getting over the hump

It’s taken me a while to post a new blog… much less write one. Half the time I would just look at the blank screen, and think, what the heck do I write?! My life is one big writer’s block right now. But the only way to get over the hump is just start writing I suppose.

Iphigenia 2.0 has been an interesting experience. I have learned a lot. I’ve also had many frustrations, but I’m working through them. Mei Ann told me that she can see a lot of improvement in my acting, which is quite possibly one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. I don’t think this is a play that takes me out of my comfort zone, but I am learning a lot about technique, movement, expression, as well as how to work with others in a chorus. Between Iphigenia and my Bay Area Theater class, I being engulfed with theater, and I love it. The BATS class gives me a chance to watch others perform and learn so many techniques. “Tragedy: A Tragedy” taught me that movement is not always necessary in order to make a great impact on an audience. This was a play that was completely naturalistic, with all 4 actors staying positioned in their corner, yet the play made such an impression on the audience. “The Trojan Women,” on the other hand, had a great amount of movement and floor pattern with their chorus, and in the same way this made a great impression on me (regardless of what some people might say)

And also, I am going camping this weekend. Sadly enough, this is my first time camping….. so I don’t know what to expect (except maybe a really cold night lol). Twill be interesting.

There is more that I want to write now, but sleep is calling my name. More later.

theater high

I’ve been on this theater high for a while now. After going to Ashland this summer for the Shakespeare Festival, I felt strangely drawn to acting, but never thought I’d be able to do it (no experience, stage fright, horrible at memorization). But, sometimes you surprise yourself. “On Tidy Endings” came my way and taught me a lot of things, showing me how enjoyable and profound theater is. Yesterday we drove to Berkeley to watch “The Bacchae” and I realized that I’m starting to watch a lot closer at everyone’s performances, studying them and picking up things that may come in handy later. I only wish I had started doing theater earlier. Last night was our first read thru of Iphigenia 2.0. I thought I did alright for the little amount of reading I did, but became frustrated at the fact that there aren’t many lines and I don’t know how to create a more distinct character. It made me more and more frustrated until Tim helped me to realize the importance of the chorus, no matter what lines there are. Of course, some lines of the chorus mean a lot (such as soldier parts), but even if I don’t get a speaking role, my role can still be meaningful and play a significant part. And I realized that even if I don’t get a speaking part, there is still so much that I can learn. Mei Ann is having us do all kinds of activities and assignments, like actors journals, dancing, watching other characters. I think I am going to thoroughly enjoy this and learn so much. Can I just do theater and have no more classes please?!

how to screw an audition

Auditions for Iphigenia 2.0 was tonight. Pretty much did awful. All those years my parents told me to be soft-spoken have now backfired. I have absolutely no vocal range, which makes things very difficult. No one wants an actress who they can’t hear. I auditioned for Clytemnestra and the bridesmaid. After pretty much blowing my Clytemnestra audition (not saying things correctly, messing up lines, not hitting the words right), Mei Ann tells me that whether or not I did well, my voice is a problem – which translates to: We can’t use you cause your voice sucks. The bridesmaid audition went a little better. I ran through my lines pretty well…. but I still don’t feel that great about it. I think another problem is that there is only 5 speaking parts for women, and about 30 women auditioning. Effff….

Ok, I ranted. And now, I’m just going to let it go. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be….

goodbye love.

Sunday was the last showing of Love is a 4 Letter Word. I’m going to miss this show a lot. It has been such an amazing experience for me in so many ways. I made some incredible new friends. I learned so much from Heather, Cammie, and Mae Ann. And I realized how much I really do love acting and late night rehearsals and tech week… everything. And to think, I almost didn’t try out. (I have Tim to thank for pushing me)

“On Tidy Endings” was an experience in itself. I learned so much about the play and PUC’s reaction to homosexuality. Most people came up to me saying it was such an intense play and that they were really glad it was performed. Most were shocked it even was performed. I can understand that from their perspective; even I was fairly hesitant about taking on this role. But, I have absolutely no regrets. This play is not a glorification of homosexuality–it is a story about love, life, and letting go. And it was amazing.

love makes the world go round

It’s not Valentine’s Day anymore, but I decided to make a V-Day post anyway. This year, it was spent in Stauffer Hall as I rehearsed for 6 hours… but to be honest, I really enjoyed it. I’m going to miss this play so much once it’s over. I’ll miss working with Jonathan, Zoe, and Harrison a LOT. I am so tempted to try out for Iphigenia 2.0!! (Unfortunately work is a higher priority).

Anyway, I’ve never been too big with the whole Valentine’s Day thing, mostly because nothing great has ever occurred on that day for me. So, it was pretty awesome when my boyfriend gave me a bronze and black cast-iron tea pot. =) Seriously, you have no idea how damn sweet that is. I absolutely love it!

I think another reason why I’m not into the frilly chocolate and balloons of Valentine’s Day is because it’s just a ploy from stores to buy more crap (don’t get me wrong, I like flowers as much as the next girl) ….but apparently this will show each other how much you love and care for them. But, shouldn’t we be doing that every day? Why should one day be more significant than all the rest to show each other how much you care for them? That’s why I’m not too keen on the whole Valentine’s Day thing. If you truly care and love someone, you can prove it by how you act towards them. If you’re saving it for one special day, however, you’re just a phony.