End of 2012 Update....

Hard to believe 2012 is almost over.... *insert over-used “and the world didn't end/we're still here” joke*

I never did a November update.  We closed Guys & Dolls about a month ago. I loved being involved in the show. I still miss it.  Fantastic/talented cast and crew.

"Sky, Sarah, Nathan and Adelaide"

It's been an interesting year to say the least...

A Little Overview:

I moved to the Greater Philadelphia area early January 2012...since then:

Number of Houses lived in: 5

Full-Scale Shows: 4

Special “Appearances” (aka, one night/day only, etc) Shows: 3

Shows turned down: 4

Auditions: Lost count

Call backs: roughly 1/3-1/2 of the auditions I lost count of. (Goal for 2013, aim for 1/2 -3/4)

Trips to New York: Lost count

Hours spent in the car: Infinity

Number of meals cooked not in a microwave: 1 (truth) (and that one was a pot of thin spaghetti)

Number of Broadway shows seen: 7 (seems a little low, but I think that's all)

Brief highlights from this year's four shows:

The Secret Garden: I got to move garden walls, twirl a lot, and sing really high.

Lucky Stiff: I got to take copious amounts of photos onstage with my iPhone, insult my current roommate, and get really excited about traveling. (oh, and play a French chick one weekend)

Mystery of Edwin Drood: I got to wear a really heavy skirt, speak in a British accent, and sing really high and occasionally go crazy.

Guys & Dolls: I got to slap my costar and act drunk. That's enough.

I finally have YouTube videos up. Couple performances from Drood, and a handful from Guys & Dolls. So, check them out if you have the time. Share them with your friends...co-workers...enemies...Neil Patrick Harris.

"I'll Know/I'll Know Reprise" from Guys & Dolls.  

Up next in 2013:

In February I'll be traveling to Memphis to attend UPTAs.

This is the first time since late January that I haven't had another full-length show lined up. I'm working on auditioning...got a few on the calendar so far...I'll be looking for more, and hopefully I'll have another show shortly.

Lord willing, I'm going to aim to earn EMC points this year. It's time. :)

In the non-acting world I'm still working at the property management firm...I'm really enjoying the work and the people I work with. 

It's been a great year. I feel very blessed. I've made some great new friends, and had some wonderful experiences. 

And with that, I'll sign off. Stay tuned for more unexpected adventures in 2013!  Thanks for reading!!

October Update...

Happy October!

It's been another busy month. :-) "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" finished a successful run on Oct 14th. I had a blast with the show, and I'm so thankful to have been a part of it. By the end of the run, some of the cast members were regularly tweeting with members of the Roundabout "Drood" production getting ready to open on Broadway shortly. We even got a special shout-out from Stephanie J. Block herself. It was quite a thrill. :)

The Cast of Edwin Drood at intermission during one of our shows. 

Twelve days after closing Drood, we opened "Guys & Dolls" to a sold-out house. Looks like the whole run is selling fast, so if you're planning on coming, I would suggest getting tickets early.  Visit The Broadway Theatre of Pitman website for ticket info.

I was interviewed, along with the fabulously talented Jaimie Geddes who plays "Adelaide" for one of the local papers regarding Guys & Dolls.  You can read the article HERE

Adelaide and Sarah Brown

In other news, one of my temp jobs has turned into a semi-permanent position at least until the end of the year. I'm very thankful and blessed. :)

And that's the update! Until next month!

September Update...

Here we are...the end of another month.

September has kept me quite busy.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood opened Sep 14. We're getting ready to enter our third weekend (of four) of performances. I'm having a blast, and it seems a lot of the audiences are as well.  It's a great cast of people, so if you haven't seen it yet, come on out!

Guys and Dolls opens in 4 weeks. Again, it's a wonderful cast, and I believe it's going to be a strong show! So, get your tickets early!

No rest for the weary as most of my nights are taken up with rehearsals and/or shows, and the *maybe* two nights a week that I get free, I somehow manage to fill up with other activities such as babysitting, seeing other shows, and who knows what else. But, I enjoy staying busy. :)

With the change in weather, there's been a rash of various sickness going around.  I felt myself coming down with something this past Sunday. So I cancelled my plans for the week (auditions and such), and drove to a friend's place in PA for a mini-vacation so I could lay-low and ward off any illness. I pretty much laid in bed, pumped vitamin C and water into me, and praise the Lord, I'm almost able to say I beat it this time around. I'm still popping the vitamin C, but I'm thankful I'm able to sing. (Without an understudy, that was my biggest fear). Thank you to those who prayed. :)

I'm thankful I've been able to get temp work these past few weeks. Starting a new one next week...should last a week or two. I'm thankful for any income at this point.

I'm starting to look ahead to what comes next after Guys & Dolls closes on Nov 18th. Currently I don't have any plans/shows lined up....  Who knows where God will lead me next. ...if any of you reading this have any grand ideas, be sure to let me know. ;-)

And there's the update for those who care to know. :-) Until next time!

August Update (Ok, so it's actually September)...

August was a busy month. Hence the lack of an update. :)

(PS - How is it September already??)

I'm rehearsing "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and "Guys & Dolls".  Both are going well.  Drood opens in less than two weeks on September 14th, and runs weekends until October 7th. Then Guys & Dolls will open on October 26th, and run weekends until November 16th. More information and tickets at The Broadway Theatre of Pitman Website.  Let me know if you're coming!! :-)

Then, in other news, I got a job! (so to speak) I signed with a staffing agency (aka, temp agency). I went in to their open house on a Thursday, and on that next Tuesday I started my first job.  It's kept me quite busy working 8:30 - 5ish, and then I jet off to rehearsals...but, I enjoy the work, and I'm thankful for the income. :) This job is temporary, but hopefully once it finishes they'll have another placement for me, and I'll be able to keep working.  But one day at a time. God is faithful. :)

I'm currently enjoying three complete days off from rehearsal and/or work. (Thank you Labor Day). Working on character work/memorizing/recharging batteries. ;-)

Thank you to those who pray and/or support me. I'm so thankful for you!  Until next time! :)

July Update...

Here's the quick update:

I had a good time traveling to NYC, Maine, PEI, North Carolina and Virginia Beach. Got to see a lot of friends. I was rather sick of living out of my car by the time the four weeks were up....but I had a great time. :)

I arrived in south New Jersey, my new "home" for the next little while, and began rehearsals for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. (I'm playing "Rosa Bud" if you missed the first announcement)

Then I auditioned for Guys & Dolls at the same theatre, and was cast as "Sarah Brown".

My next few months are going to be quite busy, rehearsing two shows simultaneously.  I'm very thankful though as I'll have a show on the go until November 18th. :)

If any of my friends are able to come see either show, it'd mean the world to me. Information is available at The Broadway Theatre of Pitman website. Facebook events will probably follow. (I'll try not to be obnoxious) ;-)

In Other News:

I am looking for a job. Something with a regular paycheck. So, seriously, if you know of anything in the Philly/South Jersey area....let me know. :)

Thanks everyone for your support! God is good...to Him be the glory.

June Update...

It's hard to believe we're nearly halfway through June...almost halfway through 2012!

Today is the first real day-off I've had in three weeks.  I'm kinda like "What do I do?".  I get not one, but two days off!  A whole "weekend" (To quote Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey: "What is a week-end?" (emphasis on the "end")  *And now, back to your regularly scheduled blog*

CURRENTLY

Two more weeks left of Lucky Stiff!  On opening weekend I performed the role of 'Dominique', as the scheduled understudy.  Now I'm back to my regular track of 'Character Woman 3'. Show's going pretty well.  I have fun with those I'm working with. And I get to use my iPhone on stage. ;-)

Next week I'm performing with some of the Lucky Stiff cast and others in a Classical Night.  Shakespeare vs. Opera. I'm doing scenes from Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Midsummer, and a monologue from Love's Labour's Lost. We 'battle' it out against the Opera singers to see who can tell the best love story.  Should be an interesting night.

If you're in the area and are interested in seeing either shows, just Facebook me or text and I'll give you the details. :)

UPCOMING

I'm pleased to announce (officially), that I've been cast as "Rosa Budd" in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", taking place at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman (where I recently finished The Secret Garden).  I had been offered a role in another show, but they conflicted. So I had to make a choice.  24 hours of agonization and prayer and talking with friends,  I finally settled on Drood. 

I'm genuinely excited for this show. Rehearsals begin in late July.

So, that means I have one month off between Lucky Stiff and Edwin Drood.  The plan at this point is to take some time and travel.  Current plans include NYC, Maine, PEI, VA Beach, and North Carolina. Things are a bit up in the air financially, so it's possible plans could change.  But for any friends in those areas, I will let you know if I'm able to visit. :) 

THE NOMAD LIFE

I've been very blessed to have friends and friends of friends be willing to house me this year.  I've lived in three separate places so far.  July will mostly be spent living out of a suitcase. Then I will be moving to my 4th place. This time staying with friends in New Jersey.  Still staying fairly close to Philly.  

I hadn't expected to be 'homeless' this long. But I'm very thankful to so many kind people who open their home to me and give me a roof over my head for a few weeks.  

If I ever win some major award I hope to thank them all.  In the meantime. I thank them via this blog. :)

The next question is: will I have my own place by the end of 2012? "Own place" requires steady pay-check.  Stay-tuned. :)

May Update...

May was a busy month. Performing "Secret Garden" on the weekends, and rehearsing "Lucky Stiff" during the week.

Secret Garden closed on Sunday. I met a lot of awesome and talented people through this show, and I'm so glad to have been a part of it. :)

Now focus shifts to "Lucky Stiff" which opens on June 1. It's a hilarious show, and filled with awesome people.

I'm still auditioning...generally at least once a week for various projects in the Philly area, with some NY auditions in there too. I've got some callbacks coming up the first of June which I'm excited about.

I will also be appearing in Classical Night, part of the Camden County June Theatre Festival, at the Ritz Theatre in NJ. One night only. June 19th. Shakespeare scenes/monologues pitted against Opera duets/arias to see who tells the best love story. I've been cast on the Shakespeare "team" so to speak. ;-) Should be a fun night!

I'll be moving next week for the third time this year. (Still staying in the Greater Philadelphia area.) I've been very blessed and grateful to have families who let me live with them rent-free, so I try not to over-stay my welcome. One day I hope to get an apartment...but that will have to wait for the time when I'm *hopefully* getting a regular paycheck.

"Lucky Stiff" closes on June 24th.  As of now I have no plans past then. I'm trusting God will bring about something.

If you'd like information on either of my upcoming shows, click the links below.

LUCKY STIFF
CLASSICAL NIGHT

And that's the update!!

Secret Garden Cast - The Broadway Theatre of Pitman - April-May 2012

April Update...

Secret Garden tech starts this weekend. We open a week from tomorrow. Crazy. The show's coming along. And I'm excited to see the final product. :)

A few months ago I posted a status on Facebook: "Remind me to write about today. It's the stuff movies are made of. And so the "unexpected" continues." Car troubles + audition = eventful"

I'm finally going to write about it. It's nothing crazy-exciting. But, circumstances like it could be used in a movie/tv show. ;-)

The Audition

I was on my way to a 9:30 pm audition after dance class one Monday night. While driving on the Schuylkill Expressway, my check-engine light comes on, and my car starts bucking. I had 8 miles to go. I kept the gas pedal pushed, and praise the Lord made it to the audition. At this point, I was "on time" (which, for an audition is usually "late"). Because it was getting late, I had to make a few phone calls regarding my car...didn't want to leave it until after the audition.

I should also add I showed up still grungy from dance-class. Ripped out my audition clothes from my bag, ran to the bathroom and changed. I'm on edge, rushed and stressed. I realized I left my dress shoes at home. But thankfully I did have my character shoes. (Which I was self-conscious about since that week I was told not to wear characters to an audition. But desperate times...) :) I take a quick breath, pray, and walk into my audition.

It went fine. Though internally I learned that I probably shouldn't sing this one song I have in my book for certain auditions. I was asked to stay for some cold-reads. So I did. After I was released, I got back on the phone.

Post-Audition

Called AAA to get a tow, got in touch with some old family friends who were "sort of" in the area, who came to pick me up to spend the night. I had nothing with me except audition clothes and dance clothes. They were great. Gave me pi's, toothbrush and such. Spent the next day hanging out with one of their kids...played Wii and such. Only to hear back from the mechanics that it was a big job and they needed my car a couple more days. So, they drove me an hour to my place of residence. Only for me to show up and realize I stupidly left my house key with my car keys. Thankfully didn't have to wait too long for someone to let me in.

During this whole time I should also mention that I had my TV with me. I had recently returned from Maine and brought it back with me. I forgot to take it out of my car when I left the day of dance class/audition. And of course I didn't want it sitting in my car at some mechanic's shop.

So I didn't have a toothbrush or my cellphone charger with me, but I did have my TV.

The Car

Anyway. Eventually got my car back. But that was the start of it's downfall. On my recent trip back to Maine for Easter, the check engine light came on again, and the mechanic came back with a list of 8 problems that needed fixing. Which resulted in me saying goodbye to my little Subaru, and getting a Toyota Matrix. So far we're having a good time.

Audition Result

Result of the stressed out audition? I got cast.

Rehearsals start tonight for "Lucky Stiff". I'm playing one of the Character Women. I won't be able to be at the first few rehearsals because of Secret Garden conflicts....but once SG opens, I'll be rehearsing Lucky Stiff during the week when I'm not performing in Secret Garden.

Lucky Stiff opens June 1st and runs until June 24th. I'm very thankful to be working until the end of June.

Auditions have slowed down a bit...but I've got a few on the horizon.

I have no idea what THIS summer will bring....but that's in His hands.

Waiting...

This is a little more of a "personal" post than my usual update. Feel free to skip if you don't want to read the ramblings of a single Christian girl. :)

A PROMISE

Fourteen years ago (officially half of my life) I made a promise and commitment to my Heavenly Father to wait for my future husband. My earthly father gave me a promise ring as a symbol of that promise. I wear it on my left ring finger.

I get asked all the time “Are you engaged?”. No. I'm not. Not in an official sense. In a way though, I am. I don't know his name, what he does, or where he lives... (points if you catch the movie reference)...but by the grace of God, when the right man comes around, I'll be able to replace my promise ring with an engagement ring and say “I've waited for you in a way that honored you as my future husband”.

When I was younger, I had no problem talking about the ring on my finger: “It's a ring from my dad signifying the covenant I made with him and God that I'll wait for my future husband.”

Now, admittedly, I find it harder to say that. Simply because I'm afraid of how people perceive me. I know I'm in the minority. Even amongst Christians. If asked, I'll admit I'm a virgin. I've never even been kissed. (aside from once in Kindergarden, and then at various points on stage, ;-)). I want to be proud of those facts. I am. But it's hard in this day and age.

GROWING UP

When I was fourteen, thinking about marrige, I thought to myself “It's ok, I don't even need to worry about getting married until I'm eighteen.” When I reached eighteen it was “I don't want to get married until after college.” Then I went on to grad school, still with the same mindset “I'd prefer not to get married until after I graduate.”

During my teen and college years, I had a feeling I'd be the last of my childhood friends to get married. I was never in any rush. (Helped by the fact that there weren't any serious contenders for the role of “Husband” in my play). I had a number in my head: 27. “I'll get married when I'm 27.”

TRUSTING

Now I'm turning 28. No engagement ring, and no Husband character on the horizon.

I know God can work miracles.....but I admit chances of vows being said in the next few hours are pretty slim. Unless some time-travel miracle happens.

I don't know what God's plan will be. By His grace I'll continue to wait. It's not easy, I'll admit. But there's so much to remember:

• My story is unique, 'cause it's MY story, but there are other girls who've been waiting even longer than I have for their future husband. (Some are friends of mine. I pray for them, and am selfishly thankful for them. Since we're in the same boat so to speak.)

• I'm “free”

  • to make my own schedule

  • to do what I want to do

  • to watch what I want to watch

  • to eat where I want to eat

  • to go to the movie I want to go to

  • to make split second decisions without having to consult a second party

  • to go where I want to go

• Singleness IS a gift from God where I'm free to concentrate more specifically on my relationship with HIM. As soon as a husband and (Lord willing) kids enter the picture, it gets harder to have quiet-time. He's the KEY relationship in my life that I have the freedom to concentrate and spend my energies on. And He's the one person who WILL be there my whole life and beyond.

I remember most of those points daily. But does that take away the desire for a Husband? No. But usually it at least takes the edge off.

I'm thankful to my parents for being my guardians and looking out for me. Since I'm committed to waiting, I'm thankful I've been spared the pain of multiple break-ups. I'm very thankful for their guidance and love and support.

CONTINUING ON

I'm 28. I realize that is not “old”. I am still quite “young”. I'm far from an “old maid” status.

I love stories of “older” women getting married. Girls/Ladies/Women who waited. It's an encouragement to others. By the grace of God I hope to encourage others.

And you know what? It could be God's got some other plan for me than marriage. That's ok. He's the First and Last.

I've written rather random/un-cohesive paragraphs. What am I trying to say by writing all this? A few things:

1. I'm (trying) not ashamed of who I am.

2. Hopefully somehow be an encouragement to someone else.

IN THE MEANTIME

Dear Friend (somewhere out there),

You are there, and I am here. Looking forward to running into you someday.

Signed,

The person you're gonna have to put up with the rest of your life. ;-)

And....

Dear God,

Thy will be done.

And if that will includes a husband, all the better. ;-)

Blessed be your name.

Love,

Your Daughter

March Update...

Hope you're enjoying the rather warm month of March! I was kind of disappointed I didn't get to experience much of winter. (I'm weird, I know). Ah well. Next year. In the mean time, I admit I'm enjoying the 70 degrees (Or 22 C for my Canadian friends). :)

Rehearsals are underway for The Secret Garden. I'm excited to see how the show shapes up. We're just in music rehearsals right now, but I'm excited to say the vocals are really strong, and I'm excited to be working with this group of people. :)

And *BREAKING NEWS* I was just offered a role in another musical which performs in June. Details on that when things are more official. :)

At the beginning of the week I moved to a new place which is closer to the Philadelphia area. So now instead of it taking an hour and a half to get home at night, it's closer to 50 minutes. ;) Thankfully my car is back to working order.

I'm auditioning in the Philly area as they come up. I'm also taking a dance class in conjunction with the Walnut Street Theatre. Mastering the Dance Call. It's very challenging... but good for me as Dance Calls are pretty much the bane of my actress existence. It's been great to get to know people in the class too as there are some of us in the same "auditioning boat". We run into each other at auditions all the time. :) Re-inforcing just how small the theatre world is. :)

I'm also back in NYC once a week taking VP Boyle's class. And since I'm in on Wednesdays this round, I'm going to try and see matinees when I'm in. Yesterday I saw Godspell. Next week I'm going to try and see Newsies. *TRY* being the operative word as I'm sure it won't be easy to get rush tickets.

And that's the basic update from my world. God is good, and I'm thankful and blessed to be pursuing what I love. I'm sure there are lots of adventures ahead. :)

February Update...

First things first, I never officially announced it on Facebook, but I've been cast in the ensemble of a production of The Secret Garden in New Jersey. We start rehearsals in a couple of weeks, and perform from April 27 - May 20th. I'm looking forward to it. :)

I recently finished up my 5 week session of "Advanced Build Your Book". A musical theatre auditioning workshop taught by industry professional, VP Boyle in NYC. You can check him out at www.maxtheatrix.com It's amazing. I'll be taking another handful of classes with him in late March.

On my days in the city I would go to Broadway Dance Centre and register for up to three classes (depending on if my bus got in on time). Ballet, Broadway Jazz, and Tap. It made for a challenging and exhausting day, but totally worth it.

Once a week I'm taking a Dance Call class in Philadelphia at the Walnut Street Theatre. It's super-challenging and makes my brain hurt and my stress-level go up considerably...but it's a good thing, as it's an area where I need a lot of growth.

Next Step: Keep auditioning. Summer's coming...and with it, summer-stock. :) I've got a few coming up in the next couple weeks.

I'll probably try and do a few New York auditions...but for now I'm feeling like I need to concentrate my efforts, build my resume, make contacts, perhaps get my Equity card, before I make the full-dive into the NYC pool.

And that's the update!

January Plans...

I finally heard back from S&S. (There was some personnel shuffling and the key-girl was out on maternity leave, and hence the delay in finding out). Bottom line: I will not be hired by them this year. I know I was under consideration for a while, so depending on what this year brings, I'll probably audition for them again. Being "wait-listed" is sort of a theme for my life.

And honestly, I was surprised they kept calling me back on the day of auditions. I knew it wasn't my best work. So...I'm not at all shocked they aren't hiring me. Plus there are only a small amount of female roles available....amongst the hundreds of girls they audition.

So...since I was fairly certain this would end up being the outcome, I started making alternate plans in early December.

What's Next

I'm moving to Pennsylvania.

I'll be living with friends of our family until I find a more "permanent" situation.

While I'm there I'll audition and job hunt and basically look for anything within a 200 mile radius. (Or further if the right situation opens up)

Once a week for five weeks (beginning next week) I'll be commuting in to New York City to take a musical theatre audition workshop called "Building Your Book". It came highly recommended to me from an industry professional, who in turn recommended me to the instructor (as he primarily only accepts referrals).

I'm hoping to get into taking regular dance classes also since that's an area I could definitely be stronger in.

And so...onward!

This year is filled with so many unknowns. I have to daily remind myself that God is in control.

Remember who I am, I am your God, and I'm good and I'm faithful and you're my child and I want to strengthen you afresh at this time, to know who you are. ~ P. Reid

I also have a couple opportunities in Canada should God lead me back there. Where to go, where to go? So many paths...what's the right one?

I'm praying... and knocking on all sorts of doors. We'll see which ones open.

And, if anyone hears of anything...anything theatrical and/or administrative and/or nanny-like, I'd love it if you let me know. :) I'm going to PA, but I won't write off any location.

Stay with me as my "Unexpected Summer (though it's technically winter)" continues. :)

Lots of adventures ahead I'm sure. :)