The stay-at-home order in Illinois was extended until the end of May. Will this be the end of quarantine?Probably not. Everything is so uncertain these days. However, if being quarantined until December of this year is what the world needs in order to heal, then so be it. If adjusting to a new way of living is what we'll have to do in order to survive, so be it. I feel like we often forget that we aren't in control. No matter how established human beings are, how far we've evolved, how far we've come, defying gravity, building 100-floor skyscrapers, creating amazing technology- nothing will change the fact that we are the size of little ants residing on a planet floating among other planets swimming in an endless, stretching sea of darkness. At first, it was hard for me to accept that...

Another installment of my quarantine series! Quarantine life for the past month has been tough, trying to get used to the new normal of being stuck indoors. Trying to figure out how to keep up my dance and workout routine has been harder than I thought it would be. I watched as our laundry pile grew larger and larger in the corner of our bedroom. This week, I was inspired by my stir-crazy feelings, and by our growing pile of laundry. Enjoy!

The Coronavirus has everyone indefinitely quarantined at home. Everything has shut down- theatres, shows, businesses, dance studios, schools... there is no definite answer of when the world will go back to its normal state. Is "normal" a thing of the past? When will performers ever work again?

During this dark time, I have decided to heal my anxious thoughts through dance and movement. This week, I decided to recreate a 1980s Aerobic Competition video that I have been obsessed with.

Dancing Through the Quarantine Part 1- Enjoy!

It is with the most mixed and overwhelming emotions that I performed in my last show in Bikini Bottom on December 29th. Over the past 5 months, the cast and crew grew intertwining roots to become a tight knit family- from city to city, countless plane rides and bus rides, late-night venting sessions over ice cream and fast food at 3 am, through all the tears, blood, laughter, sweat, and smiles... the love I have for every person on this tour is utterly indescribable and I miss everyone so incredibly much. Through all the ups and downs, everyone stuck as a team and we put on a show in every city without fail. I truly cannot express my overwhelming love, pride, and appreciation that I feel for every single person.

Being on tour for the first time has taught me many things- you’ll only...

Our 1 month of rehearsals in New York City flew by so fast, and we officially kicked off our tour in Schenectady NY in mid-September!

"A Chorus Line" at Porchlight Music Theatre was nominated for 2 Jeff Awards for 2019- For best musical mid-size, and best ensemble. I am so honored to have been a part of this cast, and miss everyone terribly!

Jeff-Award 2019 Nominee Announcement:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/9/3/20839672/equity-jeff-awards-nominations-2019-porchlight-music-theatre-paramount-theatre-court-theatre-chicago

Our complete cast for the First National Tour of the SpongeBob Musical was finally announced! SpongeBob will tour from September 2019- August 2020. Hope to see you in Bikini Bottom!

Playbill Cast Announcement:

http://www.playbill.com/article/the-spongebob-musical-national-tour-finds-its-cast-of-bikini-bottom-residents

Broadway World Cast Announcement:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Full-Casting-Announced-For-THE-SPONGEBOB-MUSICAL-On-Tour-20190821

Bikini Bottom here I come!! I am so excited to announce that I will be hitting the road for the next 12 months to 30+ states across the US (and Canada!) with the First National Tour of The SpongeBob Musical! I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to be dancing, singing, and circus-ing with my new cast family for the next year. After we close "The Music Man" at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago Sunday night, I will be headed to NYC at the crack of dawn Monday morning to start my first day of rehearsals. I'm gonna be exhausted but the power of coffee will see me through! Directed by Tony-nominated Tina Landau and choreographed by Tony-winning Christopher Gattelli, the musical’s songwriters include David Bowie, Sara Bareilles, Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Antebell...

I found out that I will be going on for the role of Ethel Toffelmier (my understudy track) for 6 performances, from Thursday-Sunday, July 18- July 21st!

Thank you to the Chicago Tribune Newspaper for the Shout Out!

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/ct-evr-shout-out-ayana-strutz-tl-0718-20190715-enrknbu2bjdlncfoy3oyr6zkau-story.html