February
2008
It has been a while…0
Well, I have not posted for a week. I know that is bad! Since my last post I have been getting my contacts together. I have sent a few emails to some prominent female actors that I really want to talk to. I tracked down Patricia Phillips, the current Carlotta on Broadway. It would be a dream to talk to her and find out how she was able to get to this place in her life where she is able to play such an amazing role. I also have tried to make contact with Shannon Durig (Tracy in Hairspray) and actors that are in the chorus of musical productions to see what their days are like. I am still waiting to hear back.I have made some contacts, however, in the other aspects of my research. I am auditing a class at TVI acting studio and meeting with a recruiter to discuss possible summer programs and internships. I am going to steps studio to ATTEMPT to take a dance lesson. Also I have an appointment with a recruiter from Julliard to discuss an advanced degree in vocal performance. I really want to get a vocal lesson while I am there, but I am not sure where to start with that at the moment.I am getting stressed and I feel a little overwhelmed. I haven’t been blogging about it, but I feel like it would be good to get it out. I got the role of Mrs. Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer. I am extremely glad I got the role. As I read the script magical ideas pop into my head of what I could do (comedic timing wise.) I also plan to change my voice to create a bubbly effect. I am scared though I may not be able to express these ideas I have. I am working with a different director. I am sure that is a great thing, but since freshman year I have gotten into a pattern of how the production is put up and how much leeway I am allowed creatively - and that is a lot. We have begun blocking. The director said she likes to begin blocking first because movement can help with character development. I think that is a great idea and I have never done that before in a process. Yet, I feel a little tense because I want to get to know and work on Mrs. Hardcastle- and I am doing that at the moment with no guidance. I wonder what it is like for actors to go from director to director and have to switch the mode of what they are used to in the process. The director said she does not want to play it safe with Mrs. Hardcastle.I think playing it safe means playing it like Mother Superior or Domina. She said I brought a little Domina into the audition and wants me to take a different route. I have taken a different route – and I am excited to see where it goes. In high school I was given the opportunity to play different kinds of roles. Here at university, I have started to get into playing the comedic relief stock characters. Believe me, I enjoy them immensely! I think it is what I do best. But that is all I know I do best because I have not had the opportunity to do anything different. I think even though Mrs. Hardcastle is that stock like character- I can make some changes to delve into different aspects and personalities of the character. My mum and dad bought me a laminated map of New York City and sent it to me this week. I think they are coming to terms with it. My mum and dad saw the you-tube video and I think my dad was slightly taken a back. Not only from the technology, but he got a little upset. Not mad, like teary eyes. I think they are beginning to realize that this trip is not only going to have a huge impact on my life- but also theirs. Even though we are still close, I think they are beginning to go through the separation process! O well blog more real soon!
