Throughout our exploration of “new terrains,” we learned of yet another means of expressing shift and change: shifting gears in lifestyle and career, breaking routine long enough to explore creativity, imagination and the potential to create. That’s what we learned from Laura Domingo Short’s piece, “The Start,” which sets the stage for her leaving her tech job, setting aside time to explore lifelong passions, and taking creative risks. We’re excited to perform her work on February 24 at the San Jose Museum of Art.

Laura is an actor, blogger, writer and podcast producer. Last fall, she quit her job in tech to embark on what she’s termed her self-imposed, self-sustained sabbatical (SISSS) to explore entirely new and more creatively fulfilling career paths. You can follow her journey on betterlatethanblank.com. The recipient of a San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle award for best featured actress, Laura is launching the Bring Your Own Movie podcast next Saturday, February 22. She will also be performing in Sojourn at the Pear Theatre from March 15 – April 7. Laura agreed to answer a few questions for us in advance of the show.

What inspired you to participate in Play On Words?

While I’ve done a lot of writing throughout my life, it’s only been my current sabbatical that has afforded me the time, energy and mental space to focus on creative writing, particularly through my blog. The theme “New Terrains” it resonated with my decision last fall to quit my job and set myself on a brand new path.

Name a book or performance that fundamentally affected you.

I have two that are probably at opposite ends of the spectrum.

First, when I was a kid, I found my dad’s old books from a college literature class. One was Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. I was fascinated by the language: how words can have double meanings and how a match of wits can be just as exhilarating as a fencing match.

In 2008, I saw a production of Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land at the Gate Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. This play and subsequent productions of Pinter works that I’ve seen taught me that silence, stillness, and negative space can communicate just as much and be just as powerful as words and movement.

Join us February 24 to see Laura’s work performed live! Reserve your ticket now to gain free admission to the San Jose Museum of Art and RSVP on Facebook to let us know you’re coming.