In a world overwhelmed by noise, productivity, and artificial intelligence, Musings: The Musical asks a vital question: What happens to human creativity when no one listens for it anymore?

This original short musical film follows the last of the ancient muses—Cleo, Thalia, and Calliope—as they struggle to inspire modern humans before fading into extinction. Through song, dance, and plenty of heart, we meet Bobby (a construction worker who once tap-danced), William (a poet who now edits insurance claims), and Tara (a newly divorced single mom who’s abandoned songwriting). Each has lost touch with their creative spark. The muses are their last hope—and they may be ours too.

I wrote this film because… this is my story.

Like so many artists, I grew up dreaming in music, theater, and movement. But real life has a way of pushing art to the margins—especially for women, caregivers, and dreamers told that art is impractical. This film reflects that tug-of-war between creative expression and the demands of everyday life. It’s joyful, funny, and at times heartbreaking. And I hope it gives anyone who's ever turned their back on their gifts the courage to reach for them again.

We’re at a cultural tipping point. AI can write poems. Algorithms choose our music. And creative burnout is everywhere. But we still believe in human-made magic. This film is our love letter to art—for its messiness, its heart, and its irreplaceable humanity.

Because stories like this don’t get made without you. We’re a woman-led project, working with local artists in Florida, and building something truly unique: a short musical film with original songs, designed to inspire.

Let's talk money

Following our Spark the Muse: Film Fundraising Cabaret and campaigns since March 2025, we've raised over $17,000 so far and we’re now pushing to reach our next goal.

We just received a $1,000 grant from the Johnson Singer Arts & Education Fund AND they've offered an additional $2,500 in a matching offer. We need to raise another $2,500 before filming in October to receive these funds - totaling $5,000 that will all be going to back into the local Sarasota, Florida economy!

Our anticipated final project budget (including post and distribution) is expected to be $31,900.



This Seed & Spark campaign will get us to our production goal of $22,500.

Plus, any further monies raised will continue to go towards the cast and crew of Musings and would help us with post-production - as we'll have additional costs with editing, color correction, special effects, film festival fees, and our premiere screening.

We've scheduled a 6 day shoot in October 2025 at 8 locations in Sarasota and Bradenton and the clock is ticking.

Tony-award nominee, Celine Rosenthal is directing this musical. Writer/Executive Producer, Kathryn Parks, is also starring in the film as the muse, Cleo. Plus we have Jason Morillo as Director of Photography, Nichole Fernandez as Assistant Director, Broadway-veteran Vanessa Russo as Choreographer, and we will even have film students and professors from Ringling College involved (just named by The Hollywood Reporter as 17th on the 2025 list of Top Film Schools).

The cast also features Florida-based actors: Martina Long, Ariel Blue, Chase Shellee, Charlie Logan and more. We're also employing local musicians for the recordings, lead by our arranger, Sergei Glushonkov with James Varnado, Johnnie Barker, J. Glaze, and Dan Haedicke. Elise Rodriguez joined our crew as an early-on producer, supporter, and real-life muse! And Sharon Ohrenstein is music supervisor.

A peak at our song recording session with the band, actors, and crew at Baysound Studios in Sarasota, on March 17, 2025.

Our choreographer Vanessa Russo performs at our Spark The Muse: Film Fundraiser, where we raised $11,000 in one night!

Actor, singer, dancer, Charlie Logan performs at our Spark The Muse Cabaret.

Executive Producer Kathryn Parks speaks at Spark the Muse on May 29, 2025.

The film's musical arranger, Sergei Glushonkov at the keyboard at our pre-record session on March 17, 2025 for all 5 original songs in the film.

Our films protagonist records her vocals, actor Martina Long.

The three muses sing "Listen for the Light", the film's opening number.

Check out these award-winning films from Executive Producer and Creator, Kathryn Parks!

With your help, we’ll bring Musings to life, submit to festivals, and share it worldwide.

Support the spark. Join the movement. Let’s remind the world that inspiration is still alive—and worth fighting for.

Follow us on Instagram: @musingsthemusicalfilm

And our Executive Producer's Instagram: @kathrynparks

Other questions? Email us: [email protected]