Get to know Anita Crackinstuff

Name: Anita Crackinstuff Crackinwolf

Show name: AnitaNetActionIsSoMuchFun

Podcasts: ArtClectic New England (first 5 episodes) 

Facebook: Anita Crackinwolf

Instagram: Anita Crackinstuff

YouTube: Anita Crackinstuff

1. Tell us about your YouTube show. 

There are 12 episodes out of 26 (letters in the alphabet) tailored for the limited screen time that children, particularly between the ages of 3-7, are riled up just before de-escalating (such as post- dinner and right before bedtime). Every episode celebrates a letter in the alphabet and begins with a dance to celebrate animated things beginning with the episode’s letter. There is mail, the Ants in the Pants Dance Jam, Elefino and Mona and often there is a special guest. The show strategically ends in a mundane and downright lackluster manner in order to make it easier for riveted viewers to disengage from their screens.

2. You go by Anita Crackinstuff, and Anita Crackinwolf. Is there a story behind your names?

Yes.

3. How did you come to start your Youtube show?

For years I have worked in various educational capacities. For the last few years, I have been a consultant for the Alan Shawn Feinstein Early Learning Center out of URI downtown campus. I teach acrobatics, meet them at the park, tell stories, and did a Pecha Kucha with one of their awesome teachers. When the pandemic hit, I was missing them so much and I began the show. They use it at the school.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration?

When people vote, it is inspiring and hopeful.

There is much to be gained energetically when people approach me and thank me for being myself. One of my favorite people, Kirsten, came running out of her house like she won the Sweepstakes when her husband spotted me walking by. It made me happy because I had been visiting someone at the hospital. A student drew a picture of me, a woman ran up to me and told me she felt more confident by seeing me, a student named Ned took the microphone up at the Rooftop at the G when I did a show there with my dog, Rusty Dawgg. I did a wolf mask making workshop with Hasbro and the strength of the patients inspired me. The yellow jackets who protect the city inspire me. Community X inspires me (Kelly and Lizz). Their publication and pumpkins inspire. Public art inspires me, like Agonza Art and Marybeth Meehan and Umberto Crenca. And Gallery Night. Steven Pennell. The Avenue Concept inspires us all by putting out the public art. The Space Transformation Station. Teachers and other frontliners inspire me. Dancing and slapstick humor inspire me. My awesome friends at the Stable and Friskie Fries and the Dark Lady are so fun and loyal. Black Lives Matter is inspiring. My friend Kristin and her students inspire the heck out of me. Maria and Kim from Kennedy Plaza are the greatest. 

When someone is singing loudly in their car, it is inspiring and even more so when they are dancing with just their head.  

You inspire me by reaching out and being so respectful. 

5. What's up with Hank? Why isn't he paying attention?

Hank is a made up tech expert who doesn’t exist. Otherwise I would speak more nicely to him.

6. Do you have a favorite animal to move like?

It’s better not to pick a favorite because there is a lot to gain by trying all kinds of movements. Sometimes it’s good to pick an animal that moves like you feel. Like if I feel grouchy and the letter of the day is B, I might kick the sand really hard like a running bull. Or I might choose something more fluid like a soaring eagle, to help redirect my mood to calmer or more in control. If I am feeling shy, I might be a tiny lady bug or maybe the opposite movements like a roaring bear in the woods. I guess jelly fish is my “favorite” because it can move however the water’s mood moves.

7. You meet lots of people and are very friendly. What's your advice if we meet someone who doesn't want to be friends?

If I meet someone smaller than me, who doesn’t want to be friends, I move away and let them know that just because I am taller or older, it doesn’t mean that I am going to try to make them do anything that isn’t their choice. If I meet someone who doesn’t wish to be friends but I don’t know why, I remind myself that friendship happens when you have things in common. I try not to worry about whether I am a better or worse person based on what someone else thinks about me. It’s about what we have in common. So if I want to be friends, I might try to find out what they like, don’t like, think is funny, favorite color, funnest activity, and whether they have a pet. Sometimes people don't realize that they can be friends just by looking at each other.

I almost never meet anyone who doesn’t want to be friends because I am a good listener. And I respect everyone.

8. How can we support your YouTube show?

By watching it and sharing it or telling people about it. Or writing a letter to me to read on the air or to receive a check or cash. Anita Crackinstuff c/o Space Transformation Station, PO Box 5742, Providence, RI 02903. Or subsidizing episodes financially. Or if you can introduce me to the CEO of Nickelodeon or Scholastic. Or by being on the show. Or suggesting a letter. Or by doing what you are doing right now. It’s called AnitaNetActionIsSoMuchFun on the channel Anita Crackinstuff. Subscribe.

9. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

Me, Anita Crackinstuff, I have been in and out of Rhode Island for 8 years.

10. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

I love everything aforementioned in #4. I love that there is only one area code to memorize. I love the Monster of the Month in Motif R.I. , the people and artwork at Nico Bella’s, the fun programming and playground at Burnside Park, the team at Mayor Elorza’s office, how Nellie Gorbea works for the elections and invites people to the Statehouse, the beaches and the boats are great.  It is a beautiful place to perform when no one is looking, and at PVD Fest and the first year at the Family Fringe where I saw the Manton Avenue Project that was fun. I loved being in a music video with Arc Iris in Rhode Island and choreographing for a couple classes at RISD. I love listening and sharing at Pecha Kucha. 15 Minute Field Trips is an outdoor learning thrill for all ages. I love Small Frye Photography, James Turner’s photography book, and the buses, boats, and trains. There are so many festivals like the Wakefield Autumn Fest, Woonsocket Autumn Feet, a plethora of music festivals, and the Langston Hughes Celebration is one of the best events in Rhode Island. And I love Zenith Cheer because they are going to make R.I. so proud. You can see Them in Gallery Night Providence. 

11. Favorite place to meet out-of-towners?

My favorite places to meet out of towners are train stations, bus stations, and airport parking lots.

12. Any advice for new/wannabe YouTubers?

Watch my show and dance along.

13. Anything else you'd like to add?

Very nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing this and maybe meeting you again. Please vote, wear a mask, and let us all count our blessings.