What is My Passion Thursdays: Skillshare

Skillshare is a new online education platform where you can learn real world skills from industry leaders.   With the use of technology, you can learn from the school of Business, Fashion & Style, Design, Photography, and more.  

We took advantage of a 7-day trial that was offered to try-out a few courses.  We took 4 courses over the course of a week in the School of Film & Video, and was able to learn advance concepts in Videography and Final Cut Pro editing software.  We were able to view the instructional videos for each short learning session and take notes.  There was also an option to complete assignments that will enhance your learning experience.  We plan on utilizing the skills learned in future projects, and very grateful for the wonderful resource.  

The regular rate is $9.95/month for unlimited access to dozens of courses of various subject matters, and you can cancel anytime.  It's the perfect way to test out your passion in a collaborative and engaging way, as you're able to communicate with the teacher and other classmates in offering and receiving feedback.

"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education"...Albert Einstein.  In finding your passion, will you take advantage of this new online education platform?

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

What is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Juanita Frederick, Actress

Juanita M. Frederick is a native of Columbia, SC. She is a graduate of St. Augustine's College (Raleigh, NC) with a BA in Theatre and Film and a minor in Spanish. She works in theatre and film in the Greater NY area. 

My passion is inviting the world to consider the notion that life is much larger than just ourselves and what we know about our world. My purposeful career is to entertain, educate and enlighten others through acting in powerful plays and films.  I also hope to pursue other areas of the entertainment industry.

Because I love performing, I have never pursued any other career path outside of acting in the entertainment industry. For some, working does not feel like work. I feel this way about acting.  When I have an acting job, I do not feel like I am working in the traditional sense of the word. Performing is totally my play time! I have had traditional jobs between acting jobs because some acting projects are not financially sustainable. During those in between times, I worked as an assistant teacher in private and public schools.  I also have worked in a homeless shelter and in an art gallery.  

I have made some sacrifices in order to pursue my passion. One of the most impactful sacrifices was to relocate from my home grown roots after completing college to Philadelphia. However, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl (Maritha) Frederick, continue to make the most sacrifices in order for me to pursue my passion. My parents are tireless in their support of my journey to the “red carpet.”

I have several pieces of advice to others who are fearful to “Take A Leap” into their purpose and purposeful careers.  First and foremost, pray for guidance. With prayer, an abundance of things will happen.  God will give you courage to be fearless, but you have to forcefully take steps toward your goal(s). God also will aide you in handling your fears by surrounding you with people who are honest and supportive-- family and friends; those who are where you are professionally who will navigate the waters with you; and, those who are where you aspire to be professionally who will become your mentors. Secondly, consider the contribution you will make to the world with your passion and purposeful career. Just think about this point: Somewhere are others who need you to be you and to share what you have so they can graduate to their purpose.  Remember that life is much larger than just ourselves.

Readers can learn more about my work at www.linkedin.com/pub/juanita-frederick/57/38/597

Studio Charleston Indiegogo Campaign

Studio Charleston

Rhonda and I are excited to have an opportunity to head up north in a few weeks to visit a film set in
Toronto, Canada.  We will also take the time to film another webisode of Take A Leap.  For those of you that aren't aware, since June 2009, a valid passport is needed for anyone traveling to Canada by air, land, and sea.  And since Take A Leap highlights countries where a passport stamp is required, we decided that it'll be our next documented adventure.

It is interesting to know that Toronto's film and television cluster ranks third in North America, and it's augmented by their varied production options and consistent tax credits.  This is a major selling point as to whether a full scale production will shoot at a particular location.  Not only does this create a pool of creative and technical talent, but it pumps millions of dollars into the economy.

South Carolina has lost out on many opportunities to have movies made here because of their noncompetitive film incentives.  I don't want to go into the political aspect of it, but I thought I'll share this Indiegogo Campaign which only has a few hours remaining to raise $35,000.  They are currently below expectations, but any monetary amount raised from contributions will help keep Studio Charleston, a premiere Film/TV production facility based in Charleston, SC, open for business.  This studio was key in bringing the movie Dear John to South Carolina, in addition to several independent projects. Please consider donating today!!