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Backstage’s Facebook Live with Ali Stroker Transcript wrote by Mackenzie McGrath - [Interviewer: Briana Rodriguez] ...And soon. We’re good. Hey guys, thank you so much for joining us for ‘Backstage Live’, another addition. My name is Briana Rodriguez. And I’m the Managing Editor, here. And today I’m very, very excited to introduce a very special guest. This is Ali Stroker. - [Ali] Hi. - [Briana] To call her a trailblazer is no exaggeration. You were the first woman on Broadway in a wheelchair. You were the first woman to graduate from N.Y.U, also... Who’s in a wheelchair. Tell me more about what you’ve been up to. And you’re now doing T.V. shows. You’re doing— You did ‘Glee’. You’re doing ‘Ten days in The Valley’ on ABC. You got a lot going on. So, tell us. - [Ali] Yeah. Yeah. It’s kind of, yeah. It’s like summer was so chill, and all of a sudden fall hits. So, it’s like Wham (claps hands)! So, I’m working on a one-woman show. That I’m going to be doing at ‘The Green Room’ on 42nd Street and 10th on September 17th and 18th. I’m really excited about it. I’ve done a one-woman show before. So, I know that I can get through an hour alone on stage. And like, survive it. So, that fear is not as great. But I’m really, nervous. Because it’s gonna be a big responsibility to entertain somebody—Like a group of 120 people for an hour. But, it’s called— The shows called, 'Burning Old Dresses'. And the idea came from, I moved back to the city this summer. After living out in New Jersey for a little while. And I got rid of all of this stuff... That I had been carrying around for years. For years, and years, and years. And I was like, “This feels so good to [like] let go of so much of the past”. And so, this show is called 'Burning Old Dresses', because it’s sort of like... Getting rid of all your like old emotional shit. That you keep. - [Briana] All your baggage. - [Ali] It’s like all in a closet, you know. And so, I’m going to be talking about stuff that I’ve never talked about on stage. Or publicly before. And I’m really, really, excited and scared. - [Briana] That’s sounds exciting. I feel like one-woman shows— Or one-person shows, in general, can be quite intimidating. - [Ali] Yeah. They are totally terrifying. But, this one is really, really, special to me. Also, because, I just turned thirty. - [Briana] Happy Birthday! Page 1 of 15

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- [Ali] Thank you! - [Briana] Wait, when was your— When’s your birthday? - [Ali] June. - [Briana] June. - [Ali] June. - [Briana] That makes you’re a...? - [Ali] Gemini. - [Briana] Gemini. - [Ali] Yes, such a bitch. No. That’s like the stereotype, right? - [Briana] Yeah. - [Ali] But, yeah. So being thirty. And like feeling like for the first time like a real adult. - [Briana] Yeah. - [Ali] I don’t know, are you thirty? - [Briana] Not yet. - [Ali] Okay, well it’s like— - [Briana] I’m close. - [Ali] —It’s this moment— It’s like this moment where you’re like, “Oh, whoa. Like I’m not— I mean I’ll always be a kid. But like, I’m not a kid”. - [Briana] So, your one-woman show is like, “This is my adult coming out”. - [Ali] This is like, “I’m a woman now!” Yeah. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So, it’s gonna be really— It’s gonna really be cool. - [Briana] That’s so exciting. And so, you wrote it? - [Ali] Yeah, well. It’s all music, but the— It’s covers. So, it’s like; theatre, and pop, and like country. Like all songs that I love. It’s like my favorite playlist. And then, I wrote all the stories Page 2 of 15

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in between. And, David Perlow is directing it. And Matt Aument is music directing it. And so, I have a really, cool team of people. And we’ll have background singers and a four-piece band. So, it’s sort of like a full production! It’s a full production. - [Briana] That’s so exciting. - [Ali] Thank you. - [Briana] You are such a theatre kid at heart. Which I love. - [Ali] Yes. - [Briana] But then you’re like T.V. now. - [Ali] Okay, so now. That was like— That was after I graduated from ‘Tisch (School of the Arts) Drama’, I decided that I wanted to move to L.A. Because I thought maybe there would be some opportunities out there. And, ‘Glee’ had just come out. And I was like, “Mwaaa! I have to be on ‘Glee’”. So, I’m moved out to L.A. and that’s kind of how the T.V. bug started— - [Briana] Got it. - [Ali] —For me. This past year, I shot a new show on ABC called, ‘Ten days in The Valley’. With Kyra Sedgwick. And it premieres on October 1st, on ABC. At 10 p.m. And my— Which is really, funny. Because my Dad’s like, “No! I go to bed at nine. I’m not going to be able to watch it”. I’m like, “You’re not going to stay up and watch it!?” - [Briana] Just stay up for this one, Dad. - [Ali] Yeah. Please? No. - [Briana] He must be watching. I mean. - [Ali] Yeah. - [Briana] Maybe. - [Ali] Maybe. - [Briana] You have to stay up, Dad, if you are. - [Ali] Stay up, Dad. No. But, yes. I’m really— I’m okay— So, when you shoot a T.V. show, you don’t see it before it airs. - [Briana] So, you know as much as we do. Page 3 of 15

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- [Ali] I’m going to be watching with you! Like I don’t know what it’s gonna be like. I mean I’ve seen the trailer. I feel like the tone of it. Obviously, I’ve read all the scripts. But, I’m like; “What is this going to be?” - [Briana] Oh my god. That’s so exciting. Well, tell us about your character? - [Ali] Okay. So, I play a writer named, Tamara. And she is one of the writers in the writer’s room, on the show. So, there’s like a show, on the show. - [Briana] Yes. - [Ali] Yeah, follow? So. Yeah, so. Kyra Sedgwick’s, character is a show runner. On this kind of cop show. And, I— - [Briana] It’s a drama. - [Ali] Yes. - [Briana] This isn’t a comedy. - [Ali] This is not a comedy. - [Briana] Just to clarify. - [Ali] It is not a comedy. It’s a drama. And, yeah. So, I play a writer. And what I think what was sort of exciting about this part, was that— A lot of times when I play roles, there’s the need to talk or share or explain my disability. And my chair. And in this show, it’s not. - [Briana] That’s amazing. - [Ali] Like I don’t. And so, I just play a writer. And that is my storyline. - [Briana] That’s awesome. - [Ali] You know, so. Yeah. It was a really, really, fun experience. Also, I’ve never done a recurring part. I’m on four out of the ten episodes. - [Briana] Amazing. - [Ali] And, so that was cool to like come back. And like, get to know, you know. Like you get to know everybody. And you sort of feel like you’re a part of telling this whole story. And, not just a one-off character part. - [Briana] Yeah. Pop in, pop out. Page 4 of 15

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- [Ali] Yeah. - [Briana] Yeah. I’m so curious about that transition for you, from going from theatre to television. And what you would say to actors, who are thinking of— Might be doing the same thing. - [Ali] Yeah. I think what I have learned is that they are first of all two very separate art forms. Like acting on T.V. couldn’t be more different, than acting on stage. And then, the other part of is that at this point, because there’s so many different platforms for content, like T.V. shows. And anything on camera. I would— If someone is doing theatre and is interested in doing oncamera stuff, I would say start writing your own stuff. And like, create your own web series. And there’s so many platforms out there. You can literally like release it on YouTube. And just start to play around with it. Because what’s different is that with theatre, there are so many ways to get experience. And to practice, rehearse. And with TV, it’s not— There aren’t as many ways. So, I would say, create your own opportunities. To get to know this medium. - [Briana] Yeah. It also seems— It’s so interesting to hear, like, theatre actors talk about going into T.V. It’s like, you have to think about how tight the camera is. And how big your performance is. And all that kind of stuff. All like that really, technical aspect, that comes into your craft. - [Ali] Exactly. - [Briana] Did you find that as well? - [Ali] Well it was fun to like watch everyone else on the show, also work on set. Because— - [Briana] Yeah. I mean, Kyra Sedgwick is... - [Ali] Yeah, oh my gosh. She’s a pro and a boss, and so, so, good. And one of the producers on this show. And that’s one of my dreams. To like, produce and star in a show. And so, to— I was— It was like getting a master-class. I was just like watching a professional. And, at the time like part of— A huge part is hitting your marks and making sure that like— Hitting your marks means like, that you land physically right— In the right place so that the camera can capture you in the right angle. But, it feels different in a room, then what it looks like on camera. Which is weird. And on stage, you don’t think about that kind of stuff. On stage, it’s like: turning out, and making sure everyone can see you, and hear you. And that the story is told for a hundred and twenty people in a massive, massive, space. Or not a hundred and twenty people, I’m thinking about my cabaret. It’s on the mind. No. But— - [Briana] As it well should be. Page 5 of 15

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- [Ali] Maybe, even— Yeah, exactly. Maybe even like twelve-hundred people in a theatre. Like your thinking, it’s totally two different beasts. - [Briana] Yeah. What is your favorite way to get into character? Like when you’re ready. When you’re about to go on. Like how do you— I mean obviously everyone’s different with characters. - [Ali] But my favorite thing is getting into character like putting on their clothes. And like doing their hair. And like, the makeup. But, to me like— It’s like playing dress up. Literally. And all of a sudden, like you,’re in somebody else’s clothes. And you’re like, “Oh... Here I am”. That’s my favorite. I’m not super technical, where I’m like (large exhale breath) breathing. And like doing crazy stuff. Just like— I just like to put on, you know, this characters clothes. And put their hair the way that they would wear it. And their jewelry. Their makeup. And their shoes. And have at it. - [Briana] That’s so fun. - [Ali] Yeah, it’s so fun. - [Briana] So, how did you come into acting? What drew you to it? How did you— How did you get here? - [Ali] Yes. Great question. I started— I was introduced to theatre by my next-door neighbor, on the Jersey Shore, Rachel Antonoff. Who’s actually a brilliant fashion designer. And her brother is Jack Antonoff. Who is the lead singer of ‘Bleachers’. Which is like a big band right now. And so, they were very close family friends. And Rachel had been up at 'Stagedoor Manor', for the summer. And she came home, and said: “I’m directing a production of ‘Annie’. And you’re gonna be playing Annie”. And I was like; “Aah!” But really into it. And really, excited. And I really looked up to her. So that was kind of the beginning. And then I realized that I was obsessed with it. And I wanted to do as much theatre as I possibly be a part of. - [Briana] Yeah. So then after ‘Annie’, what then? Where did you go from there? - [Ali] What then. I auditioned for a professional singing group for kids called, ‘The Kids for Kids Project’. That was based out of New York. And it was like a touring group that raised money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. So, it was really, neat opportunity to sing and perform and do this professional show. And help other kids. - [Briana] That’s amazing. - [Ali] Which just felt like, perfectly align with everything that I like. And that is important to me. So, that was kinda the next thing. And then I just started to do theatre in the town I group up in. Which is Ridgewood, New Jersey. And then I went to N.Y.U. - [Briana] That’s amazing. Page 6 of 15

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- [Ali] Yeah. - [Briana] Do you find a lot of your training from N.Y.U. is still living inside of your craft? - [Ali] Absolutely. Absolutely. I loved N.Y.U. And I loved the experience that I got. And— But I do think that the greatest training is when you are actually doing shows. And like actually on stage. And in rehearsal. That’s I think where you learn the most. Because there is— There is that— Well this is for me. I work best under pressure. So, there is like that pressure, and that like, “We’re putting a show up in two weeks. You have to know this. You have to hit this”. Yeah. And so, I— But I definitely— N.Y.U. is amazing. So, such a great experience. - [Briana] That is so awesome. - [Ali] Thank you. Where— Did you go to school? - [Briana] No, I didn’t. Well, I went to ‘Purchase (College)’. Which is surrounded by actors, and dancers. And I took like the non-major classes. ‘Cause there was no way that I was ever going to be in a conservatory. I had no aspiration to be in a conservatory. I was like: “Ah!” It’s like osmosis. I will soak it up if I’m around all the actors all the time. - [Ali] Totally. That’s so cool. - [Briana] So, ‘Purchase’ is a cool place. - [Ali] I remember when I was looking at the theatre schools. Going up to look at ‘Purchase’. It was really, really, amazing. - [Briana] It’s cool. I get to go to, you know, a lot of Broadway shows. I see so many ‘Purchase’ alumni. - [Ali] Right. - [Briana] Doing awesome things. And I’m just so happy. - [Ali] Cool. - [Briana] Yeah. - [Ali] I love it. - [Briana] Yeah. But now you’re a little bit behind the scenes as well. With ‘ATTENTIONTheatre’. Which I think is so cool. I love what you guys are doing there. Tell everyone a little more about it. Page 7 of 15

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- [Ali] Yeah. So, my partner David Perlow and I started this theatre company called, ‘ATTENTIONTheatre’. And, we’ve been in existence for about a year and a half. We’re still young. And we were presented with an idea to do a concert for Houston (Texas). Their theatre district has been affected by Hurricane Harvey. And so, we have gotten all these amazing Broadway people on board to do a concert, on October 9th. At the ‘The Green Room 42’. Where I’m doing my one-woman show. And ALL the proceeds will go to helping rebuild and fix the damage from the hurricane in Houston. So, David will be directing. And he and I will be producing along-side Kenny and Brooke Singer. And Kenny Singer is based in Houston and has, unfortunately, had some damage to his home. And so, it’s cool that we’re connected with people that have been actually affected. And to work with Brooke Singer, who is his daughter, is also an actor. And had this idea. So, we’re really, really, pumped about this idea. And David has gotten together an amazing group of people. - [Briana] That’s exciting. - [Ali] You know the Broadway community is amazing. They just wanna help. So, October 9 th. ‘Green Room 42’. - [Briana] That’s for all the New York actors out here, coming through. - [Ali] Yes. And the concert will be live-streamed so you can watch it— - [Briana] Oh, amazing. - [Ali] —Online. And donate online. In case you’re not able to be there in person. - [Briana] What advice do you have for New— Speaking of New York actors. And the New York acting community. What tips did you have for making it, and you know... Getting your feet on the ground when you’re coming to the city? - [Ali] I, well. New York and the industry is— Can be a little intimidating. Which is a part of what makes it so exciting. Because I think that every artist has to find their way. And my first piece of advice would be: to follow your excitement. Like where do you get so excited. Is it the performing side of it? Is it like seeing shows? Is it talking about theatre and taking a class? And put yourself in those positions. As much as possible. Because I was talking to a friend this morning like there’s so many ups and downs. You know. And sometimes it gets really, scary because the ups are so high. And you feel so good. But then when everything comes back to normal. It’s like, “Well, this doesn’t feel as good”. You know so the highs and lows are always gonna be there, but that’s sort of a part of what it is. And I would always— I would always recommend to a new actor in New York to build your community. To make friends. And to support each other. And help each other out. And go see theatre together. And have each other’s backs, because in the end— Like that community— Page 8 of 15

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David and I always call it our “Home Team”. Like the people that are— You know have your back. Those are important, important, people. And a big part of surviving this industry, I think. - [Briana] Yeah. That was gonna be my next question. Was in the times for where you personally, where you come up against either, self-doubt or that low that you’re talking about. How you kinda push through and decided, “Actually, I still want to be an actor”. ‘Cause I feel a lot of times there’s that “Is this really going to work for me?” You know. If you’re going to a lot of auditions and you’re not landing anything. Like, what do you do to like kind of...? - [Ali] Well, I’ve always known that this was what I wanted to do. And there was no like, Plan B. Which was helpful to me. Like there are other parts of my life obviously, other than acting. I love to like help people. But I do it all through the arts. Because that is my world. It’s the world where I feel like I fit. Where I shine. And where I can be most vulnerable. And I can express myself. And so that was always the most important thing to me. But, for people who are going through a hard time. And when I was going through hard times, I would— I would turn to looking for opportunities to help other people. ‘Cause, sometimes in the industry, you’re always focused on yourself. And it’s like, “Aah!! Like enough of me! I’m just sick of me”. And sometimes it’s just great to like put your attention on someone else. And to just take the attention off of everything that you’re getting. And start giving. And that has been really, helpful, for me. And then the other thing is I when things are slow I always turn to like creating my own thing. And whether that be a one-woman show, or a workshop, or a reading of a play that I love. And just getting people together. You know. Now that David and I have this theatre company it feels like there’s always something to do. Because, if— You know. If it’s your project, it doesn’t happen unless you’re the one doing it. So, you know. And, also like be patient. You know. It’s so often that you feel if you don’t get this one job it’s going to like— The world will end. And this is a marathon. If you’re in this for the long haul, it’s a marathon. So, like a quiet month like doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person. An unsuccessful artist. Even though it feels like it, in the moment. In the moment you’re like, “How am I gonna get through this month?” Like “How am I gonna make rent?” “How am I going to do, you know, survive?” And I think that you know. Patience and trust. - [Briana] Yeah. Trust. Trust the powers baby. - [Ali] Yeah. It’s easy— That’s easy— That’s easier said than done, though. - [Briana] Yeah, for sure. I mean you’re such an inspiration for so many people. - [Ali] Thank you. - [Briana] Who inspires you? Who are some of the people you look up to? Whether it’s actors, or directors, or creators of any sort. That you look to and go “Oh, that is...” Page 9 of 15

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- [Ali] Yeah. I— This is actually kind of like a turn. I’m inspired by my family. My family have— Has— They’ve been through a lot. And we’ve been through a lot together. And I think when you grow up— So, I was injured when I was hurt in a car seat when I was two. And so— And my brothers also injured in the accident. My mom was involved the accident. And I think when you go through trauma with your family and you come out on the other side. You’ve made it. That team of people that you did that with is like— Are like the people that you know are your like ride or die. They are your people and every— My mom, my dad, my brother, and my sister all— They all inspire me with qualities they have. To not just be an artist and to do what I love. But to help people. And to make an impact. And I think that I’ve been given an opportunity because of my challenge to make an impact. Which is when you’re in it, not always easy to see. It’s not always clear. But my family has shown me that it is possible. And that through any challenge, you can come out on the other side stronger and better. And so, that’s kind of where my foundation and my inspiration comes from. - [Briana] It’s a solid foundation, I’d say. - [Ali] Yeah, it’s solid. It’s solid. That’s a good one. - [Briana] It’s solid. And this will be my last question. Then we’ll open it up to audience questions. - [Ali] Oh, I love that bit. - [Briana] Do you have any advice or tips for other actors if they are in the same cast with another disabled actor? - [Ali] Oh, cool question. I like that. - [Briana] Thank you. - [Ali] Well. I think that one of the greatest— I guess one of the things that I— How do I wanna say this? One of the greatest gifts about working with people with different kinds of abilities and different kinds of disabilities— And I had this kind of opportunity in ‘Spring Awakening’. I was certainly not the only person with a disability in the room. - [Briana] Which also was so amazing. Can I just say? - [Ali] Thanks. - [Briana] Just throwing it in there. I just loved. I, okay— Just to gush a little bit. - [Ali] It was really a very unique and cool experience. But I would always— I would always tell people to not be afraid to ask questions. And be curious. And I think that what’s cool about Page 10 of 15

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having a disability is that every single day you have to be creative in order to solve problems. So, it is an opportunity to be so creative in the room. Because that person may not be able to do the dance movement like everyone else is. But there are a hundred ways to do it. And so, I think if that opens everyone’s minds up. And it really— If the environment is right, creates a lot of creativity in the room. So, yeah. I would always say to just ask questions and to be curious. And be open minded. And allow the person with a disability to lead in their own way. ‘Cause there are people— There are actors out there with disabilities who don’t want to talk about it. And then, you meet me. *[laughter]* - [Ali] Who’s like, “Yeah, I’ll talk about it!” Yeah, I’ll talk about it! - [Briana] I love that. - [Ali] I love to talk about it. - [Briana] And then there’s— - [Ali] I’ll talk about myself. *[laughter]* - [Ali] But, yeah. So. - [Briana] So, ask questions. - [Ali] Ask questions. - [Briana] That’s great. - [Ali] Ask questions. Because, you know. Whether I’m sitting in a wheelchair or not, my life is different than yours. - [Briana] Yeah. It’s true. - [Ali] You know. And so, so— Like allow yourself to be curious. And ask— And ask good questions! You know what I mean! Like— - [Briana] What’s a bad question? What’s an example of a bad question? - [Ali] “Why don’t your legs work?” That’s a bad question. *[laughter]* Page 11 of 15

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- [Briana] Yeah, that is. - [Ali] It’s so boring! It’s so boring! I’m so bored. I’m so— - [Briana] I love how your critique is so, “This is boring”. - [Ali] I’m so... Bored. Because ‘A’ you can Google me. And see that I have a spinal cord injury. And then you Wikipedia that, or you WebMD a spinal cord injury. And there you go. That’s your answer. That’s why my legs don’t work. But to me, that’s just like so... Not interesting. Like to me, what’s interesting is like, you know. “How do you experience the winter?” “How do you experience sex?” “How do you experience being at a bar where everyone’s standing?” Like those sit— Like those environmental situations that like are my reality, but not yours. Like to me those cool questions. I also like, instead of asking— Okay. Can— Do you mind, I? If— Do we have time? Can I go on— - [Briana] Yeah, we have time. - [Ali] So often when people encounter or interacting with somebody with a disability, the— The language of “what’s wrong with you comes up?” And that language is powerful. Because immediately you’re sort of (tongue click) put in a position of explaining yourself. So, I always encourage people to ask the question, “What is your story?” ‘Cause it allows the person to not have to explain. And share what they wanna share. And I think that can also go for anyone. Like, you know. We all come from different worlds. And so, asking somebody what their story is, allows them to share what they wanna share. And what they’re comfortable with. Instead of like, “What’s wrong with you?” What do you mean? Like, which— What do you think is wrong with me? I’m don’t know— I’m not sure, I’m like— You— Do you see what I’m saying? - [Briana] Yeah, of course. Yeah. - [Ali] I think language and that we ask questions is really important to like put some thought into it. - [Briana] Yeah. And I hope that like actors would put in thought into their questions that they ask about people. - [Ali] Yeah. - [Briana] But. - [Ali] But, yeah. As actor’s we are storytellers. And it’s important to get good at asking good questions. - [Briana] Absolutely. That was great. Page 12 of 15

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- [Ali] Cool. - [Briana] I think these are all great tips. And I hope everyone takes away from these. - [Ali] Cool. - [Briana] So, real quick with audience questions. So, this is from Francis Ramos. “Happy belated birthday, Ali”. - [Ali] Thank you. (To Francis) Thank you. - [Briana] And the question is, “Do you have a preference between acting for film or for stage?” Or for T.V. and for stage. - [Ali] Great question. I— What is my preference? So, my roots are theatre. So, whenever I’m doing stage acting I feel like I’m “home”. But doing camera acting is really, really, vulnerable. And really scary. So, right now it’s something that I’m really interested in and wanting to do more of. - [Briana] Cool. Awesome. This is from Bol— I might mess this up and I’m sorry. Bola Njinimbam. “What traits do you think an actor should have to make it in the industry and have longevity as well?” - [Ali] Yes. Tenacity and persistence. - [Briana] Yeah. - [Ali] And... - [Briana] Trust. - [Ali] And trust. Self-awareness. And creativity. Not just in a rehearsal room, but in your own life. And in your own world. Because many times things won’t go the way that you planned. And David always says that his— He thinks that flexibility is so important. And I like that. That if something doesn’t go one way, you’re flexible and creative (snaps). And able to come up with something that is maybe even better than the first plan. - [Briana] Yeah, great. This is from Kaitlin Williams. - [Ali] Okay. - [Briana] Thanks for— - [Ali] Oh, Kate! Page 13 of 15

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- [Briana] Do we know Kate? - [Ali] Yes. - [Briana] We know Kate. - [Ali] Kate is the best. Kate is the best friend. - [Briana] “Where do you see yourself in the next year? Do you have any specific goals you want to accomplish?” - [Ali] Kate! That’s a hard question. No. *[laughter]* - [Ali] In the next year— Yeah. I was just texting with a friend this morning talking about how I am really excited about being in a position to not just only act. But to also be producing and creating and writing. So, I’m really excited in this next year to be putting out work that I am creating from scratch. - [Briana] That is very exciting. - [Ali] So yeah. There are a few things that I’m excited about after this one-woman show. And to really begin to use my voice with my work. And not just doing other people’s work. So that’s kind of what I would like to be doing, work wise. And then like personally. Like I wanna travel. And I want to continue to find ways— New ways to help people that are in need. - [Briana] Awesome. And this will be the last question. This is from Erica Gardner. - [Ali] Okay. - [Briana] “What's been the biggest challenge you've faced in creating your own content?” Speaking of. That’s a good (tongue click). - [Ali] That’s a great question. The very begin— The very start. When you sit down and you got nothin’. And like, you could go make coffee. You could go like clean your bathroom. Like there’s a hundred other things that you could go do. And to decide to stick with something and follow a project through to the end. I think it’s the hardest part. Because self-doubt as an artist is like everywhere. You know like constantly. “Oh, you’re not good enough”. And like “This isn’t going to work out”. “That’s a dumb idea”. Like it’s all surrounding you. And so— - [Briana] Have you thought about going into puppetry?

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- [Ali] Yes. Seriously. No, not puppetry. But it’s like— I’m crazy. And I have a thousand voices in my head. No, but— - [Briana] Just imagining you like... - [Ali] But, you know what I mean! - [Briana] I do. - [Ali] Like so, like you’re like traveling to work or you’re like on your way home and it’s just— It is like loud up here (points at her head). You know. And I think— - [Briana] You’re like, “Shh! I’m ready”. - [Ali] I’m like, “Enough! Okay! We know. We know”. But in all seriousness, I think that— I think that the very beginning is the hardest part. And I would— And I’m saying this out loud because I’m gonna take my own advice and setting a goal of what I want— Of what you want to accomplish. And achieve. And maybe even a deadline. Is helpful. Or else you could really go off on those tangents. You know, or— - [Briana] Bathroom cleaning. - [Ali] Yeah. Oh. Forget it. “I’m gonna go make the bed”. You know, it’s like, “What? No! You’re like (claps twice) working now”. So. - [Briana] Awesome. Well, thank you so much for coming. - [Ali] Thank you. - [Briana] This is so great. - [Ali] Thank you, Briana, this is awesome. - [Briana] Thank you for joining us. Again, this is Ali Stroker. I’m Briana Rodriguez. Thank you for joining us. - [Ali] Thank you, bye. - [Briana] Bye!

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