Monday, July 24, 2006

The Draw of the Theatre

I have friends and family who don't understand why the theatre means so much to me. I've tried my best to explain it, but for some reason, I can't seem to get it across.

It's about passion.

Some people are passionate about sports. Others are passionate about cooking. Or reading, or sewing, or music, or their pets, or any of a number of other things. For me, theatre makes me feel alive and gets my blood pumping. It may not be rational, but then again, passion and reason seldom go hand-in-hand.

For several years, I was not involved in acting. When I look back at those times, I can see that I was drifting in many ways. I filled my days with school for most of that time, but once I finished my formal education, I was wandering aimlessly, without passion for life. Getting back up on the stage brought that passion back to me. I re-discovered my talent and tapped back into my creative side.

To those of us who are passionate about performing, it's not just something we do; rather, it is part of who we are.

Three Down, Three to Go

We made it through opening weekend, despite some technical problems on both Friday and Saturday. Because of the disjointed rehearsal schedule, there are still parts of the show that I have not seen, but I can hear them through the monitor in the Green Room.

This show has been a tremendous experience. I've made some friends with whom I hope I'll be able to keep in touch after we close next Sunday.

So, to all the Actors, Singers, Dancers, and Crew, see ya Thursday at brush-up. Get some much needed rest this week.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Surviving Tech Weekend

Saturday and Sunday brought hellacious rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate. We had to start and stop to work the scene changes and for the lighting and other techie matters. Friday evening, I was already wiped out after the full week of work and rehearsals. Then, Staurday, we rehearsed for 8 1/2 hours. I was completely exhausted by the end of the night.

I didn't get to sleep in Sunday because I had to get up to mow my lawn in order not to run afoul of the HOA Gestapo.

However, today, I actually feel fairly refreshed. Despite the sleep debt I am accruing, I've been pretty chipper.

I'm looking forward to opening night on Friday. More than that, I'm looking forward to next Monday evening.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

A New Experience

We open Kiss Me, Kate two weeks from tomorrow. In the community theatre shows I've done, by two weeks before opening, we are usually running the show nightly to polish. Most, if not all, props are in hand. Most, if not all, of the set is built. In this show, we haven't even blocked everything. I know it's gonna all come together, and I'm not nearly as nervous about it as I usually am, but it is out of the ordinary for me.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Having Fun

Rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate have been pretty fun. I admit that I've been a little tired this week due to rehearsals going until 11 pm. My drive home is 30 minutes, so I'm not in bed until after midnight.

I've enjoyed meeting lots of new people. The only folks I knew in the cast before we started were the two Davids. I clicked pretty quickly with Josh (we're close in age) and Tyler (who is a fellow Baylor alum). There is a fair amount of "cutting up" during rehearsal. In fact, I have been amazed at how much we get away with.