Humans of the Alliance: Elisia' Parker
Elisia' Parker, Group Services Coordinator
Without using words in your job title, what do you do at the Alliance?
"I am a trained professional wrangler of all humans, big and small, that travel in packs to ensure they are presented the opportunity to experience the magic of the Alliance Theatre together. I have a specific focus on wrangling bus loads of school teachers and students to our school day matinees."
How did you get involved in theatre?
"My mother always fancied visiting theatres, museums and art galleries and I fell in love with these wonderful places as a child. I am intrigued by anything and everything that allows us as individuals to be free of rules and instruction the free will to be expressive on your own terms. Art serves as that outlet. I fell in love with the art of theatre in the 6th grade when my best friend and I randomly decided to audition for the production of Oliver Twist with our city theatre, Granville Little Theatre, in Oxford, North Carolina. Ironically, we were cast as orphans, while my 6 year-old little sister at the time was cast as a lead. It was so much fun! A lot of work, but so much fun."
Describe your first theatre-related memory.
"My first theatre-related memory was during my pre-school graduation where I was cast as the Sun in the production of Mother Gooses Garden. I wore a tan leotard with a ginormous yellow cardboard cutout sun that engulfed my tiny body. I cried in the wings whilst awaiting my part and my mother had to come give me a pep talk. I’m sure some of my colleagues would get a kick out of knowing that, at some point in my life, I was a reserved individual with not much to say. Much has changed now. Very much!"
Have you even seen any show that has changed your life?
"I recently attended a production of The Colored Museum at Tri-Cities High School in Atlanta. I initially found myself at Tri-Cities to promote our acting classes to the students and parents of the school's drama department. I ended up deciding to attend the performance the next evening. As an alumna of an HBCU with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a concentration in African American studies, exploring such topics in any magnitude captures my attention. I have seen a plethora of African American-based productions and loved them, but none of them were exactly life-changing. Good, but not life-altering. The Colored Museum is a play that presents a charge against the history of racism in America, beginning with the institution of slavery, through the oppressive social and economic conditions that African Americans have faced and still face today. The Colored Museum mirrored life as I have seen and experienced, creating a unimaginably relatable experience on stage. It was a production that engaged its audience members in many facets, but most importantly, created conversation, understanding and unity among its audience members."
What is your biggest struggle?
"Dealing with growing pains. At 27, I have lived long enough to not have experienced too much, but to have experienced some things that I wish I didn’t have to. The transition from college to real-life adulting has been a whirlwind of struggle and panic, dealing with all types of emotions, witnessing so many social injustices, financial worries and the lists goes on. I have to remind myself every day that I am still learning, still growing and have plenty of time to cultivate the desires I have for my life. I am not behind, but working to be ahead! My very good friend and former Alliance Theatre house manager Marjon Wolfe always tells me, 'Elisia,’ you aren’t a microwave. You can’t have everything now. But just trust the process.” And I live by that. Every day I trust the process.'"
How did you arrive working at the Alliance?
"Funny story! It had always been a goal of mine to work at a museum. I moved to Atlanta from North Carolina to take a position with Verizon Wireless as my first adult job after college. It was horrible! As an artist and free spirit, corporate America was not for me. Still longing to work at a museum, I submitted an application at every one I could find in Atlanta. When I ran across the Alliance Theatre's website, I jumped at the opportunity to apply there. It had never occurred to me that I could work in a theatre before then. But in an effort to protect my sanity from my job, and to pursue other life ventures, I decided to move back home with my parents in North Carolina. In the middle of packing, Human Resources called me to offer an interview. It was three weeks before I was set to relocate. Jessica Boatright & Thomas Pinckney choose me and the rest is history. The Alliance and God provided me the opportunity to stay in Atlanta, work with the best organization I have ever been a part of, and to stay with my best friend, who will hopefully be my husband one day!"
What does the off-site season mean to you?
"Excitement! The off-site season is presenting a great opportunity for someone like me, a non-native of Atlanta, to tour the city and visit all of the beautiful venues and restaurants this great city has to offer. I am most excited at the opportunity to market the consignment program that I head at the Alliance in all of the surrounding neighborhoods we are traveling to. I want to present a formal invitation to all of Atlanta. All are welcome. We want everyone at the Alliance. And I do mean everyone!"
A little known fact about you.
"I was a pageant child and model—a real glamour girl. Just without the fake teeth. Yes, my mother entered me into every modeling competition and pageant from North Carolina to California.I was also offered to be the face of “Little Debbie” commercials in 1995. I can sing, but am very shy, although I do produce my own shower and car concerts. I was a competition swimmer as well for 5 years."
About the Alliance?
"I have only been working for the Alliance Theatre for two years, so I don’t know much, but I do know that there are secret doors, stairwells and hallways. It's a maze! I believe one day one of these secret passages that I have yet to discover will reveal something very cool. And then I'll have a better answer for this question"
What is your hope for the future?
"For the world—faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love! Love conquers all. For me, to honor God and live the most fulfilling, healthiest and happiest life I can with my family, and to one day raise children that will make a difference for the better good of the world."
Describe the best theatre-related project in which you've been involved.
"My best theatre-related project was attending the sizzle for Ethel. It was my very first sizzle. I had the opportunity to attend alongside the star of the show, Terry Burrell, her awesome stage manager lark hackshaw and the hilarious director Kenneth Roberson. I was promoting group sales for the upcoming performance dates. Tyrone Jackson, the very talented musical director, played a number of pieces from the show, and also played a Jill Scott song that I ending up singing in the living room post-party. The snippet of the performance that Terry did was breathtaking! The opportunity that was presented to me to attend the sizzle was one that I will never forget. The task of brainstorming group ideas with the cast, director and stage manager post-sizzle was amazing. I decided to sit in on the final dress and tech meeting of Ethel, which was an entire new experience for me in itself. Ethel also doubles as my favorite performance to date while being employed at the Alliance Theatre. Who would’ve guessed?"
What makes you fulfilled?
"Accomplishing or reaching a goal that I have set for myself. I love the feeling of knowing that I can dream up a dream, or challenge myself to do better or be better and to experience the feeling of pure satisfaction and joy when I have reached and or accomplished such a milestone. Practicing self motivation, determination and resilience makes me feel powerful!"
What advice would you give a group of people?
"My piece of advice would be 'to only believe and to remember that all is well.” When you find yourself in the midst of a storm, you can run, but it will catch up and knock you down. You can stand your ground to protect your ego, but it will eventually overcome and overwhelm you. Or you can use the storm as an opportunity to transform yourself to match the circumstance! If you believe the storm will pass and know it to be true in your heart, it indeed will pass. Always remember that 'no matter what your present circumstance looks like, all is well because you believe.'"
by A'riel Tinter, Brand Journalist
