s gotta be pie.

#5 Top five favorite snacks:

In no particular order:

apples & cheese, sugar snap peas & hummus, hot cheetos with lime, seedless purple grapes, and french fries (with ketchup & mayo)

#6 What’s something you do to relax?

I like to meditate! I use apps on my phone that have guided meditations for relaxation, positive thinking, and goal-setting. I also like listening to jazz and classical music.

#7 Describe your favorite mug.

My favorite mug has a deep brown outside, with a teal/yellow swirly inside. It has a smooth and solid handle and it’s not too big, not to small - juuuust right!

Sonia playing the cello as Musician Bear from the Chicago Children's Theatre production of Wake Up, Brother Bear!

#8 Describe a teacher you looked up to as a child.

My music teacher Ms. Pepin! She always reached out to the shy kids and encouraged us to participate and be silly & loud without fear. I would never have joined choir if it weren’t for her believing in me!

#9 What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago in the winter?

When it snows, I like to go sledding in Warren Park. And then go home and make hot chocolate to warm up!

#10 Why do you live in Chicago?

I grew up here, it’s my home. I feel totally nourished and invigorated by the arts scene here and always have. Plus, we have the best food, and the prettiest parks and buildings. Why would I leave?!

#11 If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

I would probably be a therapist. I love listening to people and helping them through their problems.

#12 What’s the household chore that you would avoid forever if you could?

I don’t mind doing laundry, but I HATE putting it away. I wish my clothes could fly back into my drawers and onto hangers as soon as they’re clean!

#13 What are the best three things about you?

I am an optimist, I am responsible, and I am a warm person, so people tend to feel comfortable to open up around me.

Sonia teaching at the Peas and Harmony CCD Summer Performance Camp in Kohler, WI 2019

#14 Tell us three things you remember about kindergarten.

I remember singing Christmas carols with my classmates, learning how to tie my shoes from a VERY patient teacher, and playing math games with fun colorful beads.

#15 How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Reading/talking to a friend/getting work done, with a warm beverage, RIGHT by a window, so you can enjoy the rain without getting wet.

#16 What’s your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate it?

New Years Eve! I invited lots of loved ones over to my home and ask everyone to bring food. So we all have lots to eat and ring in the new year with good company.

Classic Doc Marten boots!

#17 What’s a product or service that you love so much, you would happily be their spokesperson? What’s so great about it?

Doc Marten boots - they’re indestructible and very comfy once you wear them in! Plus they come in a lot of cool patterns and colors which I love.

#18 What did you want to be when you grew up?

At first, I wanted to be a Nurse so I could help people. Also I LOVED babies, and I thought being a nurse meant I got to meet a lot of them.

#19 Morning person or night owl?

Morning person! I like waking up early to get stuff done. Plus, watching the sun rise on the lake is GORGEOUS.

#20 What’s a piece of advice someone gave to you, that’s stuck with you?

Take risks! Don’t always go for the sure thing, put yourself out there sometimes! :)

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Twenty Questions with Social Media Manager, Macy Hernandez

2/21/2020

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About Macy

Macy Hernandez began her time with Compass in 2016 as the Education Apprentice, then transferred into the Camp Coordinator role (2017-18). She has also been Compass' workshop educator for the Waukegan Park District. She has not yet played a character from a Compass play, but would love to play The Queen in Peas and Harmony, which happens to be Macy's favorite Compass play! The show is based off of the beloved story, Princess and the Pea, which is a tale she used to read growing up. She says, "Compass’ version of the story is hilarious. All of the characters are laugh out loud funny in their own way. The Queen and The Peas are my favorite characters because they remind me of the dynamic I have with my preschool class! There’s also a cute dance party that the Peas have in the show and I giggle every time it happens; It’s so cute!".

Macy posing with Compass campers (Summer 2016)

#1 You’re stranded on a deserted island, but you have food and water. What are three things you’d want to have with you?

A blanket because I’m always cold. Plus, you can use the blanket for a variety of things like a bed, a fort, a pillow, you can create a bag out of it, and more! It’s just so useful.
My dog, Biggie. He’d be great company to have.
My bag of toiletries. I need and love to be clean!

#2 What teams did you belong to when you were growing up?

I was a very busy little girl. I was involved with community theaters like Fox Valley Theatre Company and Children’s Theatre of Elgin. I also used to be a figure skater. I skated from the ages of 6-15. If you let me borrow some ice skates, I could probably show you some cool tricks! In high school, I was on the Speech and Drama Team. I performed in many acting events; Humorous and Dramatic Duet Acting, Prose Reading, and Impromptu Speaking. I was also heavily involved in my school's drama department.

Macy performing as Charlotte in South Elgin High School's 2008 production of Charlotte's Web

#3 Soup or salad?

That’s tough because I love both any time of the year, but I’m more likely to have soups in the winter and salads in the summer! However, I can’t eat either without a side of warm bread.

#4 Cake or pie?

Pie. There’s some sentiment to that dessert. In college, my friends and I would go to a restaurant called The Village Inn (located mostly in the Quad City area). We’d specifically go on Wednesdays because they offer free pie on those days. Eating pie always reminds me of the good memories I had with my college friends!

#5 Top five favorite snacks:

(In no particular order)

Veggies and Hummus
Watermelon
Honeycrisp apples and peanut butter (or cookie butter)
Tortilla chips and guacamole
Goldfish

#6 What’s the practical skill in your life that you’re most proud of?

I can assemble furniture! Thank you to my college stagecraft class for teaching me how to use power tools and how to build stuff!

#7 What’s something you do to relax?

My go-to for relaxation is being under a warm blanket as I catch up on a TV show or a movie.
I also love working out and moving my body, whether that’s completing an at home workout, dancing, going for a run or a walk, or even stretching. Moving my body helps me destress and loosen up!

#8 What’s your favorite kind of cookie? How do you prefer to eat it?

Oatmeal chocolate chip is my favorite cookie! I prefer to eat it when it’s warm, crispy around the edges and perfectly gooey in the middle. Pair it with a warm cup of your favorite tea and it’s a winning combination.

#9 Describe your favorite mug.

It's a large white mug painted blue on the inside. The mug reads "Goal for today: Keep the tiny humans alive". As a preschool teacher, this quote fits well with my daily life.

#10 Why do you live in Chicago?

My parents immigrated to the U.S before I was born and we’ve stayed in the Chicagoland area ever since. I currently live in the Chicago suburbs, but I love where I’m at because I can do activities in the city AND the suburbs. There’s so much to do in Chicagoland. If food is your thing you can eat at so many great restaurants. If art is your thing, there are tons of places to see a show or visit a museum. If sports are your thing, we’re home to some of the greatest teams in the history of sports (GO BULLS!). And these are just a few of my favorite things. I’ve lived here for 28 years and there’s still plenty I have yet to explore! Honestly, no other city can compare. Chicago will ALWAYS be home.

#11 If you were going to live somewhere other than Chicago, where would it be and why would you live there?

I’ve always wanted to live in California because the sun is always shining and the warm weather is nice. There’s also so many things to do and explore when you’re on the West Coast like the beach, going on a hike, visiting theme parks, restaurants, and more. My favorite place to be in California is the Griffith Observatory. I love how it overlooks Los Angeles while also allowing you to stargaze (my favorite activity). More importantly, I just love the vibe that the West Coast gives. It’s a state full of carefree, enthusiastic, goal-driven, hardworking, life-loving people.

#12 If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

I have a couple alternative careers in mind. One, I think I’d be a chef. I love the feeling you get when someone eats the food you’ve created and they rave about how delicious it tasted. Two, I'd love to be a hair stylist. I've always been told I was good at hair and I think I'd enjoy helping others feel confident about themselves after they leave a salon.

#13 What do you love about being an artist?

I’d like to think artists have a special super power. I love that we have the ability to find beauty in anything. I think having an artistic eye allows you to see the world in a different way. What’s even more beautiful is that we can take the art that we make and bring all kinds of people together.

Macy's dog, Biggie after a long walk in the park.

Macy's orange tabby cat, Memphis, caught yawning after being awaken from a nap!

#14 Tell us about your pet or your future pet.

I have two pets, Biggie and Memphis. Biggie is a 6 year old Maltipoo (Maltese & Poodle mix) who is happiest when he’s surrounded by people. Memphis is an orange tabby cat (we’re unsure of his age) who loves to eat, sleep, and knock things over with his paws.

Biggie came into my life in 2017. My cousin got him as a puppy when they lived in California. They eventually moved back to Chicago and realized they weren't able to take care of him. Instead of giving him to a shelter, I took Biggie in and the rest is history.

Memphis came into our lives in 2016. Funny story, my brother was living in Chicago at the time. He was getting in his car after work. He opened his car door and in jumps this orange cat. The cat sat in the back seat and refused to leave. My brother took him in the shelter to see if he had an owner. He didn’t. So, we adopted Memphis and he’s been with us ever since!

#15 What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars, no strings attached?

First, I would cry happy tears. Then I’d:

Pay off all of my debt
Buy my childhood home
Travel the world with my friends and family
Buy multiple homes in multiple cities
Go shopping to expand my clothing collection

#16 Tell us about your favorite non-artist job.

I used to work for American Eagle Outfitters. While most dislike working in retail, I actually enjoyed my retail experience. Each day was different than the last. One day I could be selling jeans, the next day I could be running the cash registers, and the next I could be creating visually appealing merchandise displays. I enjoyed the fast-paced work environment. What I loved most about this job was that I loved being able to style customers and bring out confidence in them they didn’t know they had! The discounts for the clothes weren’t half bad either :)

Macy showing off a favorite outfit she styled together from American Eagle Outfitters (2014).

#17 What’s the household chore that you would avoid forever if you could?

Washing the dishes. I grew up only washing dishes with my hands because my parents have always told me:

Using a dishwasher wastes water
A dishwasher doesn’t clean your dishes as well as by hand

They are from the Philippines so culturally it’s just common to wash by hand and this is a custom I just naturally picked up. Anyway, washing dishes by hand makes my hands really dry and I also hate the feeling of putting my hands in dirty dishwater. Yuck.

(fun fact: My first time using a dishwasher was in 2018. It was amazing and fast, but it just didn’t feel right to use. Ha! )

#18 What’s your favorite day of the week when you are teaching a performance residency?

I love performance day (Friday)! It’s a day where all the things we’ve been working on are being put together. I love being able to see how much the students have grown since the beginning of the process and showcasing their hard work to their number one fans!

#19 What’s your favorite kids’ movie?

The Princess Diaries. I will never get tired of this movie! Or anything by Disney, honestly!

#20 What’s your biggest moment of 2019?

Biggest moment of 2019 was starting my own theatre company in the Chicago suburbs! I am a Co-Founder of The Hourglass Collective. The Hourglass Collective is a theatrical organization devoted to forging diverse onstage opportunities for minority voices by way of non-traditional casting and producing works spanning various genres. We strive to create a unique space where the often overlooked can entertain, inspire, and empower the members of our community.

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Our Home is Your Home: Offering 20 Free Spots in Our Summer Performance Program to Affected Emerald City Theatre Camp Families

2/14/2020

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Students performing in a Compass production of The Wizard of Oz

Back in January, the Chicago community lost a vital force in the Theatre for Young Audiences and Theatre Education communities. We’re still reeling from the news of Emerald City Children’s Theatre closing its doors. When the news first was announced Compass posted an open letter on our blog sharing how heartbroken we were, but also how grateful we continue to be for Emerald City’s performers, teaching artists, and staff, for paving the way for children to discover theatre. But we couldn’t shake a certain feeling...isn’t there something, anything, more we could be doing?

Reflecting on all Emerald City Children’s Theatre did to enrich the Chicago community made us think: local children’s theatres can hope to help to fill the enormous shoes they’ve left behind - but how? How can we show that we are in their corner, that we care about the continuation of top-notch educational programs, and to show those families they are not alone? That safe spaces to grow and learn are still accessible? How to ensure the loss of Emerald City doesn’t have to be just a loss, but an opportunity for others of us in the community to meet the needs of those students and families and allow that ripple to continue to radiate through children’s theatres across the city?

We feel we have a social responsibility to help in some way beyond well-wishing. We want to commit ourselves to easing the transition for the families who have been enjoying Emerald City’s educational programs for years on end. I asked our team to put our heads together. We took stock of our resources, and made a bold decision.

Compass Co-Founder, Cathlyn, teaching Compass students a scene

Compass is dedicating 20 free spots in our summer performance camps this year across our two sessions at St. James Lutheran School (Lincoln Park) and Pritzker Elementary (Wicker Park/Bucktown) to the families who had already registered for ECT 2020 camps. These spots have not been sponsored, grant-funded, or otherwise underwritten. However, I realized this fiscal commitment to waive fees for up to 20 spots could help clear the some of the barriers families are now facing as they are seeking alternative programming options.

If those 20 spots become filled and there are more families needing spots who reach out, we’ve made a further commitment to offer an unlimited number of 50% discounts to others who may also have registered for ECT 2020 Camps. Lastly, we’ve decided to extend this 50% discount to previous ETC campers who may not have yet registered for 2020 camps but who’ll be affected that ETC is no longer able to provide programming to them.

All we need is a receipt that reflects previous registration to ECT. From there, once registration for our summer camp session has been completed, they’ll be on their way to a week-long program culminating in a full-fledged performance once completing, acting alongside two professional Chicago actors! Although this is a difficult time, we are excited to connect with new young actors and keep their love of theatre thriving!

While we will be doing our part by offering free programming to some of the Chicago families affected by the Emerald City closure, we acknowledge we can’t fill the entire gap left behind. Compass Creative Dramatics does not offer professional Theatre for Young Audiences like Emerald City did, our entire focus is on educational programming. Because our primary focus is touring our programming across the country, we don’t offer an entire summer of classes in Chicago as Emerald City families are used to, but we do have a couple of weeks to offer. And we don’t have a venue of our own, but we are proud to partner with local schools that can fully accommodate our program. While we know we can’t meet every need, we are willing, able, and proud to be able to give away this programming to those young ones who need a new artistic home this summer.

Compass students expressing the joy in friendship during their time at our performance camp.

I personally know how important having a community, a clan to call your own and how theatre can be that for many people. As a child who never thrived in athletics, had an inclination towards the creative, and was blessed with the gift of gab (while certainly not requirement to be a successful theatre artist) I didn’t find my community and feel like I understood my place in the world until I joined drama club in my school.

The cornerstone of the Compass teaching philosophy is teaching by example and so it is my hope that we’ve made a decision that allows us to support the community that has done so much for us and for me personally and inspires that type of community support to continue ripple out from here.

-Cassandra and the whole Compass team

The Details of How to Join Us This Summer:

We invite new students to come stretch their creativity and bravery muscles with us this summer at our two performance camps of our latest superhero adaptation, Cinderella (Saves the World!). Details about these camps can be found on our Chicago Camp page here.

For former Emerald City Families interested in Compass Creative Dramatics this summer can email camps@ccdramatics.com with a copy of their receipt for 2020 Camps to receive a coupon code for a free dedicated spot (for the first 20 students) or a copy of their receipt from previous participation in 2018 or 2019 to receive a 50% coupon code.

Please give our program coordinator 48 hours time to respond to these requests. Once you’ve received your code, you’ll have 72 hours to complete registration before the code expires and the spot becomes available for another student.

For folks interested in Compass camps who are not former ETC students, there’s still time to take advantage of our early bird rates and register for our Chicago camps before February 28th, when early bird ends!

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Twenty Questions with Finance Manager, Jill Matel

2/7/2020

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About Jill

Jill and Sonia being silly at the Compass office! They are wearing the kitten costumes from Cinderella (Saves the World!).

Jill has played many roles at Compass. She has played The Queen of Hearts, The Jester King, Major Oak, Dr. Hypothesis, and Liam the Lackey. Her favorite Compass play is Alice in Wonderland because she played a fun character, The Queen of Hearts!

Jill's Twenty Questions

The music group, "New Kids on the Block". L-R: Joe McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Jonathan Knight and Jordan Knight in 1989. Photograph: Andre Csillag/Rex Shutterstock

#1 What was your favorite music group in middle school?

New Kids on the Block

#2 Villain or hero?

Villain

#3 Morning person or nightowl?

Nightowl

#4 What’s a piece of advice someone gave to you, that’s stuck with you?

Do what you love and the money will follow.

#5 What’s a book that’s stuck with you?

The Time Traveler’s Wife

#6 Top five favorite snacks:

Movie Theater Popcorn
Merkts Cheese on Pretzel Thins
Yasso Greek Yogurt Frozen Bars
Haribo Twin Snakes
Microwaved Apples with Cinnamon Sugar

#7 What’s something you do to relax?

I like to cross stitch and knit.

#8 Describe a teacher you looked up to as a child.

His name is Mr Burnacki. He could teach history as if telling a story. He was a retired swimmer and the only male teacher I had until High School.

#9 What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago in the winter?

I love shoveling and curling up by the fire after.

#10 Why do you live in Chicago?

I am obsessed with the history here. I wish I could go back to the 1920s and experience what it was like. Walking around the older buildings is magical.

#11 If you were going to live somewhere other than Chicago, where would it be and why would you live there?

I would love to live in London. When I traveled around Europe in High School it always seemed so sophisticated. Also the theater there is awesome!

The London skyline.

#12 What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars, no strings?

I would buy a building that would act as a meeting/networking/performance/rehearsal space for actors.

#13 What’s the household chore that you would avoid forever if you could?

I would forever avoid cleaning the bathroom.

#14 What’s a moment that you felt proud of the work you do at Compass?

I was able to convince a very nervous child to stick with the program. By the end of the week, not only had she enjoyed the week visibly but she was so grateful she took my advice.

(This is one of the many reasons why you're awesome, Jill! Thank you for all that you do on the administrative team and the difference you make with your students!)

#15 What are the best three things about you?

I am loyal, hard working and scrappy.

#16 How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Reading a book or watching horror movies!

#17 What’s your favorite day of the week when you are teaching a performance residency?

I love Tuesdays. It is great to see the kids get excited about their roles.

#18 What’s your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate it?

Christmas is my favorite! I start watching movies, listening to music and prepping for the season on November 1st (don’t judge). I do wait until the Friday after Thanksgiving to decorate but I am in the spirit as soon as Halloween is over. There is a tree and lights all over my home. The Nutcracker MUST be seen. Other must dos are: Christkindlemart, Zoo Lights, Macy’s Windows, Egg Nog (sometimes made from scratch), Breakfast with Santa and my Nieces, Trees at the Museum of Science and Industry and lots and lots of Lifetime/Netflix/Hallmark movies.

Please note: Halloween is a close second. I love to dress up and handout candy on the Boulevard.

#19 Tell us all of the towns you’ve lived in.

Greenfield, WI
Charleroi, Belgium
Lake Forest, IL
Chicago, IL
Riverside, IL
Milwaukee, WI

#20 What's the practical skill in your life that you're most proud of?

I can mend, sew, and do alterations!

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Twenty Questions with Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Sonia Goldberg

Twenty Questions with Social Media Manager, Macy Hernandez

About Macy

Our Home is Your Home: Offering 20 Free Spots in Our Summer Performance Program to Affected Emerald City Theatre Camp Families

The Details of How to Join Us This Summer:

Twenty Questions with Finance Manager, Jill Matel

About Jill

Jill's Twenty Questions

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