Wow. It's been a while! I'm so sorry to neglect you guys. I can't believe I am in my third week of rehearsals in the city already! Time has been flying by and everything is LEARNED!!!! WHOO!!! Time to clean it all up within the next couple of days and run it run it run it before we leave for TN to start tech. rehearsals!
So what's been new? Rehearsing still from 10-6ish everyday except Sundays. This past weekend Jon was able to visit which was much needed. It's so hard to be away from people you care about but when you're finally reunited again you realize it's all worth it. THIS is what we're doing afterall and because we both know what it's all about it makes being away a lot easier and NOT stressful at all. Of course I still miss him though... I'm so blessed. So happy. SO thankful :)
Rehearsals have been great- I'm definitely finding myself in a routine- especially when it comes to NYC stuff like the train, locations and just getting to know the city better. It's all I've wanted in a place ya know? And I LOVE that in Queens where I'm staying there is a neighborhood environment so you get the best of BOTH worlds.
The JUMP ROPING! I mean, I have no one to thank but God himself for the progress that's been made! HA I know that sounds so funny but honestly the first day compared to now- MIRACLE!!! I actually think I'm keeping up pretty well with the number. We had to re-audition for placement/numbers for the number itself and they went well!! I had a moment of just realizing how you really, REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND AND DRIVE INTO. Anytime you think you CAN'T do it/not physically possible/etc. just push that much harder. You'll surprise yourself. So far I have. I keep working hard and it just gets better and better. Cheesy but true ahha. There's nothing more fulfilling then knowing that your hard work, sweat, tears pay off a bit. I'm really so thankful to God for this opportunity. I've been learning so much from this experience already, jump rope or not haha it's become my little mental thinking place hahah. So far so good-- and if you want to know where I'll be onstage in that number you'll just have to come see the show! ;)
So I have SO much to send back with my mom. I definitely over-packed. Talking with some of the cast who have toured before and they mentioned how we will practically wear the same thing EVERYDAY because we'll be in the bus, usually tired from the show the night before or in the theatre in our costumes. Sounds good to me! Much to give to my mom when she hopefully visits me this weekend :)
We'll be hitting the road so soon. ahfjflsdjfhgdufygdsughjdkjghlsdkughdskjghdkljgh BUT before that. remembering, polishing, cleaning. getting it DONE.
OH update- Jerry Mitchell came to rehearsal the other day! AMAZING
SO happy my SU girls are all here now. It just feels right. I'm meeting great people here but there is nothing like your friends after four years of school. We'll get to spend the next week or so together before we all go our separate ways and it couldn't be more perfect.
keep going, y'all.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Quick Update
My weekend was great thanks to my beautiful best friend! We saw "American Idiot" which was really entertaining and I just LOVE John Gallagher, Jr. Everyone's performances were awesome. SO talented. SO committed. I love watching passionate people perform just- GOOD. Reminds me of why I really love to do this. There's nothing like seeing a Broadway show. I'm so happy I'm here for a bit to see more shows, hopefully for cheap- I NEED to see "In The Heights".
Today was a really good rehearsal!!! We did our full read/sing through and our director was super pleased which got us all really excited! We finally get on our feet w/more scenes and stuff tomorrow and back to the jump roping! It should be a productive week with hopefully another fun visit this weekend :). I hope. I'm excited and looking forward to it all. God is so good. Had a moment walking through the city today just realizing how much has happened in really a small amount of time. I know He's watching over me and has a plan. I'm forever thankful.
Got to see some of my SU girls today which was needed. We all kind of realized how we're getting older- meeting for lunch in NYC! We talked about doing that our freshmen year at the Caf!!! hahah Just funny how it all works out. Happy that we all have each other out here and for more of us to get here within the next few days/weeks. :)
So things are great. I'm missing people a lot lately- hope all is well out there <3
Today was a really good rehearsal!!! We did our full read/sing through and our director was super pleased which got us all really excited! We finally get on our feet w/more scenes and stuff tomorrow and back to the jump roping! It should be a productive week with hopefully another fun visit this weekend :). I hope. I'm excited and looking forward to it all. God is so good. Had a moment walking through the city today just realizing how much has happened in really a small amount of time. I know He's watching over me and has a plan. I'm forever thankful.
Got to see some of my SU girls today which was needed. We all kind of realized how we're getting older- meeting for lunch in NYC! We talked about doing that our freshmen year at the Caf!!! hahah Just funny how it all works out. Happy that we all have each other out here and for more of us to get here within the next few days/weeks. :)
So things are great. I'm missing people a lot lately- hope all is well out there <3
Friday, August 20, 2010
To represent me you gotta beeeee..
Legally BLONDDEEEEE
ahhh. That song's been in my head all day and we haven't even blocked it yet. I LOVE this show!
GREAT day today! No train problems. Got to the studio w/enough time to stretch and just NOT BE late hahah. Could you tell I'm excited about that? No but really- our jump roping hour went great today! Progress is being made and we've all only been in rehearsals for 5 days now! Today was definitely the most rewarding- lots of sweat and lots of moving forward! Weeee... my body still KILLS though. Walking down steps is the worst ahaha.
The rest of rehearsal we finished choreographing one of our girl's numbers and had our lunch. Got to experience NYC's "Panera" which is this place called Cosi. It was pretty good-- I miss my Panera though. After lunch we worked more on music. We ran through a bunch but the highlight of the day was "So Much Better". Nikki is doing an amazing job and I got chills as we all joined in with her at the end. AHdljhfugodilgjfldghfsgilfugif! SO crazy! hahahhahah Just awesome. I'm so thankful...<3
aaannnd after that we couldn't stop laughing going over some other songs- lots and lots of fun and a great way to end the day.
Tomorrow my best friend comes into town for the night and we get out of rehearsal a little earlier :) SO excited and definitely ready for our day of rest!
one of my favorite scenes in the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpFlR5t4WGw&feature=search
ahhh. That song's been in my head all day and we haven't even blocked it yet. I LOVE this show!
GREAT day today! No train problems. Got to the studio w/enough time to stretch and just NOT BE late hahah. Could you tell I'm excited about that? No but really- our jump roping hour went great today! Progress is being made and we've all only been in rehearsals for 5 days now! Today was definitely the most rewarding- lots of sweat and lots of moving forward! Weeee... my body still KILLS though. Walking down steps is the worst ahaha.
The rest of rehearsal we finished choreographing one of our girl's numbers and had our lunch. Got to experience NYC's "Panera" which is this place called Cosi. It was pretty good-- I miss my Panera though. After lunch we worked more on music. We ran through a bunch but the highlight of the day was "So Much Better". Nikki is doing an amazing job and I got chills as we all joined in with her at the end. AHdljhfugodilgjfldghfsgilfugif! SO crazy! hahahhahah Just awesome. I'm so thankful...<3
aaannnd after that we couldn't stop laughing going over some other songs- lots and lots of fun and a great way to end the day.
Tomorrow my best friend comes into town for the night and we get out of rehearsal a little earlier :) SO excited and definitely ready for our day of rest!
one of my favorite scenes in the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpFlR5t4WGw&feature=search
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Welcome to New York....!
I guess we all could've guessed one of these days were coming but I'll brief on yesterday first.
The day started w/jump roping- a LOT more intense/faster/quicker taught drills then the day before-- which made it harder (whew, calves!) but still fun! I am secretly loving the jump roping/sweating/crazy part of my morning bc it wakes us all up. After our drills we worked more on other big numbers which have started to all form together. I actually got to sit and watch a lot of Pilar's stuff too which was good. I've never understudied before so it's been a challenge just sitting and watching but the girls help me A LOT and I try to get on my feet w/it as much as possible whether behind them, on the side, etc...just want to do a good job! You never know when it'll be "time"! We actually finished staging a lot of the fun girly numbers which had us all pretty pumped to start running and cleaning them the next day.
Last night was great too- catching up w/my Jess Haugh (graduated SU when I was a soph...one of my closest friends) was MUCH needed... and a treat!
SO. Today.
I woke up a little later then usual excited because I remembered my roomies would be joining me on the train today since they had work at 10 as well :) When walking to the train I got a text from one of my friends in the cast that usually rides the train w/me saying she's hopped on one already since they had seemed to be running slow. THAT was an understatement. We ran up the steps hearing our train and had just made it... the doors closed and opened again quickly- making an announcement of delay. I usually get to the train an hour before my rehearsal- giving me enough travel/walk time to get to the studios. It usually is enough time but not today. LONG story short the trains sat there in 80* heat..crowded as ever.. for about 30 min.. I quickly called my SM and it was thankfully understood that I would be late. I was thinking I'd be around 5-10 min late but nope a good hour which means I missed our usual jump roping session/new material. BUMMED. The train started to move a bit stop by stop waiting another 15min+ at each. Katie and I eventually got frustrated enough (Michael had gotten a cab a bit ago to his stop) and decided to get a cab. About $30 later I traveled from Queens to Manhattan... relieved but still pretty frustrated. I'm so thankful they understood "how the city is"... I guess it'll just take me a bit to understand hahah. I just HATE being late to things especially rehearsals- especially with jump roping which kicks my butt to begin with PLUS missing things--- ahhhh. So that started off a weird day for me. I tried to turn it around many times but it was just one of those. I took half of my lunch time learning the new jumps and felt better about it. Thank GOD for my cast mates :). The rest of rehearsal was fine, really. A lot of our bodies are just SO sore hahaha so we're all still getting used to that.
It's only day 4!!!! hahaha I need to give myself credit-I know, I know. Just one of those days. BUT in bright news- I had my first fitting today!!! So cool! Excited about all the costumes I'll be wearing! Learned some more of the girls' numbers which had me excited too- I LOVE the Delta Nu stuff :) :) :)
Leaving rehearsal w/the trains was actually the same story but a little bit quicker. It's how it is in NYC I need to get used to it. I was just definitely an ANGRY NYC-er today hahah. It shall pass!! :)
OH also wanted to mention to those who get The Citizen's Voice in my town there were some misprints in the article- #1 any experience I have had at The Music Box Theatre have been NOTHING but wonderful. I definitely don't want people reading and thinking I had a miserable time. I was 11 and didn't think I had a great audition, is all haha. But I was cast and THERE is where I started. I give them all the credit! aaannnd #2 the tour actually starts in Jackson, Mississippi NOT Jacksonville, Florida (we hit that location up lata!)
AH so I'm off for some much needed rest. Tomorrow's a new day and will be a great one. I'm only human... and can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
Peace. Love. :)
http://citizensvoice.com/arts-living/1.956855
The day started w/jump roping- a LOT more intense/faster/quicker taught drills then the day before-- which made it harder (whew, calves!) but still fun! I am secretly loving the jump roping/sweating/crazy part of my morning bc it wakes us all up. After our drills we worked more on other big numbers which have started to all form together. I actually got to sit and watch a lot of Pilar's stuff too which was good. I've never understudied before so it's been a challenge just sitting and watching but the girls help me A LOT and I try to get on my feet w/it as much as possible whether behind them, on the side, etc...just want to do a good job! You never know when it'll be "time"! We actually finished staging a lot of the fun girly numbers which had us all pretty pumped to start running and cleaning them the next day.
Last night was great too- catching up w/my Jess Haugh (graduated SU when I was a soph...one of my closest friends) was MUCH needed... and a treat!
SO. Today.
I woke up a little later then usual excited because I remembered my roomies would be joining me on the train today since they had work at 10 as well :) When walking to the train I got a text from one of my friends in the cast that usually rides the train w/me saying she's hopped on one already since they had seemed to be running slow. THAT was an understatement. We ran up the steps hearing our train and had just made it... the doors closed and opened again quickly- making an announcement of delay. I usually get to the train an hour before my rehearsal- giving me enough travel/walk time to get to the studios. It usually is enough time but not today. LONG story short the trains sat there in 80* heat..crowded as ever.. for about 30 min.. I quickly called my SM and it was thankfully understood that I would be late. I was thinking I'd be around 5-10 min late but nope a good hour which means I missed our usual jump roping session/new material. BUMMED. The train started to move a bit stop by stop waiting another 15min+ at each. Katie and I eventually got frustrated enough (Michael had gotten a cab a bit ago to his stop) and decided to get a cab. About $30 later I traveled from Queens to Manhattan... relieved but still pretty frustrated. I'm so thankful they understood "how the city is"... I guess it'll just take me a bit to understand hahah. I just HATE being late to things especially rehearsals- especially with jump roping which kicks my butt to begin with PLUS missing things--- ahhhh. So that started off a weird day for me. I tried to turn it around many times but it was just one of those. I took half of my lunch time learning the new jumps and felt better about it. Thank GOD for my cast mates :). The rest of rehearsal was fine, really. A lot of our bodies are just SO sore hahaha so we're all still getting used to that.
It's only day 4!!!! hahaha I need to give myself credit-I know, I know. Just one of those days. BUT in bright news- I had my first fitting today!!! So cool! Excited about all the costumes I'll be wearing! Learned some more of the girls' numbers which had me excited too- I LOVE the Delta Nu stuff :) :) :)
Leaving rehearsal w/the trains was actually the same story but a little bit quicker. It's how it is in NYC I need to get used to it. I was just definitely an ANGRY NYC-er today hahah. It shall pass!! :)
OH also wanted to mention to those who get The Citizen's Voice in my town there were some misprints in the article- #1 any experience I have had at The Music Box Theatre have been NOTHING but wonderful. I definitely don't want people reading and thinking I had a miserable time. I was 11 and didn't think I had a great audition, is all haha. But I was cast and THERE is where I started. I give them all the credit! aaannnd #2 the tour actually starts in Jackson, Mississippi NOT Jacksonville, Florida (we hit that location up lata!)
AH so I'm off for some much needed rest. Tomorrow's a new day and will be a great one. I'm only human... and can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
Peace. Love. :)
http://citizensvoice.com/arts-living/1.956855
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
so about day 1 and 2
So I've made it through the first two days!!!! A little sore and tired but the good kind. :)
In having a blog and being a part of the company I am first supposed to mention that COMMENTS/THOUGHTS/THINGS WRITTEN ON THIS BLOG ARE OPINIONS OF ONLY ME AND DO NOT INVOLVE OR REFLECT ANY OPINIONS OF THE COMPANY.
That being said- everything has been great! Honestly. Yesterday I got to the studio pretty early and went through orientation (going through paperwork, insurance stuff, pay etc) for a couple hours. It reminded me of the first day of school when teachers go over the syllabus. Haha. Everyone introduced themselves and are a PERFECT fit for their roles. I'm so excited!!! After talking to the director/choreographer and music director for a while we went right to work. Started on some numbers and were told at the end of the day to be prepared to jump- every morning for an hour straight.. time to get WHIPPED! whew. It was a productive work day on music- I felt like we sounded so sharp! Everyone is really talented and committed to this project which really put me into place. Not saying I wasn't this way before or have never worked w/people like this but I don't know-- rehearsing in NYC, having that whole "professional/real world" feel has just been inspiring and MOTIVATING. It's a challenge and I've just been feeling really positive about it all- I'm just gunna keep working hard...can't go wrong with that, right?
Day 2- today.
We started our first 40 min to an hour jump rope session. We were all pretty nervous but honestly had a lot of fun! It wasn't TOO intense hahaha. For me, I'm not a pro jump roper but I wasn't as bad as I thought I was going to be hahah. I feel like the more I work on it the better. I was watching a bunch of the videos before I got there this morning and got super intimidated but really pumped. It's going to be a challenge but NOT impossible. It's something -while watching I was thinking "um...woah" but then "wow if I could actually do this at one point it'd be pretty cool". So tomorrow I'm called in to keep jumping- I'll keep you updated on how far I get! It's a rush ahhhhhh
The company and production team are so excited about our production which is exciting. They've been with the show since the beginning workshops which is cool because they know EVERYTHING you need to know about it. There were some mentions of Jerry Mitchell coming into rehearsals- gahkfjlhgergjdlkndllrajnl. SO surreal! OH and the PUPPIES!!!!! sosooooooo cuteeeee!!!!
After our jump roping we had some lunch then reviewed music and learned some more. Singing through OMIGOD You Guys was another moment where a bunch of us girls were like "wait. is this happening?" haha...it made me feel good that I wasn't alone in my excitement go.
So YES- rehearsals are great and NYC is unpredictable and fun :). I'm starting to get into a routine!!! wheeee
In other thoughts- it's kind of weird hearing about everyone getting back to classes and school and me not going back. I mean don't get me wrong I couldn't be happier here!... just a tad strange to not be going to school anymore. But again, I'm kinda really happy about it at the same time. CHANGE. is good. God is in it all.
BEST wishes to all heading back to classes! I AM thinking about you guys <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwRnmNnmqoM <---incase you want to get WHIPPED into SHAPE.
In having a blog and being a part of the company I am first supposed to mention that COMMENTS/THOUGHTS/THINGS WRITTEN ON THIS BLOG ARE OPINIONS OF ONLY ME AND DO NOT INVOLVE OR REFLECT ANY OPINIONS OF THE COMPANY.
That being said- everything has been great! Honestly. Yesterday I got to the studio pretty early and went through orientation (going through paperwork, insurance stuff, pay etc) for a couple hours. It reminded me of the first day of school when teachers go over the syllabus. Haha. Everyone introduced themselves and are a PERFECT fit for their roles. I'm so excited!!! After talking to the director/choreographer and music director for a while we went right to work. Started on some numbers and were told at the end of the day to be prepared to jump- every morning for an hour straight.. time to get WHIPPED! whew. It was a productive work day on music- I felt like we sounded so sharp! Everyone is really talented and committed to this project which really put me into place. Not saying I wasn't this way before or have never worked w/people like this but I don't know-- rehearsing in NYC, having that whole "professional/real world" feel has just been inspiring and MOTIVATING. It's a challenge and I've just been feeling really positive about it all- I'm just gunna keep working hard...can't go wrong with that, right?
Day 2- today.
We started our first 40 min to an hour jump rope session. We were all pretty nervous but honestly had a lot of fun! It wasn't TOO intense hahaha. For me, I'm not a pro jump roper but I wasn't as bad as I thought I was going to be hahah. I feel like the more I work on it the better. I was watching a bunch of the videos before I got there this morning and got super intimidated but really pumped. It's going to be a challenge but NOT impossible. It's something -while watching I was thinking "um...woah" but then "wow if I could actually do this at one point it'd be pretty cool". So tomorrow I'm called in to keep jumping- I'll keep you updated on how far I get! It's a rush ahhhhhh
The company and production team are so excited about our production which is exciting. They've been with the show since the beginning workshops which is cool because they know EVERYTHING you need to know about it. There were some mentions of Jerry Mitchell coming into rehearsals- gahkfjlhgergjdlkndllrajnl. SO surreal! OH and the PUPPIES!!!!! sosooooooo cuteeeee!!!!
After our jump roping we had some lunch then reviewed music and learned some more. Singing through OMIGOD You Guys was another moment where a bunch of us girls were like "wait. is this happening?" haha...it made me feel good that I wasn't alone in my excitement go.
So YES- rehearsals are great and NYC is unpredictable and fun :). I'm starting to get into a routine!!! wheeee
In other thoughts- it's kind of weird hearing about everyone getting back to classes and school and me not going back. I mean don't get me wrong I couldn't be happier here!... just a tad strange to not be going to school anymore. But again, I'm kinda really happy about it at the same time. CHANGE. is good. God is in it all.
BEST wishes to all heading back to classes! I AM thinking about you guys <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwRnmNnmqoM <---incase you want to get WHIPPED into SHAPE.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
starting...NOW
So I'm trying out this blogging thing- I think it's a great way to keep people updated (besides facebook and twitter) and a good way for me to remember and reminisce later.
Today? Emotional roller-coaster... bittersweet doesn't even begin to describe hahah. I think it was the whole my "REAL BIG life" is beginning today and the "BIG move" and the "BIG CHANGE" just a lot of BIG stuff that is well kinda BIG and kinda scary. It's all mainly pressure that I put on myself which is unnecessary but what we do, right? Change is a part of life- time to just go with the flow. Moving to NYC while rehearsing for a tour is something I've honestly DREAMT about and worked so hard for, for, well.. a while. I guess I'm still in shock with it all hahah- I hear myself deep down inside screaming "OMG THIS IS HAPPENING!!!" while kinda sorta shaking in my flats. haha i'm a cheese-ball. God is so good though and in everything. He has me...
So I pull out of Wilkes-Barre, PA... saying bye to my parents was okay until my mother kept walking away then running back and hugging me before I got on the bus. THEN she continued (along with my father) to send me wonderful- supportive- loving -I'm going to miss you text messages. I miss my family and hate that I miss out on so much but at the same time love where I am and where I'm going I couldn't be more blessed. Seriously.
So the bus trip w/out the stops could really only take 1hr and 1/2 but because of the stops takes up to 3 hours... with traffic it took 5! Crazy but I didn't mind the alone time and ipod listening.
Michael Enright (who I'm staying w/along w/my good friend Katie Mott) was there to meet me and help me wheel my crazy huge (but very useful) luggage around Port Authority to the subway train towards Queens.
It was so refreshing to see him and then get to the apartment and see Katie. Katie and Michael were people when at SU always had me laughing and reminded me that life's too short to NOT laugh. I've missed them so much. SO happy to see they haven't changed in that way...I've been laughing all night :) Their apartment is so spacious and homey and I'm so happy they're letting me stay here for this time.
Honestly, having this SU family here makes such a difference...I don't feel like I'm far from home.
So SO thankful. I love the area they're living in too- Astoria is so neighborhood-like while still being a part of the city. They're not too far from the train and it's a quick and easy trip to where my rehearsals are which is good.
I start tomorrow- 10am - Ripley Grier Studios....ehfuhldjlasfhlajhals this is HAPPENING! hahaha.. ahhh
:)
I'm pumped... nervous but more pumped!
Today? Emotional roller-coaster... bittersweet doesn't even begin to describe hahah. I think it was the whole my "REAL BIG life" is beginning today and the "BIG move" and the "BIG CHANGE" just a lot of BIG stuff that is well kinda BIG and kinda scary. It's all mainly pressure that I put on myself which is unnecessary but what we do, right? Change is a part of life- time to just go with the flow. Moving to NYC while rehearsing for a tour is something I've honestly DREAMT about and worked so hard for, for, well.. a while. I guess I'm still in shock with it all hahah- I hear myself deep down inside screaming "OMG THIS IS HAPPENING!!!" while kinda sorta shaking in my flats. haha i'm a cheese-ball. God is so good though and in everything. He has me...
So I pull out of Wilkes-Barre, PA... saying bye to my parents was okay until my mother kept walking away then running back and hugging me before I got on the bus. THEN she continued (along with my father) to send me wonderful- supportive- loving -I'm going to miss you text messages. I miss my family and hate that I miss out on so much but at the same time love where I am and where I'm going I couldn't be more blessed. Seriously.
So the bus trip w/out the stops could really only take 1hr and 1/2 but because of the stops takes up to 3 hours... with traffic it took 5! Crazy but I didn't mind the alone time and ipod listening.
Michael Enright (who I'm staying w/along w/my good friend Katie Mott) was there to meet me and help me wheel my crazy huge (but very useful) luggage around Port Authority to the subway train towards Queens.
It was so refreshing to see him and then get to the apartment and see Katie. Katie and Michael were people when at SU always had me laughing and reminded me that life's too short to NOT laugh. I've missed them so much. SO happy to see they haven't changed in that way...I've been laughing all night :) Their apartment is so spacious and homey and I'm so happy they're letting me stay here for this time.
Honestly, having this SU family here makes such a difference...I don't feel like I'm far from home.
So SO thankful. I love the area they're living in too- Astoria is so neighborhood-like while still being a part of the city. They're not too far from the train and it's a quick and easy trip to where my rehearsals are which is good.
I start tomorrow- 10am - Ripley Grier Studios....ehfuhldjlasfhlajhals this is HAPPENING! hahaha.. ahhh
:)
I'm pumped... nervous but more pumped!
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