I'm Debbie Elicksen and I've been a member of Stage 32 since October 2012. I'm also a Stage 32 moderator.
This is a great place to learn how to network and find people to learn from, connect with, and to build working relationships with.
I have taken many of the Education webinars/courses, and regardless of your personal background and skillset, there is always a transferable skill to learn or something to help you elevate to that next level. Also, check out the Blog tab for tips.
My background is writing and public relations, but not screenwriting (although I'm slowly learning) and I have a webshow called Locker Room for Growth. I spent most of my adult life working in sports, namely the NHL and Canadian junior football as a reporter and administrator, respectively. I am a headbanger from Alberta, Canada -- Calgary via Edmonton where I was born and raised. I love metal music and am attending Warrant/Quiet Riot on Thursday, and Skid Row/Buckcherry in March. When I am on my deathbed, I want Judas Priest played on a loop. But I am also a new Swiftie, had Barbies when I was a kid, and have an obsession with collecting band and sports shirts of late.
My NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons (yes, I know, sigh), and my hockey teams are 1. Boston Bruins, and 2. Edmonton Oilers. I grew up watching Warren Moon play for the Edmonton Eskimos, now Elks and got my start in hockey during the Wayne Gretzky years.
Stage 32 has connected me with a couple of PR projects over the years and I have interviewed some of the creatives I've met here on this platform.
This is one of the most welcoming and giving communities. My advice is to be active, learn what others are doing (check their profiles first, rather than just messaging 'so what's new.' Get brave. Post a logline. Take a course/webinar. But one of the best ways to get your feet wet in this community is to search the Lounge topics and participate in the comments. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and you will see everyone helps everyone.
Welcome.
2 people like this
Encouraging advice, Debbie - thanks!
2 people like this
Debbie Elicksen Hi! As a former reporter/news/talk radio producer, I deeply appreciate publicists! As a guy who lived in Buffalo for five years, I deeply appreciate Canadians! Excellent taste in music. I currently live in MA, but I'm a METS/KNICKS/RANGERS guy. For football, I'm a shameless Dallas Cowboys fan, and there's nothing I can do to stop it (I've tried!). Concur about the Stage 32 community. I'm a huge fan. Nice to meet you!
1 person likes this
Hope you had a great weekend, Debbie Elicksen. Go Bruins! How's your script coming along?
2 people like this
Debbie, I’m so grateful to have you in the Creative Army. You are an OG and an inspiration.
1 person likes this
Amanda Toney Aww, thanks. That means a lot coming from you.
2 people like this
A pleasure to connect with you Debbie Elicksen