New York – Performers and Authors

“Good stories…subtle…even silence is emotion-filled.” — The New York Times“Bromka wonderfully embodies the three women.” — This Week in New York“Marvelous…poignant…the authors have humanized their subjects.” — The Star-Ledger“Brilliant! Reaches across the aisles.” — WomenArts“A fascinating evening…laced with insight, emotion and humor.” — Times Herald-Record“6 out of 5 stars!” — Austinonline.com“Perfect.” — KDHX

TEA FOR THREE

Full bio and prime time video clips: www.elainebromka.com

Watch a video clip of the show: www.teaforthree.com

TEA FOR THREE PLAYED OFF-BROADWAY MAY – JUNE, 2013

A TV (Girls, Law & Order, Sex & the City, E.R., Sopranos and more), Broadway, Off-Broadway and film (the Uncle Buck mom) veteran, Bromka starred as eight of the First Ladies in The Presidents for PBS. Acting and writing workshops, including “Acting on Camera”,  “Making Your Monologue Hot!” and "Exploring Intention through American Sign Language", taught at over 160 colleges and high schools, are also available as part of a residency. Extensive references, interviews, and residency information on her website. Theaters, performing art centers, colleges, museums, clubs, fundraisers. Over 300 venues include the Smithsonian, the Cerritos Arts Center, the Long Arts Center, the Straz, and theaters and colleges nationwide.

She championed the rights of Native Americans. Gage’s house, near Syracuse, New York, is now a museum and a site on the Votes for Women Trail. She was a writing mentor for her son-in-law, L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz books, which feature a strong American heroine. Carpenter, a former president of the International Wizard of Oz Club, also offers a Powerpoint for children grades 4-6 about her 2020 picture book, The Voice of Liberty (South Dakota Historical Society Press), illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. This book describes a protest by Gage and colleagues from the New York State Suffrage Association at the 1886 dedication of the Statue of Liberty. Why protest that beautiful statue? Because women then had no rights, not even the right to vote. In this talk Carpenter discusses doing research, writing, rewriting, and the publishing process.

This LIVE performance (with piano accompanist) is both entertaining and engagingly educational.

♪ Includes both Vintage and Contemporary Songs:♪ Audience Participation♪ Appropriate for ages 12+

Testimonials:

"LADIES OF LIBERTY, was one of the most remarkable events – of any kind – that I have ever attended. This brilliant one-woman performance traced the roots of suffrage from its roots all the way to 21st century feminism. Her genius was to illustrate the struggles and triumphs using songs, stories, and readings that were sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, and always deeply affecting.  The audience literally went wild."Penny Wright, Director of Programming, Rogers Memorial Library

"From beginning to end “Ladies of Liberty“ is a fantastic show for people of all ages. I thought I knew a lot about women’s rights but seeing the fight put to music with original songs from the period was eye-opening. And it brings you right up to today’s woman so it is a real joy to see and hear."Judi, League of Women Voters

"Ladies of Liberty is an awe-inspiring, outstanding performance of songs, script and screen images, created as part of the Hamptons League of Women Voters Centennial celebration of women winning the vote in NYS. It exceeded everyone’s expectations and received rave reviews."Arlene, League of Women Voters

 

Tracy also empowers women entrepreneurs, in a number of speeches, to do business “on the golf course” like men have done for years  by participating in health, fitness and sporting events together as well as support today’s female athletes by attending their games.

Tracy has been a pioneer in woman entrepreneurship in Central New York since 1995 as women business ownership was becoming a good career option. She has promoted, advocated, written and advised thousands of women with her knowledge in order to help them become more successful. She is willing to share her knowledge with your organization too.

To see an example of one of Tracy’s recent speeches, visit https://vimeo.com/186109168.

To learn more about her, visit her personal website at www.tracyhigginbotham.com or her company  websites at www.womenties.com or www.womensathleticnetwork.com.

Tracy has an active business blog with her written work that have become speeches at www.womenties.wordpress.com.  She is happy to tailor make a speech perfect for your event or audience.

~ Healers & Heroes ~

Clara Barton: Civil War Nurse & Founder of the American Red Cross  Clara Barton was an 1821 Christmas baby.   After careers as a teacher and a clerk, she headed for the front lines in the Civil War, taking supplies to wounded soldier and earning the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” Later, she established the American Red Cross, bringing disaster relief to countless thousands. Clara’s indomitable determination and boundless good will are a model for all Americans.

Dorothea Dix:  Advocate for the Mentally Ill & Head of Civil War Nurses  Dorothea Dix was born into a respected New England family, but her early life was a hard one.  As a girl, she was called upon to take care of her sickly mother and two small brothers in the Maine wilderness. With her grandmother’s help, Dorothea went to school in Boston and opened a successful school for the poor, became the Civil War’s Head of Nurses, and later returned to her life’s work, profoundly affecting the destinies of mentally ill people throughout the country.  She was determined to make a difference, and with the help of family and friends, Dorothea made her dreams come true.

Carrie Chapman Catt:  Suffragist, Founder of the League of Women Voters and National Women’s Hall of Fame Honoree  Born in 1859, Carrie Chapman Catt became a popular school superintendent, charismatic lecturer, astute organizer and two-time president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.  She was Susan B. Anthony’s hand-picked successor and a major force in the 19th Amendment becoming a reality in 1920.  Carrie was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, worked for world peace and children’s rights, and received the Chi Omega Award at the White House.  This show is getting Rave Reviews!  Watch Carrie’s Trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ehKy6B9GVMQ

Louisa May Alcott: Reformer & Author of “Little Women”  Nineteenth Century writer Louisa May Alcott grew up in a time of radical social change.  After a childhood spent in ‘genteel poverty’, she struggled to establish a writing career, later becoming a Civil War nurse.  Louisa never married and continued to write and work tirelessly for reform as she single-handedly supported her family.  It’s an extraordinary story!

More:  Amelia Earhart, Betsy Ross, Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Indentured Servant Bridgid O’Murphy, Pennsylvanian Anna Morris Holstein

Client & Audience Reactions

“She talks the talk and walks the walk [in] a convincing first-person voice to share the compelling and decades-long story of the fight for women’s right to vote.” League of Women Voters of Radnor

“Thank you for…a great performance. We hope to have you here again.” NASA-Langley

“We have 28 participants enrolled in your Elder Week lecture and are very excited!” Delaware Co. Elder Week

“Carrie… got rave reviews!” Shannondell Community Interest Group

“Betsy Ross was perfect!”  PA Sleep Study Conference

“Pat tells a dynamic and memorable story in a short amount of time, and students from all locations and backgrounds have reacted very well to her.” Dir. of Campus Life, Delaware County Community College

“You had the audience mesmerized.  BRAVO!”   NJ-AARP Chapter

“Thank you, thank you!  …Amelia came to life for [my daughters] and me.”  College Park Airport Museum

“…A wonderful portrayal…so quiet, you could hear a pin drop!  That’s a first for our group.” Jacksonville Community Center

“Everyone loved you…You take such a personal interest, we can tell you love it too.  Also, here’s a copy of the article/interview by the local paper–you were front page!”  Montville Historical Society

Award-Winning Shows:  U.S. Coast Guard Museum Captain’s Coin; Public Scholar for NJ Council for the Humanities; BellAtlantic Video Awards contest; Women for Greater Philadelphia; NAVSUP Commander’s Coin – US Navy; Federal Women’s Program Appreciation Award

Pickets & Persistence: War Service & Woman Suffrage,  Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Central Role in the Fight for Woman Suffrage, Emily Roebling: Bridge Builder in Petticoats, A W.A.S.P. Takes Wing: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WW2, Nobody Owns the Sky: Pioneering Aviatrices, and "Crazy Daisy" Juliette Gordon Low Founder of the Girl Scouts. Hands-on youth and family programs on flight & bridge-building and a musical program “Celebrating Our Herstory:  Stories & Songs of Courage & Persistence” with musician Sharleen Leahey are also available.  (Descriptions available at www.tellingherstories.com,  video and references available on request).

“Yesterday at the library I learned about women in history. I learned that there is hope, and that the troubles we face right now are difficult, but women like Abigail Adams and Sojourner Truth and so many others worked very hard, faced major adversity, and that was difficult too. Learn from them. I encourage you to read and learn about the past and that will help you find hope and courage to fight in the future.”  — C.M. (Girl Scout mom)

“Thank you again for a wonderful program last night! I am still haunted by thoughts of Emily….you made her come so alive…..and I learned more about the Brooklyn Bridge than I thought I would ever know in my whole life!” — Nora, Ocean County Library

“Thank you for presenting a wonderful program that was so informative and enlightening.  Your knowledge and creative storytelling fosters uncovering the truth of our past heroines.” — Nancy, Somerset Run Singles

“I was somewhat skeptical  when Lilyan invited me to your program. As a pilot for many years I thought that I knew I everything about women pilots. What a surprise. Your program taught me so very much and your presentation was outstanding. I am sending your information to as many women as I can. I know that anyone who attends your program will be as excited as I am.”  — A.L.

"Carol’s electric energy and historic knowledge combined to make a most enlightening presentation on the early days of aviation and the brave women who were right there in the thick of it right from the start." — W.S., Ringwood Public Library

 “Very interesting subject presented well with slides and humor — very knowledgeable historian.” — S.P.

“Thank you for coming to Wayne Public Library to present your program “Nobody Owns the Sky.”…This is a wonderful program about the most amazing women. What athletic prowess — for some even into their nineties!… highly recommended." — D.R., Adult Services Librarian

Martinez has made appearances at universities, corporations, institutions and organizations, including Columbia University, Trinity College, Towson University, The University of Pennsylvania, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The NJ National Guard, The PA Department of Veterans Affairs, The NJ Department of Community Development, The Vanguard Group, Synchrony Bank and J.P Morgan Chase. The artist is available to speak throughout the U.S. Many of the paintings and social commentaries in this socially-conscious presentation are in Martinez’s art book, “Soraida’s Verdadism: The Intellectual Voice of a Puerto Rican Woman on Canvas; Unique, Controversial Images and Style.”

Characters: Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt. Susan B. Anthony’s personal motto was, “Failure is impossible.” I believe that I’ve adopted that motto in my portrayal of her. Invite me to visit your classroom or group, and I will share a glimpse into Susan’s life and her dedication to women’s suffrage. I take my audience on Susan’s journey from childhood to her death. Providing snippets of her life and roles in Temperance, Abolition and The Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Carrie Clinton Lane Chapman Catt was a skilled political strategist, suffragist and peace activist who helped secure for American women the right to vote. She directed the National American Woman Suffrage Association for two terms and founded the League of Women Voters to bring women into the political mainstream. She also served as president of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance for ten years, traveling all over the world advocating for equal rights for women.

I open the floor for questions and do not deter from character while answering. These are one-woman shows of historical significance.

Comments: The presentation was fantastic and the kids were engaged. What a great project! I’ve been to many similar presentations and this was one of the best I’ve seen! I know a lot about the suffragists. But I learned even more from observing McKenney’s spell-binding re-enactment. There were moments when I forgot I wasn’t truly in the presence of the great orator.

Not all suffragists were Free Lovers by any means; but several prominent Free Love advocates like Victoria Woodhull were strong supporters of women’s rights, so the reputation stuck. This enjoyable talk about the 19th century battle between Free Love and prudery reveals a fascinating side of American society, which affected the struggle for women’s right to vote. The talk is rated PG-13.

Audience Feedback:

 "This unknown suffragist history was enlightening and entertaining. Numerous members' feedback was very positive. One long-standing member said this was the best lecture we've ever had!"- Joan Gill, Chair of Speaker Programs, Canadian Women's Club of San Francisco

"Joe Miller was recently invited by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society and presented his research on the history of the suffragists to a very receptive audience. His presentation was most informative as well as entertaining. He engaged the audience by showing how much of this subject has been completely forgotten or misunderstood."- Peter G. Meyerhof, Historian

Joe C. Miller published an article in The History Teacher, titled “Never a Fight of Woman Against Man: What Textbooks Don’t Say about Women’s Suffrage” (2015). There he argued that college textbooks include many errors and myths about women’s history.

Her newest lecture: FACT CHECKING FEMINISM  See more at: Sallyroeschwagner.com. Available by zoom and in person.

The women’s suffrage movement began in 1848 in Seneca Falls, NY and Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton led the fight for the vote until 1920, when women received the right to vote with the 19^th amendment.

Is this the story you learned about the women’s suffrage movement?  Unfortunately, every part of it is wrong.

• Indigenous women have had political voice on this land for 1000 years, while 2020 marks 100 years since the constitution added women to legal voters in the United States.
• Women voted in the colonies. They lost the right after the revolution when states made it illegal for women – and African American men – to vote.
• Black and white women organized anti-slavery societies a decade before the Seneca Falls convention, where they learned the essentials of organizing they brought to the women’s rights movement.
• Initially women created a women’s rights movement, demanding everything from equal pay to a woman’s right to control her body. After a merger of the conservative and progressive suffrage organizations in 1890 the focus narrowed to a push for the vote.

While the 19^th amendment guaranteed women the right to vote, in practice voter suppression laws denied, and continue to deny the vote to citizens.

For more than 20 years, Sandra has presented programs at venues throughout the Adirondacks and New York State. Audience members have commented:

“I didn’t know that women’s history could be so exciting and fun.”

“Best show I have ever seen.”

“Sandra Weber is a stitch.”

“Sandra’s enthusiasm and passion for these women spreads to the audience and they carry it home in their hearts.”

For more information about programs and books offered by Sandra Weber, see her website www.sandraweber.com