12
March
2008
On Wednesday, I was extremely busy. In the morning, I got up early to get tickets for the matinée of my choice. A lot of my close friends went to Mary Poppins. I did want to go see it, but I knew I would regret it if I did not go and see The Phantom of the Opera. So I headed to the Majestic Theatre to purchase tickets. I got a cheap ticket in the mezzanine. Well it was not that cheap…but it was better than I thought it was going to be.
I then met Latera at the subway by Bryant park and headed downtown where we were going to be Jon and David for a voice lesson with Tom Burke. It was a rather terrifying journey because we went on the elevator to the 4th floor and the elevator broke for a while and I panicked…luckily Latera was there to keep me sane hehe! The lesson was extremely helpful, yet a little intimidating. I was really frustrated because I left my music book at home so I had to sing a song that I knew but was not confident on. So, I sang Find your Grail from Spamelot. I did well and he was able to bring back a voice that has been missing since I got mono freshman year. I really need to work on my confidence when it comes to singing. I am very uncomfortable with it. I get nervous that I am not good enough and that I need to stick to plays- even though I do not want to.
I then headed to the Majestic theatre- actually I ran to the majestic theatre. On the way, I got a text from Patricia Phillips letting me know that my name was on the list and that I could meet her after the show at the stage door. So, I headed up the mezzanine. I was really far away from the stage, but it was still amazing. I thought the Phantom, however, was a little disappointing. He came off way too mean and the actor that played the title role at the Kennedy Center was a lot more captivating. Patricia Phillips was wonderful. After the show, I headed to the stage door and waited a few minutes while she was getting out of her dress. She came downstairs, gave me a huge hug, and showed me around the theatre. It was cool to go down beneath the stage and see how all of the technical elements worked. We then sat in the house and discussed her career and her experiences. She was really interesting and said that I just need to keep training and working, and never stop singing!
Posted: Contacts, Dreams, New York, broadway, music, show
7
March
2008
Tuesday, I traveled to Brooklyn by myself for my first interview with Amy Graves. Amy was a professional actor since she was young and now has established and owns her own children’s theatre in Brooklyn.
The journey to Brooklyn was rather insane actually. A guy flashed a young woman on the train and then a homeless man came up and asked me for food and a hug from a pretty lady (I told him where to go)!
So, I finally met Amy at Connecticut Muffin. It was a lovely coffee shop by Prospect Park. When she walked in I knew there was no worry and I was not nervous at all. We talked about how she got into the business. She actually went to NYU. She talked about the importance of confidence. She tries to instill that into all the children in her theatre company. Her message of confidence really effected me. There are times when I retract and lose focus and sense of what I am doing because I lose confidence in myself. Her message of keeping that confidence definitely helped me.
Amy also discussed the importance of her family. She chose to give up the actor’s life for the moment because her family was more important. She said there is a point where one needs to get there priorities in order. I think that made a lot of sense. She said when her daughter is a bit older she might go out and audition again- but for now the theatre was what she was focused on.
The class also went to see Patrick Stewart in Macbeth at the BAM. I did not like it. It effected me and it did its job- but it was too loud , I was too high up, and I did not like being frightened the whole time. The acting was wonderful, and the new and revolutionized concept was also amazing- but I did not like the blood, the noises, and the horrific scenes. I certainly apprecreiated the art and was grateful to the actors- but it was just not my cup of tea.
Posted: Contacts, New York, brooklyn, show
7
March
2008
On Monday the class saw Gypsy starring Patti Lupone. It was the first preview run and the first run with an actual audience. Unlike any other show I have been lucky enough to see- most of the audience was there to see Patti. When she came onto the stage, there was un uproar from the audience and the show simply stopped for a minuite. When Patti was done with her grand number- once again the show came to a stand still. Yet, Patti kept in character and it was amazing how she could stay in the moment like that without a flaw.
There were a few technical difficulties. I am not sure this was because it was the first night of preview though. I do not think that a show would go out of techs if it was not ready. At one point the curtain got caught and I could see an SM running in the background and also the side marker seemed to not want to work in the first act. I think these were mistakes that could not be controlled and it really did not bother me.
It was an honor to see this show and to be able to see such a star perform.
Posted: New York, broadway, show
3
March
2008
Tonight, after Legally Blonde, the class was honored with a tour backstage of the Palace Theatre. Natalie was gracious enough to show us around and give us a splendid tour. It was great to meet with her and realize how real and how like us she is. It was great to walk through the dressing rooms and see the reality of the life under the stage.
We walked through the guys’ dressing rooms and then Natalie led us up a steep winding staircase to the stage of the Palace Theatre. I stepped onto the stage- and I had chills. I scoped about the seats- trying to wrap my mind about many there were, about how many people there could be in the audience in one night. I stood centre stage, and looked down on my feet. My feet were there, so were my legs, and then I realized where I was standing and what I was doing. Chills came all about me and I could not keep in the tears. If it was not for Natalie and the gracious tour, I am sure I would have fallen to my knees. Other than moving to America, this was the greatest night of my life. That is not an exaggeration- tonight, I realized that this life is for me. I realized that this is what I want to do. I want to do this, I need to do this, and the more I am here I am realizing I can do this.
The can part is the section that has been keeping me from my dream. Granted, with the way I look right now I have a small range- but that can change. And it will. But before this trip, my dreams and my goals were unattainable. I felt that I could never make it. But thanks to the city, and thanks to some kind words from friends, I realize that I am the only one that has been hindering myself from my goals. I am so caught up on that small range that I feel that there is no hope for me. But, that range can change, and even if there was a smaller range- that does not mean that I will not be successful.
I was on that stage, and it was a monumental experience for me. It was enlightening- and now I am ready-ready to allow myself to make this happen.
Posted: Dreams, New York, feelings
7
February
2008
Last class we watched all of our two minute digital stories. It went really well. Everyone’s was really different and it was nice to see the variety of creativity in the class. Mine, I feel was really different. I made mine really personal. I do not think there was a right and a wrong- but I talked about some really personal things that I hope some can appreciate and relate to.
Each class, we are asked to read the Washington Post, Style and Arts and the New York Times Sunday Arts sections. We discuss important articles in class and add our imput to the articles. Gregg pointed out that we are not making connections to our work or to our world when discussing the articles. When I read the articles, I take them in- but I know I am not really connecting them to the outside world or our culture. I will start doing that. I understood that we were reading the newspapers for a greater reason than just to see what is going on- but I do tend to read the newspaper just to scan and see what interesting things are happening. After last night’s class, however, I will start to make those deeper and important connections.
Speaking of connections, we started researching last night on who we might want to see and talk for our projects. I am excited to start making contacts- but where on earth do I start!? There are a few names that I have found that you can see on my wiki page- but I know that is not enough. How many contacts/interviews do we need to do? Is there a decent number? What will I ask? I just want to get the ball rolling so I can start cracking down to focus on this project.
The more I think about this class, the more I think this is what I want to do. I was thinking of going to law school- but that is flying out the window because I am so concentrated on this particular aspect of my life right now. I am scared that I won’t make it though. I mean that is a fear for everyone- but I think I could make it into law school more easily than making it in this business. I know I need to have faith in myself- but there is a lot of competition and talent out there. How am I going to stand out? How am I going to make this happen? Can I survive and get through those cattle call auditions? I will make an audition? I have to brush up on my dancing- is it too late to learn? I know I am putting up these obsticles…but they are constantly on my mind. Maybe I will be able to find someone to talk to who will ease my mind…or just validate how I am feeling right now.
Posted: Contacts, New York, feelings, thea435
3
February
2008
So, I was rather nervous to research YouTube and the video aspect of this project. I can shoot with a video camera quite well, but uploading that onto a website is something completely different. With more practice, I am sure I will be able to achieve this technical aspect of this class.
While researching on the website, I came across this lovely five minuite video on New York City and Broadway. When I see media like this, it makes me a lot more comfortable about going to the city. This video reminds me about the reason I want to go to New York. I want to see where I will be potentially living, and I want to see what I may be doing if I am blessed enough to retain those opportunities. I really want to make it that far- I do want to make it to New York City- and I think this class will give me the courage I need to reach that dream.
Posted: New York, feelings, thea435
29
January
2008
So, I have decided to put my fear of going off alone and having this responsibility into a positive view. I was in Borders yesterday with friends and came across the travel section. Well, I though what the hey and bought Fodor’s See it: New York City guide. It has over 100 pages of listings and color photos of what I can find in New York. I know I am going to be very busy while I am there researching and holding interviews- but in that free time- I want to go adventuring. It would be lovely for people to come along- but even if not, I am going to bite the bullet and go by myself! 
So, here is a list of places I want to go and see (no in a particular order).
American Museum of Natural History- This museum look fabulous! It has over 40 grand exhibition halls. So if I do find some time to go, I am going to have to pick only a few things to see.
The Statue of Liberty- I know this is far away from where we need to be- but as a recent immigrant who lived the American Dream- I feel like I owe it to myself to see it!
The Jewish Heritage Museum- I say no more…
I also have chosen some neighborhoods that I really want to explore. Some could be possible homes for me in the future, and I really want to try and look at the city not only with a tourist mindset, but also like someone who lives there.
There are plenty of other places I want to go…but while skimming through the tourist book…the above choices just stuck out. Are there any places that you visted that I should consider checking out?
Well off to do some tech work for the course!
Posted: New York, thea435, travel plans
24
January
2008
So, after my long-winded blog last night I felt like a new day may give me some more rationality…right? Well I am still rather worried that we did not come to any conclusions yesterday in class. I am going to continue to research and get some figures…but even with 20 people gathering figures- we will still be in the same place.
I have been reading a few of my friend’s blogs, and I wanted to talk about them. My close friends Helena and Katie have been discussing the fears they do and do not have with this class and upcoming trip. I can relate to Helena. Katie gives another perspective where she writes that she is not afraid of anything. I admire that- but I am certainly nothing like that. In class, Gregg asked us if we had any fears with the class. People were discussing the research and the potential interviews- none of this was on my mind. I can converse quite well- but I am extremely frightened about being in New York by myself. I guess I am quite lucky to have so many friends that are independent and adventurous. I have never gone on a trip without my support system and I have never been on a trip where I could be potentially out of my comfort zone. My mum and dad are always there, or if not- I have only been on trips with my boyfriend or friends that I have known since 7th grade. I have never been to New York, and I am nervous about going in the city by myself. I am quite capable; I a sure of it. It is just that the idea of being a grown up is staring me right in the face. I am sure lots of people my age want to embrace that- but I am come from a place where I have been cushioned and sheltered. It is about time that I grow up in this way- but I have apprehensions about it.
I am anxious to see how I will do in the city, but I am glad that I have some close friends who will be there with me!
Posted: New York, feelings, nervous, thea435
