Anna Claire Walker: “WIT means so much to me”
When I moved to DC in 2020, the only people I knew were my sister and her husband. As an ex-actor, puppeteer, and singer, I knew I wanted to get involved in something creative in DC but had no idea what I wanted that to look like. Flash forward nearly five years, and my life is now filled with creativity, friendships, and community, largely in part to WIT. When I signed up to volunteer as an usher in 2021, I had no idea how much my life would be enriched by the connections and opportunities provided by WIT.
In what ways do you think WIT makes a difference in the District?
WIT’s commitment to bringing improv into communities with limited access to the arts is one of the reasons I feel so passionately about their work. As a teaching artist through their partnership with Project Create, I witnessed first hand the transformative power of improv in a group of children from a variety of ages and backgrounds. By learning to “Yes, And” each other’s ideas, they grew to work collaboratively and creatively together, when many of their first impulses were to view the games and scenes competitively. In a culture that rewards individualism and competitive thinking, it was inspirational to watch as children explored more collaborative and creative avenues for connection and play. I watched reserved, shy kids gain confidence, and outgoing kids learn when to take the lead and when to lift others up, and I marveled as the group became a supportive and cohesive cohort over just a few short weeks.
What about you personally? How has WIT made a difference in your life?
I have witnessed the transformative power of improv in others and I have felt it myself in my performances with WIT. I started taking classes in 2021, and was encouraged to come to jams, workshops, and even audition for the musical improv team, iMusical. I’ve now been performing with iMusical for two and a half years and truly can’t imagine my life without it. It’s more than a hobby, it is an artistic practice that is life sustaining and has implications beyond “just” having fun. It’s enriching in a way that has benefited me physically, emotionally, and mentally. There have been so many studies that prove that creative communities can be the antidote to our rising health crisis of isolation and loneliness, and that as we age, continuing creative practices can combat dementia and other health risks. I know that being a part of WIT has played a huge part in my mental and physical health!
You have interacted with WIT in your professional capacity. How was that experience?
I have the unique perspective of interacting with WIT through my professional role as Director of Storytelling and Marketing at Logan Circle Main Street, a program of District Bridges. Through our work planning community events and supporting small businesses, WIT has been a supportive partner by collaborating on social media posts and providing creative programming alongside our events. By donating tickets to shows, cross promoting events and initiatives happening in the neighborhood, and even tabling at events, they regularly support our mission of increasing neighborhood vitality so that businesses, organizations, and residents can thrive together. It’s because of all this impact that I became a monthly donor and regularly volunteer outside of my already busy show and rehearsal schedule. WIT means so much to me and I’m excited to continue my support of their work for as long as they’ll have me!