“Be That Guy”: Black Cat Makes Space for Dreamers
Learn more about new leadership at Black Cat Cultural Enterprises in this UpLift Chronicles interview with Trey Pickett.
by Kristin Satterlee
In a small theater space near UNM, VIIIzon Academy co-founder Trey Pickett has taken on leadership of Black Cat Cultural Enterprises. Pickett envisions the space as a community hub, a mental health resource, and a place where everyone can joyfully be themselves.
A space for everyone to shine
“A lot of people are not moving,” Pickett says. He wants to change that. While part of the mission of Black Cat is to help launch big talent, its foundation is to give people a place to find joy in togetherness, performance, and movement.
“Here in Albuquerque, I think just giving that permission is huge. A lot of people don't feel like ‘I can do it too.’”
Building mental health
A key mental health issue, Picket says, is that “people don't feel like they can be themselves.” So it’s important to provide a space where people feel safe being themselves—and seeing others do the same. A standout among Pickett’s many stories is the tale of a man who wanted to be a clown, but was too embarrassed. He didn’t want to “be that guy.”
“You can definitely be that guy,” Pickett told him. “Be who you are. He was like, are you serious? I was like, dude, heck yeah.” And that guy showed up as a clown in Black Cat’s next talent show.
“You don't have to run away and join the circus,” Pickett says with a grin. “We'll build it right here.”
A community springboard for homegrown talent
Pickett believes in New Mexican performers, and wants Black Cat to be a space where their talent can thrive.
“New Mexico really has a lot of talent, but it's hard to keep it at home because everything seems so shiny and bright elsewhere. So we want to be as shiny and bright. ……. It's not just surviving, it's truly transmuting energy and providing something more powerful.”
Heart and Hustle
One way Black Cat is opening the doors to new talent is through its new talent-search show, Heart and Hustle. The audience’s pick each month will go to the finale to do collaborative work as well as solo performance.
“It gives them the opportunity to be on the stage, to be seen, to be lit, to have their music,” Pickett explains. Plus, it will bring the community in every month to see how the space is transforming under its new director.
Change the leadership, change the narrative
Before the Black Cat’s leadership change, much of the community didn’t feel invited into the space.
“It was always meant to be a space for marginalized people,” says Pickett, “but if you have [a director] like me, [people think] ‘it definitely can be for black, brown and indigenous people, because look at the leadership’. … Sometimes people have to see themselves in order to identify with something.”
Keep on squeaking
All this comes with a price tag, especially since the theater won’t turn anyone away for lack of funds. A recent GoFundMe, personal money, and individual donations have kept Black Cat on its feet so far, and Pickett is working hard on grant applications to move forward.
“I've realized that being a squeaky wheel is the best way, because if you're not squeaking, then nobody thinks there's anything to be worried about. So it's like, nope, we need help. We need help.”
Be part of the Black Cat
A new website is on its way. In the meantime, drop by during classes and shows, or keep up with Black Cat on Facebook or Instagram. The space is currently only open when classes are happening, but the dream is to be open to the community around the clock. Contributions of all kinds are welcome.
“The more the word spreads, the more we know this space will be held, you know?”