I've got the joy-JOY-joy-JOY-joy-JOYYYYYY!!!
As stated previously, 2013 has been FULL already and it's only February! Technically, I'm at work and should be doing something constructive, but I received a certificate of exceptional service from the Leading Hotels of the World site inspector, who visited us recently. So, I feel a little "me" time is justified.
But this post is not about me at all. My co-worker got a callback to Yale Drama. I acknowledge, this will not be nearly as exciting for any of you reading this as it is for me, and especially him! He and I started at the same time at the hotel. He's is also an actor, has a wicked sense of humor and my favorite person to share a shift with because we laugh too much & can talk theatre and acting the whole time! I'll never forget the expression of shock & surprise (that read as terror) on his face as he listened to the voicemail inviting him to New Haven. Plus, the hilariousness of observing him try to collect his thoughts to form sentences and figure out the logistics of covering shifts and making it to CT. So so so very thrilled for him! I will not jinx the weekend by writing more (we actors are so superstitious) but only 30 actors are invited to the callback and 16 are invited to attend their 3 year program. Pressure.
Days like these are what make life as an actor so exhilarating. It's an out-of-body elation, but that floating feeling can be terrifying when you want it so bad. I've said it a million times, but the highs are so high & the lows are so low, but to witness someone on the brink of their dreams is hard to match! Good luck Jason!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Loss
As I've learned over the years in New York City, life continues at the same breakneck speed, no matter what you happen to be experiencing on any given day. Trust me, I'm aware that NYC is not the only place where life does not seem to allow time or opportunity to process big changes, but the constant claustrophobia and lack of privacy make it a little harder.
On January 25th, 2013, my dear sweet friend Miguel received relief from his struggle with cancer as he made his way to Our Heavenly Father. His peace and faith for the last year of his life gives me comfort knowing that he recognized his gift of life & tried to share that with as many people as he could. I remember receiving many random texts from him with a word of encouragement or love. So much love...
His passing comes in the midst of a performance run of Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" which I'm playing the bawd, Pompey, the comedic relief in the show. I mean, cause Shakespeare isn't difficult enough! I can safely say this has been the greatest challenge in my performing life! I find myself in a different emotional place before each show & entering the world of Shakespeare has provided some respite from the hurting, but also an opportunity to express what I cannot in my own.
My cast, director & stage manager have been my legs when I cannot stand, my lungs when I cannot breathe & my smile when I cannot stop crying. Christopher, Far, Chris, Melissa, Neil, Tawney, Talieson, Lydia, Tania, Faith, Wilton, John, Emily, Lily, Mike, & Faith-- I have to write these names because they held me in their hearts. Saying 'thank you' will merely scratch the surface of the depth of gratitude I feel towards each of them. As one of my cast mates shared with me, theatre heals on both sides of the curtain. Truer words were never spoken!
The week before we opened I jokingly told Miguel that I'd tape the show, since he wouldn't be able to leave the hospital to come see it. Now I know he's watching each night, just shaking his head and laughing, "Oh Babyface". How I miss his laugh!
On January 25th, 2013, my dear sweet friend Miguel received relief from his struggle with cancer as he made his way to Our Heavenly Father. His peace and faith for the last year of his life gives me comfort knowing that he recognized his gift of life & tried to share that with as many people as he could. I remember receiving many random texts from him with a word of encouragement or love. So much love...
His passing comes in the midst of a performance run of Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" which I'm playing the bawd, Pompey, the comedic relief in the show. I mean, cause Shakespeare isn't difficult enough! I can safely say this has been the greatest challenge in my performing life! I find myself in a different emotional place before each show & entering the world of Shakespeare has provided some respite from the hurting, but also an opportunity to express what I cannot in my own.
My cast, director & stage manager have been my legs when I cannot stand, my lungs when I cannot breathe & my smile when I cannot stop crying. Christopher, Far, Chris, Melissa, Neil, Tawney, Talieson, Lydia, Tania, Faith, Wilton, John, Emily, Lily, Mike, & Faith-- I have to write these names because they held me in their hearts. Saying 'thank you' will merely scratch the surface of the depth of gratitude I feel towards each of them. As one of my cast mates shared with me, theatre heals on both sides of the curtain. Truer words were never spoken!
The week before we opened I jokingly told Miguel that I'd tape the show, since he wouldn't be able to leave the hospital to come see it. Now I know he's watching each night, just shaking his head and laughing, "Oh Babyface". How I miss his laugh!
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