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….