Preparing for an audition takes on a totally different feeling when you are going for a part you REALLY want. I am getting reacquainted with Miss Hannigan. Remembering what shes about is easy. I grew up listening to the Annie broadway soundtrack recording...on 8 track tape no less, so of course I knew every song. You can't fast forward an 8 track. My mom made several musical soundtrack selections from her Columbia House music membership. Among them Jesus Christ Superstar and the movie, American Graffiti. I know all those songs too. It was different with the Annie soundtrack. These were girls, my age, on Broadway! I don't know a girl in the theatre who didn't want to be Annie. But, alas, there is only a very short window of time in which a gal could tackle the part.
In the late 80's I auditioned for Hannigan. I ended up being cast as Lily St. Regis, Roosters dim-witted accomplice. A great part, but, I want Hannigan. In the 90's I played Hannigan in a broadway review, we performed Easy Street, that was fun too. But I want to do the whole show! I kinda hate using the phrase "dream role" , but really it's one of many. Annie was my first dream role. I always thought a great concept for a musical review would be ; "PARTS I WILL NEVER PLAY" . Actually, I think it may have been done ala Forbidden Broadway.
So, in 10 days I will have another chance to make it happen and I get to revisit a character and have a blast feeling like a kid singin in the living room. I love what I do.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Encouragement
When I go to auditions, I always wear an item that I think will bring me luck. Lately, I have been given a trinket from an old friend. My dear high school chum, sent me a bracelet, out of the blue. It's silver, with small theatre mask charms. I have worn it twice. I've been cast both times.
I think that all theatre people are a wee bit superstitious. I just do what feels good. Seemed like a good sign to me. In my early days, I remember wearing a pin with the cowardly lion on it. I would wear it on the inside of my collar, so that only I could see it. It reminded me to have courage.
Last year, when I jumped back in with both feet into the auditioning game, I wore a silver necklace with a bicycle charm. Because, I thought, its just like riding a bike, you just don't forget how to do it.
I have learned to summon my own courage...with the help of God, and remembering the encouragement I have received in my life.
I have learned, by the people who have encouraged me in my art, that it is the greatest gift you can give. Especially as a student actor. I recall many times, crystal clear in my mind, being centered and calmed by an encouraging word. The validation is soooo important to young people.
Having just finished working on a high school production of BARNUM, memories of my teachers are fresh in my mind. I find myself saying things to my students that were said to me. It's kinda strange, being on the other side. I have made an effort to be encouraging, in every instance. It has been a huge learning experience, blessing, and answer to prayer to get to work with these kids. I'm very grateful.
I think that all theatre people are a wee bit superstitious. I just do what feels good. Seemed like a good sign to me. In my early days, I remember wearing a pin with the cowardly lion on it. I would wear it on the inside of my collar, so that only I could see it. It reminded me to have courage.
Last year, when I jumped back in with both feet into the auditioning game, I wore a silver necklace with a bicycle charm. Because, I thought, its just like riding a bike, you just don't forget how to do it.
I have learned to summon my own courage...with the help of God, and remembering the encouragement I have received in my life.
I have learned, by the people who have encouraged me in my art, that it is the greatest gift you can give. Especially as a student actor. I recall many times, crystal clear in my mind, being centered and calmed by an encouraging word. The validation is soooo important to young people.
Having just finished working on a high school production of BARNUM, memories of my teachers are fresh in my mind. I find myself saying things to my students that were said to me. It's kinda strange, being on the other side. I have made an effort to be encouraging, in every instance. It has been a huge learning experience, blessing, and answer to prayer to get to work with these kids. I'm very grateful.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Storms
Theres a lot of crap going on, I'm not gonna lie.
The devil is up to his usual business of stealing my joy.
But I am good
I am riding the wave of life
Ups, downs , small victories, it's all good.
God still knows what I want, We do still communicate in case anyone was wondering. :-)
He knows and He provides
Sometimes I need to knock myself in the head to get my own attention
But His presense is never ending
I have noticed lately that my journey is mine
Only mine
I love it
It's like a ride
I wonder whats coming next
The devil is up to his usual business of stealing my joy.
But I am good
I am riding the wave of life
Ups, downs , small victories, it's all good.
God still knows what I want, We do still communicate in case anyone was wondering. :-)
He knows and He provides
Sometimes I need to knock myself in the head to get my own attention
But His presense is never ending
I have noticed lately that my journey is mine
Only mine
I love it
It's like a ride
I wonder whats coming next
Friday, October 21, 2011
Observation
It's a small world. But the theatre world is even smaller. It's amazing how many people are connected by a show, a director, a teacher, a character; and because of this, we are all related. I enjoy getting to know new people when you do a show. By the end of the run, you uncover unforgettable stories, backstage performances and improvs, and shop talk. You even gain new imaginary family members. The cool thing is, that relationship never goes away after you end a show. You are connected forever. It's different with actors. We have to open up a lot quicker than most people do in real life. To deliver a dynamic performance the actors must get to know each other. Good theatre requires intimacy.
"Intimacy generally refers to the feeling of being in a close personal association and belonging together. It is a familiar and very close affective connection with another as a result of a bond that is formed through knowledge and experience of the other. Genuine intimacy in human relationships requires dialogue, transparency, vulnerability and reciprocity....."
That's what good actors do, .......good humans; take note, it works great in life as well
So, after a show, I tend to reflect on all the unique relationships. They go on forever, and they live in that short little time capsule which is only about a month. There have been many over the years and the family keeps getting bigger. I would like to say, I love you all. I think of you when I hear a certain song, or see a certain picture. A piece of dialogue. These things live in my heart.
"Intimacy generally refers to the feeling of being in a close personal association and belonging together. It is a familiar and very close affective connection with another as a result of a bond that is formed through knowledge and experience of the other. Genuine intimacy in human relationships requires dialogue, transparency, vulnerability and reciprocity....."
That's what good actors do, .......good humans; take note, it works great in life as well
So, after a show, I tend to reflect on all the unique relationships. They go on forever, and they live in that short little time capsule which is only about a month. There have been many over the years and the family keeps getting bigger. I would like to say, I love you all. I think of you when I hear a certain song, or see a certain picture. A piece of dialogue. These things live in my heart.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ensemble
"There are no small parts, only small actors. " Stanislaviski
To some actors, being in the "ensemble" is not good enough. They want the lead parts only. In my opinion, those kind of actors maybe need to examine the real reason they want it so bad. But that's a different topic. What I'm trying to say is, being in the ensemble rocks! Especially when you know everyone is invested and creative and energetic. It's the best. The cool thing about it is that you can create your own character, almost completely out of your head. Make up your own story. Or even a different story every night. It's so fun.
When you are called to be a performer, it's your joy to be on the stage. It should be when you feel most alive. It shouldn't matter how big your part is. Your part is as big as you make it.
Needless to say, I'm having a blast at rehearsals for OKLAHOMA!! YEOW!!
I love the whole cast so much and the director, choreographer and musical director are really fantastic. This is a classic and our director is trying really hard not to make it cheesy, (which it can tend to be) and more realistic. It is gonna be great I think. :-)
To some actors, being in the "ensemble" is not good enough. They want the lead parts only. In my opinion, those kind of actors maybe need to examine the real reason they want it so bad. But that's a different topic. What I'm trying to say is, being in the ensemble rocks! Especially when you know everyone is invested and creative and energetic. It's the best. The cool thing about it is that you can create your own character, almost completely out of your head. Make up your own story. Or even a different story every night. It's so fun.
When you are called to be a performer, it's your joy to be on the stage. It should be when you feel most alive. It shouldn't matter how big your part is. Your part is as big as you make it.
Needless to say, I'm having a blast at rehearsals for OKLAHOMA!! YEOW!!
I love the whole cast so much and the director, choreographer and musical director are really fantastic. This is a classic and our director is trying really hard not to make it cheesy, (which it can tend to be) and more realistic. It is gonna be great I think. :-)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Role models past
I had a friend
Her name was Joan
I was dating her son
I got bit by a dog
He took me to Joan
She scrubbed the shit out of my leg with iodine
I still have the scar
And I think of her :-)
I watched her make quite a change when I knew her
I was part of her life when she suffered great loss
I watched her make a beautiful transition
Because of her strength
She rose above her circumstances and got on with her life
Happy
With a new love and a new life
She was a role model
She was also my mother in law for about...mmmm....half a minute.
But I loved her
She made an impression on me
And it was all good
Rest in peace Joan :-)
Her name was Joan
I was dating her son
I got bit by a dog
He took me to Joan
She scrubbed the shit out of my leg with iodine
I still have the scar
And I think of her :-)
I watched her make quite a change when I knew her
I was part of her life when she suffered great loss
I watched her make a beautiful transition
Because of her strength
She rose above her circumstances and got on with her life
Happy
With a new love and a new life
She was a role model
She was also my mother in law for about...mmmm....half a minute.
But I loved her
She made an impression on me
And it was all good
Rest in peace Joan :-)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Gamma Rays in Oklahoma
I have been watching a lot of old movies lately. I recorded a movie made in 1971 called, "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds". It stars the incredible Joanne Woodward. The movie is directed by her husband, Paul Newman. The movie wasn't popular, but the play; written by Paul Zindel, won the Pulitzer Prize. It's the text, and the rich message that made me watch it more than once....that and Woodwards performance. I LOVE watching an actor inhabit a character and I recommend the first scene of Woodward, trying on wigs as the first of many examples of this in this film. I just love the symbolism that Zindel, a former science teacher, uses to compare the family life to a science experiment. It's not a happy film. But it always makes me happy to observe actors at the top of their game, and Woodward delivers. Paul Newman said he thinks its his wifes best performance. I feel like I'm writing a movie review. I give it two thumbs up for serious actor types!
Speaking of actor types.... I am pleased that I have been cast in Performance Riversides production of Oklahoma! I am in the ensemble and I have been told that I will be in three or four of the production numbers. It is a true, old fashioned musical. FUN to sing the rich and robust music with a full cast! Ah, these things bring me joy. I am so happy that God still remembers the desires of my heart. This is the second time I have been cast with this company. I am thrilled to get the chance to do it again. My first rehearsal is next weekend and I can't wait.
Speaking of actor types.... I am pleased that I have been cast in Performance Riversides production of Oklahoma! I am in the ensemble and I have been told that I will be in three or four of the production numbers. It is a true, old fashioned musical. FUN to sing the rich and robust music with a full cast! Ah, these things bring me joy. I am so happy that God still remembers the desires of my heart. This is the second time I have been cast with this company. I am thrilled to get the chance to do it again. My first rehearsal is next weekend and I can't wait.
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