My name is Alicia Chaisson.
I am married to Aren Chaisson III and we have two daughters, Penelope (3 yrs) and Willa (4 months). I have a step-daughter, Elise (15 yrs), who lives in Florida. I am a Talented Theatre teacher for Lafayette Parish School System. I am also a doula and educator with MotherBirth. I moved to Lafayette in 2011. Originally from a small town in Missouri, I moved to New York City when I was 18 to attend New York University, where I studied theater. I earned my BFA with honors. I became part of a professional theater company as a writer, performer, and director. I also worked as the box office manager of a major off-Broadway theater and a manager for a popular haunted house. I met a Cajun man working at that haunted house. I first visited Louisiana with him in 2007 and made several trips in the following years. I fell in love with Lafayette a little more each time. We got married in 2010. When we were thinking about having kids, we knew that NYC was not the environment we wanted. Lafayette was the answer.
i'm in the background with willa. Aren and i taught an acting class at the acadiana symphony orchestra summer camp. 2015. photo by leslie westbrook
"I believe our Lafayette City-Parish Council needs to work with the school board to strengthen and support the schools. We call for transparency, accountability, and evidence-based practices."
Teacher
I work as a Talented Theatre teacher for Lafayette Parish School System. I am an itinerant teacher, which means I travel to whichever school my students attend. The students I teach have passed a state audition that deems them to have exceptional talent in theatre. We meet in small, individualized classes. The teachers in the Talented program are professional artists who serve as mentors. In my 4 years of teaching, I have had students at Lafayette High, Paul Breaux Middle, L.J. Alleman, Early College Academy, W.D. Smith Career Center, Moss Preparatory, Northside High, Lafayette Middle, and S.J. Montgomery.
Because I see such a diverse group of students and have worked in so many schools, I am keenly aware of the realities students, teachers, and families face each day. I have seen moments in which the public school system has both triumphed and failed. I see teachers who are under-appreciated and don't have the support they need to best serve their students. I see students who are frustrated with the lack of concern for their educational needs, individual goals, and home-life situation. I also see teachers who truly care for their students and go above and beyond to serve them. And I see students who thrive.
The public school system in Lafayette is transitioning with the newly appointed superintendent. I believe our Lafayette City-Parish Council needs to work with the school board to strengthen and support the schools. We call for transparency, accountability, and evidence-based practices.
performing with the new york neo-futurists. I'm fourth from the right. 2008
"The City-Parish Council can ensure that Lafayette continues to flourish by recognizing the proven importance of arts and culture and reflecting that value through its actions."
Artist
I went to school at New York University and graduated with honors and a BFA in drama. I was a member of the New York Neo-Futurists, a professional theater company which produces original works. The flagship show is "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind: 30 plays in 60 minutes". It is comprised of 30 original short plays performed with a timer. The audience determines the order of the plays as we attempt to finish before the buzzer.
I was part of an art installation festival called "Art in Odd Places". For my piece, I created approximately 20 cardboard alligators of various sizes and placed them throughout the East Village in Manhattan. This took place before I had any ties to Louisiana.
Since moving to Lafayette in 2011, I have directed many theater productions, including "William and Judith" by Cody Daigle and "Urinetown: The Musical" produced by Acting Unlimited, Inc. I have worked on two productions with the UL theater department. My most recent show was "Expectation", which I wrote and performed while 38-weeks pregnant with Willa. Penelope performed as well.
All of my arts experience has taught me to be curious, flexible, and a problem-solver. Being in the artistic community has surrounded me with the best and brightest, but also the unique and stubborn. It has taught me to research, prepare, know when to compromise and when to stand firm. Above all, it has taught me to look at the bigger picture beyond my own interests.
I understand that a city must acknowledge and support its artists. Arts and culture equal economic development. A thriving artistic and cultural scene attracts the best talent in all areas. Artists better the community through creating bonds, altering perspective, and enjoying life.
The City-Parish Council can ensure that Lafayette continues to flourish by recognizing the proven importance of arts and culture and reflecting that value through its actions.
I'm using a technique called "rebozo" to Help a pregnant co-worker with her back pain. 2015. photo by katie slattery
"I've learned that just because it's always been done one way, doesn't make it the best way."
Doula
I work with MotherBirth, a local doula collective. A doula is a professional support person for expectant parents. I offer emotional and physical support while holding space for parents to feel informed and empowered throughout their pregnancy and birth. I also teach a fertility class with MotherBirth. I believe in helping people be informed about their options and the research. They make their own decisions and I support them, regardless of my personal beliefs.
I attempt to live as holistically as possible, meaning that my family tries to eat healthy, avoid toxins, deal with our emotions, and take care of the earth. Attempt is the important word. We are, by no means, perfect. (I just ate a KitKat.) I am not judgmental of others' decisions. I understand that priorities are different for each family. I am constantly considering what's best for my entire family and always re-evaluating.
I've learned that just because it's always been done one way, doesn't make it the best way. I've also learned that just because an idea is new or fashionable doesn't mean it can solve everything. I'm used to doing research, seeking out conflicting opinions, considering my instincts, making decisions, and setting aside my pride for the greater good.
Directing "OtherDesert cities" 2014. Photo by Leslie Westbrook
"I would love to put my skills to use in service of the Lafayette community."
Leader
At almost every job I've had, I've started out at the bottom and earned my way to management. Pizza Hut sent me to shift manager training while I was still in high school. In less than eight weeks, I went from unpaid assistant to part-time director of the biggest haunted house in NYC. I was the Associate Box Office Manager of The Public Theater six months after I started as a part-time employee. I am an excellent worker and a committed team player. I learn quickly and present myself professionally. I would love to put my skills to use in service of the Lafayette community.