On the Couch with Courtney Glass

Courtney Glass AAR On the CouchWho is Courtney Glass?
Courtney Glass is a Californian by birth, a New Yorker by 10 years experience and an Australian by marriage. I’m a story-teller, singer of songs, crazy rescue-dog mom and am passionate about nourishing creativity, both my own and others.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
For the last couple of years, I’ve been operating on a zero-regrets policy. Have I had disappointment, yes of course. Have there been times when I could have handled a challenge better, sure. But here I am, working on a project I am excited about on a beautiful day in St Kilda… what could be better?

Who inspires you and why?
At the moment, super inspired by my students at Theatre Blacks. They are all so brave and full of that fresh energy. I love seeing them make new discoveries about themselves through working on material that may at face value, seem old-fashioned. Everything old is new again, as the saying goes.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m pretty passionate about mental health in the arts, and I see improving the current quite distressing statistics that face our industry is something we have to approach structurally and internally. I’m so excited that the Arts Well Being Collective have launched a helpline. Inspired by my colleague and AWB Collective member Matt Heyward, one thing I want to accomplish this year is complete a Mental Health First Aid qualification.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Too many! Byron Bay is calling my name recently though…

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I absolutely love living in St Kilda, so I’d show off my neighbourhood! A progressive dinner down Fitzroy street, ending at the Espy for a drink as the sunsets.

What are you currently reading?
I’m in a book club started by the ladies ensemble of Sweeney Todd (Life Like Touring). Our focus is female Australian authors, and we are currently reading Magda Szubanski’s memoir Reckoning. Fabulous.

What are you currently listening to?
I never miss an episode of Ilana Levine’s podcast Little Known Facts. Bit of a Teskey Brothers obsession at the moment as well.

Happiness is?
Packing up the car with my partner and our dog Tippi and going off-the-grid for a couple days. We like to get a pet-friendly Airbnb, take the slow cooker with us to whip up something from a local grocer, and otherwise make zero plans.

What does the future hold for you?
Creatively, I am very lucky to be on board for The Production Company’s penultimate show, Ragtime. Personally, we are gearing up to be homeowners, so lots of nest-feathering.

Courtney will present her solo show, Heroine: A Cabaret with Courtney Glass at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda: 2 & 3 October 2019. For more information, visit: www.alextheatrestk.com.au or for details.

Image: Courtney Glass (supplied)