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For educational resources, suggested organizations to donate to and more: bit.ly/blacklivesaction (link in bio). 🖤 https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8SmUVh_4E/?igshid=10xopm8y1rtvp

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Good morning, Currently, I am sitting at my kitchen table, listening to the birds outside my window, icing my knee, and trying to parcel through what words to share with you. As I sit and write this, there is so much arising in me right now: Big Emotion, Fear, Anxiety, a desire to Comfort, Shoulds and Should Nots, and it’s an uncomfortable place to be sitting in. But I think that right now, learning to sit with this discomfort is so very important. Breathe. Notice. And take action. I am working on breathing, taking a seat and paying attention to my thoughts. I am introducing myself to my mental habits and prejudices, to old ways of thinking. In doing so, I am trying to create space for new thoughts and reactions. Space to challenge assumptions, and space to grow. And then, there needs to be action. I am taking my Fear of Doing The Wrong Thing along for the ride (but not in the driver’s seat) as I take action to the best of my current knowledge. It is very likely that in taking action I will learn something — and that will inspire the Breathe, Notice, Take Action cycle to repeat again. Take care, as best you can, of yourself today. Make space for breath and sleep and Big Emotion. I’m right there with you. Much love, Caitlin #BlackLivesMatter #MindfulnessforMakers P.S. If you’re looking for resources or actions to take, check out this document, Resources for Accountability and Actions for Black Lives: (link on our FB page) P.P.S. Also sharing this beautiful graphic from Deepa Iyer (Solidarity Is and Building Movement Project) detailing the various roles we play in a social change ecosystem. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5yuEwh84D/?igshid=loane1q3pup5

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Today we’re celebrating lighting designers Kelly Terry and Scott Snipes. I’m still not sure how we managed to convince Kelly to light our very first show, “Pride & Prejudice” but I’m very glad she agreed. Since then, we’ve snagged Kelly whenever we could — for R&J, for She is Fierce, and we almost missed her for “Much Ado.” But luckily for us, she suggested adding her husband Scott Snipes to the mix for that project, and were not looking back. These two artistic powerhouses are some of the most grounded, open-hearted, innovative people we know. If you ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the stunning backyard lighting last fall, that’ll be because Scott & Kelly never settle for less than breathtaking. To support these wonderful artists and the rest of the ensemble, please visit the link in our bio and donate ANY amount! We are a little over $700 away from reaching our goal to pay everyone during quarantine. You’re the greatest. Thank you. 💜Caitlin & The Ensemble #donate #supportthearts #thankyou #eyesontheensemble https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdaoeOhiLU/?igshid=1tih6dllobkuu

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Today we’re celebrating Jared Jonas, Ross Laguzza and Bailie Nokes-Borge. Jared joined the ensemble to sound design “Care of Trees” in 2018, and he’s been bringing his phenomenal aural innovations to the team ever since! You heard his work most recently in “Much Ado” this Fall, which featured four local Portland bands. Jared brings giggles and big smiles and sharp insight and wonderful warmth to every room he’s in and we are honored to have him lifting our shows with his precise and creative design prowess. Ross Laguzza joined us way back in 2016 for “Pride & Prejudice” and we just can’t get enough of his shenanigans. You also saw his moving performance as the Friar in “Romeo & Juliet,” and his breath-taking, rib-aching comedic timing as Dogberry in “Much Ado.” Ross is our reliable source of chuckles, and is a fountain of wisdom and insight. He is an extraordinary human and we couldn’t be happier to have as part of the team. Bailie first joined us as our Props Master & Set Dresser for “Care of Trees”, and then blew our minds with their phenomenal directorial instincts for “Much Ado.” Then, proving they can fit into any hat needed, they joined our education team and taught our Word Elf classes. Spend any amount with Bailie and you will immediately feel more at ease, inspired, and ready to take on the world. Bailie’s open, grounded and perpetually curious energy makes them an invaluable member of the ensemble. @shana_la_muerta Thanks to a very generous donation yesterday, we are now just $717 away from reaching our fundraising goal! Support these wonderful folks and the rest of the ensemble at the link in our bio (https://charity.gofundme.com/supportenso) Thank you!! 💜Caitlin & The Ensemble #supportthearts #eyesontheensemble #donate #covid19 #supportsmallbusiness #thankyou https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYXawAhWRV/?igshid=1hz48uvvewrli

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Today we’re celebrating Tim Fodge, Maddie Hall and Arden Roddie. 🐦 Tim Fodge joined the ensemble back in 2016 for some set design, but most recently you’ve seen him as Benedick in “Much Ado” last fall. Tim brings an endless amount of compassion and joy to every room, and no doubt you, too, have been captivated and inspired by his grounded yet big-energy performances. There more Tim coming soon, with “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.” 🐾 Maddie Hall joined the ensemble just this past January as our Marketing Manager but has already transformed our process and made herself an invaluable member of the team. Maddie is helping us to streamline our marketing procedure, analyze statistics, and set and maintain goals. She has the biggest heart, her organization is on par with Leslie-Knope-binder levels, and her insight into growing our audience has been deeply appreciated. An artist herself, Maddie designs decals that are otter-ly adorable and frequently inspired by her dogs. Check them out here: @otterbecrafting 🌺 Arden Roddie has designed every poster for every show we’ve ever done, classes, too, and has edited many of our videos. Her most recent show poster captured the faces of Madeline, Helena and Caitlin for “Much Ado.” Arden’s uncanny ability to take a word vomit of poster ideas and create something visionary with them is invaluable. An actor herself, we are so grateful to have her phenomenal skills helping us add to the world of each story we make. You’ve already seen her early designs for “East of the Sun, West of the Moon,” so stay tuned for more art from her inspired by our next project. See what else she’s made here: @ardenrachelart To support these wonderful artists and the rest of the ensemble, please donate and share the link in our bio! In doing so, you are helping us get closer to being able to pay these folks during the pandemic.💜 Thank you for helping Enso survive COVID19, and for supporting theater made with mindfulness! ❤️Caitlin & The Ensemble #supportthearts #eyesontheensemble #thankyou #donate #covid19 #portlandtheater #pdxtheater #todaysinspiration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVqoGHB04R/?igshid=jel0frlbvrdo

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Today we’re celebrating Megan Otto, Azalea Micketti and Jordan Mackey. Megan is the newest member of the ensemble but she has quickly become one of our favorite people. Her incisive, eloquent contributions to our grant proposals have made them pop, and her sweet, compassionate demeanor has brightened our grant meetings, even on Zoom. Azalea Micketti joined the ensemble last fall, and she is a fountain of Shakespearean wisdom, witty banter, and genuine kindness. You’ve seen Azalea’s brilliant intellect and scorching stare as Prince John in our adaptation of “Much Ado”, and you’ll soon have more of her wonderful work to enjoy with “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.” Jordan Mackey co-founded Enso Theatre Ensemble with Caitlin Lushington in 2015, and has served as our Technical Director ever since. You’ve seen Jordan’s beautiful, innovative set designs, ranging from a stage filled with sand to a life-sized abstract tree. Jordan also serves on the board and is our dependable go-to for safety insight and big, big laughs. You can help us with the last leg of our fundraising goal by donating and sharing the link in our bio! Thank you so so much! 💜Caitlin & The Ensemble #supportthearts #eyesontheensemble #donate #thankyou #almostthere #nonprofit #enso https://www.instagram.com/p/CAEruG_hwEi/?igshid=9eyyhndy0hx1

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Today we’re celebrating this invaluable Mom who has been a beacon of joy, wisdom and support for Enso. Karen Belsey joined the Enso board in 2018 but she’s been supporting Enso since 2016, when her daughter was cast first in “I’m Alright” and then in “Romeo & Juliet.” There is no better photo to demonstrate Karen’s unrelenting passion, kindness and capacity for love and support. Her insight and wisdom have been a steady guiding light and we love her so much. Thank you Karen for your unbelievable generosity and being the ensemble’s resident “mama bird.” Happy Mother’s Day to anyone celebrating, and for anyone having a tough time, know that we see you and are sending you big nurturing virtual hugs. 🌺If you want to help us with the last $942 we need to support Enso’s artists during the pandemic, you can donate or share the link in our bio! Much love, Caitlin & The Ensemble #happymothersday #supportthearts #thankyou #donate #enso #eyesontheensemble https://www.instagram.com/p/CABVOqmB7q6/?igshid=1pnrjksg1lvji

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Today we are celebrating Dylan Wiggins, Jacob Carmack and Helena Fisher-Welsh. Dylan Wiggins has been our resident photographer since 2017 and recently joined our Board. Undoubtedly you’ve seen his work - almost all of the brilliant, beautiful, moving photos captured of our live performances have been taken by him. The Wiggins children were the inspiration for our “Word Elf” theater classes for kids and Susan has been a pillar of support and wisdom throughout the years. Jacob joined our Grant Writing Team in 2017 and his sweet, caring soul has been helping us secure funding ever since. You’ve seen Jacob as box office manager and concessions for a variety of Enso shows, and heard his soothing baritone as one of the voiceovers for “Care of Trees.” Jacob is a never ending source of insight, kindness and sass and we love him oh so much. Helena Fisher-Welsh joined Enso to play Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride & Prejudice” in 2016 and quickly became an integral part of the ensemble. Board member, grant writer and ensemble member too, you’ve also seen Helena as the expanded role of Margaret in our adaptation of Much Ado, in which Helena’s compassion, fierce intellect and groundedness shone. We are just $992 away from our goal of being able to support our artists during quarantine. If you can donate or share, we would deeply appreciate it. Link is in our bio. Have a lovely rest of your evening. 💜💜💜 Caitlin & The Ensemble #supportthearts #amazingartists #todaysinspiration #givingtuesdaynow #covid19 #thankyou https://www.instagram.com/p/B__WA7EBOby/?igshid=1bd4qsk0ogdmq

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Every day this week we're celebrating members of the Enso ensemble, and tonight we're kicking things off with Madeline Shier and Shirley Lincicum. 🌺Madeline @madelinejustsaid joined Enso as one of our very first board members in 2015. She's been active with Enso since then, lighting up every room she's in with her big heart, infectious laughter and incisive wit. You've seen her as our Front of House and Box Office Manager, she's lent her pen to Enso's "The Romeo & Juliet Project", and perhaps most memorably, she brought ferocity and agency to her role as Hero in our recent production, "Much Ado." 🐾Shirley joined Enso as a volunteer grant writer in 2016 and has been our voice of wisdom, insight and guidance ever since. You've seen & heard Shirley's incredible voice, singing with her trio as the pre-show performers for "Care of Trees," and most recently you've been gently guided by her as our "Party Host" for "Much Ado." Our work would not be possible without you. Thank you both, and thank you, donors & sharers and audience members, for supporting our ensemble. Much love, Caitlin #SupportTheArts #EyesontheEnsemble (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_1MHNshnnp/?igshid=p4995lx5vqj4

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Several weeks ago I asked for kiddos to record their answers to a fill-in-the-blank story that I had posted. I asked members of the Enso Ensemble, both past and present, to help bring these stories to life. Here's our first one! This story is written by Charlotte, age 8. Big, big thanks to Ella Devito, and her adorable pup, for creating the visual for this!! Ella was part of our very first student director mentorship production, "I'm Alright", in 2016. You can see more of Ella on her instagram, @ella_devito. Our second story is coming soon! Fill out your own here: #MindfulMadlibs Much love, Caitlin & the Ensemble https://www.instagram.com/p/B_thaJJhUhT/?igshid=53dn7l4sesgv

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Breathe. Create. SNAG A TEE. The wait is over, the tees are IN. These beautiful shirts are waiting to give you the coziest hug, since we can't hug you ourselves! Designed by our graphic designer Arden Roddie @ardenrachelart and printed by local screenprinters Pacific North Press, your tee has been created with nothing but love from beginning to end. Get yours: https://enso-theatre-ensemble.square.site #breathecreaterepeat https://www.instagram.com/p/B_daOIRhGmo/?igshid=gtlrg5da1890

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Enso T-shirt’s go on sale TOMORROW! (unless you happen to be one of our monthly Patreon supporters - for you, they went on sale this morning!) They hella cozy y’all! Designed by @ardenrachelart and printedby local screenprinters @pacificnorthpress, these babies have been made with nothing but love and we can’t wait to share them with ya! Stay tuned!! The link goes out tomorrow. 💜Caitlin P.S. Sorry about the lack of mindfulness videos the last two days! I am still recovering from my injury, but I am healing and excited to have something for you on Monday. #staytuned #supportthearts #tshirts #breathecreaterepeat #enso #tomorrow #thisiswhatjoylookslike https://www.instagram.com/p/B_bFmqshHTH/?igshid=sde6zwagy6yq

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Big love to this phenomenal man today, who is helping me hobble thru the house. After injuring myself last night, I was unable to film and post a new #MindfulnessforMakers video today. So sorry about that — but there is a good-sized backlog of videos for you to explore on our Facebook page or YouTube channel, so I will be referring you there until I’m back on my feet. When the universe tells you to slow it on down, ya gotta listen. 💜 I literally could do it without Jordan or @madelinejustsaid, so giant thanks for the humans helping me today. In the meantime: how 🔥 is my husband in his Enso shirt?? Daaaamn hot, that’s how hot. Love you all, Caitlin #ouch #husbandappreciationday #roommateappreciationday #onedayatatime https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VuKj5B7vK/?igshid=1nn7tbpyfp7r7

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Wanna get first access to our limited supply of “Breathe. Create. Repeat.” T-Shirts before we open up our online store to the public this Sunday? Join the Enso #Patreon community! For as little as $1/mo (which you can cancel at any time), you’ll get access to a slew of exclusive content, AND you’ll get first dibs on our limited T-shirt supply. 🥰 Get started by going to patreon.com/ensotheatre 🙌 You are all the freaking best. Love you. 💜Caitlin P.S. How’s my “Rosie the Riveter”? 🤪 #tshirts #breathecreaterepeat #rosietheriveter #enso #comingsoon #supportthearts https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Qd_YChvAE/?igshid=170q3hybrbk32

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These are moments from friends of Enso who shared with us moments from their morning routine that bring them joy right now. Every once in a while, it’s good to remember that #ItsTheLittleThings that count. 💜💜 Did you have a moment you wanted to share with us? Send it our way and we will share it here, and spread some joy with #ItsTheLittleThings. What’s your little joyful thing? Much joy to you from all of us, Caitlin & The Ensemble #joy #morningroutine #quarantinelife #todaysinspiration https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Otq69BQU5/?igshid=cehh5ay9kvim

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#ItsTheLittleThings: If you caught our email this morning, you know we want you to send us a photo of a little joy-filled part of your morning routine. We’re collecting your photos and creating a collage that we’ll send out for spreading more joy. For now, enjoy this moment from our Sunday brunch table. 💜 Take care of yourself today. It’s Sunday y’all. 💜Caitlin & The Ensemble #WaffleSunday #ItsTheLittleThings (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LCgeoBR9r/?igshid=1i0k2skrr35z9

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Tomorrow (Friday) from 4pm - 5pm! Join Teacher Caitlin for an epic Rainforest Adventure! Swing from vines, spot leopards, and more, right from your living room. Recommended for ages 3-6. Available by suggested donation. Get the link on our Facebook event, 4 Pillows & A Blanket: Online Theater Classes for Kids! See you tomorrow! ❤️Caitlin & The Word Elf #4pillowsandablanket #onlineclasses #kidsactivities #theaterclassesforkids #virtualkidsactivities #supportthearts #supportsmallbusiness https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Daqu1BFLd/?igshid=12ep2zbna0hd8