White Christmas...

Merry Christmas!

I feel so blessed. So many things to be thankful for.

Family, friends, safety, health, warmth, salvation, security, and snow.

All day it's been softly snowing. It's wonderful.

The view from our front porch

God is so good. There are so so so many unknowns in my life right now, but today I take a break from the planning and *trying not to worry*, to "count my blessings" (As the old Christmas movie says).

Each Christmas morning before we open presents we always read the Christmas Story from Luke 2. This morning, my brother read it to us via Skype from Afghanistan. We all miss him and it was special that he could "be with us" as we started off our day.

My brother reads Luke 2 from Afghanistan. (See his big face on the tv :-D)

I'll try and post a more detailed update in the next week or so regarding "What's Next" for me.

But for now. I do wish you all a very Merry Christmas. And pray that this year you discover new truths about the birth of our Savior. :)

I'm going to say it again...

I was just going to write a status update, but then I figured: I'll write a short blog update instead.

I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again: I love my job.

I'm so blessed.

We've got two days off...and after only one day, I'm ready to go back to it. But I can't...'cause of another day off tomorrow. :)

Now, it may partly be due to the fact that I only did two shows this weekend....but...I really am thankful to be a part of this show.

The cast is great. I love them all. I have a blast working with them, and hanging out with them. I love the show itself, and all that I get to do. (Ok, the serving sometimes stresses me out, but I'm getting used to it). :) Singing, acting, improv-ing, "playing" with a band (to the best of my ability anyway...;-)).....

I'm just very thankful to be a part of it, and felt like saying as much.

Who knows what God's got next for me: I'm hoping for an inkling sometime soon. ;-) When I know either way, I'll be posting it. :) (I'll probably be making some phone calls by the end of the week if I don't hear anything before.) Regardless: God is good and does good. :) Praise Him.

I should go to bed now. :)

October Update...

October has ended up looking a lot like my summer, as I spent most of it traveling and living out of a suitcase.

First week of October

We had a week-off from Titanic, so I went home to Maine and helped out around the house as my mom was laid up from foot-surgery. Being a mom's a full-time job, I tell ya. ;-)

Second/Third week of October

TITANIC ON TOUR! :)

A few cast members and I piled into my little blue car and hit the road for our first stop in Yarmouth. We were there 4 nights. Free-time was spent sleeping-in, going to the gym, eating, and then playing pool after the show Across the street they had a Dooleys, so we'd go and play pool after some shows. I developed a love/obsession with pool. The end. :)

After we finished up in Yarmouth we had a day-off, so we went to Halifax. Spent the day wandering around, shopping and such. :)

Then we arrived in Mirimachi. One night after a show we did "Cast Halloween". Using only what we could find in our hotel rooms, we dressed up, and then went to each other's rooms and "trick or treated". Was a hilarious night. :)

All-in-all, a great "mini-tour". :)

Third/Fourth(ish) week of October.

Initially Titanic was supposed to tour to more places, but venues couldn't be found, so we were finished earlier than previously expected. When I learned we'd be done "early", I decided I'd travel down to VA Beach and surprise a few of my good friends (some of whom were performing their thesis roles in "The Three Musketeers").

So the morning after we had our last show, I hit the road for Maine. Drove the next day to Pennsylvania, so I could wake up the following morning and arrive in VA Beach by noon-ish to surprise everyone.

And it worked. :) People were even more excited to see me than I imagined. Britain (my very good friend...I wanted to make sure I saw him first before anyone else)...his reaction is one I'll remember for a long time. (Love ya Britain) :) My "twin" Sarah, "snuck" me into the VIP dressing room, and I hung out near the bathroom. When he came in Sarah told him (very calmly) "Someone left a package in there for you". He came around the corner, and there was much shouting, and even tears, from more than one person. ;-)

Then I got to hug many others. :) Twas fun. :)

So I spent the long weekend hanging out with lots of friends. I kept myself busy from 10 AM - Midnight or later most nights. I saw Three Musketeers all three nights I was there. :) I was very proud of the work my friends put into the show. :) Uber special kudos' to Britain (playing Porthos) and his 5 on 1 fight. Awe.some.

The fight choreography was done by Richard Ryan. If you don't know his name, look him up. Richard Ryan on IMDB.

I'm so glad I got to see so many awesome friends. I do miss you all. I had a blast. I'm so glad I went. :)

Last week of October

I'm back in Maine for a couple days. I'm exhausted. Twas fun, but now it's time for some down-time. Tomorrow we have our annual "Christmas at Halloween"...where we spend the day watching Christmas movies and doing other Christmas-y things.

On Sunday I'll head back to the Island, ready to start rehearsals on Monday for my next show "Naughty or Nice". More on that show later. :) But it should be a fun show! :)

Hope you all have a safe and fun weekend! :)

September Update...

Titanic: The Fated Voyage is underway! It's fun. And I'm with a really great cast. :) I'm very thankful to be a part of it. It's exhausting...We're "on" and performing for almost 4 hours each night. Then there's set up and tear down on either side...so, it makes for a fairly long night. :)

Next week we get nearly a week off before the tour starts, so I 'm going to go back to Maine for a few days. My mother is having foot surgery...so I"ll go help out what little bit I can.

Then tour!

I recently auditioned for, and was cast in another dinner theatre show. This time, Christmas-themed. So shortly after this contract finishes, I'll go right to another. I'm very thankful. :) And, something I wasn't expecting. :)

And that's the update. Nothing crazy exciting going on. I at least have a plan up until Christmas. No word yet for January. God's got a plan!

In the meantime, I get to sail on the Titanic. And sweat enough to rival what I did in Godspell. :)

And it's almost October. How did that happen?

And I miss Regent.

With my crazy schedule, I have to eat dinner at like 3:30.... what I wouldn't give for a Qdoba burrito. :) It'd get me through the 8 hours until I get to eat again. :)

And I do miss people too. ;-)

Until next time...

The Traveling has Stopped...for now

Back on the Road

My mini-road trip over a week ago was a good little trip. I went and saw my friends perform "The Disorientation of Butterflies" at FringeNYC. Which ended up winning the director, my friend, Alaska Reese Vance, an award for best Direction! Very happy and proud for her, and the team. :)

The next day I spent a day in the city doing things I'd never done before. Seeing "Ground Zero" (which is just a construction zone now as they build the One World Trade Center), Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty (just gazed at across the harbor), Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity, Dylan's Candy Bar. Then walked through Central Park and "You've Got Mail Land". It was one of the most fun days I've had all summer.

Then I drove to PA for a few days. I went back to Sight & Sound to see "Joseph" and take a back-stage tour. Let's just say I didn't walk away wishing I won't work there one day. :-)

Then I got to see my sister-in-law and brother who was "home" for 2 weeks on his R&R from serving in Afghanistan. We went to Hoboken and saw Carlos' Bakery (of Cake Boss fame) They were filming a promo spot, so the bakery was closed, but we were able to see Buddy himself through the window. :) We did some walking, and then went to the Melting Pot for cheese and chocolate. I've wanted to go ever since I've heard of it last year.... :)

All-in-all, a fun trip. But by the time I got to Maine, I was ready to be in one place for more than 10 days. I've lived out of a suitcase all summer.

Thankfully I've got at least 5 weeks where I'll be staying in one place.

What's Next

On Monday rehearsals start for my next show: "Titanic: The Fated Journey". I'm excited. It's a musical, and I get to be Swedish. This is the show that I wasn't going to audition for, and had decided not to, but couldn't shake the feeling that I should. So I stayed an extra day to audition. :)

We perform in PEI the end of September, and then in October we're doing a tour of the Maritimes. When I know specific dates and locations I'll let people know incase friends off-Island are able to make it. :)

I'm also excited to get to spend part of Fall on the Island. :) It's been four years since I've experienced a real Fall.

I'm ready to have a schedule and routine. Though, I do admit this week of "nothing" has been nice :)

Come November, I have no idea what I'll be doing. But. One day/week at a time. :)

Irene...

I'll update on my mini-road trip soon.

Tonight I wish to quickly blog about Irene.

4 years in Virginia Beach, and I never got to experience a real hurricane.

I was trying not to be bummed that I'm not in VA Beach for Irene (Disclaimer: I do miss VA Beach for more than just the current excitement....but I do love storms. :))

Anyway, I finally turned on the TV and watched news coverage of the impending hurricane. That might have been a mistake. (Secretly, we all know the mandate of the news to instill fear :)) And it worked.

Now I'm trying not to be afraid for my friends all along the east coast.

So. Stay safe, friends. :)

I wish I had witty/funny/pithy/brilliant advice and/or comments for you. But I don't (currently). So. This is what you get. :)

I look forward to reading/seeing updates from people on fb.

And enjoy. :)

I'll be praying :)

On the Road Again...

Tomorrow ends my vacation time. I've been on Prince Edward Island for the past 10 or so days. It's been pretty nice. Aside from venturing out of the house a few times to see friends and/or shows, I've mostly stayed in the house. Sleeping in, lazing around. Very relaxing. And I do enjoy my down-time. But too much down time isn't productive. :) Except for playing more than 500 games of Bubble Burst.

So now I'm hitting the road again. Only for a week or so. Back to NYC to see some friends as they perform in the Fringe Festival, and then meeting up with my brother and sister-in-law in PA/NJ.

I may do an audition or two. My plans aren't set in stone, so who knows what will come around. :)

Come September I start rehearsals for my next show. I'm looking forward to it. More on that later.

Now comes the rough time of year when everyone is returning to school. After 10 years of university and graduate work, it feels weird.

In a way it feels like a New Year. More than actual New Years. It's exciting...and scary. New things are ahead. Don't know what, when or how, but I know God's got a plan. Even though I forget that at times and worry about what lies ahead.

How did it get to be the middle of August already?

Currently...

Currently I'm:

• Sitting on our front porch swing in Maine.
• On my laptop
• Watching the oncoming thunderstorm. Lighting, wind, thunder. Exciting.
• Listening to Chris Tomlin's "Our God". The Deluxe Edition Song. Love the strings in it.
• Swatting at mosquitos. They found me.
• Thinking I'll end up back inside real soon.
• Thankful. Peaceful. Content. Trusting that HIS will is best.
• Nostalgic.
• Noticing that the wind stopped. Rain's coming.
• Planning on going to the Island this week.
• Planning another road-trip. (not as epic). Stay tuned.
• Thankful for my car.
• Feeling ready to have solid plans for the next year. (Alas. Not for me to know yet.)
• Still ok with not having solid plans. (it's a vicious cycle)
• Still swatting at mosquitos.
• Not wanting to go inside 'cause it's awesome out.
• Conceding victory to the mosquitos. Time to go inside.

This has been your update. :)

Road Trip Conclusion...

The final audition of my roadtrip was at Sight and Sound in Pennsylvania.

It was a very long day. I arrived just after 8 AM, and I pulled out of the parking lot at 8 PM.

Every other audition I've done on the trip, I heard the standard (and expected) “thank you for coming in today” aka “We're not going to consider you.” No call-backs.

For this audition though, they kept wanting to see me. Even after my first call-back in which I went in, sang another song and did a cold read, I thought for sure I was done. But no, I heard “Don't let Sharon leave yet”. And I was asked to learn a song from the show.

At the very least, I was encouraged.

I didn't feel great about everything I did. But the comforting thing is: it's all in God's hands. He's in charge. If I'm to be cast, I'll be cast. If not, He's got a better plan. :) They're still holding auditions over the next few weeks, and will see a lot more people. From my understanding there aren't a lot of female roles available. But. HIS will be done.

Now I have to try and forget about it because I won't know anything until Sept or Oct.

I had a lot of fun. It was a great audition. Met some wonderful people. Laughed a lot. Particularly towards the end of the day as we all were getting quite tired. :) After I finally finished I noticed my legs were killing me. Who knew simply waiting around all day could be so taxing on the body?

Now. I'm home. What's next? Stay tuned to find out. (Since I don't know :))

In the meantime:

Road trip in a nutshell:

• 22 days
• 22 states
• 6,220 miles
• 8 ports of call
• 6 auditions
• Pulled-over 1 (stupid GPS took me on random back roads and was completely unaware of the 35 MPH Speed Limit)
• Tickets 0 (PTL)
• 4 Diet Cokes (If you know me, be impressed. If you don't. Be impressed)
• 4 Broadway Shows
• 4 Movies
• 0 Car breakdowns (PTL)
• Time spent in car – over 96 hours. Aka 4 days

First Time Experiencing

• Cape Cod
• Orlando
• Disney
• Cocoa Beach
• Branson, MO
• Broadway Audition
• Steak and Shake
• Zaxby's
• Driving in NYC

Special Thanks

Everyone who prayed for me!

Everyone who let me stay at their place:

• Jim & Dustee H.
• Nannie C (c/o Anne C)
• David and Elia R
• Robyn H (c/o Matt S)
• Shad & Shelia W
• Amy & Joey H
• Jessica M
• Jim & Ruth B

My heavenly father, who works everything out for good and HIS glory.

From Virginia to Broadway...

Virginia

Was great. Saw over 30 friends in the course of two and a half days. It was busy. My time was scheduled so I was going from one thing to the next. From 10 am until 1 or 2 am.

I went to the beach, two beach shows (Yea Pirate Show and Navy Show!), Qdoba, Jimmy Johns, Skinny Dipp, DW's, CPK, Panera, Cafe Moka, Williamsburg, Regent, FazBaby Room, Wawa, The Beech House, The Myers Abode, and more. :)

Awesome. And exhausting.

Click HERE to read about my first day back in the city

Second Day Back in the City

I stood in line to get rush tickets for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Stood next to a girl talking on the phone about how God had provided her with an awesome roommate in the city. After she got off the phone I started talking to her and asked to hear her story of how she ended up in the city and liked living there, etc. :) She gave me her email address so I can contact her later. Praise God for meetings like that. :)

After getting my ticket, went to the audition for Phantom to get my name on the non-equity list (I was #27 when I signed up at about 10:30). Female audition didn't start until 2, so I went to Starbucks to kill time.

My first Broadway Audition

At 1:30, the audition coordinator read through a list of Equity names. The people who were there walked up to the table, showed their equity card, and got a blank pink card with information they had to fill out. (Basic audition info...including past experience. Apparently the headshot went to the casting director, and the pink card went to the Music Director, so writing "see resume" was not allowed).

There were about 77 Equity girls auditioning. 77! I heard a group of them talking...they'd been in West Side Story or In the Heights together. It was eye-opening. Even after you've done a Broadway show or two, you still have to go to auditions and find work. Just because you have your equity card doesn't mean you stop auditioning.

I heard one girl talk about when she first moved to the city, the first audition she went to was the same type of call for Phantom. Only she was non-equity. She waited hours and didn't get seen. "And now I'm Equity and I know I'll be seen" she said.

I sat next to a girl I'd met briefly at the audition the day before. We patiently waited to see if there would be time to be seen.

Finally at 4 PM (after more than 2 hours of waiting) the audition co-ordinator read the non-equity list, and the first forty would be allowed to stay and audition. (there were more than 70 on the non-equity list) Thankfully I'd signed up earlier in the day. My name was called. I walked up, put my headshot in the pile, and started getting ready.

The Equity singers were asked to sing 16 bars. Non-Equity was asked to sing 8 bars. I picked one of the last phrases of one of my songs, and prepped to sing it. I played around with singing a higher note that wasn't written. I hummed it as I was sitting on the floor, but was unsure if I'd be able to do it in the audition.

The Actual Audition

I walked in, walked to the accompanist, gave him my music, and tempo, etc.

The auditioners said Hi, I responded in kind and then began to sing. (we weren't asked to slate, so I didn't)(so far I've gotten the impression from talking to people that unless you're asked to slate, you don't need to).

As I was singing my very short 8 bars, I was thinking "did I miss the place I was going to add the higher note? I think I did". Then before I knew it, I was hitting the note I wasn't sure I was going to sing. Ha.

The woman auditioner said "That's from the Apple Tree right?" I said yes. She said "Appropriate for a day like today when we can only hear 8 bars" Woot. I thanked them, then grabbed my music and left.

At least they got to see the real me

As I was exiting, I said to the auditioners "Hope you have a good evening!" Then I was opening the door to exit, I realized I hadn't thanked the accompanist. I had just grabbed my music and left.

So I'm opening the door as I turn and call back across the room "And Thank you....(realizing I have no idea of accompanists name or what to call him)...Mr. Accompanist Whose Name I Don't Know!" They all laughed, and I was out of there.

In Conclusion

This audition was actually the most fun audition I've done on this trip. The auditioners were great and personable :)

Did I perform my best? Pretty sure not. I know I still have areas to work on. Immediately:

Getting/Staying warm while waiting 3 hours to sing when you're not really given any place to warm up. I didn't feel I had a strong vocal start to either auditions yesterday or the day before.

And concentration! I know I shouldn't be thinking "Did I hit that note?" in the middle of the song. :)

But. Did I think at the beginning of this road-trip that I'd be auditioning for a Broadway show? Um. No! Yay Unexpected Summer!

Sorry my last couple blogs have been long-ish. If you read it all: congratulations. :)

Just another day in NYC...

So today I:

• Got pooped on by a bird. (thankfully just on my skin. And PTL for Purell and tissues I had in my purse)
• Got spit on by an angry homeless guy. (I reached out in front of him to grab a napkin as he was speaking vehemently)
• Auditioned.
• Heard "Nice job. Cute Song" (in so many words) from the accompanist. Which surprised me. I can't remember a time when an audition accompanist commented to the auditionee. Or. At least to me. Maybe this guy likes to comment, and so it wasn't anything special. But. It made me smile. :)
• Went to a taping of David Letterman.
• Walked many blocks.
• Lugged a 20+ lbs backpack all around the city. (painful) (why can't I pack light?)
• Saw Sister Act.
• Heard "Excuse me Ladies and Gentleman" followed by a spiel by two different people looking for money on two separate subway rides. (when I don't remember experiencing that before). At least one was a fairly entertaining duo rap act.
• Was approached by two different people looking for money in McDonalds.
• Stopped at at least 10 separate box offices trying to get rush tickets for a show. Any show.
• Bought my first tickets at TKTS (Sister Act).
• Got the "You look familiar. Have you been here before?" line from a guy for the first time. Though. He probably meant it.
• Won the ticket lottery for the David Letterman taping. First time trying. I heard others say they've been trying for a long time to get tickets. Thank you, Lord. :)
• Was on "Paul's Gold List" for the ticket. Whatever that means. Paul might have been the one who thought I look familiar. Who knows. I didn't interact with him again. :)
• Called a kid, "Kid".
• Wished the Box Office people wouldn't at least come across as condescending when I was asking for rush tickets. Usually I don't notice it. Maybe it's just 'cause I kept getting rejected. But.... don't they understand "I just graduated I have lots of loans I'm not paying $120 to see a show"?

All in all it actually was a pretty good day. I felt decent about my audition. They're going to call us if we're called back. I'm kind of thinking I won't be getting a call. I felt shaky, and a little weak at the start of the song. A few bars in, I saw the Casting Director make a mark on my resume. Then he just sat and watched and listened. He seemed engaged, but, it was almost like he already made his decision. I felt like my second half of the song was stronger. But it might not have made a difference. I could continue to analyze the audition. But I won't. Over and done. And who knows. It could simply be a matter of being the wrong size for the costumes.

In the end, I felt decent about the audition. And I DID come away with was a new audition lesson.

Non-Equity actors are allowed to show up at Equity calls! I did not know that. If we talked about that in Auditioning in the Biz class, that must have been when I was sick or something. (Sorry, Mark.)

I was talking with a couple girls and I got the scoop.

Non-eq can show up at an Equity call at the sign-in time. Equity people show their cards, sign up for a time, then leave and come back. There's a separate sheet for Non-Equity. If there are time slots that aren't claimed, or no-shows, then they'll see the Non-Equity people from the list.

There's no guarantee you'll be seen, but...it's good to know.

SO! I'm staying in the city tomorrow and doing a chorus call for Phantom. If I don't get seen, at least I'll get to check out the scene and see what it's like. It'll be an experience regardless.

Now, I'm unsure if it's that way for ALL Equity Calls. We'll find out. :)

...and I just realized I didn't talk about my time in VA. I will try and do that in the next couple of days. :)

Watch and you'll see, someday I'll be....

I Could Tell You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

If you're my friend on facebook (which, I assume you are) you'll notice today's status (Posted July 14th).

"To preserve the magic" we were asked not to talk about our experience on any social networking site. So. I suppose I can't give all the details. But, I'll beat around the bush. (to borrow the colloquialism (to quote Eugene Meltsner))

Suffice it to say, it was another experience. I wish I could say it was a success. Alas, not this time. It's based solely on a very very particular look depending on what they're looking for at the time (We were given a general idea, but not a specific idea).

I was a little disappointed. I mean, I'd LOVE that job (at least for a season). But I sort of expected it. I knew it'd be a long-shot. And, how can I feel bad when no talent was involved?(later rounds did have a movement portion...but the first round....we were just looked at...and then told who would stay.) Easiest "interview to get an acting job" you'll ever do :)

5 out of 50 were asked to stay. 3 were of ethnic persuasion. Gives an idea of how specific they are.

No Dress Code

So I show up, in a dress. I start noticing people are walking in with dance clothes on, and I start to get nervous thinking I over-dressed. Thankfully I saw a few other girls also in dresses. Suffice it to say, there was a whole wide range of outfits there...it was quite amusing. Sweat pants to skinny jeans to sneakers to 4 inch tiny heels.

I did learn something though: Just incase....always bring dance gear. It's simply smart. Because there was rumors about learning a dance (hence why a lot were dressed like dancers), and I didn't bring my dance gear. I had my jazz shoes...but they'd look stupid with a dress. Their info mentioned "may be asked to learn small movement routine". So I figured whatever they'd have us learn would be easy to do in a dress. Like: walk like a "ssecnirp".

Anyway: Lesson learned: will always bring dance gear.

I'm Going to Disney World!

After one of our Bye Bye Birdie shows at Regent, we had a talk-back. One of the questions was directed at those of us who were graduating, wondering what plans we had after graduation. I was last in the line. Everyone had some sort of plan. I didn't have any plans. So to be funny I said "I'm going to Disney World!"

Turns out.... I am. God has a sense of humor.

Tomorrow I'm visiting the Park for the first time. And I don't mind saying, I'm excited. :)

What's the Point?

I've traveled 3,000 miles so far, been gone a week and a half. I'm at the half-way point. I know I haven't "booked" anything yet. I won't lie and say I haven't had my moments of discouragement. (comes with the territory) But I know God's got me here for a reason. And regardless, I'm gaining some experience, learning new things and having an adventure :)

I would ask prayers for the upcoming two... July 20th and 25th. They're closer to my type and I'd love to do either one.

In the meantime

I'm going to sleep. Long day tomorrow in the Magical Kingdom!! :)

Open Call...

I'm sitting in Panera in Plymouth, MA. I just ate a sandwich and a "Fuji Apple Salad" (one of my new favorite things. Check it out)

It only took 4 1/2 hours to get here today...but it felt twice as long as my drive to NYC. Perhaps because I hit three patches of stop and go traffic (and with a standard transmission...that is not fun).

Anyway: On to the real purpose of writing this blog.

What I learned/experienced at my first New York Open Call Audition.

I showed up 20 minutes early for sign-in - There were 70 people ahead of me.

What I Learned: It is OK to be at an Open Call super early

I talked to one girl who said she stops in at an open call location hours early, signs-up, goes to work, then goes to the open call at her lunch hour. So if there's a sign in sheet posted that early, it's ok to do that. Good to know.

We were in two rehearsal rooms (One a holding room, one an audition room) on the 12th floor on 8th Ave... part of Pearl Studios (Where loads of auditions take place daily. There were at least four other productions auditioning just on that floor.)

What I Learned: Any actor in New York will more than likely spend lots of time in this building.

We were all given numbers (I was 123. Ha. (There were also scheduled auditions in the morning...The afternoon auditions started at #51)) Then we got to chill. Since I was one of the "later" ones, I had the honor of sitting on the floor. :) I made friends with two other girls and we sat together. For 3 hours. Until it was our time to sing.

We were asked to prepare 2 songs 16-32 bars each. At the start of the auditions, the casting team talked to everyone in the room and asked us to keep our songs to 16 bars. By the time we got up to sing, they were keeping it to a strict 16 bars of one song only.

We were lined up in groups of ten outside the audition room, and then ushered in one at a time. I felt ready and prepared. But things change as soon as you walk into that room. :)

The audition went alright. I didn't feel great about it. One of the auditioners was actually smiling at me while I was singing (as opposed to the others who looked bored... and I realized I was looking him in the eyes and needed to look at others, and I just ended looking at one spot in the back of the room instead of including all of them. Suffice it to say I lost my concentration/intention/specificity (You know, all that stuff we learned in school) and was in my head. But. Moving on...

I finished. They said. "Thanks. That's all".

What I learned: Sometimes you spend hours waiting to sing less than 30 seconds. And that's it. And. Must really really work on concentration.

I knew that was the case...but it really became real now that I've experienced it. :)

I also learned: One of the advantages at being "later in the line-up" is being able to watch what goes on.

During the three hours while I was waiting, I was watching as each person came out of their audition... those called back for the next day were asked to fill out an audition form. Of the 70 people in front of me, I only saw 3 people filling out those forms. Two African American Guys, and one girl. One girl, out of 50 in front of me was asked to stay. I'm sure there were many many many girls there with incredible talent who did wonderful auditions...but it was very obvious the casting team already had very specific ideas in mind for what they were looking for.

There were over 30 people behind me also. Putting the grand total of people they were seeing that afternoon at 100. I did feel bad for the auditioners. I don't think they took a break from when they started at 1 PM. It's gotta be tiring. Person after person....

So. Suffice it to say. I'm not disappointed. Well...being on a ship would be amazing... but God's got other plans this time. On to the next. I've got 4 other auditions in the next 2 1/2 weeks. All exciting opportunities should they work out...

I know there's going to be a whole lotta "no's". But the time will come when, Lord willing, there will be a "yes". I don't know what God's got in store. But I'm knocking on doors. Each audition will be a learning experience.

But you can only ever have one first NYC open call experience. :)

Getting Ready...

On Tuesday morning I'll hit the road for a three-week road-trip extravaganza!

Stop to stop the trip will be about 5,500 miles. However, I'll be doing various driving to and fro, so I'm guessing we're looking at 6,000 mi or so in total. That's over 100 hours of driving in the car. Oy.

I'll be staying in 10 different places. Praise the Lord. I have friends/family to stay with along the way. Unless something goes wrong, I should be able to make the whole trip without staying in a hotel.

First stop will be NYC.

Also, I was just offered an acting opportunity for part of the fall which I'd like to do, but I may have a decision to make.

Prayers would very much appreciated. :)

I'll try to update as I go along.

Packing begins tomorrow.

Happy 4th of July weekend! (And a belated Canada also to my Canadian friends) :)

ROAD TRIP!...

WELL,

I was planning on staying in Maine for the month of July... but other plans are accruing.

If everything works out, I'm going on an audition road trip! Crazy? Yes. But it'll be an adventure!

I'll give more specific details later...but as of right now, I have auditions planned in NYC, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and two cities in Florida.

As of now I'll be leaving after July 4th and will be on the road about 3 weeks...staying with friends and family along the way. Seeing where the Lord leads me along the way. :)

I'm going to try and make it to VA Beach for a short visit as well, so be prepared. ;-)

In the meantime, I have to work on picking audition material. I have to do a pop song for a couple auditions (not my comfort zone), and one audition is 90 seconds...for 2 contrasting songs AND A monologue. Crazy. :)

If you know of an audition going on in your area in the month of July, let me know...I may be able to make it. :)

My summer just got crazier :)

Redeeming Ruth...

Just watched this. Thought I'd share. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the series.

Happy Father's Day...

I haven't written lately because there hasn't been much to say.

I went to California. My dad and I were visiting with some family, and he preached at a church on Sunday. We went to Universal one day. That was fun. I almost thought I saw Tom Hanks. Nearly had a heart attack. (it wasn't him) :)

This week I've been relaxing. It's been good. Can't remember the last time it's been summer and I've been home, and haven't worked 12+ hours a day.

I am planning to take another trip in July (more on that later). Other than that, still no plans. So if you hear of any awesome jobs...I'm open, ready and waiting for whatever comes my way. :) Still a weird position to be in... but it's only for a season. :)

Special shout-out to my dad...who seriously is the best earthly father I can imagine having.

And Happy Fathers Day to the other dads out there :)

Sweet Liberty...

Sweet Liberty

From Jane Eyre: The Musical

And I wake from my bed
With the urge to depart
And to follow the dreams of my heart
It's twelve o' clock in the pitch black night
I can't contain my wanderlust
I seek a new adventure
I search the skies because I must
I hunger for new faces
To find a better destiny
And fly among the swallows
Far beyond the troubled sea
Over mountains, over oceans
Heaven take me away
For I love for my liberty
For sweet liberty I pray
'Cross the rivers
Past the highlands
With God's wind in my hair
I look out over boundless skies
My spirits rise

And carry me
Beyond my past
Where I will find
Sweet liberty
My liberty

At last

Unexpected: Still in PEI

On Saturday I ran into a friend in the video store who mentioned an audition on Tuesday for a fall contract. I was planning on leaving today (Monday)..but staying an extra day isn't a big deal. I thought about it... and yesterday I decided I wouldn't do the audition, and would leave the Island as expected today.

This morning I woke up still thinking about the audition and spent time going back and forth about whether I should do it or not. I was all packed, ready to go when I paused to pray and think. I figured since I was still not happy with my decision to leave and not audition, that I should stay and audition. So, I called and booked an audition.

So, I'll be leaving the Island tomorrow, Tuesday, AFTER the audition. :) I went to Charlottetown and saw a few friends today, and was still hemming and hawing a bit...but I'm going to audition, and see what happens. :)

When packing to come up here, I even grabbed a few of my head shots "just incase" :)

His will be done...

Unexpected Days...

On Saturday night ago my grandmother (my mom's mom) went into the hospital for internal bleeding....things were not looking good. The next day my mom and dad drove 2 and 1/2 hours west to go be with her. My mother ended up staying two nights. (she's back now, and my grandmother should be released tomorrow).

While she was gone, I ended up sort of playing "mom". Made hamburgers (my dad grilled them) and cooked corn on the cob for Memorial Day. I'd never done either. I'm happy to report no one died.

Today, before my mother returned, my youngest sister ran into my dad's parked truck and chipped her front tooth "but good." So, off to the dentist. I had just left there an hour and a half before (having a cavity filled). So, still numb from the Novocain, I took my little sister and tried to keep her calm as she feared the pain of having to get a shot. (aside from a few minutes of crying, she did really well, and her tooth is as good as new)

Sometimes having no plans free you up when things go awry.

Which leads me to...

Things could change, but as of now, I have a plan at least until August.

I'm going to stay home. (aside from the traveling I'll be doing the next two weeks)

In July my father and two "older" sisters (younger than me, but not the young sisters. They're in college), are going to China for three weeks. So, I'm going to stick around and help out. I haven't been home for more than two weeks at a time in nine years. My youngest sisters probably see me more as an "aunt" who visits occasionally instead of a sister.

I know it's not crazy exciting. But, I feel staying close to home is what I need to do. And, I'm completely open if God should call me to do something else this summer. But for now, I'm content with this option. At least until August. :)

And, should something else happen this summer, that'll make it all the more "unexpected" :)

In the meantime, I'll start the job hunt... (To anyone reading...I'm on the hunt...if you hear of anything. ;-))

All is Well...

All Is Well

sung by Robin Marks
Written by Johnny Parks and Claire Hamilton

He lowers us to raise us
So we can sing His praises
Whatever is His way all is well

He makes us rich and poor
That we might trust Him more
Whatever is His way all is well

All my changes come from Him He who never changes
I'm held firm in the grasp of the Rock of all the ages

All is well with my soul
He is God in control
I know not all His plans
But I know I'm in His hands

He clothes us now then strips us
Yet with His Word equips us
Whatever is His way all is well
And though our seasons change
We still exalt His name
Whatever is His way all is well

Home...

I'm home.

The showcase is over.

I'm no longer a Regent Student. (Very surreal)

Showcase went well. I'm pleased with the work I and my classmates did. I felt we had a strong showing. We'll see what comes of it. If nothing else, we had the experience, and it was fun taking a class trip.

And I love New York City.

The day I arrived, I got to see 2 shows. Spider-Man and The Fantasticks. (I love Student Rush tickets). On Tuesday after everyone left I wandered around the city, and saw Catch Me If You Can (again, Student Rush). 3 shows for under $100. (Holla)

I went to Central Park for the first time, visited the Upper West Side (the "home" of one of my favorite movies You've Got Mail) had Grey's Papaya hotdog, and Carnegie's Deli. And generally simply enjoyed being in the city.

After spending an evening with my best friend in Boston, I arrived home in Maine on Thursday.

So far I've un-packed, spent some time been browsing job options online, and relaxing.

Late next week I'm planning a short visit to PEI.

The following week I'll be going to California for a few days.

After that.... still no concrete plans. So far, I'm still ok with that. :)

And so my Unexpected Summer continues... :)

In front of the Bethesda Fountain (Where they ended the "That's How You Know" number from Enchanted) in Central Park. I was excited. :)

Here I go...

Last year, a good friend of mine, dubbed the time after graduation as her "Unexpected Summer". For her, that period of time extended into October, and even into January.

I just graduated. I just left school. As far as the summer goes, I know what I'm doing this week. (Showcase in NYC, Visiting my best friend in Boston, and going home). I have a dentist appointment on May 31st, and I'm taking a short trip to California in early June... Aside from those three things, the summer and my future are wide open. (I do plan on going to PEI at some point, just not sure when yet)

I have ideas of things I'd LIKE to do. I have some options regarding places to go... but nothing is concrete yet.

For the first time in my life, I don't know what I'm doing next month. I'm a little excited, a little scared, but mostly ok, calmed and resigned. God knows what he's doing. He has me. I'm looking forward to what's ahead. The journey will be exciting. ANYTHING can happen. Tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.

If nothing extraordinary happens for the next little while, it's ok. Perhaps I'll get a chance to rest (and get caught up on books, movies and television I've been missing) before the pressures of a real job (!STUDENT LOANS!) and "real life" start pressing on me.

How long will my "Unexpected Summer" last? I have no idea. With HIS help, I'll take it one day at a time. Here we go! Bring it...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)