Find Your Community on Stage 32

Find Your Community on Stage 32

Find Your Community on Stage 32

Karen "Kay" Ross
Karen "Kay" Ross
5 years ago

Well, hello, there! My name is Karen Ross, but please, call me Kay. I recently took over as the Community Manager here at Stage 32 (but don't worry, Amanda is my Jedi Master, and RB lays down the wisdom like Yoda – I’m humbled to be their padawan). I am so excited to get to know our creative community even better through this new opportunity!

I wanted to formally introduce myself - I am an actress, writer, producer, and all-around free spirit. Among other many things, I love martial arts, instrumental film soundtracks, The Bard, matcha green tea and am deeply obsessed with trying new restaurants. I can’t wait to be able to travel overseas again to explore culture through food!

Before becoming the Community Manager, I was a member, just like you. When I moved to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2019, I knew I would need two things to successfully transition into a creative producer: a deadline and accountability. With Stage 32's Writers' Room, I found both. In two months, I finished my first TV pilot. I have since been working on revisions, the pitch deck, and show bible. I've even written several shorts, started writing a feature film, and another pilot! This community has sincerely been an invaluable resource for me to focus on and reach my professional goals. It's actually because of my involvement with this inspiring and encouraging community that they, in turn, found me.

No matter the project or scale, I've always been the kind of person to jump in and lend a helping hand. With the recent quarantine, the Wednesday Webcasts hosted by Jason Mirch went from a couple of dozen people attending to over a hundred. As new faces logged into the Writers' Room for the first time, the actor in me turned it into a pre-show audience-warming. When Jason and RB saw my proactive approach, they knew my values aligned with that of Stage32's – inspiring, encouraging, and educating about the craft and business of film, television, and digital media. It might as well have been my motto, too!

Find Your Community on Stage 32

My mission? I am on a search for "I believe in you" contributors, "make it work" ambassadors, and "why not" collaborators. I invite you to be the attentive audience you always wanted because every member on here loves getting feedback. Don't just post something and wait for people to find you.

Get curious about other people, ask about their interests, and comment whenever you can! Kevin Smith said it best, "Live a 'why not' life, man… Always take the shot, the shot is always worth taking… When you encourage an artist, think about the potential that comes out of it… Nothing good comes from discouraging an artist." Okay, so he rambles, and he's just as verbose as I am, but he's so loveable!

Learn more about me and say hello on my Stage 32 profile! Or better yet, check out my Lounge Posts and join in the conversations!

In the meantime, thank you so much for being a member of Stage 32! Our community is built on you sharing your insights in the lounges about filmmaking, screenwriting, acting, and everything in between. Your questions, reflections, and stories educate and inspire our community of 650,000+ film and television creatives.

Whether you are an active member of Stage 32, or new to our community, we want to share your experience, struggles, and successes! If you have an idea for a post but aren't ready to take the plunge, email me at k.ross@stage32.com, and I will happily help you craft a kick-butt post!

Here are a few tips for "posts that get the conversation going":

Shimmy on over to our Stage 32 lounge home to get some inspiration from your fellow Stage 32-ers. You can even search by topic to cater to your personal fancies!

Thanks for taking the time to read, and I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!

Cheers,

K. Ross

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About the Author

Karen "Kay" Ross

Karen "Kay" Ross

Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor

Kay Ross is an actor, producer, writer, and champion for the "inner teenager.” While being a producer on a television show like Netflix’s “Sex Education” would be a dream realized, for now, she kicks ass on shorts, features, and hosts a weekly IGLive to empower creatives called “The Victory Round.”...

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20 Comments on Karen E's Article

Larry Ross
Crew, Host/Presenter, Videographer, Editor
Man I just love this Stage 32 community. I mean that sweet Karen Ross lady (no relation) is totally awesome. I'm completely computer illiterate but yet she told me about this blog and even shared the link, so I could meet like minded folk. So since she took the time to tee it up for me, let me take advantage and introduce myself and tell you guys why I'm here seeking like minded people to help. Hi guy's I'm a fairly uneducated biker / part time minimum wage earning liquor store clerk, with a serious addiction to find people and orgs that help people in my community and video interview them about their causes and share my videos on my You Tube channel called Pay it Forward TV. That I been doing with no skills what so ever since 2014. Now I am tenacious when I set my mind to something like doing my channel. And if I can take a moment I'll tell you exactly how truly tenacious I am about this video ministry /passion of mine.  You see I quit high school way back in tenth grade and floated around my life aimlessly doing drugs and all sorts of other unholy actions. But in 2012 my littlest brother died in a car crash and this charitable org in our county named the Action Riders of Franklin County Missouri helped us raise money for the funeral cost through a benefit ride. I mean I still remain a member to this day, but their the ones that first exposed me to my new addiction of paying it forward. And through donating my time at benefits and such with the A/R, the vision of Pay it Forward TV on You Tube first began. But when I started it I knew my education level was a huge hinder, and I didn't have a car to get educated. So I started walking everyday 4 days a week to GED classes at East Central College in Union Missouri that's roughly 28 to 30 miles away. They only held classes 4 days a week and I was way behind the curve, so I walked from my mobile home at 430 am to be at class by 9 am did 4 hours of classes and walked back home for a year and a half before finally obtaining my GED.  That was just basic knowledge and I desired way more because I knew I was going to start doing PIF TV by then and I didn't know jack about cameras or lighting or anything related to hosting a interview type of show really. So me hearing about the college giving low income people like me chances to go to college I jumped at the opportunity to change my stripes and thought multimedia and graphic arts classes was my ticket to fame lol. I mean back then when the channel first started II was more worried about getting likes subscribers and followed and thought those lessons would help. But everything they taught was on a Mac and I only have a old laptop PC still even now lol.  Now don't get me wrong I did learn a lot about scheduling budgeting and making plans, that I still use today on my shoots. But as far as making a art graphics or logos / designs I didn't retain jack again.   The most precious lesson I learned was I wasn't stupid, like I always though I wast and been told my entire life that I always would be. So fast forward to today, I know I'm not stupid and I know there are people out there that want to help if only given the opportunity, and I'm finally sucking up my pride to ask y'all for help. I'm obviously not a pro in my field / passion like most of the members on here. So I figured I'd reach out and see if I could assemble a ""Pay it Forward TV" team with the skills that I lack in doing my show. Because I don't have any problem finding charity events and setting my camera up, on a tripod and hosting the live interviews and asking the people questions. My problems more of the editing side of things and differentiating what needs to be in it and whats just useless b roll or how to make the graphic to make it stand out or what / how to wordsmith when posting on social media.. I mean I never been greedy and I never had any money of any type, so I'm not concerned if I retain ownership of my You Tube channel or in fact the show at all, or if I get to work on it for someone else and get a modest pay check doing so. But who doesn't desire to get paid to do what they love doing, that's not greedy is it? And I know that sometimes when you love something as I love doing my project, sometimes you got to set it free. Really I do want help to do it, but I just want to eventually get paid to ride my motorcycle to these awesome events with totally unselfish people and interview them about their causes. And remaining the boss of a crew that's only me doesn't interest me. But being a team member on equal footing surely does, even if it still doesn't pay. Because I'm addicted to the causes and not a paycheck that may or may not ever come.  But I do got a new action camera so the next interviews are going to start doing more of a "Ride with Norman Reedus" type of feel with a pay it forward twist. So holla back yo, if your interested in becoming part of the team.  And God willing someday it'll make some funding, so we can give donations when we shoot the episodes and eventually make a modest salary as it allows if it ever does. I know lots of you are going to reply crowd fund. But apparently you weren't paying attention, because I'm not greedy, I just need people and their skills to help me create a team to produce this vision first. Then later if the entire team agrees to monetize it we can discuss the next steps. We'll need video and sound editors, social media specialist, question planners and a like and anything else a novlst like me may not be seeing to email my footage to and create something special, before posting.  But I'm serious every team member will have a equal voice whether you a nobody nothing like me or a famous director / actor like Tom Hanks. Let's do this together and actually make small strides in actually helping to change the way the world sees people who need help. Let hash tag Team Pay it Forward make giant waves in changing peoples lives.. Thank you, Larry Ross aka Larry Bud to my friends and possible teammates. 
5 years ago
wow, what an honest and inspiring post. I am new here Larry and am delighted to learn about you and your work. Warm regards Paige
4 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Larry Ross! Thanks so much! Whew, your journey is EPIC, sir! Keep at it and keep that humility - a true sign of a collaborator!
5 years ago
Hi Karen, so lovely to meet you. i love you r positive inout and attitude, just what we need at the moment. Please keep posting your articles. Thank you for being so welcoming. 
4 years ago
Will do..  :-)
4 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
So good to meet you as well! Thank you so much for the kind words, it's greatly appreciated! It's really what we are striving for at Stage 32 - to be the most inspiring, encouraging, and informative platform for film, TV, and digital media creatives. This business can so easily tear us down, so I'm happy to be a part of the industry that builds us back up!  Definitely pay it forward! If you know anyone in the industry that could use a dose of positivity, invite them along!
4 years ago
Gerrin Tramis
Concept Artist, Illustrator
Thanks for being so welcoming. 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
You are most welcome! Feel free to reach out at any time!
5 years ago
Heather Magee
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Well done Stage32 crew — you most certainly snagged the right person to fill this integral role. Grateful to have met Kay at a networking event last summer - her enthusiasm is infectious and her insights and thoughtful advice have helped me shape my pitch approach so much. You slay, Kay. x
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Aww, thank you, Heather Magee! If there was such a thing as a boss babe bottled as sunshine, that would be you - bomb and fun and pure awesomeness! So grateful to have met you, my friend! And THANK YOU to Richard "RB" Botto and Jason for hosting those in-person meet-ups! Can't wait to have them again!
5 years ago
Peter Mahan
Screenwriter
Your comment about having written a Coming-of-Age TV pilot set at a Renaissance Festival REALLY caught my eye. Not only is that genre the one I've been working in for the past four years but there is a very active Renaissance Festival (which I've taken part in many times) just a half hour away from where I live. Best of luck getting that and all your passion projects made, Kay! :-)
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Oh, man, I knew you were going to say Sterling, Peter Mahan! Aww, what a sweet story for your daughter! Huh... is there any way I could interview her about how they met?  My previous employer at MDRF has a second booth up there - KJ Craftworks, she makes wood carvings and hairsticks. I don't think I've visited there, but it would be a contender for a location due to the trees. The Maryland RenFest has fantastic trees and would need it for the look. Thanks, I'm glad you like it! My sincerest hope is to pull the characters, who work there, out of "caricature" status, and ground it in the complexities of the types of people that are attracted to the atmosphere and to the people they become because of their relationships. Instead of Netflix's Sex Education, I want this to be Romance Education.
5 years ago
Peter Mahan
Screenwriter
Sterling Ren Faire located in Upstate, New York (about an hour north of Syracuse). I think they started cranking it up there in the mid-70's so it's one of the better ones in the Northeast. Two of my children worked there for summer jobs, and that's where my daughter met her future husband.  :-)  I think it's a fantastic place to locate a story!
5 years ago
Tennyson Ewing Stead
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Great to meet you, Karen! I, too, am a lover of Shakespeare. I don't know if you read my holiday post on this site... but it was a rare expression of sentiment from me, and I suspect you might be one of the few people who appreciate my sappiness for the Bard: https://www.stage32.com/blog/The-Ghosts-of-Showbusiness-Past I've also got a decent amount of fight training! My sifu was a Jeet Kune Do master, and the things he taught me played a big part of how I survived my brain injury. Recently, he lost a fight to kidney failure (the details of which are a Kung Fu magic story all their own), and I'll be looking for a place to train once I get my life back in order post quarantine. If you're open to making suggestions or observations, I'm all ears. Thank you for helping to build this extraordinary community! If there's any way I can be of service, please don't hesitate to contact... and if you ever need to meet good theater people in LA, please feel free to reach out about that as well.
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Tennyson Stead! Thanks for the link! Yeah, when we visited London a few years ago, I demanded to carve out time to go back to the Globe and actually see a performance there. We were there for "The Summer of Love", so we got to see the Twelfth Night. SO GOOD!I, too, am looking for a dojo once we have a vaccine. My initial art was Aikido, and then I tacked on Judo, Jujitsu, and Karate. Any version of close combat/grappling is really my preference as I am not light on my feet LOL!And I take absolutely no credit for building anything - that's all RB, Amanda, Jason, Taylor, and Nick. But I hope to keep the party going and make it so enticing that others can't stay away! :-DThanks for the warm welcome, and I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!
5 years ago
Janet Goodman
Animal Trainer, Songwriter, Screenwriter
Congratulations on becoming Community Manager at Stage32. Your enthusiasm is contagious, Kay, and we don't mind if we catch it! Glad to hear you finished that Renaissance Festival TV pilot. 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Janet Goodman! Thank you so much! Animal Trainer? That's so cool! I would love for you to post something in the Producing Lounge about working with animals on set. I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!
5 years ago
This is amazing! It looks great and I can't wait to see what you produce!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Matthew Daniel York! Thanks so much! I can't wait to produce it! And I can't wait to help you promote your YouTube series! :-D * long-distance high-five *
5 years ago
Angelo Raza
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks Karen. I already learned a lot from you on my very first post. 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Aww, thank you, Angelo Raza! I'm so glad to hear that! Feel free to share the love - comment and share with people what you've learned!
5 years ago
Ryan Cho
Director, Actor
Thanks for posting this Karen and great to have had you be a part of this big community! Creating content and making things happen while building relationships is the best way to stay productive as a storyteller. Cheers. 
5 years ago
Ryan Cho
Director, Actor
You're welcome! Yes, definitely agree with you, things flow and manifest when you're creating momentum on a consistent basis. 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Ryan Cho (Cho)! Why thank you! Agreed - do the work, but also build the relationships. This industry requires a certain kind of juggle, and it looks like a hurricane when you're on the outside, but once you're in? It just looks like the way the wind blows. I look forward to chatting with you more in the lounges!
5 years ago
Tasha Lewis
Actor, Author, Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Editor, Filmmaker, Marketing/PR, Narrator, Producer, Researcher, Screenwriter, Student, Translator, Voice Actor
Welcome and Congratulations Karen on your accomplishments and your body of work.  One of my first roommates was named Karen.  Thank you for outlining "How it works."  Nothing like detailed instructions to ensure that the community achieve their short and long term objectives personally and professionally here at Stage 32..
5 years ago
Tasha Lewis
Actor, Author, Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Editor, Filmmaker, Marketing/PR, Narrator, Producer, Researcher, Screenwriter, Student, Translator, Voice Actor
Your welcome!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Tasha Lewis! Thanks so much! I actually have a follow-up blog about how to navigate the lounges - I've learned so much since becoming Community Manager! And,  I won't lie, I tend to write operating manuals as I learn things, so I'm happy to share for all to benefit.
5 years ago
Sayed Rohani
Screenwriter, Songwriter
You are accepting writings only from screenwriters. However, there is a multitude of writings introduced as novels, short stories, and plays, which could be converted into best films. Do you have any policy in mind to make those writings also a part of your submissions in order to enjoy a whole treasure of literature? 
5 years ago
Sayed Rohani
Screenwriter, Songwriter
Thanks for reading my comment and your response. I shall consider your suggestion. 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Sayed Rohani! Thanks for the suggestion! This would make for a great topic of conversation in the Producing Lounge! Would you post this question there? I'll answer it in more detail there to get the conversation going. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing Thanks again for reading and commenting!
5 years ago
Taylor C. Baker
Actor, Screenwriter, Content Creator, Producer
So excited to have you onboard Karen E Ross! You are a total dream and a gift to our community!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Also, O, Queen of the GIFYs, please teach me to upgrade my memes? :-D
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Aww, thank you, Taylor C. Baker! You and the entire team have been so welcoming - I can't wait for our next cocktail hour!
5 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway), K rocks.  Thrilled to have her as part of our growing Stage 32 team.
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Aww! I'm literally blushing - thank you SO much, Richard "RB" Botto! It's truly an honor to work with you and the team! 
5 years ago
Amanda Toney - Next Level Education
Director of Operations, Producer
It's been great having you on the team Kay (padawan)! Keep bringing your positive spirit to this incredible community. To everyone in my network, say hello to Kay - she'll no doubt be able to help you with any questions.
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Thank you, Amanda Toney! You're the best! I can see why you and Richard "RB" Botto are such a great team! And HELLO to Amanda's Network!
5 years ago
Mike Ososki
Music Composer, Musician, Voice Actor, Voice Artist
Kay, welcome to Stage 32!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Mike Ososki! Thank so much! Aww, and I love this picture, THANK YOU! I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!
5 years ago
Mays Saffar
Producer, Screenwriter
It's great to see that Stage 32 finds the hidden gems and nurtures them to help fellow writers. You will be a great asset to Stage32. You're fantastic at the Writers Room; giving us all your encouragement, support and a kind but very objective opinion. Thank you in advance! 
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Mays Archer Saffar! Yeah, finding hidden gems is what Stage32 does! Although I believe work finds you working, ya know? Thank you so much! I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!
5 years ago
Harri-Pekka Virkki
Author, Stunt Performer
Nice to officially meet you Karen! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Elischa Spies! Thanks so much, that's so nice of you to say! Well, just hop on the lounges - I leave little bits of my personality in every post and comment - HA! I look forward to helping you in your endeavors!
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Hey, Harri-Pekka Virkki! Aww, thank you, nice to meet you, too! I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges! 
5 years ago
Thomas Luca
Filmmaker, Special Effects Technician, Makeup Artist, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Model Maker, Special Effects Supervisor, Actor, Animator, Art Director, Business Affairs Consultant, Business Development/Sales, Creative Executive, Production Designe
Hello, K. And Congratulations on your TV Pilot
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
Aww, thanks, Tom Luca! And HELLO to you, too! I look forward to chatting with you in the lounges!
5 years ago
Edward Skirtich
Actor, Filmmaker, Host/Presenter, Musician, Narrator, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant
Hi Karen- Very nice. Thank you for some inspirational writing Marion- you rock the house. Yahoo- My PCTV 21 show "Celebrities Visit PCTV 21" coming at you soon PCTV 21 Comcast Pittsburgh, PA Firefox Roku TV Yahoo- Ed Skirtich  
5 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
You are most welcome, Edward Skirtich! Thanks for reading and commenting! Can't wait to hear your show!
5 years ago
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