I have an extensive history of not being able to really settle down, no matter where I am in my life. I am always looking ahead. Looking for the next show. The next project. The next school. Whatever.
But the problem is that I tend to make very elaborate and detailed plans and then at the very last minute, change them to something completely out-of-character and unpredictable. That's my M.O. Always has been, and probably always will be.
For example, when I was 18, I was all the way ready to move permanently from the Twin Cities to New York. This would have been the next logical step in my career, as this is where musical theater happens. I would either work (not likely) or go to school at one of the various universities that offers a degree in MT. This is what everyone expected me to do....including myself.
And then what happened, you ask? I'll tell you.
I moved into a cornfield in Iowa (where musical theater is literally outlawed) and got a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in opera performance. I didn't even like opera. Still don't.
Why did I make this move, you ask? I have no idea.
Another example. So last April, I was busy preparing to graduate from said college-in-the-corn and I had just received my acceptance letter from the Steinhardt School at NYU for their MM in Musical Theater Program. So here I was, once again ready to move to the Big Apple.
And what do you suppose I did next? I decided to turn down NYU and try working professionally in the Twin Cities.
What the hell?!?! I mean, why am I so apparently afraid of New York? I'll tell you why. Because its scary. There are a million people there who look just like me, have my same skill sets and have the exact same career goals. And I don't know if you know this or not, but there are only like four jobs in New York. Okay, well there's more than four. There's like seven. But do you see why I hesitate?
So here I am, day after Christmas, 2010. I have been working consistently as a music director, vocal coach and singing actor in the Twin Cities for the past seven months and I have work booked out solid for the next five months at least. I also have a plan. Big plans, in fact, to attend Arizona State University for their MM in Musical Theater Program in the fall of 2011. I know how amazing and warm the climate is. I have picked the professor I want to study voice with. I know the apartment complex I want to live in (it has an AMAZING pool and is right across the street from campus).......
And I'm right on par for the course because where do you suppose I'm probably going next?
(If you just thought New York, you need to go back and read the paragraph about the abundance of jobs there.)
The United Kingdom.
Holy hell, someone rein me in.
Well, I know one thing for sure; my life won't be beige anytime soon.
Now, where is my ulcer medication?
A
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
So much for the In-Between.....Good lord.
Tonight marks the end of my first week of the In-Between and it has been and EPIC FAILURE. I was planning on doing a whole plethora of relaxing, lazy things and so far, all I've done is non-relaxing, work-related things. Granted, I love my job and the work that I get to do, but I cannot seem to catch a break! This weekend alone has been a bit of a whirlwind. I got sick last Monday (my first day off, of course) and didn't feel better until Thursday, just in time to get sucked into about a million projects.
My weekend consisted of two readings of new musicals, helping choose some high school actors to advance in a scholarship competition and trying to get my students into college.
Okay. On paper, this doesn't seem nearly as daunting as it felt. Maybe it was the cough syrup. Whoops. Don't tell.
The first reading was a really fantastic experience. It was a brand-new rock musical with some really fantastic material for seven actors. The content itself is mostly polished and this reading was more or less a final opportunity for the creative team to hear their work sung by actors before they stage a full workshop. The best part of this one for me was singing with the combo that they hired. It was a piano, drums, bass and guitar. Doesn't get better than that. I'm hopeful that they'll keep me around and ask me back to work on the next step, but only time will tell!
The other reading I did was a very new experience for me and I learned a lot about my strengths, weaknesses, theater education and preferences for the artistic process. The musical itself was incredibly fascinating. The plot centers around a Catholic priest and his return to a small Irish village during the Irish Potato Famine at the end of the 1800's. The reading itself went smoothly and the people involved all brought very unique interpretations to the table. The characters were intricate and the story itself is compelling. This is where my personal preferences for American Musical Theater began running through my head. After the reading was done, the moderator (and I think future director) of the reading told us that the creators were going to listen while the participating readers discussed what they thought were the strengths and weaknesses were in the plot and characters.
I've never had to really think about what I look for when I define good musical theater, but through the discussion that night, I very quickly learned that I value these things:
I want the show to be "somebody's story." To me, this means that the plot includes a defining moment for a main character that is compelling enough that I care about them and want to see their problems resolved.
The relationship between the audience and the plot should be clearly defined and decided from the very start of the show. Does the audience act as a fly on the wall? Is the audience encouraged to have a personal stake in the show? Is the show trying to convince? Inform? The choice needs to be clear and consistent.
The relationships and characters, while they can be complex, should be classifiable by classic, umbrella terms. The protagonist. The antagonist. The comedic relief. The basic relationship between good and evil. The parental relationship. The fraternal relationship. The relationship between the characters and a higher power. The relationships between the main protagonist and EVERYONE.
The characters HAVE to have a reason to sing. Musicals suspend reality enough to allow characters to break into scenes in which all the characters know the same melodies, lyrics and choreography, but I truly stand by the rule that the only reason a character should sing is if words alone can no longer suffice and in order to communicate, they need to do so through song. Going hand in hand with this is the need for EVERY song to move the story forward. The show cannot be in the same place at the end of a song, that it was at the beginning. It has to have a purpose. I am strongly against the concept that songs can just be thrown into a show on a whim. There needs to be a reason.
Modern musicals are (and should be!) sophisticated enough that they can "show" and not "tell". I can't stand a preponderance of exposition in character dialogue. I am SUCH a supporter of character driven work, and if the story calls for a lot of explanation at the top of the show, figure out a way to deliver it in a clean and attention-grabbing package a la Les Miserables. Did you know that the current format of the show includes a fairly lengthy prologue to set up the story of Jean Valjean that didn't originally exist because all the people of France are familiar with the story and the people of New York are not? That's right. Its so well done that most people can't imagine the show without the first 20 minutes.
Pacing. I don't want to fall asleep. 'Nuff said.
Okay. The most important thing I learned about myself is that I do a very poor job of intellectualizing plot and character choices. I think this comes from my training. I have always been told that it is not my job to mull over why specific choices were made by the creators. I have been trained as an interpreter. An interpreter of dialogue, music, movement and storytelling. I was rendered almost useless in the position of creator. In that capacity, I have no idea where to start. I am so used to looking at a show and deciding how to tailor it so it reads. I have never been asked to overhaul a show like we had been discussing. I was left to watch. And I was fine with that. Luckily, a lot of the other members of the reading were "go-getters" and had some strong opinions about how the next step of the show should be shaped.
This was my first taste of this specific type of workshop/reading. And I appreciate it because I now understand my specific place in the life cycle of a show. I belong in the later parts. The inception and initial development can be left to people that have a taste for those things. I love being able to breathe life into characters and songs and scenes. I love the organic nature of working with people in a space. I love watching the libretto come to life with characters that can alter their choices within the context of their scene. I love the building of a final product. This is where I belong and I'm more than okay with that.
Wow. Apparently I have a lot of opinions. I know that some of you might think that this is a negative quality, but I realize that this is what shapes me as an artist. My opinions shape my choices, and for better or for worse, I have to live with them....until the next show comes along.
Mull over THAT. =]
A
My weekend consisted of two readings of new musicals, helping choose some high school actors to advance in a scholarship competition and trying to get my students into college.
Okay. On paper, this doesn't seem nearly as daunting as it felt. Maybe it was the cough syrup. Whoops. Don't tell.
The first reading was a really fantastic experience. It was a brand-new rock musical with some really fantastic material for seven actors. The content itself is mostly polished and this reading was more or less a final opportunity for the creative team to hear their work sung by actors before they stage a full workshop. The best part of this one for me was singing with the combo that they hired. It was a piano, drums, bass and guitar. Doesn't get better than that. I'm hopeful that they'll keep me around and ask me back to work on the next step, but only time will tell!
The other reading I did was a very new experience for me and I learned a lot about my strengths, weaknesses, theater education and preferences for the artistic process. The musical itself was incredibly fascinating. The plot centers around a Catholic priest and his return to a small Irish village during the Irish Potato Famine at the end of the 1800's. The reading itself went smoothly and the people involved all brought very unique interpretations to the table. The characters were intricate and the story itself is compelling. This is where my personal preferences for American Musical Theater began running through my head. After the reading was done, the moderator (and I think future director) of the reading told us that the creators were going to listen while the participating readers discussed what they thought were the strengths and weaknesses were in the plot and characters.
I've never had to really think about what I look for when I define good musical theater, but through the discussion that night, I very quickly learned that I value these things:
I want the show to be "somebody's story." To me, this means that the plot includes a defining moment for a main character that is compelling enough that I care about them and want to see their problems resolved.
The relationship between the audience and the plot should be clearly defined and decided from the very start of the show. Does the audience act as a fly on the wall? Is the audience encouraged to have a personal stake in the show? Is the show trying to convince? Inform? The choice needs to be clear and consistent.
The relationships and characters, while they can be complex, should be classifiable by classic, umbrella terms. The protagonist. The antagonist. The comedic relief. The basic relationship between good and evil. The parental relationship. The fraternal relationship. The relationship between the characters and a higher power. The relationships between the main protagonist and EVERYONE.
The characters HAVE to have a reason to sing. Musicals suspend reality enough to allow characters to break into scenes in which all the characters know the same melodies, lyrics and choreography, but I truly stand by the rule that the only reason a character should sing is if words alone can no longer suffice and in order to communicate, they need to do so through song. Going hand in hand with this is the need for EVERY song to move the story forward. The show cannot be in the same place at the end of a song, that it was at the beginning. It has to have a purpose. I am strongly against the concept that songs can just be thrown into a show on a whim. There needs to be a reason.
Modern musicals are (and should be!) sophisticated enough that they can "show" and not "tell". I can't stand a preponderance of exposition in character dialogue. I am SUCH a supporter of character driven work, and if the story calls for a lot of explanation at the top of the show, figure out a way to deliver it in a clean and attention-grabbing package a la Les Miserables. Did you know that the current format of the show includes a fairly lengthy prologue to set up the story of Jean Valjean that didn't originally exist because all the people of France are familiar with the story and the people of New York are not? That's right. Its so well done that most people can't imagine the show without the first 20 minutes.
Pacing. I don't want to fall asleep. 'Nuff said.
Okay. The most important thing I learned about myself is that I do a very poor job of intellectualizing plot and character choices. I think this comes from my training. I have always been told that it is not my job to mull over why specific choices were made by the creators. I have been trained as an interpreter. An interpreter of dialogue, music, movement and storytelling. I was rendered almost useless in the position of creator. In that capacity, I have no idea where to start. I am so used to looking at a show and deciding how to tailor it so it reads. I have never been asked to overhaul a show like we had been discussing. I was left to watch. And I was fine with that. Luckily, a lot of the other members of the reading were "go-getters" and had some strong opinions about how the next step of the show should be shaped.
This was my first taste of this specific type of workshop/reading. And I appreciate it because I now understand my specific place in the life cycle of a show. I belong in the later parts. The inception and initial development can be left to people that have a taste for those things. I love being able to breathe life into characters and songs and scenes. I love the organic nature of working with people in a space. I love watching the libretto come to life with characters that can alter their choices within the context of their scene. I love the building of a final product. This is where I belong and I'm more than okay with that.
Wow. Apparently I have a lot of opinions. I know that some of you might think that this is a negative quality, but I realize that this is what shapes me as an artist. My opinions shape my choices, and for better or for worse, I have to live with them....until the next show comes along.
Mull over THAT. =]
A
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Countdown!
Okay. This year has been an incredible one and I have taken the time to recount what I think are the top ten moments of 2010. They range from fun to meaningful to defining and everything in between. Enjoy!
10. The Deadliest Catch! This might have been the single sweetest moment of this year. I was in Seattle with the Luther College Nordic Choir on our West Coast Tour and this was our first stop on tour after leaving Minneapolis. After our concert, my quadmates Ari, Matt, Ben and I were picked up by our host family. They drove us out to the scariest, most deserted area of Seattle (I'm totally making that up because I don't know Seattle that well beyond what they show on Grey's Anatomy) and asked us if any of us got seasick. At this point, I had my cell phone out and was about to text our tour manager to say that I was pretty sure we were about to be sold into human trafficking. Then we pulled up to a giant crab fishing boat called the North American and proceeded to meet the crew that has been featured on the TV series Deadliest Catch. They made us clam fettuccine and left us BY OURSELVES on the boat overnight. Best homestay ever. EVER.
9. Re-introduction to the business with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. In May (still going to school in Iowa) I woke up at 4:00am to drive up to the cities to audition for Chan. And then I did it again the next week for the call back. My sleep schedule still hasn't recovered. It was one of the most humbling experiences in my career. I had the honor of auditioning alongside some of the most talented people I have ever seen....and the best part is that I grew up watching them on stage since I was very young. After having walked away from consistent performing for almost 4 years, it was so invigorating to see the first-rate talent alive and well in Minneapolis! So proud to be a part of this community!
8. Michigan. 'Nuff said. Not is it one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, but this summer. I got to spend time there with two of my favorite people, Ben and Laura. Not only was the time we spent together wonderful, but it was my first experience trying out my "school relationships" post-graduation. It was fantastic because with both of these people, every time we reconnect, we are able to pick up as if nothing has changed. Granted, the circumstances are very different now that we don't live within five minutes of each other anymore and we don't spend countless hours together each day, but its comforting to know that these relationships that were built over four years were not left behind in Decorah, IA.
7. I guess I should put graduating from college on here.....even though it really wasn't that big of an event for me. I remember it being very hot and very sweaty and being a little panicked because I hadn't finished packing my room yet. Oops. If anything, it was more a place mark for a new chapter in everyone's life. We were all going out into the world to do very different things in very different places after having spent four remarkable years in a very special place. But it was bigger than just me. It was a collective accomplishment for everyone that had helped guide me and protect me along the way. And for that, I am truly grateful.
6. Last Nordic concert with DCA. This could very easily have been nicknamed "Weepfest Twenty-Ten," but through some miracle, we pulled through in a big way. This last concert of the year is usually one that is especially heartfelt because of the graduating seniors, but it was compounded because our conductor, Dr. Craig Arnold, was leaving his position at Luther to resume his work in New York. This was nothing less than devastating for many that knew him because he is not only a brilliantly talented musician and conductor and an immeasurable asset to the school, but more importantly, a stand-up human who taught his students to live their lives with compassion for those around them. So this concert was also honoring him as well, and we chose to sing some of his trademark pieces from the last 5 years. I don't think I've ever felt so connected to a group of people, and I don't see a comparable opportunity anywhere in the near future. I am forever changed because of him and this experience. No beige.
5. San Diego. Weirdly, the most perfect day ever. On tour with amazing people. An afternoon at one of the most amazing zoos in the world. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla beach. A great catered dinner. An epic sunset. An amazing hotel. Drinks with best friends. Couldn't have been more perfect.
4. Senior Recital. I broke down barriers.....and probably some of the voice faculty's eardrums/hearts/spirits. THAT, my friends is the power of musical theater! Ha. Anywho, because Luther is a school that "values the aesthetic values of classical, Bel Canto singing," musical theater is outlawed in our senior recital performance space. I did it anyway. The first half an hour was R.V. Williams' Songs of Travel and the second half was a collection of some of my favorite new theater pieces, accompanied by the incomparable, Laura and a group of some fantastic and brave friends. I'm sure I offended some people (the purists), but they also got to see me do something that I was truly, TRULY passionate about. It is one thing to be a technically proficient musician. It is quite another to attempt to breathe life into a performance. That was my goal. And I probably owe my voice teacher a lot of money for the therapy he needed after dealing with the backlash that I assume ensued....and for that I am almost sorry.
3. Here's to high school, how it flies. Oh, Zombie Prom, how I thought I would loathe you. This MD gig was my first real job after college. I know I've written entire posts about this before, so I'll keep it brief, but these kids are the real deal. I learned much more from them than they could ever learn from me and it will take some doing for me to forget those 4 months. ALSO! I am super pumped to go back and work there this spring! A true blessing to know these individuals.
2. Arizona. Good lord. Spring break 2010 was my first official vacation in a very long time and I am so glad I could do it with such amazing friends! Clara, Ben, Julia and Joe made this trip something that was not only bearable, but an experience that was a great cap to my college career. It was like days and days of driving, but some fantastic memories were made and I survived sleeping in a tent for like a week. And if you know me, you know that doing THAT is a feat in itself. Gah. So fun!
1. Because really what's the point if you're just coasting on the surface? EDGES 2010. Very obviously a defining moment for me as a performer, teacher, director, and most importantly, as a friend and a person. This kind of goes hand in hand with my senior recital. My senior thesis was about the ever-changing pedagogy of musical theater and part of my plan was to put on a show to demonstrate my findings. The result was one of the most beautiful and rewarding collaborations I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I truly believe in the effect of the arts on humanity and because of that, this might have been my proudest moment at Luther. To Carah, Laura, Alex, Matt, Joe, Kara and Ben: I am forever indebted to you for your contributions to this project and your willingness to join hands with me and venture into unknown territory. Because, "if you take a moment you'll begin to find and say and feel. You can discover something real if you are willing to reflect." A quote that will forever play a role in how I choose to move forward in my life.
So there you have it. A year full of many blessings, happy memories, life milestones and valuable lessons. The one thing that I find consistently in each event is the people. My people. These people are what makes these events special. Without them, I would be, well....not me. So I am more than excited to start 2011 with these comrades. Lets make this next one even better!
Love and gratitude,
A
10. The Deadliest Catch! This might have been the single sweetest moment of this year. I was in Seattle with the Luther College Nordic Choir on our West Coast Tour and this was our first stop on tour after leaving Minneapolis. After our concert, my quadmates Ari, Matt, Ben and I were picked up by our host family. They drove us out to the scariest, most deserted area of Seattle (I'm totally making that up because I don't know Seattle that well beyond what they show on Grey's Anatomy) and asked us if any of us got seasick. At this point, I had my cell phone out and was about to text our tour manager to say that I was pretty sure we were about to be sold into human trafficking. Then we pulled up to a giant crab fishing boat called the North American and proceeded to meet the crew that has been featured on the TV series Deadliest Catch. They made us clam fettuccine and left us BY OURSELVES on the boat overnight. Best homestay ever. EVER.
9. Re-introduction to the business with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. In May (still going to school in Iowa) I woke up at 4:00am to drive up to the cities to audition for Chan. And then I did it again the next week for the call back. My sleep schedule still hasn't recovered. It was one of the most humbling experiences in my career. I had the honor of auditioning alongside some of the most talented people I have ever seen....and the best part is that I grew up watching them on stage since I was very young. After having walked away from consistent performing for almost 4 years, it was so invigorating to see the first-rate talent alive and well in Minneapolis! So proud to be a part of this community!
8. Michigan. 'Nuff said. Not is it one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, but this summer. I got to spend time there with two of my favorite people, Ben and Laura. Not only was the time we spent together wonderful, but it was my first experience trying out my "school relationships" post-graduation. It was fantastic because with both of these people, every time we reconnect, we are able to pick up as if nothing has changed. Granted, the circumstances are very different now that we don't live within five minutes of each other anymore and we don't spend countless hours together each day, but its comforting to know that these relationships that were built over four years were not left behind in Decorah, IA.
7. I guess I should put graduating from college on here.....even though it really wasn't that big of an event for me. I remember it being very hot and very sweaty and being a little panicked because I hadn't finished packing my room yet. Oops. If anything, it was more a place mark for a new chapter in everyone's life. We were all going out into the world to do very different things in very different places after having spent four remarkable years in a very special place. But it was bigger than just me. It was a collective accomplishment for everyone that had helped guide me and protect me along the way. And for that, I am truly grateful.
6. Last Nordic concert with DCA. This could very easily have been nicknamed "Weepfest Twenty-Ten," but through some miracle, we pulled through in a big way. This last concert of the year is usually one that is especially heartfelt because of the graduating seniors, but it was compounded because our conductor, Dr. Craig Arnold, was leaving his position at Luther to resume his work in New York. This was nothing less than devastating for many that knew him because he is not only a brilliantly talented musician and conductor and an immeasurable asset to the school, but more importantly, a stand-up human who taught his students to live their lives with compassion for those around them. So this concert was also honoring him as well, and we chose to sing some of his trademark pieces from the last 5 years. I don't think I've ever felt so connected to a group of people, and I don't see a comparable opportunity anywhere in the near future. I am forever changed because of him and this experience. No beige.
5. San Diego. Weirdly, the most perfect day ever. On tour with amazing people. An afternoon at one of the most amazing zoos in the world. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla beach. A great catered dinner. An epic sunset. An amazing hotel. Drinks with best friends. Couldn't have been more perfect.
4. Senior Recital. I broke down barriers.....and probably some of the voice faculty's eardrums/hearts/spirits. THAT, my friends is the power of musical theater! Ha. Anywho, because Luther is a school that "values the aesthetic values of classical, Bel Canto singing," musical theater is outlawed in our senior recital performance space. I did it anyway. The first half an hour was R.V. Williams' Songs of Travel and the second half was a collection of some of my favorite new theater pieces, accompanied by the incomparable, Laura and a group of some fantastic and brave friends. I'm sure I offended some people (the purists), but they also got to see me do something that I was truly, TRULY passionate about. It is one thing to be a technically proficient musician. It is quite another to attempt to breathe life into a performance. That was my goal. And I probably owe my voice teacher a lot of money for the therapy he needed after dealing with the backlash that I assume ensued....and for that I am almost sorry.
3. Here's to high school, how it flies. Oh, Zombie Prom, how I thought I would loathe you. This MD gig was my first real job after college. I know I've written entire posts about this before, so I'll keep it brief, but these kids are the real deal. I learned much more from them than they could ever learn from me and it will take some doing for me to forget those 4 months. ALSO! I am super pumped to go back and work there this spring! A true blessing to know these individuals.
2. Arizona. Good lord. Spring break 2010 was my first official vacation in a very long time and I am so glad I could do it with such amazing friends! Clara, Ben, Julia and Joe made this trip something that was not only bearable, but an experience that was a great cap to my college career. It was like days and days of driving, but some fantastic memories were made and I survived sleeping in a tent for like a week. And if you know me, you know that doing THAT is a feat in itself. Gah. So fun!
1. Because really what's the point if you're just coasting on the surface? EDGES 2010. Very obviously a defining moment for me as a performer, teacher, director, and most importantly, as a friend and a person. This kind of goes hand in hand with my senior recital. My senior thesis was about the ever-changing pedagogy of musical theater and part of my plan was to put on a show to demonstrate my findings. The result was one of the most beautiful and rewarding collaborations I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I truly believe in the effect of the arts on humanity and because of that, this might have been my proudest moment at Luther. To Carah, Laura, Alex, Matt, Joe, Kara and Ben: I am forever indebted to you for your contributions to this project and your willingness to join hands with me and venture into unknown territory. Because, "if you take a moment you'll begin to find and say and feel. You can discover something real if you are willing to reflect." A quote that will forever play a role in how I choose to move forward in my life.
So there you have it. A year full of many blessings, happy memories, life milestones and valuable lessons. The one thing that I find consistently in each event is the people. My people. These people are what makes these events special. Without them, I would be, well....not me. So I am more than excited to start 2011 with these comrades. Lets make this next one even better!
Love and gratitude,
A
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The In-Between
I will never have kids. Unless some horrible, unseen, atrocious act of Lucifer occurs, my womb will remain barren. And by my womb, I mean the tiny one (maybe two) room apartment that I am destined to have for the rest of my life. I know that some of you are gasping in horror, because your children are the apple of your eye and you couldn't imagine your life without those little bundles of....umm....joy. And that is why God gave each of us our own free will.
Oh, what is that you ask? Have you been working with children lately, and that is why you have this abundance of hatred for them? Yes.
Okay. I don't hate kids. I just don't want to have anything to do with them. Or maybe I'm just scared of a challenge. I'm not sure yet. For now, I'll just think that children and I are like beer and hard liquor - the common denominator being that terrible consequences ensue. I've come to the conclusion that I blame my track record. I have consistently had the blessing of working with immensely talented people who can, well, do things that require talent and training. Now I am faced with a gaggle of six-year-olds that can't read. WHAT, I ask you, am I supposed to do with that? I mean, those Zombie Prom kids were not only (for the most part) all triple threats, but they were (for the most part) legitimately cool cats too. And the ones that weren't were nerdy, but the kind of nerdy that is useful and actually takes you far in life. I like that kind of nerdy. Here is an example of my plight:
*A scene from one of my rehearsals two weeks ago....
Andy: No, no, no. You have to wait another measure and a half before you come in.
Six-year-olds: (blank stares)
Andy: You know, like six quarter notes. Beats. Six beats. Alright. Lets clap it out.
Six-year-olds: (a few yawns and general chattiness)
Andy: Okay fine. Just wait longer before you come in.
Six-year-olds: (blank stares, yawns, chattiness and one of them is picking their nose.)
Okay. I am not an elementary teacher. Nor would I ever strive to be, and as stuck up and snobbish as it sounds, six-year-olds are not talented enough to be in theater. (gasps, I'm sure). And that's not the only problem. They have NO attention span. My sister's beta fish, Rafael can have more engaged interactions with me than some of these munchkins.
Alright, that was a very broad overstatement. There are a select few six-year-olds that could school me in theater, but they are few and far between. And I usually cross to the other side of the street when I see them coming in order to avoid a diva smackdown. But I digress. This will be the LAST children's theater show I do......until I forget why I made that rule....and then I'll do another one and be quickly reminded of the reasons for my decree.
Updates. Had a big audition today with a regional company that most people would give their left nut to work for (myself included). Unfortunately, they didn't think it was amusing when I offered up that suggestion. Apparently they're only interested in talent. Whatever. I got a e-call for this G&S operetta that they are putting up next year and I promptly dropped the notice into my e-trash. After about 4 seconds of re-contemplating this choice, I retrieved the said e-call and put it on my calendar.
The reason: I don't do opera. Why would the want me to come sing for an opera? They KNOW I don't do opera. I've had lengthy conversations with the powers that be at this company as to "why I am throwing away my classical vocal education to pursue the lesser art of musical theatahh". As if I haven't had to argue THAT one before. Fine. Whatever. I looked through my books and cursed myself for having torched all of my "Arias for ______" books in a blind rage during my junior year of college. Kidding. They're useless to me anyway. Oh well. I picked "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady for the audition. I figured it wasn't Rent, so I could probably get away with it.
Fast forward to the audition today. I'm sitting in an immense rehearsal studio with forty other guys all carrying the "Arias for_______" books. And doing their little scales and arpeggios. At least this wasn't a dance audition. Then I would look REALLY dumb. So I sat in one of the corners and began to read my book. During this time, I overheard people saying that they would be singing arias that ranged from the traditional G&S stuff all the way up to one guy who was going to sing Nessun Dorma from Turandot. He might as well have done an angry line reading...its probably just as effective.
So everyone has filled out their forms and settled in to wait for the auditions to start when the musical director walks in.
On a side note, I am maybe a little obsessed with this music director they have. He is literally a genius, and I do not throw that term around lightly. He can play ANYTHING you put in front of him and is a musical theater coach to everybody who is anybody in the Twin Cities. I'm not sure whether I want to be able to work with him or I want to be him. I just have a lot of feelings about him and I am not ashamed to say that I actively stalk him. I mean, not in the creepy, I'm-going-to-kidnap-him-and-eat-his-liver-with-some-fava-beans-and-a-nice-chiante kind of way, but in the I-just-really-admire-your-career kind of way. Did I mention that he has music directed in New York? On Broadway?
Sorry. Rambling. So he walks in and announces that they will not be approaching the music in the traditional, classical way, but in a way that "appeals to an audience in 2011." In other words, they wanted a pop/rock influenced audition.
THIS is why they sent me this call! I watched the color drain from the face of the Turandot guy. Clearly you can't turn Puccini into Jonathan Larson. I don't care who you are. Unfortunately, "On the Street Where You Live" isn't exactly what they were looking for either. Eh. I sang it anyway. I just channeled a little of Jon Groff and Matt Doyle. It was fine. I acted the crap out of it and then I drove an hour through rush hour for the final dress rehearsal of the Grinch.
And thus, as of ten days from now, I will be in "the in-between". A time between theater jobs. While normally I would dread this, it will come at a perfect time. My sister comes home from the Dominican Republic in two weeks and the holidays are just around the corner, so a little down time with some lessons here and there will be a fantastic way to spend a few weeks. I know I must enjoy it now because I am already triple booked in the spring and I couldn't be more excited for it. But until then, its Christmas carols and catching up on Glee. Not too shabby. Not to shabby at all.
And this entry is a perfect example of the fact that I have never actually learned to write a cohesive anything. If you have muddled your way through this and have reached this sentence, congrats. You are a champ in my eyes.
Onward and.....well, onward. And no beige.
A
Oh, what is that you ask? Have you been working with children lately, and that is why you have this abundance of hatred for them? Yes.
Okay. I don't hate kids. I just don't want to have anything to do with them. Or maybe I'm just scared of a challenge. I'm not sure yet. For now, I'll just think that children and I are like beer and hard liquor - the common denominator being that terrible consequences ensue. I've come to the conclusion that I blame my track record. I have consistently had the blessing of working with immensely talented people who can, well, do things that require talent and training. Now I am faced with a gaggle of six-year-olds that can't read. WHAT, I ask you, am I supposed to do with that? I mean, those Zombie Prom kids were not only (for the most part) all triple threats, but they were (for the most part) legitimately cool cats too. And the ones that weren't were nerdy, but the kind of nerdy that is useful and actually takes you far in life. I like that kind of nerdy. Here is an example of my plight:
*A scene from one of my rehearsals two weeks ago....
Andy: No, no, no. You have to wait another measure and a half before you come in.
Six-year-olds: (blank stares)
Andy: You know, like six quarter notes. Beats. Six beats. Alright. Lets clap it out.
Six-year-olds: (a few yawns and general chattiness)
Andy: Okay fine. Just wait longer before you come in.
Six-year-olds: (blank stares, yawns, chattiness and one of them is picking their nose.)
Okay. I am not an elementary teacher. Nor would I ever strive to be, and as stuck up and snobbish as it sounds, six-year-olds are not talented enough to be in theater. (gasps, I'm sure). And that's not the only problem. They have NO attention span. My sister's beta fish, Rafael can have more engaged interactions with me than some of these munchkins.
Alright, that was a very broad overstatement. There are a select few six-year-olds that could school me in theater, but they are few and far between. And I usually cross to the other side of the street when I see them coming in order to avoid a diva smackdown. But I digress. This will be the LAST children's theater show I do......until I forget why I made that rule....and then I'll do another one and be quickly reminded of the reasons for my decree.
Updates. Had a big audition today with a regional company that most people would give their left nut to work for (myself included). Unfortunately, they didn't think it was amusing when I offered up that suggestion. Apparently they're only interested in talent. Whatever. I got a e-call for this G&S operetta that they are putting up next year and I promptly dropped the notice into my e-trash. After about 4 seconds of re-contemplating this choice, I retrieved the said e-call and put it on my calendar.
The reason: I don't do opera. Why would the want me to come sing for an opera? They KNOW I don't do opera. I've had lengthy conversations with the powers that be at this company as to "why I am throwing away my classical vocal education to pursue the lesser art of musical theatahh". As if I haven't had to argue THAT one before. Fine. Whatever. I looked through my books and cursed myself for having torched all of my "Arias for ______" books in a blind rage during my junior year of college. Kidding. They're useless to me anyway. Oh well. I picked "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady for the audition. I figured it wasn't Rent, so I could probably get away with it.
Fast forward to the audition today. I'm sitting in an immense rehearsal studio with forty other guys all carrying the "Arias for_______" books. And doing their little scales and arpeggios. At least this wasn't a dance audition. Then I would look REALLY dumb. So I sat in one of the corners and began to read my book. During this time, I overheard people saying that they would be singing arias that ranged from the traditional G&S stuff all the way up to one guy who was going to sing Nessun Dorma from Turandot. He might as well have done an angry line reading...its probably just as effective.
So everyone has filled out their forms and settled in to wait for the auditions to start when the musical director walks in.
On a side note, I am maybe a little obsessed with this music director they have. He is literally a genius, and I do not throw that term around lightly. He can play ANYTHING you put in front of him and is a musical theater coach to everybody who is anybody in the Twin Cities. I'm not sure whether I want to be able to work with him or I want to be him. I just have a lot of feelings about him and I am not ashamed to say that I actively stalk him. I mean, not in the creepy, I'm-going-to-kidnap-him-and-eat-his-liver-with-some-fava-beans-and-a-nice-chiante kind of way, but in the I-just-really-admire-your-career kind of way. Did I mention that he has music directed in New York? On Broadway?
Sorry. Rambling. So he walks in and announces that they will not be approaching the music in the traditional, classical way, but in a way that "appeals to an audience in 2011." In other words, they wanted a pop/rock influenced audition.
THIS is why they sent me this call! I watched the color drain from the face of the Turandot guy. Clearly you can't turn Puccini into Jonathan Larson. I don't care who you are. Unfortunately, "On the Street Where You Live" isn't exactly what they were looking for either. Eh. I sang it anyway. I just channeled a little of Jon Groff and Matt Doyle. It was fine. I acted the crap out of it and then I drove an hour through rush hour for the final dress rehearsal of the Grinch.
And thus, as of ten days from now, I will be in "the in-between". A time between theater jobs. While normally I would dread this, it will come at a perfect time. My sister comes home from the Dominican Republic in two weeks and the holidays are just around the corner, so a little down time with some lessons here and there will be a fantastic way to spend a few weeks. I know I must enjoy it now because I am already triple booked in the spring and I couldn't be more excited for it. But until then, its Christmas carols and catching up on Glee. Not too shabby. Not to shabby at all.
And this entry is a perfect example of the fact that I have never actually learned to write a cohesive anything. If you have muddled your way through this and have reached this sentence, congrats. You are a champ in my eyes.
Onward and.....well, onward. And no beige.
A
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Diet Coke to the rescue! No, seriously.
It's officially winter in Minneapolis. No, not the Christmassy, fluffy snow, joyful, deck the hall type of winter. Its the bitter cold, ruin your day, kill you if you get stuck outside kind of winter. I'm not complaining. I've lived in cold-ish places my whole life, so I'm used to doing the whole permanent sweater/scarf/mittens look. In fact, I enjoy the fact that I have so many accessory options to choose from when dressing myself each day. I've never really had a bad or even sketchy run-in with the weather until this weekend. And once again, my addiction to diet coke saved my life...well, kinda.
The day (Saturday) started off great. Okay. That's not entirely true. I had to get up at 7:30 (which is an hour that doesn't exist in my life) in order to drive with Ben, Ryan and Rachel to St. Paul to watch the Metropolitan Opera auditions. It was awesome, as always. I've always thought that their whole process is just fascinating and I am so glad that they have the experience open to the public. I've gone every year for the past five or so and it is always fantastic. This year was especially cool. First, because I was with some of my favorite people and second because I haven't had (the opportunity) to sit through hours of arias in a few months and hearing that type of music again was surprisingly lovely. We stayed for the first eight singers or so and then decided we'd had enough and went to get some lunch. Eating with these people is always an experience and we had a great time. After parting ways, I took a nap and then joined Ben and Clara to see Harry Potter (for the third time....whoops). It seemed like the day was winding to a close until we walked outside the movie theater into the freezing rain.
EFF.
It was awful. The perfect combination of rain, sleet and a temperature that hovered right around thirty degrees. I drove Ben and Clara back to Ben's place where I planned on staying the night. We got settled in, but try as I might, I could not get to sleep. I tossed and turned for an hour or so and then after looking out the window and seeing that the rain had stopped, I decided it would not be that difficult for me to drive home. I mean, it was only about eight miles. What could go wrong?
I walked outside into the frigid air and slid across the street to my car. It was parked on a bit of an incline, facing up the hill. After a few minutes of letting the engine warm up, I tried pulling out. With the tires whirring beneath me, the car started sliding backward. I threw the car back into park. Crap. (That's not exactly what I said, but I'm trying to keep this blog rated PG) I spent the next forty minutes looking like a totally insane person in front of Ben's house. I scraped at the icy road with my window scraper, I threw snow and dirt under the tires to try and get traction, I tried to drive with two of my wheels on the curb. Nothing worked. Finally, I decided to back into the driveway and try my luck at going downhill (genius, I know). It worked. It was slippery as hell, but I pumped the brakes all the way through the neighborhood and eventually made it out on to Central Avenue. The road itself was fairly empty....if you don't count the dozens of cars parked on the side of the road with their emergency lights blinking. At this point, I admitted to myself that this was probably one of the stupidest things I'd ever done, but there was no way I could turn around and go back to Ben's. That would be admitting defeat. And I am and Minnesotan. I can handle a little ice. Puh-lease.
I went the two miles north on Central until I got to the on-ramp for 694 West. I was going around the curve to the right when I realized that there were about a dozen cars stopped at the top of the ramp. I quickly saw that most of them were spinning their wheels in an attempt to get to the top of the ramp and the highway, but were unable to due to the quarter inch of slick ice on the ground. I forged ahead. Halfway up the hill. Three fourths of the way. One hundred yards left! And then my car lost its grip on the road. It started sliding sideways and I quickly parked it with one of the back tires on the curb. I looked ahead to the cars in similar situations and saw a few guys getting out. I joined them and together we pushed six of the cars to the top of the ramp and they went on their merry way. During the half an hour that I was on the ramp, three cars exiting the freeway crashed into the ditch less than 30 yards from where my car was. No one was hurt, but the cars were clearly stranded.
Finally it was my turn. I returned to the drivers seat of my Toyota and pulled my Luther scarf tightly around my neck to fend off the frosty air and tried to pull back onto the ramp. Nothing. I got out and to my horror....well that sounds a little dramatic.....umm.....dismay, I saw that the misting rain had frozen around the base of my tires, creating little grooves that held the car in place. I thought I was screwed. I went to my trunk to see if I had anything useful. Nothing. About a dozen binders of musical theater. What am I going to do with those? Belt/mix the ice off the wheels? And then I saw it. A two-liter of Diet Coke. I reached for it and since it was right next to the heater, it was very warm. I gingerly walked to the front of my car, twisted off the cap and started to pour the coke around my tires. Slowly but surely, the ice melted away just enough for me to rock my car out of its icy grave and back onto the ramp.
After helping two other cars back down in reverse onto Central, I followed suit and tried to figure out my next move. I didn't know any other way to get home besides the highways. Then I glanced across the median and saw that the on-ramp to 694 for the southbound side of Central was not nearly as steep as the one I had just left. I pulled an illegal u-turn and finally made it onto the freeway. There were only a few cars in sight and they were all going about 12 mph. Then in my rearview mirror, I saw a car coming up behind me very quickly. It was in my lane and was going probably around 30mph. When it got close enough, its blinker turned on and it attempted to pass me on the right. As soon as the tires started to turn, it went completely sideways and began sliding and spinning towards my car. I was panicked, but didn't want to turn my car and risk meeting a similar fate. The car behind me spun within ten feet of the drivers side of my vehicle and smashed into the median. By that time, I had reached the exit for 252 north. I slowly slid down to the stoplight where I was joined by two cars; one on my right and one on the left. We waited for the light to turn green and when it did, the car on my left took off too fast and slid into the grassy ditch by the median. The car on my right started slowly, but as it was pulling into the middle of the intersection, a minivan that couldn't stop came from the right and t-boned it. I slowly maneuvered around the wrecks and continued until I got to 85th. I only had another mile to go, but it took me about 12 minutes to get home.
When I finally got to my house, I tried pulling into the driveway, but the ice was too thick. I grabbed some glasses from the kitchen and filled them with hot water. I splashed them down the driveway and it was just enough to get my car into the garage. I went immediately to bed, but still could feel the sensation of the car losing traction beneath me. In total, it took me 2 hours and 20 minutes to go 8 miles and after watching the news, there were a record number of accidents that night due to the ice.
I don't plan on defying nature again anytime soon, in case you're wondering. And yes, I do realize that I am a total idiot. But all's well that ends well, right? ;]
STAY WARM.
A
The day (Saturday) started off great. Okay. That's not entirely true. I had to get up at 7:30 (which is an hour that doesn't exist in my life) in order to drive with Ben, Ryan and Rachel to St. Paul to watch the Metropolitan Opera auditions. It was awesome, as always. I've always thought that their whole process is just fascinating and I am so glad that they have the experience open to the public. I've gone every year for the past five or so and it is always fantastic. This year was especially cool. First, because I was with some of my favorite people and second because I haven't had (the opportunity) to sit through hours of arias in a few months and hearing that type of music again was surprisingly lovely. We stayed for the first eight singers or so and then decided we'd had enough and went to get some lunch. Eating with these people is always an experience and we had a great time. After parting ways, I took a nap and then joined Ben and Clara to see Harry Potter (for the third time....whoops). It seemed like the day was winding to a close until we walked outside the movie theater into the freezing rain.
EFF.
It was awful. The perfect combination of rain, sleet and a temperature that hovered right around thirty degrees. I drove Ben and Clara back to Ben's place where I planned on staying the night. We got settled in, but try as I might, I could not get to sleep. I tossed and turned for an hour or so and then after looking out the window and seeing that the rain had stopped, I decided it would not be that difficult for me to drive home. I mean, it was only about eight miles. What could go wrong?
I walked outside into the frigid air and slid across the street to my car. It was parked on a bit of an incline, facing up the hill. After a few minutes of letting the engine warm up, I tried pulling out. With the tires whirring beneath me, the car started sliding backward. I threw the car back into park. Crap. (That's not exactly what I said, but I'm trying to keep this blog rated PG) I spent the next forty minutes looking like a totally insane person in front of Ben's house. I scraped at the icy road with my window scraper, I threw snow and dirt under the tires to try and get traction, I tried to drive with two of my wheels on the curb. Nothing worked. Finally, I decided to back into the driveway and try my luck at going downhill (genius, I know). It worked. It was slippery as hell, but I pumped the brakes all the way through the neighborhood and eventually made it out on to Central Avenue. The road itself was fairly empty....if you don't count the dozens of cars parked on the side of the road with their emergency lights blinking. At this point, I admitted to myself that this was probably one of the stupidest things I'd ever done, but there was no way I could turn around and go back to Ben's. That would be admitting defeat. And I am and Minnesotan. I can handle a little ice. Puh-lease.
I went the two miles north on Central until I got to the on-ramp for 694 West. I was going around the curve to the right when I realized that there were about a dozen cars stopped at the top of the ramp. I quickly saw that most of them were spinning their wheels in an attempt to get to the top of the ramp and the highway, but were unable to due to the quarter inch of slick ice on the ground. I forged ahead. Halfway up the hill. Three fourths of the way. One hundred yards left! And then my car lost its grip on the road. It started sliding sideways and I quickly parked it with one of the back tires on the curb. I looked ahead to the cars in similar situations and saw a few guys getting out. I joined them and together we pushed six of the cars to the top of the ramp and they went on their merry way. During the half an hour that I was on the ramp, three cars exiting the freeway crashed into the ditch less than 30 yards from where my car was. No one was hurt, but the cars were clearly stranded.
Finally it was my turn. I returned to the drivers seat of my Toyota and pulled my Luther scarf tightly around my neck to fend off the frosty air and tried to pull back onto the ramp. Nothing. I got out and to my horror....well that sounds a little dramatic.....umm.....dismay, I saw that the misting rain had frozen around the base of my tires, creating little grooves that held the car in place. I thought I was screwed. I went to my trunk to see if I had anything useful. Nothing. About a dozen binders of musical theater. What am I going to do with those? Belt/mix the ice off the wheels? And then I saw it. A two-liter of Diet Coke. I reached for it and since it was right next to the heater, it was very warm. I gingerly walked to the front of my car, twisted off the cap and started to pour the coke around my tires. Slowly but surely, the ice melted away just enough for me to rock my car out of its icy grave and back onto the ramp.
After helping two other cars back down in reverse onto Central, I followed suit and tried to figure out my next move. I didn't know any other way to get home besides the highways. Then I glanced across the median and saw that the on-ramp to 694 for the southbound side of Central was not nearly as steep as the one I had just left. I pulled an illegal u-turn and finally made it onto the freeway. There were only a few cars in sight and they were all going about 12 mph. Then in my rearview mirror, I saw a car coming up behind me very quickly. It was in my lane and was going probably around 30mph. When it got close enough, its blinker turned on and it attempted to pass me on the right. As soon as the tires started to turn, it went completely sideways and began sliding and spinning towards my car. I was panicked, but didn't want to turn my car and risk meeting a similar fate. The car behind me spun within ten feet of the drivers side of my vehicle and smashed into the median. By that time, I had reached the exit for 252 north. I slowly slid down to the stoplight where I was joined by two cars; one on my right and one on the left. We waited for the light to turn green and when it did, the car on my left took off too fast and slid into the grassy ditch by the median. The car on my right started slowly, but as it was pulling into the middle of the intersection, a minivan that couldn't stop came from the right and t-boned it. I slowly maneuvered around the wrecks and continued until I got to 85th. I only had another mile to go, but it took me about 12 minutes to get home.
When I finally got to my house, I tried pulling into the driveway, but the ice was too thick. I grabbed some glasses from the kitchen and filled them with hot water. I splashed them down the driveway and it was just enough to get my car into the garage. I went immediately to bed, but still could feel the sensation of the car losing traction beneath me. In total, it took me 2 hours and 20 minutes to go 8 miles and after watching the news, there were a record number of accidents that night due to the ice.
I don't plan on defying nature again anytime soon, in case you're wondering. And yes, I do realize that I am a total idiot. But all's well that ends well, right? ;]
STAY WARM.
A
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Here's to high school....how it flies!
Today...no, this past month has been a complete roller coaster for me. Between going back to Luther to visit and considering future career/education opportunities and prepping audition material.... and then there's Zombie Prom.
When I first started this project, I was hesitant at the very least. My first week, I was downright terrified. This was my first time working with high school students, and being only a few years older than them, it was a challenge for me. Right away, I could see that there was a huge amount of talent in the cast, and by the time the show went up for the first time about two and a half weeks ago, the entire company had come together to create a really spectacular, first rate production. Throughout my time with this school, I wore a variety of hats, but as my time came to a close, I came to the realization that no matter how well I taught them the music, something more had been gained from this experience.
Today, we closed the show and it was one of the most bitter-sweet moments in my recent memory. On one hand, I've never been more proud of a show in my life. I didn't feel like a music director watching his work unfold onstage, I felt like a big brother watching his siblings work as a team to build something very unique and very beautiful. On the other hand, tomorrow will be the start of the first week in four months that I won't get to work with these kids and to be completely honest, I'm a little devastated. While many of them have come to me with words of gratitude for what I have done for them, it is really I who should be grateful for their letting me into their lives with such compassion.
That is what is so fantastic about the theater. It is a place of inclusiveness. Everyone belongs, no matter what. The relationships that were built in the last four months are stronger and more real than most, and after the work and time that the cast has put into the show, the existence of these relationships is not unexpected.
After the show closed today, the cast worked to strike the set and clean the theater....which is one of the most symbolic acts in this art form, in my opinion. We work so hard in collaboration to create something that is exciting, musical, energetic, beautiful and alive. Then when the show is done and the audience has left, we take down what we have built to leave the space empty, bare and cavernous, as if the creation never existed. The only place it now exists is in the memories of those involved and those that witnessed it. And THAT, my friends is the bond that now ties us together. It is the sharing of the experience that is important, not the sets or the choreography or the vocal technique. The experience along with the people you share it with. It has proven true over and over again in my life. My steel trap of a mind forgets the lyrics and the steps and the blocking, but never the memories shared with the fellow collaborators. If that isn't magic, I don't know what is.
For some of the students in the show, it could very well be one of their last productions. They move on to other activities and life goes on. That is the way it works. High school kids are unbelievably busy. Soon they will be working on school projects, other shows, sports practices, choir and band rehearsals, etc....but the one thing that I hope sticks with them is that they can truly accomplish the extraordinary if they refuse to fade to beige. This is the truth that has been taught to me and this is what I plan to pass along.
After the strike, I went to see some pretty awesome peeps in the touring production of Spring Awakening, which was AWESOME, but before I left the school, one of the kids took my flipcam and went around to the cast and asked for any messages they had for me. The result was one of best gifts anyone has ever given me. The knowledge that I may have effected these kids' lives in a positive way is better than any paycheck. I now realize that THIS is why I do theater. THIS is why I committed myself to this project and will continue on to the next one with the same fire and passion. I am so confident in saying that the arts bring people together. They allow us to experience a oneness with everyone. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and faith, the arts prove: We are, all of us, the same.
With love and respect,
A
When I first started this project, I was hesitant at the very least. My first week, I was downright terrified. This was my first time working with high school students, and being only a few years older than them, it was a challenge for me. Right away, I could see that there was a huge amount of talent in the cast, and by the time the show went up for the first time about two and a half weeks ago, the entire company had come together to create a really spectacular, first rate production. Throughout my time with this school, I wore a variety of hats, but as my time came to a close, I came to the realization that no matter how well I taught them the music, something more had been gained from this experience.
Today, we closed the show and it was one of the most bitter-sweet moments in my recent memory. On one hand, I've never been more proud of a show in my life. I didn't feel like a music director watching his work unfold onstage, I felt like a big brother watching his siblings work as a team to build something very unique and very beautiful. On the other hand, tomorrow will be the start of the first week in four months that I won't get to work with these kids and to be completely honest, I'm a little devastated. While many of them have come to me with words of gratitude for what I have done for them, it is really I who should be grateful for their letting me into their lives with such compassion.
That is what is so fantastic about the theater. It is a place of inclusiveness. Everyone belongs, no matter what. The relationships that were built in the last four months are stronger and more real than most, and after the work and time that the cast has put into the show, the existence of these relationships is not unexpected.
After the show closed today, the cast worked to strike the set and clean the theater....which is one of the most symbolic acts in this art form, in my opinion. We work so hard in collaboration to create something that is exciting, musical, energetic, beautiful and alive. Then when the show is done and the audience has left, we take down what we have built to leave the space empty, bare and cavernous, as if the creation never existed. The only place it now exists is in the memories of those involved and those that witnessed it. And THAT, my friends is the bond that now ties us together. It is the sharing of the experience that is important, not the sets or the choreography or the vocal technique. The experience along with the people you share it with. It has proven true over and over again in my life. My steel trap of a mind forgets the lyrics and the steps and the blocking, but never the memories shared with the fellow collaborators. If that isn't magic, I don't know what is.
For some of the students in the show, it could very well be one of their last productions. They move on to other activities and life goes on. That is the way it works. High school kids are unbelievably busy. Soon they will be working on school projects, other shows, sports practices, choir and band rehearsals, etc....but the one thing that I hope sticks with them is that they can truly accomplish the extraordinary if they refuse to fade to beige. This is the truth that has been taught to me and this is what I plan to pass along.
After the strike, I went to see some pretty awesome peeps in the touring production of Spring Awakening, which was AWESOME, but before I left the school, one of the kids took my flipcam and went around to the cast and asked for any messages they had for me. The result was one of best gifts anyone has ever given me. The knowledge that I may have effected these kids' lives in a positive way is better than any paycheck. I now realize that THIS is why I do theater. THIS is why I committed myself to this project and will continue on to the next one with the same fire and passion. I am so confident in saying that the arts bring people together. They allow us to experience a oneness with everyone. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and faith, the arts prove: We are, all of us, the same.
With love and respect,
A
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Walking Dead and Kickin!
Hey peeps! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Its been a bit of a whirlwind the last few weeks. Here's an update: I am still (thankfully) working in the Twin Cities. No word on the tour gig, so I'm assuming they went with someone else....because the scheduled date to leave is tomorrow, and I am not about to jump on a plane with 12 hours notice. While this was an extremely attractive position for me, I fully realize that I am a baby music director at this point in my life, and joining a national tour would be a huge risk for the current cast/production AND the rest of my career. I mean, what if I couldn't hack it? How depressing would that be? Show up and realize halfway through the first show that I can't actually play the stride piano part in "Be Our Guest"...(which, in reality, I DON'T THINK I CAN ACTUALLY DO). Shambles, I tell you.
In other news. I did the reading of the musical "Deal Dammit" about two weeks ago and had an absolute blast! The rehearsals were held in a studio space downtown and then the reading itself was held in the "historic" Music Box Theater in Minneapolis, which I had never been to. When we got there, we did a quick (two hour) review of all the trouble spots in the score and went over the technical details for the reading. Then the producers bought us pizza (which, in case you didn't know, is my all-time favorite food. Yes, I am six years old and I'm okay with it). For the performance, they thought we would have between 50-60 people. The final count that I heard was about 160, so we were all very excited to have so many people come out to see our little project! The performance went really well and I am so grateful to have met all the people in the cast. The highlight of the experience was definitely working with the director, Lisa Weaver. This is because she was my prof for my Audition Techniques Lab in college. Lisa is truly a lovely human who is a blast and a half to work with, and I probably learned more from her about practical theater things than I did from any other person during my four years of study. Its people like her that make four hour rehearsals fun and quick! I certainly hope to work with her again in the future!
New show! I was just hired to music direct the Grinch musical for a company called Youth Theater Workshop. We did the casting last week and rehearsals start on Tuesday. I usually don't like doubling up on shows, but with the economy what it is, I don't think I will be in the position to turn down work anytime soon. Not to mention the fact that I am a typical guy and all the way suck at multi-tasking. The only two things that I can do at the same time are sing and play piano. And that is only useful in....well.....hardly ever. I'll try my best!
And now for the current goings-on: Zombie Prom.
I love this job so freaking much and I couldn't have asked for a better long-term project! I get along with almost everyone in the cast and I have actually gotten pretty close with a few of the students. They are all so talented and friendly and I am so glad that they welcomed me into their family with open arms. I have two weeks left with them and then its on to the next big thing, so I'm sure I'll be grateful for the Grinch when I am mourning the loss of my Roseville buddies. Anyway, we had our first audience for the show last night for an open rehearsal/preview, and as such things often happen, every technical element that could have gone wrong, did.
We have ten mic packs that had been working perfectly for the last week that suddenly couldn't find the frequency of the sound board. The keyboard that I play during the performances suddenly couldn't be wired into the house sound system. The light board cut out during the first company number. And yet, the cast did a valiant job of carrying on with the show and telling the story. Some true professionals in the making, if you ask me. I was beyond proud.
We now have one more week of rehearsals before opening night and we are in terrific shape as of right now. After some last minute vocal touch-ups, some dance review and some scene study, this will be a really stellar performance.
I also want to write about me recent trip back to Luther College and I am also doing a recording session with one of my favorite pianists this week, so be looking for another update soonish! Until then, smile! It makes life better - trust me!
A
In other news. I did the reading of the musical "Deal Dammit" about two weeks ago and had an absolute blast! The rehearsals were held in a studio space downtown and then the reading itself was held in the "historic" Music Box Theater in Minneapolis, which I had never been to. When we got there, we did a quick (two hour) review of all the trouble spots in the score and went over the technical details for the reading. Then the producers bought us pizza (which, in case you didn't know, is my all-time favorite food. Yes, I am six years old and I'm okay with it). For the performance, they thought we would have between 50-60 people. The final count that I heard was about 160, so we were all very excited to have so many people come out to see our little project! The performance went really well and I am so grateful to have met all the people in the cast. The highlight of the experience was definitely working with the director, Lisa Weaver. This is because she was my prof for my Audition Techniques Lab in college. Lisa is truly a lovely human who is a blast and a half to work with, and I probably learned more from her about practical theater things than I did from any other person during my four years of study. Its people like her that make four hour rehearsals fun and quick! I certainly hope to work with her again in the future!
New show! I was just hired to music direct the Grinch musical for a company called Youth Theater Workshop. We did the casting last week and rehearsals start on Tuesday. I usually don't like doubling up on shows, but with the economy what it is, I don't think I will be in the position to turn down work anytime soon. Not to mention the fact that I am a typical guy and all the way suck at multi-tasking. The only two things that I can do at the same time are sing and play piano. And that is only useful in....well.....hardly ever. I'll try my best!
And now for the current goings-on: Zombie Prom.
I love this job so freaking much and I couldn't have asked for a better long-term project! I get along with almost everyone in the cast and I have actually gotten pretty close with a few of the students. They are all so talented and friendly and I am so glad that they welcomed me into their family with open arms. I have two weeks left with them and then its on to the next big thing, so I'm sure I'll be grateful for the Grinch when I am mourning the loss of my Roseville buddies. Anyway, we had our first audience for the show last night for an open rehearsal/preview, and as such things often happen, every technical element that could have gone wrong, did.
We have ten mic packs that had been working perfectly for the last week that suddenly couldn't find the frequency of the sound board. The keyboard that I play during the performances suddenly couldn't be wired into the house sound system. The light board cut out during the first company number. And yet, the cast did a valiant job of carrying on with the show and telling the story. Some true professionals in the making, if you ask me. I was beyond proud.
We now have one more week of rehearsals before opening night and we are in terrific shape as of right now. After some last minute vocal touch-ups, some dance review and some scene study, this will be a really stellar performance.
I also want to write about me recent trip back to Luther College and I am also doing a recording session with one of my favorite pianists this week, so be looking for another update soonish! Until then, smile! It makes life better - trust me!
A
Friday, October 8, 2010
Blindsided, to say the least.
You know how people sometimes say "well, that came out of left field"? Well, this week didn't come out of left field. It came from about 1200 miles to the east. And I was not prepared. And it doesn't help that I have this lovely habit of worrying about things to the point that I give myself ulcers.
Lets back up. I'll give you an overview.
I teach voice lessons. I love this job. I used to think that I love performing more than anything in the world. Now teaching musical theater is giving the whole "smell of the greasepaint/roar of the crowd" fix a run for its money. I never thought that I would enjoy the education path, and while I don't think I would fare well in a traditional classroom setting, the one-on-one is loverly as is working in the context of rehearsals.
I am music directing Zombie Prom for a local high school. This was another job that I was wary about in the beginning but has slowly grown on me to the point that I care deeply about the kids in the show and I feel incredibly committed to them and their experience with me.
I am acting. This weekend, I perform in the first staged reading of a musical called "Deal Dammit" which is a really clever show about a group of people living in Minnesota in the mid 1900's. It has been a really fantastic opportunity for me to witness the creative process in action, not to mention that the other actors involved are not only incredible performers, but also are delightful to work with.
All in all, my life is pretty stable considering the state of disaster it could be in having just graduated from college. My future was solidifying as well. My grad school choices are narrowed down, I have been accepted into the programs. I was looking into finding apartments near the campuses. Everything was going so smoothly.....
AND THEN IT HAPPENED.
I came face to face with what normally would have been my dream. A national tour. An eight month contract for a national tour. And not an acting gig. A music directing gig. Too good to be true, right? I KNOW. But there it was, right in front of me. I can't really give any more specifics than that, because no decisions have been made and no one has been hired as of yet, but you'd think that I would at least have been happy to be presented with the opportunity.
WRONG.
Okay. I was speechless for about ten seconds. And then I was ecstatic for two seconds. And since then, I've spent the last forty eight hours feeling sick to my stomach. My life is planned. I am settled. I have jobs. Plural. I have commitments. I have people in my life that need me and I need them in return. How the hell am I supposed to pack up and leave everything virtually immediately? I am going to grad school for performance in less than a year. Performance. Not direction. How did my life take a turn in a direction without me even noticing? I hate this feeling. Because I know that if I get "lucky" and get the call, there is no way I can say no. And in taking this job, my career path will be, without a doubt, changed forever.
I have never felt such mixed feelings before this. I was borderline incapacitated through everything I did today. I had no appetite. I can't sleep. I can't even do something mindless like watch TV. I never thought I would react this way to the opportunity of a lifetime. Its so easy to say that if this type of job came along, I would have no problem dropping everything to take it. But now that I have to actually consider this, I am convinced it is not that easy. At this point, I have no idea what my future holds. And for now, I'll just have to deal.
Stay tuned.
A
Lets back up. I'll give you an overview.
I teach voice lessons. I love this job. I used to think that I love performing more than anything in the world. Now teaching musical theater is giving the whole "smell of the greasepaint/roar of the crowd" fix a run for its money. I never thought that I would enjoy the education path, and while I don't think I would fare well in a traditional classroom setting, the one-on-one is loverly as is working in the context of rehearsals.
I am music directing Zombie Prom for a local high school. This was another job that I was wary about in the beginning but has slowly grown on me to the point that I care deeply about the kids in the show and I feel incredibly committed to them and their experience with me.
I am acting. This weekend, I perform in the first staged reading of a musical called "Deal Dammit" which is a really clever show about a group of people living in Minnesota in the mid 1900's. It has been a really fantastic opportunity for me to witness the creative process in action, not to mention that the other actors involved are not only incredible performers, but also are delightful to work with.
All in all, my life is pretty stable considering the state of disaster it could be in having just graduated from college. My future was solidifying as well. My grad school choices are narrowed down, I have been accepted into the programs. I was looking into finding apartments near the campuses. Everything was going so smoothly.....
AND THEN IT HAPPENED.
I came face to face with what normally would have been my dream. A national tour. An eight month contract for a national tour. And not an acting gig. A music directing gig. Too good to be true, right? I KNOW. But there it was, right in front of me. I can't really give any more specifics than that, because no decisions have been made and no one has been hired as of yet, but you'd think that I would at least have been happy to be presented with the opportunity.
WRONG.
Okay. I was speechless for about ten seconds. And then I was ecstatic for two seconds. And since then, I've spent the last forty eight hours feeling sick to my stomach. My life is planned. I am settled. I have jobs. Plural. I have commitments. I have people in my life that need me and I need them in return. How the hell am I supposed to pack up and leave everything virtually immediately? I am going to grad school for performance in less than a year. Performance. Not direction. How did my life take a turn in a direction without me even noticing? I hate this feeling. Because I know that if I get "lucky" and get the call, there is no way I can say no. And in taking this job, my career path will be, without a doubt, changed forever.
I have never felt such mixed feelings before this. I was borderline incapacitated through everything I did today. I had no appetite. I can't sleep. I can't even do something mindless like watch TV. I never thought I would react this way to the opportunity of a lifetime. Its so easy to say that if this type of job came along, I would have no problem dropping everything to take it. But now that I have to actually consider this, I am convinced it is not that easy. At this point, I have no idea what my future holds. And for now, I'll just have to deal.
Stay tuned.
A
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Overworked, but loving every minute!
This will be short because it is currently 1:26 am and it has become increasingly clear to me that while I have no business being up and about anytime before the crack of 10am, it is apparently socially unacceptable for me to lay in bed until noon. Thoughts?
For a quick update: Zombie Prom is still going superbly. While we are not quite as far ahead of schedule as we were about two weeks ago, we still have about 4 weeks before the show goes up and it is in great shape. I just started rehearsing the pit last week and while it will take some work to get the transitions clean and consistent, the kids we have playing for the show are each really fantastic in their own way and I am really excited to work with them and get to know them like I have gotten to know the rest of the cast.
The most exciting piece of news that I have is that I just started rehearsing for my latest show, a musical called "Deal Dammit". It is a brand new piece that will culminate in a semi-staged reading in October. There was a reading of this show about 6 months ago and since then, the script and the score have been reworked and rewritten. The aspect that I find most fascinating about this process is the fact that I am able to witness the actual creation of art. The playwright and the composer will be working with the cast and the production team and tailoring the show as we go. So far, we have had about 8 hours of rehearsal and have gotten through the whole show once and worked out a few kinks in some of the larger ensemble numbers. The cast consists of about 10 local performers and while I haven't worked with any of them in the past, they all seem to be really talented performers and they have been great to work with so far! It is just another reminder of how thankful I am to be living in a city where the arts are so vibrant and present!
And once again, plans have been tinkered with for next fall. While the original plan (as of about 8 months ago) was to attend NYU for the MT program, I have recently been in conversation with Arizona State University. They have a fantastic program as well and who doesn't like the weather down there? In all seriousness, I am not 100% sure that I am ready to backtrack to New York. I am very aware of what they have to offer me (as well as what I have to offer them) and I am more than content to find work in smaller markets. For now. In reality, who knows? My friends know that I change my mind about every two weeks. You can set your watch by it, if you like.
Speaking of friends, I finally feel like I have balanced my social life with....well, everything else. It has been a difficult task since college to find time to get work stuff done and to keep in touch with everyone. Fortunately, I have Facebook. And blogging. And Skype. And Twitter. And email. And texting. And calling. And smoke signals. For all intensive purposes, I am a technology/communication whore. And I am fine with that. I guess you do what you have to do in order to make your life fit the priorities that you have. After a few really insightful conversations, I have reconciled the fact that it is okay to have goals for personal success. And it is also completely acceptable to pursue those goals whole-heartedly. This is what I plan on doing in addition to staying grounded with the help of the people that have been there for me from the beginning. This is what keeps me sane. This is what keeps me whole.
Yours,
Andrew
For a quick update: Zombie Prom is still going superbly. While we are not quite as far ahead of schedule as we were about two weeks ago, we still have about 4 weeks before the show goes up and it is in great shape. I just started rehearsing the pit last week and while it will take some work to get the transitions clean and consistent, the kids we have playing for the show are each really fantastic in their own way and I am really excited to work with them and get to know them like I have gotten to know the rest of the cast.
The most exciting piece of news that I have is that I just started rehearsing for my latest show, a musical called "Deal Dammit". It is a brand new piece that will culminate in a semi-staged reading in October. There was a reading of this show about 6 months ago and since then, the script and the score have been reworked and rewritten. The aspect that I find most fascinating about this process is the fact that I am able to witness the actual creation of art. The playwright and the composer will be working with the cast and the production team and tailoring the show as we go. So far, we have had about 8 hours of rehearsal and have gotten through the whole show once and worked out a few kinks in some of the larger ensemble numbers. The cast consists of about 10 local performers and while I haven't worked with any of them in the past, they all seem to be really talented performers and they have been great to work with so far! It is just another reminder of how thankful I am to be living in a city where the arts are so vibrant and present!
And once again, plans have been tinkered with for next fall. While the original plan (as of about 8 months ago) was to attend NYU for the MT program, I have recently been in conversation with Arizona State University. They have a fantastic program as well and who doesn't like the weather down there? In all seriousness, I am not 100% sure that I am ready to backtrack to New York. I am very aware of what they have to offer me (as well as what I have to offer them) and I am more than content to find work in smaller markets. For now. In reality, who knows? My friends know that I change my mind about every two weeks. You can set your watch by it, if you like.
Speaking of friends, I finally feel like I have balanced my social life with....well, everything else. It has been a difficult task since college to find time to get work stuff done and to keep in touch with everyone. Fortunately, I have Facebook. And blogging. And Skype. And Twitter. And email. And texting. And calling. And smoke signals. For all intensive purposes, I am a technology/communication whore. And I am fine with that. I guess you do what you have to do in order to make your life fit the priorities that you have. After a few really insightful conversations, I have reconciled the fact that it is okay to have goals for personal success. And it is also completely acceptable to pursue those goals whole-heartedly. This is what I plan on doing in addition to staying grounded with the help of the people that have been there for me from the beginning. This is what keeps me sane. This is what keeps me whole.
Yours,
Andrew
Monday, September 20, 2010
AUDITIONS ARE DUMB.
I hate auditioning. I could legitimately end this post right now and you would have a pretty clear idea of what I am about to expound upon.
I have heard all of the arguments about this. The fact that there is not currently a more effective way for casting directors to see and evaluate talent. The concept that an audition is a performance and that is how the actor should approach it, thus removing the extraneous nerves that come with it. The fact that there will always be more auditions. The idea that the auditors are not looking for the person with the most talent, they are looking for who is "right". I could go on and on.
The worst part is that I am 100% guilty of spewing these vicious lies to my students. I coach dozens of singers every month for auditions, performances, juries, etc, and yet I still cannot get past the reality that, when you submit yourself to an audition, you are ultimately going there to be judged on your worth. Its the equivalent of going on a date and having the date give you the once over before telling you to that you can go and "dont call me, I will call you." WHY DO I DO THIS?
You might ask yourself why this sudden animosity towards the hiring process. I had two auditions today. One was on Skype and it was one of the most degrading experiences of my life. I sang my first song, and then they asked for another. Both went fine. Then the people on the audition panel proceeded to move off camera to discuss what they had just heard. Now I am not sure if this was their first time using Skype as a medium for auditions, but just because I cannot see you does not mean that I cannot HEAR you. Yes, that is right. I could hear every single word that was spoken. While most of the commentary was refreshingly positive, the fact that I was being discussed like a piece of meat was one of the most horrifying realizations of my short (and getting shorter by the minute) career. I am the product. Me. I think I took this especially hard because I am a singer. Its not like a trumpet player or pianist in that you can put your instrument down and walk away from it. My voice is an integral part of who I am and training it is an immensely personal journey that can be both joyous and traumatizing.
I was pampered in school in the fact that every audition I did was for people that had known me for months if not years. They knew my passion. They knew my work ethic. They knew my product. At school, there was a hierarchy and a check and balance system. People who did not get certain roles could usually expect to get some other form of compensation later on. In the post-school world, there is no balance. If you are the best, you get the gig. At the second audition, I knew almost everyone there. All of them are top notch performers and can be seen on regional stages regularly. While I am honored and humbled to audition alongside these individuals, it is also a daunting task to walk into the room and sing after someone who you basically idolize has just walked out.
A singing actor hones his craft by studying privately, by taking classes, by watching others, through trust, through honesty, with determination and with humility. I would venture to say that I love what I do. Some days (like today) I question that. Today, I asked myself time and time again whether musical theater was something that I truly loved or if it is just something that I am good at. Or maybe it is both. I pour everything I have into my work. I come home exhausted every day from rehearsal because I left my heart and soul on the stage and in the rehearsal studio. And when I go to auditions, I leave it all out there. And the very concept that someone can look at you and deny you the opportunity to do what you love is, to me, heartbreaking.
It sounds very cliche, but to me, this form of expression is like breathing. It is not a coincidence that the word inspiration has two different but very connected definitions. In anatomical terms, inspiration is the taking in of air into the lungs. A process that needs to occur to keep the body alive. The other is the arousal of the mind to creativity. It is the combination of these two concepts that define how I work. They are two different things and yet one and the same. When I sing, I am alive. That is the only way I know how to explain it. When I help others find this quality in their own lives, it is the most rewarding experience I have had the privilege of knowing. I have seen singing bring unity, peace, comfort, and understanding. Why would I ever want to stop doing that?
Throughout the course of writing this entry, I have had an epiphany of sorts. I need to keep the bigger picture in mind. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who not only understand my unquenchable passion for expression, but share it as well. They graciously remind me that it is not what I do that counts, but who I am. It is so easy to get these two things blurry and blended, and all too often we find ourselves defined by what we do. Yes, I sing. But there is so much more to me than that.
Thus, the sun will come out tomorrow.
I cannot believe I just quoted that show.
Until next time.
Tenderly,
A
I have heard all of the arguments about this. The fact that there is not currently a more effective way for casting directors to see and evaluate talent. The concept that an audition is a performance and that is how the actor should approach it, thus removing the extraneous nerves that come with it. The fact that there will always be more auditions. The idea that the auditors are not looking for the person with the most talent, they are looking for who is "right". I could go on and on.
The worst part is that I am 100% guilty of spewing these vicious lies to my students. I coach dozens of singers every month for auditions, performances, juries, etc, and yet I still cannot get past the reality that, when you submit yourself to an audition, you are ultimately going there to be judged on your worth. Its the equivalent of going on a date and having the date give you the once over before telling you to that you can go and "dont call me, I will call you." WHY DO I DO THIS?
You might ask yourself why this sudden animosity towards the hiring process. I had two auditions today. One was on Skype and it was one of the most degrading experiences of my life. I sang my first song, and then they asked for another. Both went fine. Then the people on the audition panel proceeded to move off camera to discuss what they had just heard. Now I am not sure if this was their first time using Skype as a medium for auditions, but just because I cannot see you does not mean that I cannot HEAR you. Yes, that is right. I could hear every single word that was spoken. While most of the commentary was refreshingly positive, the fact that I was being discussed like a piece of meat was one of the most horrifying realizations of my short (and getting shorter by the minute) career. I am the product. Me. I think I took this especially hard because I am a singer. Its not like a trumpet player or pianist in that you can put your instrument down and walk away from it. My voice is an integral part of who I am and training it is an immensely personal journey that can be both joyous and traumatizing.
I was pampered in school in the fact that every audition I did was for people that had known me for months if not years. They knew my passion. They knew my work ethic. They knew my product. At school, there was a hierarchy and a check and balance system. People who did not get certain roles could usually expect to get some other form of compensation later on. In the post-school world, there is no balance. If you are the best, you get the gig. At the second audition, I knew almost everyone there. All of them are top notch performers and can be seen on regional stages regularly. While I am honored and humbled to audition alongside these individuals, it is also a daunting task to walk into the room and sing after someone who you basically idolize has just walked out.
A singing actor hones his craft by studying privately, by taking classes, by watching others, through trust, through honesty, with determination and with humility. I would venture to say that I love what I do. Some days (like today) I question that. Today, I asked myself time and time again whether musical theater was something that I truly loved or if it is just something that I am good at. Or maybe it is both. I pour everything I have into my work. I come home exhausted every day from rehearsal because I left my heart and soul on the stage and in the rehearsal studio. And when I go to auditions, I leave it all out there. And the very concept that someone can look at you and deny you the opportunity to do what you love is, to me, heartbreaking.
It sounds very cliche, but to me, this form of expression is like breathing. It is not a coincidence that the word inspiration has two different but very connected definitions. In anatomical terms, inspiration is the taking in of air into the lungs. A process that needs to occur to keep the body alive. The other is the arousal of the mind to creativity. It is the combination of these two concepts that define how I work. They are two different things and yet one and the same. When I sing, I am alive. That is the only way I know how to explain it. When I help others find this quality in their own lives, it is the most rewarding experience I have had the privilege of knowing. I have seen singing bring unity, peace, comfort, and understanding. Why would I ever want to stop doing that?
Throughout the course of writing this entry, I have had an epiphany of sorts. I need to keep the bigger picture in mind. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who not only understand my unquenchable passion for expression, but share it as well. They graciously remind me that it is not what I do that counts, but who I am. It is so easy to get these two things blurry and blended, and all too often we find ourselves defined by what we do. Yes, I sing. But there is so much more to me than that.
Thus, the sun will come out tomorrow.
I cannot believe I just quoted that show.
Until next time.
Tenderly,
A
Friday, September 17, 2010
Split Personalities....to true? Don't respond. That's rhetorical.
Well, last week I figured out that I'm old. This week I realized that I am super cool. Like ridiculously cool. Unbelievably, unequivocally cool. So cool, in fact, that I am sitting by myself on a Friday night doing character research for my next two shows. I'm sitting here wearing my favorite yellow shorts and my inherited Iowa State tshirt, on my too-big-for-my-room, overstuffed gray futon, with my laptop, dozens of acting books and journals, a couple scripts and a giant pitcher of iced tea. I told you I was cool.
I've been trying to take this whole acting thing seriously, or as seriously as I can, because after all it is, umm....well, my job. Hell has frozen over. There were many, MANY roles in the past that I treated as vehicles for people to hear me sing. Tacky, I know. That, paired with the fact that most of my roles as of yet have been fairly iconic, well known characterizations that don't need a whole lot of shaping from the actor beyond what is in the score and the script. For example, in Joseph, I was pretty much just along for the ride and only had a few moments when I had to make a strong choice of my own. Along the same vein, Link Larkin is not the most active character ever written in the modern MT repertoire. He is fairly (and purposefully) two-dimensional and vapid for most of the show, and even in the end, isn't really as dreamy as everyone thinks he is. And yet another was Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. This was one of my dream roles, not because I really could relate to his life or his ideals, but because I wanted to sing the crap out of his big number in the first act. Tasteful, I know.
Luckily for me, the future of my career, and those kind enough to come see me in shows, I have begun to actually think about the guts of these people whose skin I'm borrowing for the evening. Along with having a more balanced taste for shows, I have also been given the opportunity to play some deeper, more realistic characters as of late. The one I'm hitting hard tonight is Lucas from Bare. The wonderful (and frustrating) part of this guy is that the script is very open ended concerning him. Essentially what I'm given is that he is the Catholic boarding school's fun loving party boy and is also the purveyor of altered reality (drug dealer). I don't think I've ever given more thought to a fictional person in my life....except when I was little.....I had an imaginary friend named Bobby, and he dominated my time. The process of creating Lucas has been totally fascinating so far. I am doing a ton of research on the drugs that he deals, the goings-on of Catholic boarding schools, teen psychology and I've also been doing a ton of people watching. All of this research (in theory) will help me make honest choices when I forget all of it on stage. That's the frustrating thing. All of this is only the groundwork. The real deal happens on the boards with the other players. Their choices shape mine and vice versa.
My other musical that goes up in THREE WEEKS is a little more ambiguous. My character's name is Johnny and beyond that, I know little. I've read through the script about 4 times and still can't get all the action to work in a way that makes sense in my head. We have a table read soon and hopefully that will shed some sort of light on this whole thing. Fingers are crossed. I have an audition in three days with a company that I've wanted to sing with for a very long time and they're doing a show that fits my type PERFECTLY. I'm trying to not getting my hopes up, but I'm not doing a very good job.
Zombie Prom is going super well, but I kinda don't know what to do with myself with how long the rehearsal period is. As far as I know, most high schools put up a musical in 5-8 weeks. We have FOURTEEN. Right now, we are still about 5 weeks out, but all the music is memorized and sounding fantastic. If I have any say in this, ZP is gonna be one of the best high school musicals in the Twin Cities this fall. The cast has been fantastic to work with. They are super willing to try anything I throw at them and they are like sponges when it comes to learning about theater and singing. The rest of the production team is fantastic as well. The choreographer is a dance major at the U of M and he has managed to find the perfect style for the show - campy, energetic it actually follows the storyline. Other choreographers - take notes. The director and tech director are both faculty at the school and they have been super supportive and just let me do my thing, which has been awesome. I start rehearsals with the pit orchestra tomorrow morning, so I should probably hit the sack, but I am bringing the instrumentalists doughnuts and juice, so hopefully they don't kill me for the early call time. They should know, however that if I had my way, I would be getting up at the crack of .....well,.....about 10:30. Oh well.
One last thing. I have had a surprising amount of people approach me and tell me that they have read my blog, and then give me a look like I might bite their head off. I just want you all to know that this is not some secret diary that you found under my bed and are reading under the covers by flashlight. I put this up because its a fun way to put my thoughts on paper...er screen and its an easy way for friends in other vicinities to keep up with what I'm doing/thinking/experiencing in life. So read freely! Meanwhile, I have to be out the door in about 7 hours, so I need to be asleep in T-15 minutes if I plan on being a friendly person tomorrow.
No beige!
A
I've been trying to take this whole acting thing seriously, or as seriously as I can, because after all it is, umm....well, my job. Hell has frozen over. There were many, MANY roles in the past that I treated as vehicles for people to hear me sing. Tacky, I know. That, paired with the fact that most of my roles as of yet have been fairly iconic, well known characterizations that don't need a whole lot of shaping from the actor beyond what is in the score and the script. For example, in Joseph, I was pretty much just along for the ride and only had a few moments when I had to make a strong choice of my own. Along the same vein, Link Larkin is not the most active character ever written in the modern MT repertoire. He is fairly (and purposefully) two-dimensional and vapid for most of the show, and even in the end, isn't really as dreamy as everyone thinks he is. And yet another was Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. This was one of my dream roles, not because I really could relate to his life or his ideals, but because I wanted to sing the crap out of his big number in the first act. Tasteful, I know.
Luckily for me, the future of my career, and those kind enough to come see me in shows, I have begun to actually think about the guts of these people whose skin I'm borrowing for the evening. Along with having a more balanced taste for shows, I have also been given the opportunity to play some deeper, more realistic characters as of late. The one I'm hitting hard tonight is Lucas from Bare. The wonderful (and frustrating) part of this guy is that the script is very open ended concerning him. Essentially what I'm given is that he is the Catholic boarding school's fun loving party boy and is also the purveyor of altered reality (drug dealer). I don't think I've ever given more thought to a fictional person in my life....except when I was little.....I had an imaginary friend named Bobby, and he dominated my time. The process of creating Lucas has been totally fascinating so far. I am doing a ton of research on the drugs that he deals, the goings-on of Catholic boarding schools, teen psychology and I've also been doing a ton of people watching. All of this research (in theory) will help me make honest choices when I forget all of it on stage. That's the frustrating thing. All of this is only the groundwork. The real deal happens on the boards with the other players. Their choices shape mine and vice versa.
My other musical that goes up in THREE WEEKS is a little more ambiguous. My character's name is Johnny and beyond that, I know little. I've read through the script about 4 times and still can't get all the action to work in a way that makes sense in my head. We have a table read soon and hopefully that will shed some sort of light on this whole thing. Fingers are crossed. I have an audition in three days with a company that I've wanted to sing with for a very long time and they're doing a show that fits my type PERFECTLY. I'm trying to not getting my hopes up, but I'm not doing a very good job.
Zombie Prom is going super well, but I kinda don't know what to do with myself with how long the rehearsal period is. As far as I know, most high schools put up a musical in 5-8 weeks. We have FOURTEEN. Right now, we are still about 5 weeks out, but all the music is memorized and sounding fantastic. If I have any say in this, ZP is gonna be one of the best high school musicals in the Twin Cities this fall. The cast has been fantastic to work with. They are super willing to try anything I throw at them and they are like sponges when it comes to learning about theater and singing. The rest of the production team is fantastic as well. The choreographer is a dance major at the U of M and he has managed to find the perfect style for the show - campy, energetic it actually follows the storyline. Other choreographers - take notes. The director and tech director are both faculty at the school and they have been super supportive and just let me do my thing, which has been awesome. I start rehearsals with the pit orchestra tomorrow morning, so I should probably hit the sack, but I am bringing the instrumentalists doughnuts and juice, so hopefully they don't kill me for the early call time. They should know, however that if I had my way, I would be getting up at the crack of .....well,.....about 10:30. Oh well.
One last thing. I have had a surprising amount of people approach me and tell me that they have read my blog, and then give me a look like I might bite their head off. I just want you all to know that this is not some secret diary that you found under my bed and are reading under the covers by flashlight. I put this up because its a fun way to put my thoughts on paper...er screen and its an easy way for friends in other vicinities to keep up with what I'm doing/thinking/experiencing in life. So read freely! Meanwhile, I have to be out the door in about 7 hours, so I need to be asleep in T-15 minutes if I plan on being a friendly person tomorrow.
No beige!
A
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
All Grown Up. Ha. That's laughable.
Today, I discovered that I am an adult.
Absolutely devastating, right? I KNOW!!!!
I've been noticing clues popping up all over the place as of late. There's the obvious ones, like being completely OCD about working and the compensation that is included with such activities. I have been auditioning like a madman and doing SO much preparation for each one because a year ago, my auditions were a HOT MESS and I just relied on getting gigs through my networking skills. Also laughable, right?
Another clue is that I am scheduling things more than a few hours in advance. Back in college, when I directed Edges, my cast was about ready to kill me at times with my rehearsal schedule.....or lack thereof....The upside of this new obsession is that I am officially booked through the END OF THE YEAR! STABILITY! YESSSS! Another example is that I made (and carried out) a six week rehearsal plan for Zombie Prom. I know that pales in comparison to my friends who are music ed people, but for me, that is more or less unheard of. I usually make tons of tentative plans for things and then I lose interest (because I have the attention span of a goldfish) or I lose the plans themselves. Real professional, right?
The final straw was that tonight, after a rousing game of kickball with some friends, we went out to a bar near the University of Minnesota and I ordered a beer. AND I LIKED IT.
(gasps)
I always absolutely hated the taste of beer. Any beer. It didn't matter what kind or how "hoppy" it was. Whatever that means. The only beer I really liked EVER was a beer that my friend Joel gave to me when we were on a tour stop in Texas. And only after did I find out that it was actually half cider. So there's that.
Everyone always told me that my tastes would mature and I would develop an appreciation for beer and other "adult things" and apparently, today is that day. Horrifying. Soon I'll be getting dentures and a hip replacement and I'll be writing these entries from my favorite overstuffed rocking chair in the nursing home right off of Plymouth Boulevard. Can't wait.
As jarring as this realization was, I have taken this week off (yes, I have a week off! =] ) to review my life as it currently stands. And it actually looks okay. I just booked a reading of a new musical that will be going up the first week of October. I'm not sure if it is staged or semi-staged or a table-read or what. Now that I think of it, I don't even know the plot of the show. I should really be more attentive when reading audition notices....but anyway, I am really excited about this because its not often that an actor gets to work directly with the playwright and composer of a piece. Super pumped. I am also sending in my materials for final rounds for a replacement in a national tour. I can't say much on that yet though, because nothing is set in stone.
I have also had the recent pleasure of catching up with a lot of friends who I haven't seen since either graduation or since I last worked with them, which in some cases, has been years! I am so proud of each of them. Its so easy to become very self-involved in life. The type of work that I do is very centered on, well....me. Between acting workshops, voice coaching, dance classes and the type of critical feedback I receive, it is increasingly easy for everything else to fade away. I think this is why I find it so invigorating to hear about what other people are working on, whether its arts related or not. I am so enthralled by the daily goings-on in the lives of my friends! And I am so proud of the things that they are doing in their lives. Many of my friends are just getting their first taste of classroom shenanigans during their student teaching, which includes the obligatory hilarity that ensues when shaping young minds. Hahaha! One highlight is that I recently had the immense privilege of seeing two friends and former colleagues perform in the Nat'l tour of Wicked and one cool cat just got back to this side of the pond after finishing Hair in London. Crazy, right?!?! Everyone is growing up so fast. Myself included.....which is scary but also really exciting. That is the interesting thing about the future. The unknown is one of the most scary things to me, but if I keep all my ducks in a row and continue to surround myself with the passionate, caring people that frequent my life, things should turn out okay, right?!
Theme of the month: Don't fade to beige.
This has been one of the most influential ideas over the past few years, and after seeing it play a huge role in my life and the lives of those around me, I think its probably a keeper.
Be well.
Andy
Absolutely devastating, right? I KNOW!!!!
I've been noticing clues popping up all over the place as of late. There's the obvious ones, like being completely OCD about working and the compensation that is included with such activities. I have been auditioning like a madman and doing SO much preparation for each one because a year ago, my auditions were a HOT MESS and I just relied on getting gigs through my networking skills. Also laughable, right?
Another clue is that I am scheduling things more than a few hours in advance. Back in college, when I directed Edges, my cast was about ready to kill me at times with my rehearsal schedule.....or lack thereof....The upside of this new obsession is that I am officially booked through the END OF THE YEAR! STABILITY! YESSSS! Another example is that I made (and carried out) a six week rehearsal plan for Zombie Prom. I know that pales in comparison to my friends who are music ed people, but for me, that is more or less unheard of. I usually make tons of tentative plans for things and then I lose interest (because I have the attention span of a goldfish) or I lose the plans themselves. Real professional, right?
The final straw was that tonight, after a rousing game of kickball with some friends, we went out to a bar near the University of Minnesota and I ordered a beer. AND I LIKED IT.
(gasps)
I always absolutely hated the taste of beer. Any beer. It didn't matter what kind or how "hoppy" it was. Whatever that means. The only beer I really liked EVER was a beer that my friend Joel gave to me when we were on a tour stop in Texas. And only after did I find out that it was actually half cider. So there's that.
Everyone always told me that my tastes would mature and I would develop an appreciation for beer and other "adult things" and apparently, today is that day. Horrifying. Soon I'll be getting dentures and a hip replacement and I'll be writing these entries from my favorite overstuffed rocking chair in the nursing home right off of Plymouth Boulevard. Can't wait.
As jarring as this realization was, I have taken this week off (yes, I have a week off! =] ) to review my life as it currently stands. And it actually looks okay. I just booked a reading of a new musical that will be going up the first week of October. I'm not sure if it is staged or semi-staged or a table-read or what. Now that I think of it, I don't even know the plot of the show. I should really be more attentive when reading audition notices....but anyway, I am really excited about this because its not often that an actor gets to work directly with the playwright and composer of a piece. Super pumped. I am also sending in my materials for final rounds for a replacement in a national tour. I can't say much on that yet though, because nothing is set in stone.
I have also had the recent pleasure of catching up with a lot of friends who I haven't seen since either graduation or since I last worked with them, which in some cases, has been years! I am so proud of each of them. Its so easy to become very self-involved in life. The type of work that I do is very centered on, well....me. Between acting workshops, voice coaching, dance classes and the type of critical feedback I receive, it is increasingly easy for everything else to fade away. I think this is why I find it so invigorating to hear about what other people are working on, whether its arts related or not. I am so enthralled by the daily goings-on in the lives of my friends! And I am so proud of the things that they are doing in their lives. Many of my friends are just getting their first taste of classroom shenanigans during their student teaching, which includes the obligatory hilarity that ensues when shaping young minds. Hahaha! One highlight is that I recently had the immense privilege of seeing two friends and former colleagues perform in the Nat'l tour of Wicked and one cool cat just got back to this side of the pond after finishing Hair in London. Crazy, right?!?! Everyone is growing up so fast. Myself included.....which is scary but also really exciting. That is the interesting thing about the future. The unknown is one of the most scary things to me, but if I keep all my ducks in a row and continue to surround myself with the passionate, caring people that frequent my life, things should turn out okay, right?!
Theme of the month: Don't fade to beige.
This has been one of the most influential ideas over the past few years, and after seeing it play a huge role in my life and the lives of those around me, I think its probably a keeper.
Be well.
Andy
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Me gusta cantar!
Once again, I am an only child. Well, not really. I have a younger sister who just graduated from high school this past spring. She is five years younger than me, but we get along pretty well. This morning, she left on a plane and will be back sometime in December. Unlike the typical high school graduate, she is not traveling to some college campus to start her freshman year. She opted to be a part of a gap year program, where she will spend fall semester in the Dominican Republic and then spring semester in Spain. Two days before I was informed of this decision, I was told that she was deciding between two schools: Luther College and then University of Denver. Both were fine with me. Fast forward two days and my parents tell me that they are sending her on what most would consider a year-long VACATION. NOT FAIR.
After I got all the details, it was more clear that her time would be spent immersing herself in the culture, doing volunteer work and living a localized life with her host family. To me, this experience sounds absolutely horrific and by the end of the first week, I would most certainly be a hot mess in the line at Sun Country Airlines, buying the first ticket back to the states. My sister, on the other hand, lives for adventure and was totally pumped for her adventure to start. I think I may have just gotten an ulcer just thinking about all the things she will experience in the next few months. Its not that I am a homebody who only travels far enough to get home before dark - I have traveled all over the country with shows and with college groups and things....but I have discovered that the only place that I really care to travel to is New York. Call me narrow-minded, but that is how I feel.
Anyway, she is gone and I am taking her room. Just kidding. She would shoot me. But it will be a totally different dynamic here at home. She is like my built-in playmate and sometimes we stay up until the middle of the night just talking about nothing. I am really excited to hear about all the things she did when she gets back, but I will miss her until then. Boo hoo.
This next week is sizing up to be a tiring one. My fall term of voice lessons starts on Sunday and I have a bunch of new students that are going to rely on me to actually know what I am talking about. Good grief. So I spent the last four years getting a degree in opera performance, only to find out that I actually hate opera. Sure, I had to follow the requirements set forth by the vocal department, but I rebelled as much as I was able to, without getting kicked out. I was never quite sure why I was so turned off by opera. Perhaps it was the preconceived notion of vocal beauty and that it was not only required, but was not up for interpretation of any kind. Sure, opera folks will say that there is plenty of leeway in the art form, but I never found it. I only felt restricted and suffocated by what was supposed to be a beautiful form of expression.
This is why I turned to musical theater. I am so enamored with the concept that anything that is said or sung onstage is governed by dramatic elements. That gives the storyteller so much freedom to make choices that are based on clarity as opposed to right and wrong. So because of this relationship that I have with opera, right after graduation, I went buck wild and swore off classical singing altogether.....until tonight. Because my teaching philosophy is based on classical principles, I figured I needed to make sure I could actually still sing the stuff. And I was SHOCKED because it actually sounded better than it ever did during school! I have no idea how that happened, but I actually enjoyed going through my German pieces and my Faure and Bizet sets and then finally, my arias. I have always had a bit of a need to push my limits a bit, and that has DEFINITELY applied to my aria choices as well. The last one I sang tonight was Si puo, which is the prologue from the opera Pagliacci. If any of my voice teachers are reading this, they are probably going to load their shotguns. Dont worry. I AGREE. This piece is too big for me and I will probably never sing it outside of my house or a barricaded practice room. I vividly remember singing this aria at school really late one night, and after nailing, NAILING the last few pages, glancing out of the window of my practice room and seeing one of the faculty members giving me a look that made me feel like my eyelashes were going to be singed off. Welcome to my life. That was nothing compared to when they heard me belting. Oh well. In the end, if I can sing opera and also sing musical theater, that only makes me versatile, and that seems like more of an advantage than something that needs to be snuffed out. Just saying.
Maybe I wont wait another three months before I sing this stuff again. Eh. On second thought....ha!
Ciao!
After I got all the details, it was more clear that her time would be spent immersing herself in the culture, doing volunteer work and living a localized life with her host family. To me, this experience sounds absolutely horrific and by the end of the first week, I would most certainly be a hot mess in the line at Sun Country Airlines, buying the first ticket back to the states. My sister, on the other hand, lives for adventure and was totally pumped for her adventure to start. I think I may have just gotten an ulcer just thinking about all the things she will experience in the next few months. Its not that I am a homebody who only travels far enough to get home before dark - I have traveled all over the country with shows and with college groups and things....but I have discovered that the only place that I really care to travel to is New York. Call me narrow-minded, but that is how I feel.
Anyway, she is gone and I am taking her room. Just kidding. She would shoot me. But it will be a totally different dynamic here at home. She is like my built-in playmate and sometimes we stay up until the middle of the night just talking about nothing. I am really excited to hear about all the things she did when she gets back, but I will miss her until then. Boo hoo.
This next week is sizing up to be a tiring one. My fall term of voice lessons starts on Sunday and I have a bunch of new students that are going to rely on me to actually know what I am talking about. Good grief. So I spent the last four years getting a degree in opera performance, only to find out that I actually hate opera. Sure, I had to follow the requirements set forth by the vocal department, but I rebelled as much as I was able to, without getting kicked out. I was never quite sure why I was so turned off by opera. Perhaps it was the preconceived notion of vocal beauty and that it was not only required, but was not up for interpretation of any kind. Sure, opera folks will say that there is plenty of leeway in the art form, but I never found it. I only felt restricted and suffocated by what was supposed to be a beautiful form of expression.
This is why I turned to musical theater. I am so enamored with the concept that anything that is said or sung onstage is governed by dramatic elements. That gives the storyteller so much freedom to make choices that are based on clarity as opposed to right and wrong. So because of this relationship that I have with opera, right after graduation, I went buck wild and swore off classical singing altogether.....until tonight. Because my teaching philosophy is based on classical principles, I figured I needed to make sure I could actually still sing the stuff. And I was SHOCKED because it actually sounded better than it ever did during school! I have no idea how that happened, but I actually enjoyed going through my German pieces and my Faure and Bizet sets and then finally, my arias. I have always had a bit of a need to push my limits a bit, and that has DEFINITELY applied to my aria choices as well. The last one I sang tonight was Si puo, which is the prologue from the opera Pagliacci. If any of my voice teachers are reading this, they are probably going to load their shotguns. Dont worry. I AGREE. This piece is too big for me and I will probably never sing it outside of my house or a barricaded practice room. I vividly remember singing this aria at school really late one night, and after nailing, NAILING the last few pages, glancing out of the window of my practice room and seeing one of the faculty members giving me a look that made me feel like my eyelashes were going to be singed off. Welcome to my life. That was nothing compared to when they heard me belting. Oh well. In the end, if I can sing opera and also sing musical theater, that only makes me versatile, and that seems like more of an advantage than something that needs to be snuffed out. Just saying.
Maybe I wont wait another three months before I sing this stuff again. Eh. On second thought....ha!
Ciao!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Leaving on a jet plane......well not me. Yet.
Quick update. I booked a staged reading of a new musical at the Music Box Theater that will go up at the beginning of October, which is PERFECT because it will be just before things get crazy with Zombie Prom. Super pumped about that! That has definitely been the biggest challenge for me thus far. Scheduling. I am not exactly the....ummm....most organized person in the world, but between rehearsals, shows, auditions, classes and teaching, I am in desperate need of an assistant that tells me where I need to be and to hold my hand along the way.
Its weird because I flip-flop so often between functioning as an adult and just wanting to be a little kid again. Its especially weird because taking the hiatus from all this for school has really made my priorities change and I am not yet back to the hardcore competitor that I was before college. Oh well. At some point, I will have to just deal with it and get my act together if I want to be taken seriously in the long run. We shall see!
Recently I have had a revelation. When I was younger...like five or six years ago, I watched and really admired about half a dozen actors that worked here in the TC. Fast forward to well, now, and all but one of them have made the jump to either Chicago or New York. Luckily, before they left, I had the chance to get to know and learn from each of them, which I now realize was invaluable to the way I work now. While I am so excited for them and their new endeavors, I am also a little shell shocked by their absence. They were such fixtures in this market for me and I learned so much from just watching them and talking with them.
Someone throw some cold water on my face. I am getting all emotionally involved in what are purely business decisions. This brings me to my next revelation. The market has changed a ton since I last worked here. The youngins (myself included) are now being given the chances to prove themselves on the bigger stages here in the cities and the new faces are just as fierce and committed as the previous group. This is both exciting and well, exciting.
In the past couple months, I have done about twenty auditions and have met a ton of new people at each one. These are my new colleagues. My teammates. My professional family. And my competition. Such a mixed bag of classifications. I already miss the old crowd though. It really needs to happen though. As an actor, if you really want to make enough to live off of, and you have the itch, New York is the place to go. I have been reminded time and again that my piano and teaching skills are marketable in the cities and I have really used these to supplement the acting gigs. Hopefully I will be able to choose either one or the other sometime soon, but for now, I am completely content living in both worlds.
A
Its weird because I flip-flop so often between functioning as an adult and just wanting to be a little kid again. Its especially weird because taking the hiatus from all this for school has really made my priorities change and I am not yet back to the hardcore competitor that I was before college. Oh well. At some point, I will have to just deal with it and get my act together if I want to be taken seriously in the long run. We shall see!
Recently I have had a revelation. When I was younger...like five or six years ago, I watched and really admired about half a dozen actors that worked here in the TC. Fast forward to well, now, and all but one of them have made the jump to either Chicago or New York. Luckily, before they left, I had the chance to get to know and learn from each of them, which I now realize was invaluable to the way I work now. While I am so excited for them and their new endeavors, I am also a little shell shocked by their absence. They were such fixtures in this market for me and I learned so much from just watching them and talking with them.
Someone throw some cold water on my face. I am getting all emotionally involved in what are purely business decisions. This brings me to my next revelation. The market has changed a ton since I last worked here. The youngins (myself included) are now being given the chances to prove themselves on the bigger stages here in the cities and the new faces are just as fierce and committed as the previous group. This is both exciting and well, exciting.
In the past couple months, I have done about twenty auditions and have met a ton of new people at each one. These are my new colleagues. My teammates. My professional family. And my competition. Such a mixed bag of classifications. I already miss the old crowd though. It really needs to happen though. As an actor, if you really want to make enough to live off of, and you have the itch, New York is the place to go. I have been reminded time and again that my piano and teaching skills are marketable in the cities and I have really used these to supplement the acting gigs. Hopefully I will be able to choose either one or the other sometime soon, but for now, I am completely content living in both worlds.
A
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A renewed faith in touring shows....WOW
So I do not want to make this a blog where I just review theater shows, but I went to see the touring cast of Wicked on their third stop in Minneapolis tonight.....and was completely and utterly blown away. I have seen the show a few times before with various casts and while it was always impressive and flashy, it always felt a little overhyped with a satisfaction level that was not ever satiated. But this cast was by far the strongest I have seen. And on a tour!
All the elements were absolutely stunning. The show was beautifully lit and the transitions were beautifully seamless. On top of that, the actors themselves were out of this world. Vicki Noon was Elphaba and her acting was believable and compassionate while her singing was effortless and clean. All too often, the Wicked songs become vehicles for actresses to showcase their pop-style riffing...leaving the beautiful melodies almost unrecognizable. I was so impressed with Noon and her choice to infuse the song with vocal inflections that were dramatically based as opposed to vocal pyrotechnics. Her partner in crime was Natalie Daradich as Glinda and her comedic timing was to die for, as were her effortless high notes. Gah! So good! And then there was the ensemble. Probably my favorite part of the show, actually. They were fascinating to watch and their full company sound was thrilling. Because I have never been a dancer by nature, I was most impressed by the full company dance numbers. The style in Wicked is so unique because it really cannot be found in any other show. It is not the typical music theater dance with tap, jazz, ballet influence. It is totally original and completely fascinating to watch these beautifully trained dancers move across the stage.
In the past I have been a little harsh when it comes to touring casts, especially blockbusters like Wicked and Les Mis. I just feel that none of them live up to their hype. This production of totally gives me hope for the quality of touring productions. The show was fresh and infused with life from not only the actors, but from the technical aspects of the show as well. And the best part was that I got to go with great friends - some of whom have never seen the show before. I am so glad that they got to see this amazing cast! Its in Minneapolis for the next couple weeks, so if you get the chance, GO. This is one show that you do not want to miss. Seriously.
First full run of Zombie Prom music tomorrow! Wish us luck. Lots and lots of luck. =]
All the elements were absolutely stunning. The show was beautifully lit and the transitions were beautifully seamless. On top of that, the actors themselves were out of this world. Vicki Noon was Elphaba and her acting was believable and compassionate while her singing was effortless and clean. All too often, the Wicked songs become vehicles for actresses to showcase their pop-style riffing...leaving the beautiful melodies almost unrecognizable. I was so impressed with Noon and her choice to infuse the song with vocal inflections that were dramatically based as opposed to vocal pyrotechnics. Her partner in crime was Natalie Daradich as Glinda and her comedic timing was to die for, as were her effortless high notes. Gah! So good! And then there was the ensemble. Probably my favorite part of the show, actually. They were fascinating to watch and their full company sound was thrilling. Because I have never been a dancer by nature, I was most impressed by the full company dance numbers. The style in Wicked is so unique because it really cannot be found in any other show. It is not the typical music theater dance with tap, jazz, ballet influence. It is totally original and completely fascinating to watch these beautifully trained dancers move across the stage.
In the past I have been a little harsh when it comes to touring casts, especially blockbusters like Wicked and Les Mis. I just feel that none of them live up to their hype. This production of totally gives me hope for the quality of touring productions. The show was fresh and infused with life from not only the actors, but from the technical aspects of the show as well. And the best part was that I got to go with great friends - some of whom have never seen the show before. I am so glad that they got to see this amazing cast! Its in Minneapolis for the next couple weeks, so if you get the chance, GO. This is one show that you do not want to miss. Seriously.
First full run of Zombie Prom music tomorrow! Wish us luck. Lots and lots of luck. =]
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Groove
I think I've finally hit my groove. Hopefully. I've been out of school for a cool (almost) three months and I finally have time to take a breath and evaluate. From the looks of it, this might be my busiest year of theater so far. I've put up 5 shows since January '10 and have the possibility of doing 2 more before the end of the year. Too much? Perhaps. I was terrified in the last few weeks of school that diving right in and trying to jump start my career would be too difficult, but with a little bravery and a ton of patience, I am doing alright, which is a HUGE relief.
Sound of Music closed two weeks ago and it turned out to be a pretty good production. The children were double cast, so it was a bit of a challenge to build continuity for the run, but it was overall, a great experience for those involved. I've also had some more callbacks recently - none of which I've booked, but that's okay because I went into them knowing that I wasn't a great fit for any of the roles. That's been probably one of the most difficult things for me to grasp - type. As any singing actor, I'd like to fancy myself as someone who is able to morph into any role a director might ask for, but its becoming increasingly clear that there is a rhyme and reason to this whole casting world. Even with my classical background, I'm getting more and more calls for the pop/rock/modern musical theater look and sound, which is great. I love that material, and I'll ride it for as long as it lets me!
An exciting thing for some of my friends right now is the start of a new school year! For my younger buddies, going back to school is always an experience in itself. Each new year comes with things familiar and things brand new. Some good, some bad, some in-between. Either way, I am so pumped for them to have the opportunity to enjoy good old Iowa! For the friends that graduated with me, its a mixed bag of things. A lot of my friends are Education Majors and will be starting their student teaching in a few days, which is essentially going back to school. I am so So SO excited for them because all of them will be phenomenal educators in their own way. I can't wait to hear their stories and see how they adapt with their new experiences! Gah! So cool! I guess I'm so excited because I come from a family of all teachers and have a huge respect for what they do and why they do it, so there's that.
In addition to the endless auditions, I am also doing a ton of teaching and a ton of coaching. More and more, I am convinced that the MM in Voice Ped is the right way to go as opposed to the performance route. Especially because many of the requirements from the ped programs mirror those for the performance majors, so essentially, it wouldn't be that different. I just find myself much more gratified after a successful day of teaching than after performing. At least recently. Granted, I haven't performed a major role in a few months, so once I start rehearsing for my next show, I'll let ya know how I feel. In other updates, Zombie Prom is going pretty well. I've never worked with a group that is comprised of only high school kids before, so I'm getting used to them and they're getting used to me, but the more I get to talk to them, the more I am able to relate and help them have a great experience with this project.
Quick shout-out to friends in South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont! They were televised on "Live from Lincoln Center" last night and the entire production was fantastic! I did the show a few years ago as Lt. Joseph Cable and seeing it done by such a first-class cast was so refreshing! It gives me a renewed faith in those old classics. Also going to see the Nat'l tour of Wicked this weekend and I hear the cast is good, so I'm excited to go after not seeing it for a while!
I've gotta go eat some cupcakes now, so I'll write some more when I have more to write!
Om nom.
A
Sound of Music closed two weeks ago and it turned out to be a pretty good production. The children were double cast, so it was a bit of a challenge to build continuity for the run, but it was overall, a great experience for those involved. I've also had some more callbacks recently - none of which I've booked, but that's okay because I went into them knowing that I wasn't a great fit for any of the roles. That's been probably one of the most difficult things for me to grasp - type. As any singing actor, I'd like to fancy myself as someone who is able to morph into any role a director might ask for, but its becoming increasingly clear that there is a rhyme and reason to this whole casting world. Even with my classical background, I'm getting more and more calls for the pop/rock/modern musical theater look and sound, which is great. I love that material, and I'll ride it for as long as it lets me!
An exciting thing for some of my friends right now is the start of a new school year! For my younger buddies, going back to school is always an experience in itself. Each new year comes with things familiar and things brand new. Some good, some bad, some in-between. Either way, I am so pumped for them to have the opportunity to enjoy good old Iowa! For the friends that graduated with me, its a mixed bag of things. A lot of my friends are Education Majors and will be starting their student teaching in a few days, which is essentially going back to school. I am so So SO excited for them because all of them will be phenomenal educators in their own way. I can't wait to hear their stories and see how they adapt with their new experiences! Gah! So cool! I guess I'm so excited because I come from a family of all teachers and have a huge respect for what they do and why they do it, so there's that.
In addition to the endless auditions, I am also doing a ton of teaching and a ton of coaching. More and more, I am convinced that the MM in Voice Ped is the right way to go as opposed to the performance route. Especially because many of the requirements from the ped programs mirror those for the performance majors, so essentially, it wouldn't be that different. I just find myself much more gratified after a successful day of teaching than after performing. At least recently. Granted, I haven't performed a major role in a few months, so once I start rehearsing for my next show, I'll let ya know how I feel. In other updates, Zombie Prom is going pretty well. I've never worked with a group that is comprised of only high school kids before, so I'm getting used to them and they're getting used to me, but the more I get to talk to them, the more I am able to relate and help them have a great experience with this project.
Quick shout-out to friends in South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont! They were televised on "Live from Lincoln Center" last night and the entire production was fantastic! I did the show a few years ago as Lt. Joseph Cable and seeing it done by such a first-class cast was so refreshing! It gives me a renewed faith in those old classics. Also going to see the Nat'l tour of Wicked this weekend and I hear the cast is good, so I'm excited to go after not seeing it for a while!
I've gotta go eat some cupcakes now, so I'll write some more when I have more to write!
Om nom.
A
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bare: A Pop Opera
Alright y'all. Super exciting stuff coming up. So last night I had final callbacks for Minneapolis Musical Theatre's production of the musical BARE. It was about two and a half hours, which wasn't bad for how many people they had there. It was in this really cool warehouse space downtown and we had the opportunity to hear all the other singers while we waited. Wow. The amount of talent in this theater community continues to astound me every day. During college, I guess I just got used to having everyone else's talent geared in the more operatic track, so being more into the pop/music theater sound made me unique in that aspect. Here in the cities, there are so many people that share the same passion that I do, and pursue their goals with such tailored training that I often find myself more intimidated than not.
Anywho. When I arrived at the space, they had us fill out a form with the usual question: Will you accept any role that is offered to you?..... This one took me a while. I was obviously interested in one of the principal roles, but I have such a high opinion of this show that I decided to say that I would accept any role offered to me. Well, I got the email today and was so ecstatic to find that I'd been offered the role of Lucas, who is the "school's fun loving purveyor of altered reality." In simplified terms, Lucas is the ultimate bro who also happens to be a dealer. This will certainly be one of the biggest stretches I've ever made for a character, but I am so ready for it! For example, there is a large chunk of one of the songs in the first act when Lucas has to rap....which is not one of the talents I list on my resume. I don't think anyone would be surprised to know that. haha! Luckily, I have a few months to prep for this, so maybe I'll find someone who gives lessons...? Does that even exist? I'll check it out.
I realize as I'm gushing about this, that some of you may have no idea what BARE is about. This is the story of two boys, Peter and Jason, who are in a clandestine relationship at a Catholic boarding school. It is a coming of age story about being true to yourself and those around you. It is a story about the importance of acceptance and equality. It is a story about love. Because it is rarely produced, it was a far-off dream for me to ever be cast in this show, but I am so very excited to work on this project! The subject matter is pretty touchy and definitely isn't for everyone, but it is portrayed beautifully through some really brilliant writing and the raw honesty that prevails in the text. In the words of the director, from an aesthetic, thematic and musical view, it is a cross between Spring Awakening and Rent. I think this is pretty accurate.
Okay. Enough about that. More to come later. I have one more week of Sound of Music and then its time to buckle down a bit more on Zombie Prom. We'll see how my stamina holds up for that. I'm super excited for my family to come back home. Its been great living by myself a lot this summer, but it sucks too because it can be super lonely at times. I find myself having full conversations with our fish, Rafael and giving him updates on my day. I'm pretty sure that's a sign that I might be all the way crazy. Who knows. I gotta get to bed if I am planning on getting up to run in the morning.
Until next time - learn, laugh, love.
A
Anywho. When I arrived at the space, they had us fill out a form with the usual question: Will you accept any role that is offered to you?..... This one took me a while. I was obviously interested in one of the principal roles, but I have such a high opinion of this show that I decided to say that I would accept any role offered to me. Well, I got the email today and was so ecstatic to find that I'd been offered the role of Lucas, who is the "school's fun loving purveyor of altered reality." In simplified terms, Lucas is the ultimate bro who also happens to be a dealer. This will certainly be one of the biggest stretches I've ever made for a character, but I am so ready for it! For example, there is a large chunk of one of the songs in the first act when Lucas has to rap....which is not one of the talents I list on my resume. I don't think anyone would be surprised to know that. haha! Luckily, I have a few months to prep for this, so maybe I'll find someone who gives lessons...? Does that even exist? I'll check it out.
I realize as I'm gushing about this, that some of you may have no idea what BARE is about. This is the story of two boys, Peter and Jason, who are in a clandestine relationship at a Catholic boarding school. It is a coming of age story about being true to yourself and those around you. It is a story about the importance of acceptance and equality. It is a story about love. Because it is rarely produced, it was a far-off dream for me to ever be cast in this show, but I am so very excited to work on this project! The subject matter is pretty touchy and definitely isn't for everyone, but it is portrayed beautifully through some really brilliant writing and the raw honesty that prevails in the text. In the words of the director, from an aesthetic, thematic and musical view, it is a cross between Spring Awakening and Rent. I think this is pretty accurate.
Okay. Enough about that. More to come later. I have one more week of Sound of Music and then its time to buckle down a bit more on Zombie Prom. We'll see how my stamina holds up for that. I'm super excited for my family to come back home. Its been great living by myself a lot this summer, but it sucks too because it can be super lonely at times. I find myself having full conversations with our fish, Rafael and giving him updates on my day. I'm pretty sure that's a sign that I might be all the way crazy. Who knows. I gotta get to bed if I am planning on getting up to run in the morning.
Until next time - learn, laugh, love.
A
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Something awesome this way comes...
Hey! I've been super busy these past couple weeks and have been neglecting this, so here's a quick update. Exciting things happening right now. Sound of Music opens tomorrow night, and while there's always the point during rehearsals where you feel like things will never come together, this is really going to be a great show! So excited for that! I'm also in rehearsals for Zombie Prom right now, and that is also flying by. We are getting off book really quickly and choreography started this week and is already looking sweet!
Hopefully next week will calm down a bit, but I have a big callback on Tuesday that I'll be sure to post about when I have more info!
Until then, live, laugh and smile!
A
Hopefully next week will calm down a bit, but I have a big callback on Tuesday that I'll be sure to post about when I have more info!
Until then, live, laugh and smile!
A
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Stormy Weather
A lot on my mind, so hold on.
I'm currently sitting in the bathroom in my basement because there is a tornado outside. The weather guys have been predicting this all day long, so I've been prepared, but since I'm obviously not on weather.com, I don't feel that my life is in any grave danger. This whole tornado thing happens about once a year for us here in the cities. Usually, nothing happens at all. Go figure. But other times, we really get whopped. I think its one of those other times. The last time it was really bad, we had four huge trees ripped out of the yard and some pretty rugged house damage. Hopefully this time won't be that bad. One good thing from the storm is that the humidity will FINALLY go away. Hopefully. Since graduation, I've been kind of a fanatic about exercising and since I hate going to the gym, I like to do as much as I can outside. However, because of the ridiculous humidity and heat, its been pretty brutal.
That brings me to my next point. In addition to being really active in order to stay in shape, I have been increasingly aware that my diet has a huge effect on my productivity as well. Gah. I sound like a crazy person. There is a ton of pressure on looks and appearance in the music theater market right now. Especially with the type that I'm currently auditioning for. Because I still look like a baby, I will be auditioning for "teen" from now until hell freezes over. This is fine because I really enjoy the material that fits me right now, but it is also a huge reminder that I didn't exactly have to be competitive in that way when I was in college. I have completely cut caffeine out of my diet....which might come as a shock to some because I vividly remember being chastised by castmates during Godspell rehearsals because I would down two Mountain Dews, an energy drink and a large Starbucks Frappuccino during the course of rehearsal. Sick, I know. I tried to stop with the soda about a year and a half ago and failed miserably. I tried to stop cold turkey, and couldn't even get to sleep because of the withdrawal headaches. One of the worst months of my life. This time has been considerably more successful. To date, I've been without soda for about seven weeks. Fortunately, I don't drink coffee besides the frappuccinos (which can't reeeally be considered coffee) so that hasn't been an issue. We'll see how long this lasts. Hopefully I'll be able to stick to it.
In other news, I am just finishing up my work with Sound of Music. Its been a good first post-college show for me. Not exactly my first choice for shows, but its been great to re-connect with old friends and colleagues. I go into rehearsals for Zombie Prom on Monday and I couldn't be more excited. The rest of the artistic team seem to be really fantastic people and the cast members are chomping at the bit! It will be a bit of an unconventional rehearsal period, but its all about being flexible and getting the job done, right? Its gonna be super fun too. So pumped.
Really exciting news! Already ahead of myself. Let me give some background. I first did the show "EDGES" a few years ago as a workshop project that was basically a lesson in patience and flexibility. However, I fell completely and irrevocably in love with the message that is at the heart of the production. The song "Coasting" sums it all up.
The lyrics are as follows : "Because really whats the point if we're just coasting on the surface? If you take a moment, you'll begin to find and say and feel. You'll discover something real if you are willing to reflect."
These lyrics have played a huge role in me discovering who I am (and who I want to be) as well as solidifying relationships with people that have become irreplaceable friends for life. This is why I chose this show to be a part of my senior thesis in college. I did my research on vocal pedagogy and pathology in contemporary American musical theater and halfway through the process, I decided that it would be an interesting experiment to mount a show and coach the singers with what I learned. So - long story short, I chose "EDGES". The cast of four singers were each phenomenally talented and incredibly brave to face the honesty and challenges of this material, but in the end, the show was a huge success and one of my best memories of college.
Now finally for the news! I was asked to sing the role of Man 2 in a production of EDGES in Chicago this winter. This was a really unexpected development in my life. I sent in some resumes and recordings about 6 months ago for a completely different production being put up by the same artistic team. While they didn't think I was right for that material, they thought of me when casting this show, and have offered me a contract for this show. I was initially more than ecstatic at the news, but after thinking about it for a while, doing this show would definitely have some drawbacks as well. First, it would take me out of Minneapolis for quite some time. I have worked really hard in the past year to rebuild my connections here and it would be hard to suddenly be unavailable for a large part of the next audition season. Second, I have already done this show twice, and while this would be a pretty publicized production, I have a huge part of me that wants to work on other material. I currently have no idea what to do, but will be sleeping on this for many nights before making an decisions.
Until then!
I'm currently sitting in the bathroom in my basement because there is a tornado outside. The weather guys have been predicting this all day long, so I've been prepared, but since I'm obviously not on weather.com, I don't feel that my life is in any grave danger. This whole tornado thing happens about once a year for us here in the cities. Usually, nothing happens at all. Go figure. But other times, we really get whopped. I think its one of those other times. The last time it was really bad, we had four huge trees ripped out of the yard and some pretty rugged house damage. Hopefully this time won't be that bad. One good thing from the storm is that the humidity will FINALLY go away. Hopefully. Since graduation, I've been kind of a fanatic about exercising and since I hate going to the gym, I like to do as much as I can outside. However, because of the ridiculous humidity and heat, its been pretty brutal.
That brings me to my next point. In addition to being really active in order to stay in shape, I have been increasingly aware that my diet has a huge effect on my productivity as well. Gah. I sound like a crazy person. There is a ton of pressure on looks and appearance in the music theater market right now. Especially with the type that I'm currently auditioning for. Because I still look like a baby, I will be auditioning for "teen" from now until hell freezes over. This is fine because I really enjoy the material that fits me right now, but it is also a huge reminder that I didn't exactly have to be competitive in that way when I was in college. I have completely cut caffeine out of my diet....which might come as a shock to some because I vividly remember being chastised by castmates during Godspell rehearsals because I would down two Mountain Dews, an energy drink and a large Starbucks Frappuccino during the course of rehearsal. Sick, I know. I tried to stop with the soda about a year and a half ago and failed miserably. I tried to stop cold turkey, and couldn't even get to sleep because of the withdrawal headaches. One of the worst months of my life. This time has been considerably more successful. To date, I've been without soda for about seven weeks. Fortunately, I don't drink coffee besides the frappuccinos (which can't reeeally be considered coffee) so that hasn't been an issue. We'll see how long this lasts. Hopefully I'll be able to stick to it.
In other news, I am just finishing up my work with Sound of Music. Its been a good first post-college show for me. Not exactly my first choice for shows, but its been great to re-connect with old friends and colleagues. I go into rehearsals for Zombie Prom on Monday and I couldn't be more excited. The rest of the artistic team seem to be really fantastic people and the cast members are chomping at the bit! It will be a bit of an unconventional rehearsal period, but its all about being flexible and getting the job done, right? Its gonna be super fun too. So pumped.
Really exciting news! Already ahead of myself. Let me give some background. I first did the show "EDGES" a few years ago as a workshop project that was basically a lesson in patience and flexibility. However, I fell completely and irrevocably in love with the message that is at the heart of the production. The song "Coasting" sums it all up.
The lyrics are as follows : "Because really whats the point if we're just coasting on the surface? If you take a moment, you'll begin to find and say and feel. You'll discover something real if you are willing to reflect."
These lyrics have played a huge role in me discovering who I am (and who I want to be) as well as solidifying relationships with people that have become irreplaceable friends for life. This is why I chose this show to be a part of my senior thesis in college. I did my research on vocal pedagogy and pathology in contemporary American musical theater and halfway through the process, I decided that it would be an interesting experiment to mount a show and coach the singers with what I learned. So - long story short, I chose "EDGES". The cast of four singers were each phenomenally talented and incredibly brave to face the honesty and challenges of this material, but in the end, the show was a huge success and one of my best memories of college.
Now finally for the news! I was asked to sing the role of Man 2 in a production of EDGES in Chicago this winter. This was a really unexpected development in my life. I sent in some resumes and recordings about 6 months ago for a completely different production being put up by the same artistic team. While they didn't think I was right for that material, they thought of me when casting this show, and have offered me a contract for this show. I was initially more than ecstatic at the news, but after thinking about it for a while, doing this show would definitely have some drawbacks as well. First, it would take me out of Minneapolis for quite some time. I have worked really hard in the past year to rebuild my connections here and it would be hard to suddenly be unavailable for a large part of the next audition season. Second, I have already done this show twice, and while this would be a pretty publicized production, I have a huge part of me that wants to work on other material. I currently have no idea what to do, but will be sleeping on this for many nights before making an decisions.
Until then!
Friday, July 9, 2010
So proud...
I JUST got back from the Upright Egg Theater Company's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"....WOW! What a phenomenal show! Gah - I hardly know where to start. Well, first of all, its no secret to any of my theater friends that I have some difficulty sitting through Shakespeare....I know that some people who read this might see that as shameful for someone who calls himself an actor, but I have tried again and again to try and "experience" the genius that is his work, but alas, no avail. Until now. This show was so full of energy and passion that I hardly noticed the planes flying overhead. Yes, that is correct. This show was outdoors. I have also been known to have had a long-standing feud with outdoor theater, but this show was definitely enhanced by the moving and literally living environment. I initially went to see my friend Rachel, who played Titania, and having seen her work before, I knew I could expect a great performance, but the rest of the cast had no weak links whatsoever. In addition to the production itself, it was also amazing to see the audience turnout - which included some really great local actors and directors! Its nice to see colleagues supporting each other in our projects! Heart warming to see the support, at least! I know I'm rambling a bit, but I'm still a bit speechless about this whole thing! Maybe I will have to give Shakespeare another look....
Now for some news. I have never really encountered the problem of having to turn down theater jobs because too many offers are coming in, but I could definitely get used to it! I was offered (and accepted) a position music directing the show "Zombie Prom" for a top notch high school theater program. I was supposed to attend a callback for another show being put up by a really fantastic company this fall, but at this point in my life, when it comes down to it, production work pays better than acting, and bills must be payed. I am all too aware that this means I will have to wait another few months before starting another role, but I'll just have to tide myself over with doing cabaret work....we'll see. However, there is a really, REALLY fantastic role that I am up for in the spring - more info to come when/if I get some more solid information. Yikes. Real life is intimidating -- but I'm still loving every minute of it!
Sound of Music goes up in T- THREE WEEKS! Clock is a tickin'! Anywho, got some coaching to do tomorrow along with some major time to be spent in the gym! Can't wait! Until then, sleepy time!
A
Now for some news. I have never really encountered the problem of having to turn down theater jobs because too many offers are coming in, but I could definitely get used to it! I was offered (and accepted) a position music directing the show "Zombie Prom" for a top notch high school theater program. I was supposed to attend a callback for another show being put up by a really fantastic company this fall, but at this point in my life, when it comes down to it, production work pays better than acting, and bills must be payed. I am all too aware that this means I will have to wait another few months before starting another role, but I'll just have to tide myself over with doing cabaret work....we'll see. However, there is a really, REALLY fantastic role that I am up for in the spring - more info to come when/if I get some more solid information. Yikes. Real life is intimidating -- but I'm still loving every minute of it!
Sound of Music goes up in T- THREE WEEKS! Clock is a tickin'! Anywho, got some coaching to do tomorrow along with some major time to be spent in the gym! Can't wait! Until then, sleepy time!
A
Monday, July 5, 2010
Couldn't Help Myself...
So I was sitting in rehearsal on Friday night and was texting my friend, Ben who lives in Decorah, where we went to school. Me, being completely out of it, had not really made plans for the holiday weekend, so after he suggested, I decided on a whim to make the drive down to Iowa. What a crazy weekend.
First, I had forgotten how boring the drive was. Granted, I have driven it probably fifty times, but anything past Rochester is, well, dull. Sorry to anyone who lives there. When I finally got into town, I was super excited to find out that several of my good friends were in town as well, and one of them was vacationing about an hour away....so on another whim, I decided to kidnap her for the night and bring her with me. It was fantastic to catch up with people from school and it was also really cool to hear all the things they have been up to since graduation. At the same time, however, the town and the campus had a distinctly different feeling than I had remembered. All the "youngins" were unfamiliar to me and the key elements that defined my college experience were all altered in one way or another. I guess it just shows that change is inevitable and while it is sometimes hard, it will usually be okay in the end.
Due to my schedule getting busier and busier, (not complaining!) I am pretty sure that will be the last trip I take to campus for a while. Luckily, the Twin Cities are close enough that if I were to change my mind, it would not pose much of an issue.
One thing that is completely new to me this summer is living by myself. Well, mostly. I am currently living where my parents live most of the time, but they are gone for the majority of the summer along with my sister, so whenever I come home, the house is always empty. This has been a bit weird for me, I must say. After living with 12 other guys this past year, it is quite different to not have at least one other person to talk to. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the peace and quiet. I can stay up and be noisy for as long as I want and not disturb anyone and I can finally scratch the itch that is late night singing! One thing I am really struggling with still is cooking. I even purchased a nice big cookbook with step-by-step pictures and everything to help me, but the whole process is a little intimidating, so more often than not, I end up eating something you dont have to cook, or something you just throw in the microwave....pathetic, I know. I will work on it.
Job audition tomorrow. Its for a Vocal Director position at a high school - they are doing a fairly popular pop-rock show and I would really like to work on it. One thing that worries me, however is that I initially took this year to be able to perform, not do production work. For better or for worse, I also have a sweet tooth for coaching, so I guess I should stop complaining, as long as it pays the bills. I also have three callbacks for three equally enticing shows coming up, and if I got even one of them, I would be totally stoked! Fingers crossed! At this point, I want to be careful to not be too picky about the work that I get, especially because I understand that the job market is quite awful for actors and musicians right now. At least in Minneapolis, there is still a pretty healthy market if you know where to look.
Highlight of the day: Went to lunch with one of my best friends who is spending the summer working at a camp up in the boondocks. While it was short because he had to drive back up into the woods, it was AWESOME to see him and it just reminds me of how much I miss that kid! Gah!
Also, check out this video of Katie Thompson singing Say Goodbye by Scott Alan. She has a wicked cool voice - love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zffiz-ngV94
Thats all for now! Check ya later!
A
First, I had forgotten how boring the drive was. Granted, I have driven it probably fifty times, but anything past Rochester is, well, dull. Sorry to anyone who lives there. When I finally got into town, I was super excited to find out that several of my good friends were in town as well, and one of them was vacationing about an hour away....so on another whim, I decided to kidnap her for the night and bring her with me. It was fantastic to catch up with people from school and it was also really cool to hear all the things they have been up to since graduation. At the same time, however, the town and the campus had a distinctly different feeling than I had remembered. All the "youngins" were unfamiliar to me and the key elements that defined my college experience were all altered in one way or another. I guess it just shows that change is inevitable and while it is sometimes hard, it will usually be okay in the end.
Due to my schedule getting busier and busier, (not complaining!) I am pretty sure that will be the last trip I take to campus for a while. Luckily, the Twin Cities are close enough that if I were to change my mind, it would not pose much of an issue.
One thing that is completely new to me this summer is living by myself. Well, mostly. I am currently living where my parents live most of the time, but they are gone for the majority of the summer along with my sister, so whenever I come home, the house is always empty. This has been a bit weird for me, I must say. After living with 12 other guys this past year, it is quite different to not have at least one other person to talk to. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the peace and quiet. I can stay up and be noisy for as long as I want and not disturb anyone and I can finally scratch the itch that is late night singing! One thing I am really struggling with still is cooking. I even purchased a nice big cookbook with step-by-step pictures and everything to help me, but the whole process is a little intimidating, so more often than not, I end up eating something you dont have to cook, or something you just throw in the microwave....pathetic, I know. I will work on it.
Job audition tomorrow. Its for a Vocal Director position at a high school - they are doing a fairly popular pop-rock show and I would really like to work on it. One thing that worries me, however is that I initially took this year to be able to perform, not do production work. For better or for worse, I also have a sweet tooth for coaching, so I guess I should stop complaining, as long as it pays the bills. I also have three callbacks for three equally enticing shows coming up, and if I got even one of them, I would be totally stoked! Fingers crossed! At this point, I want to be careful to not be too picky about the work that I get, especially because I understand that the job market is quite awful for actors and musicians right now. At least in Minneapolis, there is still a pretty healthy market if you know where to look.
Highlight of the day: Went to lunch with one of my best friends who is spending the summer working at a camp up in the boondocks. While it was short because he had to drive back up into the woods, it was AWESOME to see him and it just reminds me of how much I miss that kid! Gah!
Also, check out this video of Katie Thompson singing Say Goodbye by Scott Alan. She has a wicked cool voice - love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zffiz-ngV94
Thats all for now! Check ya later!
A
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Lets see if I can get the hang of this...
So here I am, starting what would seem like any other summer, but (even though I don't think I fully realize it yet) its not. Normally, come August, I would have to go back to school in Iowa, but for the first time, I will start trying to live life as a real human, more specifically an actor. After living in small-town Iowa for the past 4 years, moving back to Minneapolis has been a bit of a crash course in a lot of things. While I really loved Decorah while I was there, I am now acutely aware at just how much of a bubble it truly is. While I was accepted into grad programs for musical theater at NYU and Boston Conservatory, I have decided to take a year off and make sure that this is really what I want to be doing....as well as make enough money to actually attend one of those schools.
So far its been a great summer. I was super lucky to get a music directing job that actually started the day of my commencement! Besides that, I have been working as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach and have fortunately kept pretty busy with that. However, its been a while since I've had the opportunity to actually be on stage in a production, so after a couple auditions, I have a couple callbacks, and I will post about them as soon as things start to solidify....which is just as much an "if" as it is a "when".
I have also been reminded how strong your support system must be to actually even think about making it as a performance artist. My friends, family and teachers have been a huge support to me in my transition from school to "real life" and hopefully I can reciprocate.
Fun fact: I spent last week at my cabin in the UP of Michigan with two of my favorite people ever, Ben and Laura. All three of us went to school together and became super close because of our mutual interests and activities. Through some real fancy scheduling work, we were able to get about 6 days up in the deep woods on Lake Superior and had a GREAT time! I'm not sure if you can post pictures on here, but if I figure that out, I'll put some up. Thanks to Laura, we tried some really tasty local food and we spent a good amount of time being frost-bit in the lake, yelling (singing), getting lost in the woods and reading really questionable books that we bought at the local grocery store....sketchy, I know. It was a really unforgettable experience, and I'm really hoping to make it a yearly happening!
This is starting to ramble a bit.....and because I have little self-control, my bedtime has gotten increasingly out of hand since graduation. I need to work on this. Anyways, thats all for now.
Tenderly,
A
So far its been a great summer. I was super lucky to get a music directing job that actually started the day of my commencement! Besides that, I have been working as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach and have fortunately kept pretty busy with that. However, its been a while since I've had the opportunity to actually be on stage in a production, so after a couple auditions, I have a couple callbacks, and I will post about them as soon as things start to solidify....which is just as much an "if" as it is a "when".
I have also been reminded how strong your support system must be to actually even think about making it as a performance artist. My friends, family and teachers have been a huge support to me in my transition from school to "real life" and hopefully I can reciprocate.
Fun fact: I spent last week at my cabin in the UP of Michigan with two of my favorite people ever, Ben and Laura. All three of us went to school together and became super close because of our mutual interests and activities. Through some real fancy scheduling work, we were able to get about 6 days up in the deep woods on Lake Superior and had a GREAT time! I'm not sure if you can post pictures on here, but if I figure that out, I'll put some up. Thanks to Laura, we tried some really tasty local food and we spent a good amount of time being frost-bit in the lake, yelling (singing), getting lost in the woods and reading really questionable books that we bought at the local grocery store....sketchy, I know. It was a really unforgettable experience, and I'm really hoping to make it a yearly happening!
This is starting to ramble a bit.....and because I have little self-control, my bedtime has gotten increasingly out of hand since graduation. I need to work on this. Anyways, thats all for now.
Tenderly,
A
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