Breathing Life into an Old Dream: The Maurine & Maurice Show

As a self-proclaimed creative-aholic, I’ve learned that juggling multiple projects can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s a balancing act of momentum and chaos, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a long-dormant idea come to life. Last night, that thrill hit me full force during the first rehearsal of The Maurine & Maurice Show—an immersive mob comedy featuring an eclectic ensemble cast of characters.

This journey began many years ago, back in the haze of COVID-19. Like so many of us, I found myself with time to spare and a need to channel my creative energy. Before the pandemic, The Maurine & Maurice Show was just an idea—one born from observing the growing demand for immersive experiences in New York’s tourism industry. But with the world on pause, I seized the opportunity to write the first draft and even hosted a Zoom reading. It wasn’t the fully realized vision I’d hoped for, but the actors’ performances and the story’s potential lit a fire in me.

Then life resumed its relentless pace, and the project was shelved. Creative-aholism is a double-edged sword; while it keeps the juices flowing, it can also mean that some projects get sidelined as others take center stage.

Fast forward to summer 2024, when everything changed. I joined an actors' collective—a creative gym where members bring in work they want to develop. It felt like the perfect moment to dust off The Maurine & Maurice Show. Hearing it read live again rekindled my passion for the project, and the collective became the ideal space to iron out its kinks.

Last night, at the Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF), we held the first full read-through since COVID. The DGF provides playwrights with free space for readings and rehearsals, a blessing for artists navigating the financial hurdles of creation. I cast the play easily, thanks to the talented actors in the collective, and they knocked it out of the park.

The Maurine & Maurice Show is a scripted-unscripted hybrid, with about 10% of the performance improvised to keep the energy fresh and spontaneous. The actors leaned into this with remarkable enthusiasm, bringing the script—and its moments of humor—to life in ways I could only dream of. Hearing them laugh at the lines I’d agonized over reminded me why I love this art form. Sharing your work is always a little terrifying—will they like it? Will they laugh where they’re supposed to? But the room was alive with energy, and I left with a deep sense of validation.

We have two more rehearsals this month, and then, fingers crossed, a public reading in mid-to-late February. Finding a venue is my top priority this week, though it’s one more task on an already packed plate. Between this project, auditions, my book launch, and everyday life, I’m busier than ever—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

2025 is off to an incredible start. Two big auditions in January, a supportive creative community, and the chance to revive a dream project like The Maurine & Maurice Show. It hasn’t been an easy journey—I’ve faced fears, doubts, and the inevitable moments of crashing and burning. But those challenges have only made this moment sweeter.

Now, it’s time to fly.

Reflecting on 2024: Wins, Lessons, and the Path to Leveling Up in 2025

2024 has been a whirlwind—a mixed bag of creative challenges and triumphs that stretched me in ways I didn't think possible. Looking back, I'm proud of the milestones I've reached, even in the face of struggles.

One of my biggest accomplishments this year was curating the Tides of Change, Waves of Hope art show endorsed by UNESCO at the Fulton Center, which was immediately followed by the Art to Save the Planet exhibition at the Federal Reserve building. This project was a massive undertaking and a testament to the power of art as a tool for global change.

Another major achievement was completing my children's book, Little Red & Vandal Wolf. I wrote and illustrated this labor of love, which features 19 street artists' tags and is set to launch in early 2025. To celebrate, I'll host a book launch in NYC with signings and, hopefully, an accompanying art show that brings together all the artists who contributed to the book. Events should continue throughout the year.

Academically, I found myself back in school. I graduated with a 4.0 from OU University, earning my master's degree in art and technology. Diving into gaming and animation via After Effects and mastering 3D modeling with Maya were highlights of my studies, and I'm excited to apply these skills in new ways in 2025.

Another milestone I'm incredibly proud of was launching my nonprofit, Art-Tech Rise. We're harnessing the power of art and technology to support the UN's 17 Sustainable Goals, starting with hackathons for change. While this year was just the beginning, I'm thrilled about our first official fundraiser kicking off in 2025. It will feature a gaming demo created during our pilot hackathon, inspired by the anglerfish sculpture I collaborated on with artist Matty Austin. This piece, exhibited in the Art to Save the Planet, was the creative spark for this initiative.

Leveling up in 2025!

Looking Ahead to 2025

2025 already feels packed with possibilities. Acting-wise, 2024 was quiet, but I'm determined to change that. One of my top priorities is bringing The Maurine & Maurice Show, a mob comedy I wrote during COVID, to life with a live reading. I believe it has the potential to become a platform where I and other talented actors can truly shine.

I'm also looking forward to launching The Big Cheese Theory, a follow-up to Little Red. This project will combine NFT art, animation, and gaming into an ambitious (and ongoing) creative journey. While it's still in the early stages, I'm ready to share it with the world.

A Resolution for the New Year

One of my goals for 2025 is to connect more with all of you—through blogging, vlogging, and sharing updates on my creative endeavors. It's new territory for me, but I'm having fun so far!

If you're a casting director, producer, or collaborator looking for a fresh voice, please consider me for your upcoming projects. I'll also send special invites for the Maurine & Maurice show and the Little Red book launch, so stay tuned.

Thank you for supporting me on this journey. I can't wait to see what 2025 has in store. In the meantime, enjoy some of the highlights from 2024 below, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram at @listentoizzychurch and visit izzychurch.com to stay updated.

Here's to leveling up in 2025!

Designing the Hook: The Journey to a Cover That Captivates

Midnight Magic: How a sleepless night transformed my book cover

Why I Delayed My Book Launch: The Power of Perfecting Your Cover

As authors, we pour our hearts into every word, every plot twist, and every character arc. But there’s one crucial element that often stands between your book and a potential reader: the cover. When I first started working on Little Red and Vandal Wolf, I knew the cover would be key, but I didn’t anticipate just how much of an impact it would have or how many revisions it would take to get it right.

Back in November, I shared my thoughts on the importance of a strong cover. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve made even more changes — enough that I delayed my Christmas launch to perfect it. Was it frustrating? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Why the Cover Matters

The cover is your book’s first impression, your hook to draw readers in. Most readers don’t know the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve poured into the pages. They’re judging the book by its cover, and if that cover doesn’t wow them, they might not even pick it up.

For Little Red and Vandal Wolf, the cover design has been a journey of trial and error. My initial design was bold but didn’t translate well in print. The colors were off, the details felt flat, and the overall effect didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. So, I went back to the drawing board — multiple times.

Small Tweaks, Big Impact

When my galley copy arrived, it was clear that dark rubble on the cover wasn’t doing the artwork justice. It felt too heavy, too subdued. Changing it to bright green grass and a crisp white sidewalk was transformative. Suddenly, the characters stood out, and the title gleamed against the background.

But there was one more major change I knew I had to make: the background. While the original design was eye-catching, it didn’t fully communicate the heart of the book. This isn’t just an art education book for kids — it’s a story about New York, its artists, and the global travelers who come to leave their mark on its walls. Adding a New York skyline, with high-rise buildings and an unmistakable urban energy, gave the cover the sense of place and purpose it needed.

A Subtle Easter Egg for the Observant Reader

One thing most readers might miss unless they’re paying close attention is the hidden magic woven into the skyline. Some of the buildings are cleverly shaped like spray cans, subtly spraying out bursts of vibrant creativity. A few others are designed to look as though they’ve been drawn with crayons — a nod to the playful, childlike wonder of the book’s story.

These details are subtle, so they don’t disturb the overall skyline vibe, but they enhance it in a way that captures the spirit of Little Red and Vandal Wolf. They’re a visual metaphor for the fusion of art, play, and storytelling that runs through the book’s pages.

The Lessons I’ve Learned

1. Don’t rush the process. Creativity takes time, and perfection often emerges in the final stages.

2. Be open to change. Some of the best decisions come late in the game.

3. The cover is your sales pitch. Make it count, because it’s your first and most important impression.

   
   

A Fresh Start and a Special Treat

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that the updated version of Little Red and Vandal Wolf is ready for its debut! To celebrate, I’m offering a special Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal this December and January: buy a hard or softcover, and you’ll get a free e-book to share with a friend. It’s my way of spreading the joy of storytelling and giving back to the readers who inspire me to keep going.

If you’ve been following my journey, thank you. Your support and feedback mean the world to me. And if you haven’t yet, head over to IzzyChurch.com to check out my Creative-Aholic blog, where I share insights and tips for fellow authors navigating this wild creative process.

I’d love to hear what you think about the new cover! Did you catch the spray cans or crayon-style buildings? Do they enhance the wow factor? Drop me a line and let me know if this cover gives you the “yes, I want to read this” feeling I’ve been working so hard to achieve.

Here’s to the magic of storytelling — and the power of a truly captivating cover.