We recently connected with Phoebe Allegra and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Phoebe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I have worked on thus far, is an indie feature film called “The Videoblogs.” It is the project that opened my eyes to mental health advocacy and just so happened to be my first professional feature film. I had already been thinking about giving therapy a “try”. It is so taboo where I am from and I wasn’t sure how to really jump in. But I wanted to talk to someone and just be able to release objectively. As I weighed the pros and cons of talk therapy, I settled into life in NYC at the time. One day I got an audition invitation email and sides sent to me. I was submitting for as many jobs as I could at the time, and didn’t remember submitting for this job, but I loved the script I was reading. Though I was not similar to my character, I had compassion for her and understood her heart and thought it was a good story to tell, especially from her perspective. which is one we do not often hear. While working on the film, I learned about the importance of community and support while on the mental health journey to wellness, and that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. Mental health is a wide spectrum of wellness, and everyone falls somewhere on it, from minor stresses, to anxiety, depression or even mental illness. Though we do not all experience the same levels, struggles or difficulties we are all somewhere taking the journey to mental wellness, some people just have to work a bit harder to heal and maintain their mind. The film, “The Videoblogs,” taught me the importance of having mental health conversations more often and the importance of creating art that helps us as a society to understand the issues taking place in the mental health world. When we speak about mental health issues more often, and with more compassion, we destigmatize mental illness and other mental health struggles, we humanize those who are struggling, and we decrease the shame surrounding the conversation. After the film I started going to talk therapy and it opened up a whole new world of relief, compassion and understanding. I am grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey Y’all. I am Phoebe Allegra born and raised small town in Alabama, and I have been a professional working artist in NYC and Los Angeles. I attended the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and studied Theatre, Business, and Spanish while there. I decided to graduate early to get a headstart on pilot season. I have always loved television and film, especially the classics both modern and from the Golden Age of tv and film. I love to watch Turner Classic Movies and seeing the classics that moved us forward as a creative society like “Carmen Jones”, “On Moonlight Bay,” “By The Light of the Silvery Moon, Beach Blanket Bingo, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes etc……And Tv Land and Nick at Night played classic tv sitcoms all night long. I grew up especially loving movie musicals, and I loved the passion that went into each number. Acting, singing, and dancing complimented each other so well in the films as did the artists playing the rolls. I copied what I saw them doing and it brought me such joy to create and it still does. Growing up I kept myself disciplined by being in different clubs and activities. As long as I maintained straight A’s and a high GPA I could do extra-curriculars. It helped me to learn to manage my time and priorities, I learned to maintain playing Volleyball, being Editor of the Yearbook, Honor Society, Choirs and much more. Artistic ventures were my reward but soon became my joyful priority. In college I studied theatre, and the acting track but my greatest lessons came from studying the greats I had always watched and practiced their beautiful material daily. Also I had Professor Steve Burch, who taught us theatre history and the ancient origins of acting that still exist in the basics of all acting forms that exist even in these modern times.
What sets me apart from others is also what makes me the most proud, in my work, and that is that I do not compete with others because I know I am the only me. Every artist, every actor, every creator is different and there is space for everyone to succeed. Another thing that sets me apart is my work ethic and my influence of the classic artists I admire and have studied since childhood. Knowing the contributions of the artist of the past who created new and different styles and genres while simultaneously breaking barriers, further propelling us forward in society and remembering to credit and thank them links the generations together creating a bridge for people of all ages and generations to feel included and helps us form better and healthier societal connections. Making sure I am doing everything to get my jobs done with the passion, focus and vigor that it takes has created a consistency and discipline contributing to my motivation. I am most proud of the compassion that I exude. Not to be confused with being a pushover, or gullible, compassion is something that I have learned since beginning to learn the mental health journey. I do not use it to excuse behavioral patterns of people, but to understand them and figure out what needs to healthily change. Compassion and knowledge can lead to more healing and a greater change in the world in a loving more positive direction when the actions and thoughts are truly well-intended. I am proud to say compassion and kindness still have a place in society and leading with kindness and compassion while moving forward consistently in love creates a better world.
Everyone has a different mental health journey and I realize that everyone is not ready to do talk therapy or maybe they just don’t want to. However, they still may need or want help to release. Someone once told me they wish that they could lay down and just talk to someone without judgement or shame, but that they were scared to be vulnerable. They said they were not ready, and I began thinking of how I could help them release. I remembered how good it felt to journal and release emotion on paper, and thought maybe a planner or journal could help them release because a journal can be your first therapist if you are not ready to talk to another individual. I created 11 journals and planners to help guide the days and offer inspiration to those who are seeking to better their mental health. I have journals and planners for those not ready for therapy, and for planners and journals for those who are ready and want to keep up with their progress. Wherever you are the spectrum of mental wellness, there is a journal for you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is seeing how the art that I create affects the audience. When people come up to me saying that they feel better, feel seen, and feel heard or that they feel like they are not alone, I feel like I am helping people to feel better through art, and that feeling of helping people feel better, supported, and uplifted brings me joy. I remember the first few screenings of “The Videoblogs” and the Q&A panels afterwards, all different types of people would come up and say thank you, or wonder how we knew how to express how they felt. They were smiling and laughing, and feeling more comfortable having a conversation. I provide a safe space with my art, and the projects that I participate in are safe spaces for the audience.
As for the Mental Wellness Journals and Planners that I created with amazon, it is rewarding to get messages from people saying they are enjoying journaling or writing again, or that the “Check-In” planner is helping them keep up with their journey, or for those in therapy they are able to record their progress better and remember the issues they work on in therapy. It’s another way of providing a safe space to be honest and release, relieving people of the pressures that may sometimes plague the mind, creating a safe space to work through issues.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can support artist, creatives, and thriving creative ecosystems by supporting art programs in schools. Schools thrive more when there are artistic programs in place. Music classes, art classes, and theatre programs can make a difference in students lives, providing a safe space for creativity and an outlet for extra energy and time. As well, having community centers where artistic programs are prevalent for all ages and generations to interact together is helpful. Artists can thrive at any age and have so many different levels of skill to better each other in community and learning environments. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebeallegra/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-allegra-threatt-13376469/
- Other: Amazon Author Portal Please include https://www.amazon.com/author/phoebeallegrathreatt I created a line of mental health and wellness journals and planners on amazon. I created them for people on all levels of their mental health journey, whether in therapy, or if they are not ready for therapy and just need somewhere to release.
Image Credits
David Noles Photography Michael Dibiasio City Headshots Jennifer van Heeckeren Shu Lambert