Well. It has been a minute since I updated this thing. Life got real busy between work/class/holidays and my social life but I am happy to come back in the New Year and get back into blogging.
The job has been going well. I am leading classes fully at MyGym now and enjoying it! Most of the kids (and parents) are great! There are, of course, those choice few that like to ruffle feathers but nothing that I feel like I can't handle! It has been so fun to have kids learning how to talk start to say my name during classes and its great to watch them all grow. Its not all rainbows and sunshine but what job is?
Class is starting to wrap up! We have our final scene showing on January 20th so only a few more weeks to get them ready. Stephen and I have finally hit upon what works for our scene. We even made Serge cry the last time we did it for him :-P I am definitely looking forward to being done with the class. I have learned a lot and am itching to put it to good use at auditions for the upcoming spring/summer!
The Holiday season was so nice. I had to work before and after Thanksgiving but made sure to take off a few days around Christmas to get up to New York to see Rob's family as well as spending time with my own family! Christmas was great, got so many awesome gifts and had a blast shopping for once with gift cards. We spent New Years in DC this year with Jayme & Emma and Ann & Grant. Dinner at Lauriol Plaza was delicious and of course hilarity ensued once we got back to Rob's with wine accidents and games :)
Here are some highlight moments from 2012!
Being Active!
Rock Climbing has been such a great addition to my life and I am happy that I was able to go hiking and actually run a 5K this year as well!
My Sister's Engagement!
I am still over the moon about Jess getting married! We are starting to get closer to the date and I am loving helping her with all the details and plan the shower/bach party!
Photography!
I have expanded so much this year doing more headshots as well as the addition of Engagement & Family Shoots to my resume! I also bought newer and nicer equipment this year :)
Performing!
I am thankful for all of my performing opportunities this year, the people I met and the lessons I learned through each of them! Red Riding Hood: A New Fable, Baggage, Medieval Story Land, & boom
Vacations!
Rob and I took our first vacation together on a cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman Island in April. We had so much fun and it was wonderful to relax with my love for a week. We were also fortunate enough to get up to New York together several times this year to spend time with his family and in the city! Went down to Emerald Isle for the first time to stay with my aunt & uncle with my parents, looking forward to more family trips!
What I hope for 2013!
1. More activity. Keep up with rock climbing and add in other activities like yoga and cardio!
2. More adventure. At the end of the year a group of friends and I have started to explore day long adventures like trampolines! Looking forward to curling, trapeze and paint balling in the new year!
3. More books. I have joined a book club with friends and I hope to read more books this year than I did in 2012, which was a fair amount!
4. More saving. I want to get better at saving my money so that I can move out and closer to or into DC this year!
5. More performing. I hope that I will have great opportunities to perform this spring and summer.
6. More love. I hope to spread acceptance and more love to friends, family, acquaintances and strangers this year.
Stay sweet, parakeets!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Ode to Rob
Rob and I recently celebrated our 3 year anniversary. And it really had me thinking about the beginning of our relationship. When I first saw him, got to know him, first knew I liked him..and how it all came to be. So here it is. A little Ode to Rob and how it all began. Love you Bear.
So this was the first time I ever saw Rob. Not the picture...the show! I was a newly declared theatre major who was dating someone who wasn't into theatre at all. I decided to check out this group I'd never heard of called "The Weekday Players" (ha.) I went to see their show, Polish Joke...alone. Rob came out. Sat down on the floor with his legs crossed in his little bow tie and I remember thinking...now who is that?! Needless to say him and the rest of the cast where hysterical. I didn't introduce myself or say anything to anyone really. It would be a few months before Rob and I actually talked.
I didn't want another relationship. Especially another that was within the Theatre Department after what had just happened but...that's exactly what Rob and I did...we happened. I'll never forget going to see the first Paranormal Activity movie with a mutual friend at midnight. It was terrifying and hilarious all the same time. I think we both tried to act tough but when it came down to the end of the night...I didn't want to stay at home where my parents were out of town and Rob (not admitting he was nervous to sleep alone also) offered to let me stay at his place. I was so nervous. The beautiful thing was..we fell asleep and slept soundly all night and that was that. He was such a comfort.
So the end of that fall semester was filled with fun dates to DC, Rob wooing me with his guitar and gorgeous voice and then going home with him for the first time. It was early December and Rob's band, Through my Passion, was playing a show at his High School. I met a lot of his home friends, his family and he took me into the city. I was petrified at first but had so much fun. I went to the big Christmas tree for the first time. He took me to the Drama Bookshop for the first time which has become one of my favorite places ever. And then he went to Australia. It was rough. We had just started dating. He was going to be away, halfway across the world for 3 weeks. I remember totally wrecking my sleep patterns over winter break to be awake when he was. If I missed a chance to talk with him it was like torture! I was so very happy to see him once we got back to school :)
I turned 21 shortly after Spring semester started. The weekend of my birthday was pre-snowmaggedon. They shut down all the buses because of ice and many of my friends were unable to make it out to my celebration at the Thirsty Turtle (RIP). Rob being the wonderful boyfriend he is told me that he would pick up as many people as we could fit in his car and drive down to Turtle. Now, many people know...but Rob doesn't drink. He doesn't particularly like to be out at a bar with a bunch of drunkies..but you wouldn't have known it! I even had him stressing out using a friend of mine's ID to get in! When the night was over he drove everyone safely back to their abode's on campus and got me safely..and not that drunkly back to his place.
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| There are a lot of good looking men in this picture. I'm talking about the one with the bowtie :) |
I can't exactly pin point the first time we talked. Its kinda hard when everyone just eats lunch like a big ole commune at "the windows". I know we chatted about Envy on the Coast at some point. Sooner or later I became involved with The Weekday Players! I was active when Rob directed The Pillowman, though I was dating someone else at the time, I had mad respect for someone who could direct such an amazing play. He made me laugh and he made me cry..that's usually all I ask for in a play. We began grabbing lunch together with another friend Michael at Stamp. We started to get to know each other. One time..he even tol me he hated "Maryland girls" because we were annoying and couldn't keep up :-P
I had no idea that Rob had feelings for me. Or was even trying to get my attention. I was too wrapped up in a relationship that had been in a downward spiral and was totally wrecking my brain. The whole break up was terrible and dramatic. And the one person who seemed to give zero shits about it all was Rob. He became my saving grace. He picked me up from CSPAC when I needed to get away from it all. He took my mind off it and slowly I started to realize there was something else there.
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| I think this picture is hilarious. That hair. My disgust. It was destiny, right? |
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| From an early date to DC |
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| The night of my 21st Birthday |
We even survived Snowmaggedon together. I chose to be snowed in at his place rather than home (which was solid since my house lost power for many days!). We snuggled. We beat Super Mario for the Wii. He played music. And it was a glorious week off from school. And then it just started to feel normal. We went to NY on breaks. We saw shows in DC. And we started to work together more artistically. Since being together Rob and I have collaborated in one or another on Dirty Story(Him on Set/Me on Props), Bash(Director/Makeup & Photographer), The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in The Moon Marigolds (Director/Makeup & Photographer), Enchanted April (Assistant Director/Actor), Romeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending x4 (Actor/Assistant Director). He was the Co-Artistic Director of WDP the year before putting me as Co-AD for a semester and no matter what each other is working on we continue to talk/vent/help each other through it.
Now, I'm not saying our relationship as been perfect or that we haven't hit hard points. Because we have. But what relationship hasn't? We work through our differences. We try to make the best decisions for each other and we are still learning. We started dating as 20 year olds in college and here we are 3 years later as adults with jobs and his own apartment. We have grown together and I hope we continue to always learn from each other.
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| October 25th 2009. The Dead's Closing Night Party! |
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| October 25th 2010. Natural History Museum, Dinner at Melting Pot and Capitals game! |
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| October 25th 2011. Dinner at Morton's and saw ReEnty at Roundhouse! |
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| October 25th 2012. Dinner at Jane and saw The Exonerated in NYC! |
Monday, October 15, 2012
Awesome Weekends are Awesome.
I had a pretty legit weekend. And by weekend I mean Thursday through Sunday. Because I don't work and I sit around all day..I included Thursday in the weekend because that is just how it goes. And lucky you..you get to read about it all. Oh, and the upcoming fun-ness in my life!
Thursday:
I met Rob in DC to look at a new apartment that popped up he was interested in. Its a basement apartment (studio) in a rowhouse near Dupont with its own entrance. We got there a bit early so we walked around the surrounding areas which are really nice..it was less than a 10 min walk to Dupont metro and you could literally throw a rock the opposite way and be in Adams Morgan. We got let in the apartment and we both really liked it right off the bat. Very cute, laid out really nicely..I could see how to make it work immediately. Rob filled out an application and then we went our separate ways for the evening because I was getting together with Ann!
Its sometimes hard for me to grasp that I've known Ann Fraistat for almost 12 years. We met when I was in 6th grade and she in 7th at Thomas G. Pullen Performing Arts Magnet School in good ole Landover, MD. And believe it or not the thing that brought us together was nothing other than Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Since then we have worked on countless projects together, been in classes together and have remained good friends all this time. I like that. So we decided to grab dinner in Silver Spring on Thursday night. It was a delight. We filled our faces with good italian food, talked about our lives and of course took advantage of the fact that sometimes our brains mold into one horrible being. Dinner with friends is good for soul.
Friday:
Rob's Dad was in town for some meetings he had down in VA and got to spend a few days with Rob at his place. We all went to breakfast early Friday morning which was really nice. They both had work calls to get on in the morning so I really just sat around until they were both done. Peter left to head back to NY and we headed over to the Verizon store to order my iPhone 5! Super excited to have it shipped..hopefully will be here by early November. Rob also found out that he got the apartment in DC! So we straightened out some details with this current place and read over the lease for the new one.
Rob was heading down to VA to see a show with some friends from Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson so I went climbing with Patricia in the afternoon. Climbed the same 5.10b that I did last time and hurt my hip again maneuvering the last move. Its a bitch. But I finished it. Climbed a few new routes which was nice. After that we headed back to her place and she made us a delicious butternut squash risotto that I loved. We decided to see Pitch Perfect in Silver Spring and boy did we love it. It was so funny and the music was incredible! I'm glad I finally had someone to see it with, haha!
Saturday:
Rob was playing football with some friends from work but then had to grab the keys and drop off his security deposit at his new place in DC so I really just laid around like a bum which I never really mind doing. We had thrown around the idea of going to see Invisible Man at Studio but decided against going back into the city for what felt like the millionith time that weekend. Instead we opted for dinner at Gordon Biersch and seeing Seven Psychopaths, which again was hilarious. We both love Martin McDonagh's other works so we really enjoyed this twisted, dark and intellectual comedy! It was such a nice date night :)
Sunday:
Since Rob now had keys to his new place we decided to take some smaller stuff over to the apartment in the morning. We will be doing a lot of the other big moving this coming weekend but it helped to get some of the easier stuff out of the way. We headed over there and I snapped some photos (which are on Facebook!). We talked about where things would go again and different possibilities for decoration placement. It will be exciting when it is all set up! He had plans to watch the Jets and other football games with friends so I headed home in the afternoon. Had a hearty meal with my parents and grandmothers which is always nice :) And because I am SO despearate I spent most of the night applying for jobs. Which paid off.
Future Fun-ness:
I have another interview tomorrow at 2pm! I literally submitted my resume and application last night and a woman from the office called today saying the General Manager wanted me to come in for an interview. I'm crossing my fingers that this one will work out..its just a basic reception position in the management office at Westfield Mall (which to a lot of people is just Montgomery Mall) in Bethesda. So, yay!
This coming weekend Rob and I are going to the RennFest for a bit on Saturday before we spend the rest of Saturday and probably most of Sunday moving things into his new place like I said before. I am really excited to go to RennFest though..I know some people in their production of Midsummer and I am totally getting a new ring this year. And of course spiked cider and archery. Duh.
Rob and I are planning to spend almost a week in New York now. We have yet to iron out the final details but will most likely be gone Tues-Sun of next week. We have plans to go to the Jets game on Sunday against Miami, and since we are leaving earlier we are spending our 3 year Anniversary in NY. I bought us tickets to see The Exonerated on that Thursday so we will get to have dinner/show in NYC which will be so nice :) But we are both excited to get home and spend some time with his family, see his friends..maybe catch another show in the city. I know that I need to take a serious trip to the Drama Bookshop to stock up! Its been a while since I have been able to take a trip to NY so I am really pumped!
I have an audition coming up with Shakespeare Theatre Company that I really need to work on. Crossing my fingers that I will snatch an Actors Center lottery slot and of course the on-going-ness of my class every monday keeps me busy!
So there you have it. A recap of my awesome weekend. I'm sure it wasn't as awesome for you but...I had fun :) And am looking forward to more fun!
Thursday:
I met Rob in DC to look at a new apartment that popped up he was interested in. Its a basement apartment (studio) in a rowhouse near Dupont with its own entrance. We got there a bit early so we walked around the surrounding areas which are really nice..it was less than a 10 min walk to Dupont metro and you could literally throw a rock the opposite way and be in Adams Morgan. We got let in the apartment and we both really liked it right off the bat. Very cute, laid out really nicely..I could see how to make it work immediately. Rob filled out an application and then we went our separate ways for the evening because I was getting together with Ann!
Its sometimes hard for me to grasp that I've known Ann Fraistat for almost 12 years. We met when I was in 6th grade and she in 7th at Thomas G. Pullen Performing Arts Magnet School in good ole Landover, MD. And believe it or not the thing that brought us together was nothing other than Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Since then we have worked on countless projects together, been in classes together and have remained good friends all this time. I like that. So we decided to grab dinner in Silver Spring on Thursday night. It was a delight. We filled our faces with good italian food, talked about our lives and of course took advantage of the fact that sometimes our brains mold into one horrible being. Dinner with friends is good for soul.
Friday:
Rob's Dad was in town for some meetings he had down in VA and got to spend a few days with Rob at his place. We all went to breakfast early Friday morning which was really nice. They both had work calls to get on in the morning so I really just sat around until they were both done. Peter left to head back to NY and we headed over to the Verizon store to order my iPhone 5! Super excited to have it shipped..hopefully will be here by early November. Rob also found out that he got the apartment in DC! So we straightened out some details with this current place and read over the lease for the new one.
Rob was heading down to VA to see a show with some friends from Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson so I went climbing with Patricia in the afternoon. Climbed the same 5.10b that I did last time and hurt my hip again maneuvering the last move. Its a bitch. But I finished it. Climbed a few new routes which was nice. After that we headed back to her place and she made us a delicious butternut squash risotto that I loved. We decided to see Pitch Perfect in Silver Spring and boy did we love it. It was so funny and the music was incredible! I'm glad I finally had someone to see it with, haha!
Saturday:
Rob was playing football with some friends from work but then had to grab the keys and drop off his security deposit at his new place in DC so I really just laid around like a bum which I never really mind doing. We had thrown around the idea of going to see Invisible Man at Studio but decided against going back into the city for what felt like the millionith time that weekend. Instead we opted for dinner at Gordon Biersch and seeing Seven Psychopaths, which again was hilarious. We both love Martin McDonagh's other works so we really enjoyed this twisted, dark and intellectual comedy! It was such a nice date night :)
Sunday:
Since Rob now had keys to his new place we decided to take some smaller stuff over to the apartment in the morning. We will be doing a lot of the other big moving this coming weekend but it helped to get some of the easier stuff out of the way. We headed over there and I snapped some photos (which are on Facebook!). We talked about where things would go again and different possibilities for decoration placement. It will be exciting when it is all set up! He had plans to watch the Jets and other football games with friends so I headed home in the afternoon. Had a hearty meal with my parents and grandmothers which is always nice :) And because I am SO despearate I spent most of the night applying for jobs. Which paid off.
Future Fun-ness:
I have another interview tomorrow at 2pm! I literally submitted my resume and application last night and a woman from the office called today saying the General Manager wanted me to come in for an interview. I'm crossing my fingers that this one will work out..its just a basic reception position in the management office at Westfield Mall (which to a lot of people is just Montgomery Mall) in Bethesda. So, yay!
This coming weekend Rob and I are going to the RennFest for a bit on Saturday before we spend the rest of Saturday and probably most of Sunday moving things into his new place like I said before. I am really excited to go to RennFest though..I know some people in their production of Midsummer and I am totally getting a new ring this year. And of course spiked cider and archery. Duh.
Rob and I are planning to spend almost a week in New York now. We have yet to iron out the final details but will most likely be gone Tues-Sun of next week. We have plans to go to the Jets game on Sunday against Miami, and since we are leaving earlier we are spending our 3 year Anniversary in NY. I bought us tickets to see The Exonerated on that Thursday so we will get to have dinner/show in NYC which will be so nice :) But we are both excited to get home and spend some time with his family, see his friends..maybe catch another show in the city. I know that I need to take a serious trip to the Drama Bookshop to stock up! Its been a while since I have been able to take a trip to NY so I am really pumped!
I have an audition coming up with Shakespeare Theatre Company that I really need to work on. Crossing my fingers that I will snatch an Actors Center lottery slot and of course the on-going-ness of my class every monday keeps me busy!
So there you have it. A recap of my awesome weekend. I'm sure it wasn't as awesome for you but...I had fun :) And am looking forward to more fun!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Overdue List
I'm a bit overdue for a post it seems. And since its been a while and a lot has been going on...I will attempt to not make this post a novel by updating you in list form. Which seems to be my favorite form other than long-ass-novel.
1. When last I left you I was and still am a midst the ever continuing job search. But more about that later. I was also still in the middle rehearsing for boom...and I have since wrapped up that project. It was such a fun show to do. I fell in love with playing Jo and really took away a lot while playing her. I wish we had gotten more people out to see the show overall though. Its really hard being an actor working for a small company who performs not in the central area of the theatre district. Overall the response of the audience members we did have is that they loved it...and really that's all that should matter.
2. While we were still rehearsing for the show my cast mate, Stephen and I decided to enroll in a class with the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory. We decided to sign up for Serge Seiden's Principals of Realism class. Its one of the pre-req classes for their other courses but we figured might as well take it with the Producing Associate Director of Studio! Its only Monday nights for 2 1/2 hours and we have had 4 classes so far. We have started off concentrating on pantomime exercises to help us get specific. We will be given a scene and a partner soon and will be focusing on that for the remainder of the course with a final scene showing in January. Its a nice way to use some of my time off.
3. So I said I'd get back to the whole job thing. There isn't much to report. I've been applying to jobs online daily and haven't gotten anything back. I am going to take some time next week to go out to a few places that I am really interested in and hopefully <strike>beg</strike> talk with people who work there. Its been a struggle but thankfully since I don't have many bills to pay at the moment its not like I am worried about being homeless or starving. Crossing my fingers that SOMETHING will come my way soon!
4. I went to Emerald Isle, NC with my parents to my Aunt Sarah's beach house for 6 days which was glorious. The house was great..literally less than a minute walk to the beach, quiet and the weather was phenom. I read a ton while we were down there and totally relaxed for the first time since June. I got to meet my cousin's baby, Grayson as well which was such a treat. A much needed vacation for all of us!
5. Speaking of reading a lot....I've been reading A LOT. Mostly quick dystopian/fantasy books but that's what I like so who cares? I also recently finished the 6th Harry Potter book for who knows how many times..Mom is listening to all the HP books on CD and she is about to start that one and I wanted to re familiarize myself with the details. I like being able to read and rock climb again. Its such a nice way to use my time. I went rock climbing yesterday and climbed the hardest route for me to date! A 5.10b! I know that doesn't mean a lot to those of you who don't climb...the easiest route would be a 5.5 and the hardest is typically a 5.12..hopefully that gives you an understanding of the range? Anyway. I am pumped.
6. I am so ready to do fall things. And wear fall clothes. I love fall. Rob and I have yet to visit the RennFest but we will be going on the 20th and I am really excited! I want to hopefully go out to a haunted house or ghost tour or something while they last. I bought some apple cider at the store and I am surprised it isn't already gone. Hoping to take a trip to NY with Rob around our 3 yr anniversary to visit his family, go to a Jets game and see a show or two in the city. It will depend on his work schedule since he jut started a new project. Crossing my fingers that works out too :)
Well that's just about all I feel like I would have written about. Going on an audition before class on Monday after filling in as a nanny for Nadia and Felix so that will be a fun filled day :)
1. When last I left you I was and still am a midst the ever continuing job search. But more about that later. I was also still in the middle rehearsing for boom...and I have since wrapped up that project. It was such a fun show to do. I fell in love with playing Jo and really took away a lot while playing her. I wish we had gotten more people out to see the show overall though. Its really hard being an actor working for a small company who performs not in the central area of the theatre district. Overall the response of the audience members we did have is that they loved it...and really that's all that should matter.
2. While we were still rehearsing for the show my cast mate, Stephen and I decided to enroll in a class with the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory. We decided to sign up for Serge Seiden's Principals of Realism class. Its one of the pre-req classes for their other courses but we figured might as well take it with the Producing Associate Director of Studio! Its only Monday nights for 2 1/2 hours and we have had 4 classes so far. We have started off concentrating on pantomime exercises to help us get specific. We will be given a scene and a partner soon and will be focusing on that for the remainder of the course with a final scene showing in January. Its a nice way to use some of my time off.
3. So I said I'd get back to the whole job thing. There isn't much to report. I've been applying to jobs online daily and haven't gotten anything back. I am going to take some time next week to go out to a few places that I am really interested in and hopefully <strike>beg</strike> talk with people who work there. Its been a struggle but thankfully since I don't have many bills to pay at the moment its not like I am worried about being homeless or starving. Crossing my fingers that SOMETHING will come my way soon!
4. I went to Emerald Isle, NC with my parents to my Aunt Sarah's beach house for 6 days which was glorious. The house was great..literally less than a minute walk to the beach, quiet and the weather was phenom. I read a ton while we were down there and totally relaxed for the first time since June. I got to meet my cousin's baby, Grayson as well which was such a treat. A much needed vacation for all of us!
5. Speaking of reading a lot....I've been reading A LOT. Mostly quick dystopian/fantasy books but that's what I like so who cares? I also recently finished the 6th Harry Potter book for who knows how many times..Mom is listening to all the HP books on CD and she is about to start that one and I wanted to re familiarize myself with the details. I like being able to read and rock climb again. Its such a nice way to use my time. I went rock climbing yesterday and climbed the hardest route for me to date! A 5.10b! I know that doesn't mean a lot to those of you who don't climb...the easiest route would be a 5.5 and the hardest is typically a 5.12..hopefully that gives you an understanding of the range? Anyway. I am pumped.
6. I am so ready to do fall things. And wear fall clothes. I love fall. Rob and I have yet to visit the RennFest but we will be going on the 20th and I am really excited! I want to hopefully go out to a haunted house or ghost tour or something while they last. I bought some apple cider at the store and I am surprised it isn't already gone. Hoping to take a trip to NY with Rob around our 3 yr anniversary to visit his family, go to a Jets game and see a show or two in the city. It will depend on his work schedule since he jut started a new project. Crossing my fingers that works out too :)
Well that's just about all I feel like I would have written about. Going on an audition before class on Monday after filling in as a nanny for Nadia and Felix so that will be a fun filled day :)
Friday, August 24, 2012
Life?
Life can be frustrating sometimes. More often then not I consider myself a happy person. I am lucky to have a family the supports what I do, a roof over my head..I'm not starving or broke. And I am super thankful for those things. More grateful than I think most people realize. However, there are those struggles in our lives that are just ridiculously aggravating and difficult to deal with.
Over the past few months I have given a lot of thought to what I would do for work. Clearly, I cannot only take acting jobs right now because they don't pay nearly enough to live off of. Which I am fine with. I am just starting out..it hasn't even been a year since I graduated and once again..totally thankful for the fact that I have been fairly consistently employed in theatre since December. But its finding something to supplement that career that is difficult to settle upon.
In an ideal world..I would find something I can do that would be flexible with a performers schedule that would allow me to work during the day or the evening depending on rehearsal schedules, pay me enough so that I could pay rent and other living expenses...and ya know..not be dreadfully awful. That of course leaves approximately 3 jobs..probably.
I have recently been giving getting a full time office job a lot of thought. The thought being...I'll work at a place that will pay me a good salary so I can move out and closer to DC, if not in DC, and continue to take theatre jobs that are only in the evenings..because lets be real its not like the equity houses are banging down my door for me to audition. Buuuut, the opportunity to audition/work at places that rehearse during the day is a great one and I would be cutting that opportunity away by taking a full time position.
So, what is a girl to do? Take something part-time? Finally fall into food services? I love working with kids so I could always search for a family who is SUPER flexible and go back to Nannying...but that would be one hell of a flexible family. I definitely want to take more portraits and make money that way but of course gaining clientele takes a while and its not like the same people can come back to me constantly.
I just wish I knew what to do. Or..I wish that someone would call my phone and be like: "Hi there, we need someone who has excellent customer service skills, a creative and positive attitude, who can work from home or in an office that would be willing to set their own hours! Oh, and we will also pay you enough to live off of!" And then I wake up from dreaming. Anyway, its been a struggle lately. Partially because I am itching to get my own place and be closer to the city and because I see so many friends making it work. Why is it so hard for me to get it together?
Anyway, boom is going well. Starting to stumble through the show and we have a design run on Sunday. Its a little draining of a show and I have to start preparing myself to run the show twice in one day but I'll get there. Also..I start class at Studio Theatre's Conservatory on September 10th. Stephen and I signed up for Principals of Realism with the Associate Artistic Director of Studio. I am pretty nervous about it but I am looking forward to learning more and having something to do after boom is over. Had an audition last night and one on the 11th. But I sense the winter will be pretty slow as far as shows go. Hopefully the class will help me fill the time!
I'll stop whining about my first world problems and go study my lines like a good little actor. I need a vacation :(
Over the past few months I have given a lot of thought to what I would do for work. Clearly, I cannot only take acting jobs right now because they don't pay nearly enough to live off of. Which I am fine with. I am just starting out..it hasn't even been a year since I graduated and once again..totally thankful for the fact that I have been fairly consistently employed in theatre since December. But its finding something to supplement that career that is difficult to settle upon.
In an ideal world..I would find something I can do that would be flexible with a performers schedule that would allow me to work during the day or the evening depending on rehearsal schedules, pay me enough so that I could pay rent and other living expenses...and ya know..not be dreadfully awful. That of course leaves approximately 3 jobs..probably.
I have recently been giving getting a full time office job a lot of thought. The thought being...I'll work at a place that will pay me a good salary so I can move out and closer to DC, if not in DC, and continue to take theatre jobs that are only in the evenings..because lets be real its not like the equity houses are banging down my door for me to audition. Buuuut, the opportunity to audition/work at places that rehearse during the day is a great one and I would be cutting that opportunity away by taking a full time position.
So, what is a girl to do? Take something part-time? Finally fall into food services? I love working with kids so I could always search for a family who is SUPER flexible and go back to Nannying...but that would be one hell of a flexible family. I definitely want to take more portraits and make money that way but of course gaining clientele takes a while and its not like the same people can come back to me constantly.
I just wish I knew what to do. Or..I wish that someone would call my phone and be like: "Hi there, we need someone who has excellent customer service skills, a creative and positive attitude, who can work from home or in an office that would be willing to set their own hours! Oh, and we will also pay you enough to live off of!" And then I wake up from dreaming. Anyway, its been a struggle lately. Partially because I am itching to get my own place and be closer to the city and because I see so many friends making it work. Why is it so hard for me to get it together?
Anyway, boom is going well. Starting to stumble through the show and we have a design run on Sunday. Its a little draining of a show and I have to start preparing myself to run the show twice in one day but I'll get there. Also..I start class at Studio Theatre's Conservatory on September 10th. Stephen and I signed up for Principals of Realism with the Associate Artistic Director of Studio. I am pretty nervous about it but I am looking forward to learning more and having something to do after boom is over. Had an audition last night and one on the 11th. But I sense the winter will be pretty slow as far as shows go. Hopefully the class will help me fill the time!
I'll stop whining about my first world problems and go study my lines like a good little actor. I need a vacation :(
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The end is near.
We finished blocking boom tonight. It has been so long since I have had the chance to really dive into a character. Like..creating back story, using archetypes..adjectives..all that good stuff I learned at UMD. And I have really enjoyed giving a voice to Jo so far. I mean..we still have a lot of work to do but I am having revelations and not being afraid of the choices I am making.
After rehearsal yesterday I sat down with my actor journal that I keep and nailed down some important points in her life. I re-read my archetypes assignment and found 3 that felt right for her which have already helped to morph her into a more well-rounded person. It felt really great. And tonight while I was driving home one of my favorite songs came on the radio and I realized..that it was her song.
Some shows and sometimes specific characters have warranted me assigning a specific song to them. Occasionally they have NOTHING to do with the show. Like...Power by Kanye West always makes me think of Enchanted April. It has absolutely nothing to do with the show itself, more the process. Sometimes a song will come along while I am in a show and it will ring so true to a character or a moment that I incorporate it into my daily routine somehow. (Very reminiscent of Lets Get Fucked Up for R&J:CYOE)
Anyway, its Some Nights by Fun. I loved the song from the first moment I heard it (Thanks, Katie Jeffries for that!). But didn't really know why. And then I really listened tonight. Of course, not every detail of the song applies. But I got home and looked up the lyrics to understand them a little more clearly. And I found that a lot of them really help me understand the way Jo feels about her mutation. And how that completely isolates her. Here are some snippets that really speak to me:
After rehearsal yesterday I sat down with my actor journal that I keep and nailed down some important points in her life. I re-read my archetypes assignment and found 3 that felt right for her which have already helped to morph her into a more well-rounded person. It felt really great. And tonight while I was driving home one of my favorite songs came on the radio and I realized..that it was her song.
Some shows and sometimes specific characters have warranted me assigning a specific song to them. Occasionally they have NOTHING to do with the show. Like...Power by Kanye West always makes me think of Enchanted April. It has absolutely nothing to do with the show itself, more the process. Sometimes a song will come along while I am in a show and it will ring so true to a character or a moment that I incorporate it into my daily routine somehow. (Very reminiscent of Lets Get Fucked Up for R&J:CYOE)
Anyway, its Some Nights by Fun. I loved the song from the first moment I heard it (Thanks, Katie Jeffries for that!). But didn't really know why. And then I really listened tonight. Of course, not every detail of the song applies. But I got home and looked up the lyrics to understand them a little more clearly. And I found that a lot of them really help me understand the way Jo feels about her mutation. And how that completely isolates her. Here are some snippets that really speak to me:
"Some nights, I stay up cashing in my bad luck
Some nights, I call it a draw
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off"
"what are we waiting for?
Why don't we break the rules already?
I was never one to believe the hype - save that for the black and white
I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked"
"And that's alright; I found a martyr in my bed tonight
She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, who I am, who I am
Oh, who am I? Oh, who am I? mmm... mmm..."
"Well, Some nights, I wish that this all would end
Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again"
Needless to say, I'm having a solid time developing this character. My castmates are pretty stellar. Working with Stephen has been a delight..I can't wait to see how what we have sketched out develops after we get scripts out of our hands. And Ashley is simply wonderful..she has a hard job to do in this show and I admire how she has approached it thus far. This one is gonna be good. The end of the world is near and I want you to come see it.
Also. There are those songs that you're like...Wow. Did you pop into my life, take some notes and write this song about my life? And then this happened:
Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
"I won't give up on usEven if the skies get roughI'm giving you all my loveI'm still looking up"
"And when you're needing your spaceTo do some navigatingI'll be here patiently waitingTo see what you find"
"I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easilyI'm here to stay and make the difference that i can makeOur differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and giftsWe got yeah we got a lot at stakeAnd in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intendFor us to work we didn't break, we didn't burnWe had to learn, how to bend without the world caving inI had to learn what i got, and what i'm notAnd who i am"
Not to leave this on a downer at all. Because its a beautiful song. But its hard to ignore a song that puts how you feel so perfectly into verses and a chorus.
That's all.
"I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easilyI'm here to stay and make the difference that i can makeOur differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and giftsWe got yeah we got a lot at stakeAnd in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intendFor us to work we didn't break, we didn't burnWe had to learn, how to bend without the world caving inI had to learn what i got, and what i'm notAnd who i am"
Not to leave this on a downer at all. Because its a beautiful song. But its hard to ignore a song that puts how you feel so perfectly into verses and a chorus.
That's all.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Good Karma Days
I wanted to take a minute to recognize what I hope is some good karma coming back to me in the way of some really awesome people who really made my day better.
On Tuesday my car was towed from Rob's garage at his apartment. After parking there for a year, with a guest parking tag..it finally happened. I wasn't happy about it but it was partially my fault so I wasn't completely pissed. I also kinda sorta feel bad for towing guys because they are faced with bitchy, yelling people all day for just doing their job. I let myself be really mad for like 10 minutes and then called myself a cab. I was pretty unhappy about having to pay $144 just to get my car out and then add another 20 bucks for a cab..but I called one anyway, made sure they could take debit cards since I only had a little bit of cash on me and sucked it up.
First of all, my cabbie was hysterical. From the moment I got in the car he was a trip! Once I told him where we were going and why he launched into a story about taking a different woman over to the same company and she was..and I quote "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!" So, I was feeling pretty calm and decided that no matter what I would go into the towing place..keep my cool, be polite and get my car. After all, I was going to be late for work..I needed this to take no time!
Ok, so we pull into the place..he stops my fare and I start to swipe my card. It won't read. I swipe it again, still nothing..turn it the other way and nope! I start to panic a little...I knew it had nothing to do with how much money was in my account because I checked before leaving. But sometimes my card doesn't swipe. I kindly ask him if there was something I was doing wrong. After not really knowing what to do with the card system..he asks me how much cash I have and I tell him not enough to cover the fare. It was $14 bucks..not including a tip. He tells me just give him whatever I have and go. I was like "..seriously? Are you sure?" and this wonderful little man told me I needed it more than him..he would cover the rest and sent me on my way.
I was pretty much near tears because I was so stressed about my car...and my card not working..what if it didn't work inside?! I was so super grateful that he took my 10 measly little dollars. I got out of the car..and felt like I TOTALLY couldn't be rude to anyone after that! And I wasn't. Even though the dude at the towing place was super rude to me. Jerk.
I thought..well..that was a great little blessing on a day that I really needed it! Lucky for me..it continued today! I had decided to take off from work today to have a day off to do whatever I wanted before I start rehearsals again. My sister, Jessi got me a massage gift card for graduation...in December...and I had yet to use it. So I decided that I would cash it in today and get a relaxing one-hour massage. I was running a little late and still had to stop by an ATM to get tip money..so I was a little frazzled walking into my appointment..go figure.
I fill out the little form they give the masseuse to let them know where my problem spots are and talked with Dana, my amazing masseuse from About Faces Spa in Annapolis. We talked about my activity with rock climbing and yoga, and how those affect my body. She also talked with me about being an actor and was just super nice. After chatting for a bit..she asked if I would like to upgrade to a deep tissue because she really felt like I needed it. Since I am low on funds..I told her I just wanted to stick with the one hour..since I had a gift card to cover the whole time.
She let me get changed and when she came back in she informed me that she upgraded my massage to a 75 min deep tissue massage...no extra charge. I just couldn't get over it. She was like..."look, you're an artist and I know you don't have a lot of funds..right now..but you will. so this is on me. Just relax" I really thought I was going to cry. I really REALLY needed today. I've been feeling really broken lately..and doing a great job of keeping it all in. I let everything go and enjoyed every single solitary second of that massage. Needless to say..I tipped her VERY well and will be returning to Dana for all future massages! Not to mention, when she left me in the lounge after it was all over she looked at me and said "Its really awesome to see someone who is totally going after their dream, you can really tell its your passion. And I think its great." That made me smile.
It was just really nice. Two things that really just made those days better. And I feel so grateful to these two strangers who made such a difference! It gives me hope that more people like them exist. I do my best to give as much as I can back to others. And I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to get a little of that back :)
anyway. just wanted to take a minute to thank my cabbie, I regret not getting his name! and Dana!
On Tuesday my car was towed from Rob's garage at his apartment. After parking there for a year, with a guest parking tag..it finally happened. I wasn't happy about it but it was partially my fault so I wasn't completely pissed. I also kinda sorta feel bad for towing guys because they are faced with bitchy, yelling people all day for just doing their job. I let myself be really mad for like 10 minutes and then called myself a cab. I was pretty unhappy about having to pay $144 just to get my car out and then add another 20 bucks for a cab..but I called one anyway, made sure they could take debit cards since I only had a little bit of cash on me and sucked it up.
First of all, my cabbie was hysterical. From the moment I got in the car he was a trip! Once I told him where we were going and why he launched into a story about taking a different woman over to the same company and she was..and I quote "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!" So, I was feeling pretty calm and decided that no matter what I would go into the towing place..keep my cool, be polite and get my car. After all, I was going to be late for work..I needed this to take no time!
Ok, so we pull into the place..he stops my fare and I start to swipe my card. It won't read. I swipe it again, still nothing..turn it the other way and nope! I start to panic a little...I knew it had nothing to do with how much money was in my account because I checked before leaving. But sometimes my card doesn't swipe. I kindly ask him if there was something I was doing wrong. After not really knowing what to do with the card system..he asks me how much cash I have and I tell him not enough to cover the fare. It was $14 bucks..not including a tip. He tells me just give him whatever I have and go. I was like "..seriously? Are you sure?" and this wonderful little man told me I needed it more than him..he would cover the rest and sent me on my way.
I was pretty much near tears because I was so stressed about my car...and my card not working..what if it didn't work inside?! I was so super grateful that he took my 10 measly little dollars. I got out of the car..and felt like I TOTALLY couldn't be rude to anyone after that! And I wasn't. Even though the dude at the towing place was super rude to me. Jerk.
I thought..well..that was a great little blessing on a day that I really needed it! Lucky for me..it continued today! I had decided to take off from work today to have a day off to do whatever I wanted before I start rehearsals again. My sister, Jessi got me a massage gift card for graduation...in December...and I had yet to use it. So I decided that I would cash it in today and get a relaxing one-hour massage. I was running a little late and still had to stop by an ATM to get tip money..so I was a little frazzled walking into my appointment..go figure.
I fill out the little form they give the masseuse to let them know where my problem spots are and talked with Dana, my amazing masseuse from About Faces Spa in Annapolis. We talked about my activity with rock climbing and yoga, and how those affect my body. She also talked with me about being an actor and was just super nice. After chatting for a bit..she asked if I would like to upgrade to a deep tissue because she really felt like I needed it. Since I am low on funds..I told her I just wanted to stick with the one hour..since I had a gift card to cover the whole time.
She let me get changed and when she came back in she informed me that she upgraded my massage to a 75 min deep tissue massage...no extra charge. I just couldn't get over it. She was like..."look, you're an artist and I know you don't have a lot of funds..right now..but you will. so this is on me. Just relax" I really thought I was going to cry. I really REALLY needed today. I've been feeling really broken lately..and doing a great job of keeping it all in. I let everything go and enjoyed every single solitary second of that massage. Needless to say..I tipped her VERY well and will be returning to Dana for all future massages! Not to mention, when she left me in the lounge after it was all over she looked at me and said "Its really awesome to see someone who is totally going after their dream, you can really tell its your passion. And I think its great." That made me smile.
It was just really nice. Two things that really just made those days better. And I feel so grateful to these two strangers who made such a difference! It gives me hope that more people like them exist. I do my best to give as much as I can back to others. And I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to get a little of that back :)
anyway. just wanted to take a minute to thank my cabbie, I regret not getting his name! and Dana!
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