Mary-Alice

Hi, I'm Mary-Alice, a writer and performer living in NYC. 

The Cardist Studio springs from my love of words and their power to impact people. 

In short-ish:  I think relationships are the most important thing on the planet and I try to prioritize my energy around their growth and nurturing. Give me deep relationships all day - I’m for big talk not small talk

I’m a tall, loud, sassy, silly, anti-racist, pro-hug, cocktail-loving, non-conforming, deep-conversation-having, playful, uninhibited, competitive, high-kicking, and hard-laughing feminist bucket of contradictions like the next person! 

I strive to support and encourage people to love themselves and others.

In story: My love for people and words walked me through an English degree and into comedy, where I began in stand-up. Writing jokes is word-math where I’m solving for laughter. I love the challenge of specialized writing combined with a targeted performance that results in positivity because at my core - I’m an encourager. 

I want to bring joy to your day, even if we only connect for a few minutes. 

My performance path diverged from stand-up, traveled through improv and sketch, and landed in one-woman shows where I can more comfortably incorporate empowerment with humor. I’m currently turning my first one-woman-show (Sexodus) into a teeny book. 

How did I get from Sexodus to The Cardist Studio? A global pandemic.

When all my jobs shutdown in the same week - restaurants and stages dissolving simultaneously - I had a rare opportunity to pivot my creativity. After processing the emotional impact of the shutdown, because let's not pretend it was easy or simple, I found myself sitting with a skillset of connection and encouragement but no outlet. People around me are languishing in solitude - what skills can I use to help right now? 

I’m good at writing cards. 

I can reach beyond my friends to make my services available to anyone. And I did. 

Receiving an intentional, specific, and personalized card is a gift that lives in each rereading. Holding it in your hands and feeling the private moment with the sender is connection and intimacy. I’ve received the gift of that moment and know how to deliver it. 

The opportunity to share this gift is an honor.