Page 205 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

205 | P A T R I C I A R A E M E R R I T T W H A T L E Y

I divorced, we moved to Sanford. But, whenever Kamili went to Miami to spend summers with his father, he would always visit Mrs.
Morgan.)

God’s Favorite was a success, and my role proved to showcase my acting ability so well that the Broadway Director Michael Bennett
wanted me to be a part of the New York cast. GOD and my husband John (Kamili’s father) had other plans. John was really wise in

that decision, but I thought at the time that I could take Kamili with me as I traveled – NOT A GOOD IDEA.

This “BUT GOD” experience led me to instruct my performing arts students to always be respectful (no gossiping, learn your lines

efficiently, do not know more than the Director) and be discrete in your associations with the cast (no lovemaking and no

inappropriate partying). My training in both Purlie Victorious and God’s Favorite proved to be quite an enhancement for my Tajiri
Arts Program. In addition, I was able to teach the importance of learning the nature and background of any play for which you are

auditioning.

With this question on my mind about starting a school, I talked to Roz about five hours one Sunday. She also said, “Why not give it

a try?” She gave me some great advice, and I followed through on all of her recommendations, which included:

• Develop my own techniques – I thought I was to use a book from the library.
• Charge for the classes being taught – This would cause the parents and students to realize the value of

my program.

• Use my name to introduce the program – At the beginning, it was Pat Hitchmon Presents Tajiri Arts
International. Emphasis was placed on my name so that the community would become acquainted

with the name in the development of my brand. To this day, which is over 20 years later, everyone

knows a Tajiri Arts student.