5 Life Lessons I Learned Through Theatre

1) You Can't Always Get What You Want.

Every actor knows the emotions after an in-tents callback range high and low. It hurts to think about the possibility of rejection yet the idea of stardom is all too tasty. But at this point, it is completely out of your hands. You have done all you could have done and now you wait. After treacherous night sweats and all of the coffee you can stomach, you anxiously search for the cast list, push your way through the crowd gathered around the golden piece of information, and you notice you did not get the lead role. (le sigh.) Okay...perhaps the supporting role? Nope. Um...chorus? NOT A CHANCE! 
And so kids, this is life. All of the effort and desire can ultimately amount to a lesson Mick Jagger tried to teach you long ago. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need. (And that's probably a glass of wine, a box of chocolates, and your cat.)


2) The Show MUST Go On.

Even the Queen herself admits to feeling tired and overworked in her recent GQ article, but that does not stop Miss B from bringing joy and belted trills to millions of fans. The week before the opening performance feels like a sick game of chicken between your preparation and the date that's marked on all of your friends' calendars! But when that day comes, and everybody is showing up - it's time to get your gameface and your eyeliner on. No more time for nervousness or hesitation, YOU'RE UP so get to it!







3) If You're Scared - So Are We.

Do not underestimate the average person's capability to notice a general discomfort or lack of confidence. If it is time for you to hit the high note to close out Act One, you better BELIEVE you WILL hit that note. Any moment of doubt or resistance can turn a powerful closing note into a meh-worthy awkward shift to intermission. When you present yourself to a group of people you must enhance your strengths to make up for your weaknesses. No one is perfect (besides Beyonce) so use those acting skills to create the smart, successful, talented being that's right beneath the surface. OR listen to Julie Andrews for a little pick-me-up.






4) TAKE RISKS.

Theatre classics are important references to specific points in time and can grant you the opportunity to take risks unlike ever before by banishing convention. Being the Marketing Director at Performance Network Theatre allowed me to witness the reconstruction of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Traditionally The Glass Menagerie is set in a small Southern home with a rather annoying family you desperately want the main character to escape. The direction of Tim Rhoze, set design by Monika Essen, lighting design by Daniel C. Walker and truly amazing heartfelt performances transformed this regular repertoire piece into an imaginative experience anchored by Williams' stunning language. Maintaining the original integrity to any transformational project is key, but find those areas in which you can push the limits and your product we be well-rounded and unique! 

5) Passion + Compassion.

Many times you must play a character whose decisions are questionable, but it is your job to defend your character. There are always two sides to the story and everyone has a different interpretation. When you are placed in a confrontation, remember the person on the other end may have legitimate frustrations as well. Take a strong stand for what you believe is right but remember there is always room to bend, collaborate, and find compassion. 





That's all I have folks! I shall continue posting as I get closer and closer to graduation!! Thanks for reading.

Spotify Tells Me What I Like

Ahh, the last day of EMU's winter break. 

A great day to blog and reflect on my holiday jams 

(as in tunes, not preserves).

Spotify tells me what I like. I use it nearly everyday. 

A monthly fee for endless music...Wherever. Whenever.

...It keeps track of my top artists as I listen. 

Here are my (surprising) top five:

1) Lily Allen

I am certainly a fan of Miss Allen, but I certainly did not expect her as my TOP artist. Apparently I enjoy listening to the funk-folk-female more than I projected. Lily Allen is perfect for the "I want to get this party going, but I don't want to be generic" situation. Her sound is contemporary and fresh while keeping the pop-rock love that is rooted deep within my brain. Hiding swear words under bubblegum pop and swinging punches in polka-dots, Lily Allen is perfect for those busy weeks when we don't have TIME to be grumpy. We can just pop our earbuds in, bob to 4/4 time, and have a nice smile. Here's my recommended Lily Allen jam!

2) Fleet Foxes

This is not a surprising rank by any means. I have faithfully listened to Fleet Foxes for about five years. Their skill is genuine and their compositions are soothing yet complex. Fleet Foxes have transcended my expectations for vocal harmonies and musical poetry. If ever Fleet Foxes are performing near you, I highly recommend the ticket. The concert at the Hill Auditorium was unwordly and can be enjoyed by any age group. Take your Grandma, your nephew, a co-worker. It will bring you closer together! Here's my recommended Fleet Foxes jam!


3) Jason Mraz

...What? I don't listen to Jason Mraz! I didn't seem him in concert...twice! In all seriousness - He's a super funky singer/songwriter than mixes folk with hip hop and a taste of musical theatre. This is not something I am willing to glance over. His concerts are a very relaxing experience. I don't lose my voice screaming or get trompled by the crowd. His yogi-cat-lovin vibes spread through the audience as you are busy keeping up with his tongue twisting lyrics (while accessing your diaphragm). Here's my recommended Jason Mraz jam!




4) Dr. Dog

Another obvious favorite, the beloved Dr. Dog. Turning familiar phrases on their ear such as "There's an elephant in my head, so I tip toe around it. There are eggshells on the floor, therefore I never touch the ground," is the quality that allows you to repeat Dr. Dog songs throughout the course of your life. The songs have taken on and helped me through so many different aspects of my life. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, DR. DOG! Here's my recommended Dr. Dog jam!






5) Gorillaz

Perhaps I HAVE been dusting off some of my favorite tunes from Plastic Beach and Demon Days. They made it big on MTV with the release of Demon Days in 2005 with Feel Good Inc. Oh yea...that was my jam. They were also featured on The O.C. Soundtrack...which...was NOT a part of my collection...especially not all five of them...
The Gorillaz came back 2010 with Plastic Beach which is definitely worth having in your collection. Here's my recommended Gorillaz jam!

I have to give an honorable mention to The One and Only:

Thanks for reading! And listening!