Aaaarrrghh. Today is the first time in my life that I have actually had to turn down not one, but TWO performance job opportunities!!!
Positives first.
To all my dancer friends out there, I learned today that it IS possible to get to four, maybe five auditions in one day - even with call backs - as long as you're willing to hustle! So wave bye-bye to having to choose between auditions (unless you want to).
This morning, I got to Pearl Studios at 9am, just in time to sing for the musical Damn Yankees. I'm going back to dance for Damn Yankees tomorrow. After singing, I walked a block north to Ripley Grier Studios and got there around 9:30am to sign up for the Newsies singing audition. To my surprise, I also found a Disney Cruise line singing audition that was a total ghost town. I walked into the holding room (where you wait before they call your name), gave the monitor my headshot & resume, and literally walked into the auditioning room about 30 seconds later.
In a rare experience for me, I actually received feedback and direction from the Disney casting people while I was in the room. The main guy (eek I forget his name... that is such a NO-NO and I better Google it) actually recognized me from the battement (eye-high leg kick) picture on my resume before he recognized my face. It was so nice to have a real conversation and feel like a real person to them! He told me he liked my headshot, that I should never take off the kicking picture, and asked me how I had been.... he and the other lady - even the accompanist - genuinely seemed to care!
At their request, I sang one of my songs ("Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie) three different ways, then sang another song as well! He said that he was impressed with the adjustments I made, and I'm thinking to myself the whole time, is this a dream right now!? Completely unplanned, yet extraordinarily valuable audition. In the room, out of the building, and on my way to the next destination in less than 15 minutes.
Then I booked it down to Chelsea Studios (ten blocks away from Ripley Grier), to sign up for the 2pm dance audition for a revival of Mame, which is to be choreographed by hottie Vince Pesce. After that, I doubled back to Ripley Grier studios and brought a yummy vanilla rooibos tea to my namesake, since she kindly signed me up for an 11:30am Arizona Broadway Theater audition. (It's all about karma, people! Why NOT do a nice thing whenever you can?)
For the first time in TWO months, I received not one, but TWO callbacks, which was - I must say - a much welcomed surprise validation. Arizona asked me to sing, sing, sing again and read some sides, but I had to get to Mame and finish dancing there (ten blocks away) in a narrow one hour window. Suffice it to say, I cabbed it back to Ripley Grier so that I could make it on time for my call back appointments. Between Disney (I'm not sure I want to go on a 10 month cruise contract) and Arizona Broadway Theater ($200 a week to move back to Phoenix .... not sure that works for me financially) this Wednesday was something else.
I was also shocked when I realized once the option actually became viable, it was clear to me that neither of those contracts would really work. After a year of lusting after whatever job I could get, today's experience was a bit weird. To make matters MORE frustrating, I was recently asked to be part of the cast for the Met Opera's production of Gotterdammerung (which is really well paid) and I can't do it because rehearsals are during the holiday season, which also encompasses my best girl friend's wedding shower and bachelorette party. Chicks before contracts any day!
Long story short, after a significant dry spell and a persistent feeling of self suckiness, I seem to be back on my feet. I am so so so thankful to the universe for being nice to me today, and I plan to keep being nice to it. Hopefully what goes around will continue to come around. This post is also dedicated with humility to my closest dance friends, many of whom are much more talented than I, because I realized today that booking work is so rogue. There is no order to the chaos. These women I know and audition with deserve to book work ASAP and I just know they will soon.
Love you dancer girls!!
A Broadway Baby
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Gypsy, Paparazzi, and 70 degress in November
Third to the last La Boheme performance of the season this evening. I woke up to a surprisingly glorious day: 70 degrees and sunny. For a moment, I admit I was confused and thought perhaps I was dreaming that I was back home in California! But no, here I was, in good old New York, in what should have been the thick of winter but what really felt like summer!
As you might imagine, I took FULL advantage of it (and even perhaps went a bit overboard), by going straight for my summer clothes and grandma's jewelry. The result was an outrageous ensemble (even for me), complete with huge bangles and earrings, sparkly bead necklaces, flowing skirts, and a scarf that a friend brought me back from Thailand. It was pretty epic, but I looked right at home walking amongst the rows of costume racks in the hallways at the Met!
Today was a good Monday - full of yoga and salads and singing class, so I was really "present" with my acting choices during the Act II shopping scene. Still, every time Musetta hits her high notes, I almost cry (check out the gorgeousity of sound in the video below, especially at 2:19 and 2:25) What a nerd I am!
That said, it's also the most catchy tune from La Boheme for me. Thus I find myself singing it in the stairwells when I'm walking through the spiraling staircases toward the stage door exit. Normally, I'm mostly alone (the bowels of the Met Opera are immense), but this evening there were some VIPs wandering around looking to visit one of our principals. They were lost and confused, but I guess they must have thought I was one of the singers or something, because they complemented my outfit and TOTALLY took paparazzi-esque pictures of me while we were talking!
The guy had a camera in his hand the whole time taking video, and I didn't even notice until he turned the flash on in my face! 50% flattering... 50% incredibly rogue = 100% fun.
As you might imagine, I took FULL advantage of it (and even perhaps went a bit overboard), by going straight for my summer clothes and grandma's jewelry. The result was an outrageous ensemble (even for me), complete with huge bangles and earrings, sparkly bead necklaces, flowing skirts, and a scarf that a friend brought me back from Thailand. It was pretty epic, but I looked right at home walking amongst the rows of costume racks in the hallways at the Met!
Today was a good Monday - full of yoga and salads and singing class, so I was really "present" with my acting choices during the Act II shopping scene. Still, every time Musetta hits her high notes, I almost cry (check out the gorgeousity of sound in the video below, especially at 2:19 and 2:25) What a nerd I am!
That said, it's also the most catchy tune from La Boheme for me. Thus I find myself singing it in the stairwells when I'm walking through the spiraling staircases toward the stage door exit. Normally, I'm mostly alone (the bowels of the Met Opera are immense), but this evening there were some VIPs wandering around looking to visit one of our principals. They were lost and confused, but I guess they must have thought I was one of the singers or something, because they complemented my outfit and TOTALLY took paparazzi-esque pictures of me while we were talking!
The guy had a camera in his hand the whole time taking video, and I didn't even notice until he turned the flash on in my face! 50% flattering... 50% incredibly rogue = 100% fun.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Dearest New York,
You are the crescendo to the melody, that melody I love. So here's to better days and get aways because every day's a holiday with you.
It's that time, ya'll. The holiday season is upon us!!
Love,
A Broadway Baby
P.S.
I really must use Iced Tea carefully. True, it makes me hyper productive, but also keeps my up until past 1am when I have 6:30am work out plans and an audition to go to tomorrow. Eek! :-)
It's that time, ya'll. The holiday season is upon us!!
Love,
A Broadway Baby
P.S.
I really must use Iced Tea carefully. True, it makes me hyper productive, but also keeps my up until past 1am when I have 6:30am work out plans and an audition to go to tomorrow. Eek! :-)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturdays off
Spent my Saturday off in Randy's Intermediate/Advanced Theater tap class this afternoon and it was OH so good. I miss that kind of technical, speedy foot work, plus he has this fabulous style to his choreography that harkens back to the days of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.
Oh and I forgot to mention, he's famous in the dance world. He originated the 42nd street choreography (among other successes) that remains on stages today and he has received Tonys and Drama Desk awards as well as many other accolades. Randy also seems to have his hands in almost every tap show or Tony awards show choreography that is created these days.
Thus, it is a critical dance networking opportunity to take class whenever he is teaching. He doesn't seem to be the biggest fan of teaching at Broadway Dance Center (he teaches much more frequently at Steps), so I almost fell over when he approached me in class there today... in part because I am still learning how to balance and dance in three inch high heeled tap shoes, and in part because he said that I must come back always and take his class at Steps. Eep! (Now if he would only fall in love with my West Coast enthusiasm and cast me in White Christmas!!!)
Got lots of new sheet music from the Performing Arts library at Lincoln Center, made a Trader Joes run complete with tiny Christmas tree and Advent calendar acquisition. Now I'm debating whether or not to pack it in and go to sleep early or summon up a second wind to do some laundry. Oy.
The dancer's life is definitely not all glitz and glamour. Still gotta take care of the essentials!
Oh and I forgot to mention, he's famous in the dance world. He originated the 42nd street choreography (among other successes) that remains on stages today and he has received Tonys and Drama Desk awards as well as many other accolades. Randy also seems to have his hands in almost every tap show or Tony awards show choreography that is created these days.
Thus, it is a critical dance networking opportunity to take class whenever he is teaching. He doesn't seem to be the biggest fan of teaching at Broadway Dance Center (he teaches much more frequently at Steps), so I almost fell over when he approached me in class there today... in part because I am still learning how to balance and dance in three inch high heeled tap shoes, and in part because he said that I must come back always and take his class at Steps. Eep! (Now if he would only fall in love with my West Coast enthusiasm and cast me in White Christmas!!!)
Got lots of new sheet music from the Performing Arts library at Lincoln Center, made a Trader Joes run complete with tiny Christmas tree and Advent calendar acquisition. Now I'm debating whether or not to pack it in and go to sleep early or summon up a second wind to do some laundry. Oy.
The dancer's life is definitely not all glitz and glamour. Still gotta take care of the essentials!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Epiiiic
Just spent about four hours with Cate Blanchett's Elizabeth and Hiyao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle on in the background. I stayed in after an invigorating Friday night performance of La Boheme (must remember to take all this stage makeup off!) just so I could reorganize my music for Broadway auditions.
It made for a really exciting evening - for me, at least. I just learned "Zero to Hero" from Disney's Hercules, which I am SUPER into. I mean, how can you not love something that starts with spoken lyrics like "He was soooo hot, steam looked cool."
'Twas quite the hack job I had to do to get a cut of music that I liked (fyi, typically one can only sing 16 or 32 bars in an audition room, which is equivalent to about two pages of music) from the eight pages of "Zero." Sorry, Mr. Menken!! After all the effort, I decided I may as well add some random new favorites to my binder as well: "Make You Feel My Love," by Adele, "I Want the Good Times Back" from Little Mermaid (on Broadway, this song's not in the cartoon), "Not for the Life of Me" from Thoroughly Modern Millie, and "Show Off" from Drowsy Chaperone.
The showbiz among you will recognize there's a wee bit of Sutton Foster evolution in music going on in my new songs. To my immense surprise, my vocal teacher thinks I'm kind of like Ms. Foster in terms of type (physical look and voice quality) as well as personality... so I should have some of her standard songs on hand. It's sweet of my music teacher to say such a thing (even though it's so not true - except maybe Sutton & I share some quirkiness in common). .... Still, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a skill set, a pair of legs, and a career not unlike hers!?
That said, it's crazy how much effort and tenacity a serious Broadway dancer/singer/actress should put in to keep his or her auditioning preparation in top form. For my "book" (that's what we call our immense binders of sheet music) alone, I have to keep several songs that are well prepared (with good musicality + specific acting choices), not to mention that the songs must be well suited to the "type" I portray.
*** "Type" is a weird thing to explain... it's basically the way that other people see you when you enter a room, so your personality and often your body type have a lot to do with it (e.g. I give off more of a chorus girl or quirky character actress/singer vibe than that of a leading lady, a matronly person, or say, a nun). Moreover, it's an increasingly difficult task to figure out what music best shows your strengths when the "type" that casting directors see in you is in flux. ***
Such is the case with me... apparently I give off "quirky, fun" vibes, but I'm told I am moving away from the "cute" and into the more "grown up" realm. God help me if another production assistant asks me if I'm grown up enough for my age range to be 28-35, though. I think I might pop a blood vessel somewhere in the vicinity of my scarcely existent smile lines!! (Just kidding, that's my dancer humor, I know I'm not "old."Actually, lately, I've been realizing just how young I am and how much about the world I have left to learn).
The performing arts industry is so interesting when it comes to age, look, and character flexibility. I like to think that I can understand and therefore portray many different types of people, so I make effort not to pigeon-hole myself into one category. Yet my personality, without my permission, seems to have a mind of it's own! I'm lucky to benefit from great teachers and coaches like Bettina Sheppard at Broadway Dance Center, and Bryan Wade, who both help me find material that works for me. Can't wait to try some of these new songs out on the Wicked and Mame auditions this coming week!
Hugs and Love (and a post Turkey day spin class in seven hours... eek!)
A Broadway Baby
It made for a really exciting evening - for me, at least. I just learned "Zero to Hero" from Disney's Hercules, which I am SUPER into. I mean, how can you not love something that starts with spoken lyrics like "He was soooo hot, steam looked cool."
'Twas quite the hack job I had to do to get a cut of music that I liked (fyi, typically one can only sing 16 or 32 bars in an audition room, which is equivalent to about two pages of music) from the eight pages of "Zero." Sorry, Mr. Menken!! After all the effort, I decided I may as well add some random new favorites to my binder as well: "Make You Feel My Love," by Adele, "I Want the Good Times Back" from Little Mermaid (on Broadway, this song's not in the cartoon), "Not for the Life of Me" from Thoroughly Modern Millie, and "Show Off" from Drowsy Chaperone.
The showbiz among you will recognize there's a wee bit of Sutton Foster evolution in music going on in my new songs. To my immense surprise, my vocal teacher thinks I'm kind of like Ms. Foster in terms of type (physical look and voice quality) as well as personality... so I should have some of her standard songs on hand. It's sweet of my music teacher to say such a thing (even though it's so not true - except maybe Sutton & I share some quirkiness in common). .... Still, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a skill set, a pair of legs, and a career not unlike hers!?
That said, it's crazy how much effort and tenacity a serious Broadway dancer/singer/actress should put in to keep his or her auditioning preparation in top form. For my "book" (that's what we call our immense binders of sheet music) alone, I have to keep several songs that are well prepared (with good musicality + specific acting choices), not to mention that the songs must be well suited to the "type" I portray.
*** "Type" is a weird thing to explain... it's basically the way that other people see you when you enter a room, so your personality and often your body type have a lot to do with it (e.g. I give off more of a chorus girl or quirky character actress/singer vibe than that of a leading lady, a matronly person, or say, a nun). Moreover, it's an increasingly difficult task to figure out what music best shows your strengths when the "type" that casting directors see in you is in flux. ***
Such is the case with me... apparently I give off "quirky, fun" vibes, but I'm told I am moving away from the "cute" and into the more "grown up" realm. God help me if another production assistant asks me if I'm grown up enough for my age range to be 28-35, though. I think I might pop a blood vessel somewhere in the vicinity of my scarcely existent smile lines!! (Just kidding, that's my dancer humor, I know I'm not "old."Actually, lately, I've been realizing just how young I am and how much about the world I have left to learn).
The performing arts industry is so interesting when it comes to age, look, and character flexibility. I like to think that I can understand and therefore portray many different types of people, so I make effort not to pigeon-hole myself into one category. Yet my personality, without my permission, seems to have a mind of it's own! I'm lucky to benefit from great teachers and coaches like Bettina Sheppard at Broadway Dance Center, and Bryan Wade, who both help me find material that works for me. Can't wait to try some of these new songs out on the Wicked and Mame auditions this coming week!
Hugs and Love (and a post Turkey day spin class in seven hours... eek!)
A Broadway Baby
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Day, Everyone!
Hope you and your loved ones have a marvelous day celebrating the people and things we are all so fortunate to have in our lives!
Lots of love to all and to all a good, fun filled eating fest.
Hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Lots of love to all and to all a good, fun filled eating fest.
Hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Student becomes Master
Today I got the kind of email that makes my teacher-heart sing.
One of my SAT students got a 2340 (out of 2400) on their most recent SAT exam!!!!
Thus, the student becomes the master.
::Sigh of happiness::
Today is shaping up to be an otherwise low key day. It's grey and cold outside, almost all of the fall leaves have fallen off their trees, and winter seems prepped to make a grand entrance. At some point today I'll get in the gym, then have an Alice's Tea Cup date with a fellow opera lover, tutor some kids, and get my Parisian on in La Boheme tonight at the Met Opera.
In the spirit of the coming Thanksgiving, I am thanking my lucky stars for my students, my job(s), and delicious pumpkin scones today!
Hugs and love,
A Broadway Baby
One of my SAT students got a 2340 (out of 2400) on their most recent SAT exam!!!!
Thus, the student becomes the master.
::Sigh of happiness::
Today is shaping up to be an otherwise low key day. It's grey and cold outside, almost all of the fall leaves have fallen off their trees, and winter seems prepped to make a grand entrance. At some point today I'll get in the gym, then have an Alice's Tea Cup date with a fellow opera lover, tutor some kids, and get my Parisian on in La Boheme tonight at the Met Opera.
In the spirit of the coming Thanksgiving, I am thanking my lucky stars for my students, my job(s), and delicious pumpkin scones today!
Hugs and love,
A Broadway Baby
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Rabbit's Life for Me
My new thing for the past two weeks has been to replace any "unnecessary" grain/bread/cracker thing or cheese with a protein or vegetable dish instead. Self improvement and all that jazz.
Result? I have gained three pounds of muscle... but I feel like a little rabbit! I seriously cannot remember a single other period in my life where I have consumed so many obnoxiously healthy green things... Salads at least once a day for the past 12 days... I don't know how people can have salads all the time like this!
I'm making it work, but phew... there have been a few days where my pursuit of more muscle and better fitness has had the unexpected side effect of grainless grouchiness.
As always, I'm striving for that most coveted of balancing acts: eating moderately sized meals frequently throughout the day. Being healthy and fit is almost a job in of itself, people! I had no idea...
Need a Trader Joe's run ASAP before Thanksgiving... I think I'll plan out some super spread of tofurkey, quinoa, spinach salad, and yams... like the good liddle wabbit I am!
.... I miss bread. :-(
Happy almost Turkey Day!
Love and hugs,
A (hopefully) healthier Broadway Baby
Result? I have gained three pounds of muscle... but I feel like a little rabbit! I seriously cannot remember a single other period in my life where I have consumed so many obnoxiously healthy green things... Salads at least once a day for the past 12 days... I don't know how people can have salads all the time like this!
I'm making it work, but phew... there have been a few days where my pursuit of more muscle and better fitness has had the unexpected side effect of grainless grouchiness.
As always, I'm striving for that most coveted of balancing acts: eating moderately sized meals frequently throughout the day. Being healthy and fit is almost a job in of itself, people! I had no idea...
Need a Trader Joe's run ASAP before Thanksgiving... I think I'll plan out some super spread of tofurkey, quinoa, spinach salad, and yams... like the good liddle wabbit I am!
.... I miss bread. :-(
Happy almost Turkey Day!
Love and hugs,
A (hopefully) healthier Broadway Baby
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Truth/Love: Weekend of the Arts
I cannot imagine a more arts-enriched weekend than the two days I've had!
Friday night hailed the opening night of La Boheme and the Metropolitan Opera. Every performance, I get paid to fake shop around the set of a fake Paris with my fake cousin Lauren, who is from the South of France (or so our story goes). Musetta's waltz is just gorgeous, I never tire of hearing it. It's really a rare privilege to be part of something that is so beloved by the Met Opera audiences.
After Act 2, I got to bounce from the opera house, and was able to race up to Columbia's campus to support the lovely Erin in her choreographic debut at Orchesis (greek for "dance"). The show was lovely, and I especially enjoyed the choreographers' music choices. The best of the night was this cover of "Hey Ya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c745E7T_Wvg
Today I woke up on my leisurely day off and spent the afternoon at the Met Opera - taking advantage of the free standing room tickets that come with my Met Opera employee benefits - and watched the matinee of the matinee of the popular Satyagraha, Phillip Glass' opera about Gandhi's formative years in South Africa. Satya is loosely translated from Sanskrit to mean "truth/love", and agraha to mean "insistence/force" and the combination of the two engrams encapsulate Gandhis' approach to nonviolent protest. I couldn't help but see significance given all the violence and uproar with Occupy Wall Street in recent weeks.
As to the Satyagraha production itself, I'll try to use words to describe it, but really nothing seems sufficient to detail the experience better than watching Phillip's libretto and McDermont and Crouch's production unfold in person. Satyagraha was equal parts mystifying, saddening, and enlightening. Gorgeous puppetry and symbolism, though perhaps a bit more thematic repetition than was necessary to get the point across. Then again, what do I know? I'm only an opera newbie! In a fun bonus, I got to watch the last two acts from the front row of the mezzanine when a few season ticket holders left (way too) early.
The most exciting part of the afternoon was when Phillip Glass himself came out at the very end of the curtain call to bow with the cast. I've heard him talked about for years, but never realized he was well into his 70s.... how the world turns. He's still fiercely original and quirky as ever... I hear his current partner is in his 30s... weeerk it Phil!
On a whim, I switched from clapping to waving (we wave at the audience in La Boheme after Musetta's waltz; it's always a crowd pleaser), and lo and behold a few of the principal singers and even Phillip Glass waved back!
After a wonderful dinner where I played sugar momma to a dear friend of mine as a belated birthday present, I stumbled upon a jazz performance at Columbia's Miller Theater, spent my night practicing "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson on the ukulele, and am now happily off to bed.
Lots of love,
A Broadway Baby
Friday night hailed the opening night of La Boheme and the Metropolitan Opera. Every performance, I get paid to fake shop around the set of a fake Paris with my fake cousin Lauren, who is from the South of France (or so our story goes). Musetta's waltz is just gorgeous, I never tire of hearing it. It's really a rare privilege to be part of something that is so beloved by the Met Opera audiences.
After Act 2, I got to bounce from the opera house, and was able to race up to Columbia's campus to support the lovely Erin in her choreographic debut at Orchesis (greek for "dance"). The show was lovely, and I especially enjoyed the choreographers' music choices. The best of the night was this cover of "Hey Ya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c745E7T_Wvg
Today I woke up on my leisurely day off and spent the afternoon at the Met Opera - taking advantage of the free standing room tickets that come with my Met Opera employee benefits - and watched the matinee of the matinee of the popular Satyagraha, Phillip Glass' opera about Gandhi's formative years in South Africa. Satya is loosely translated from Sanskrit to mean "truth/love", and agraha to mean "insistence/force" and the combination of the two engrams encapsulate Gandhis' approach to nonviolent protest. I couldn't help but see significance given all the violence and uproar with Occupy Wall Street in recent weeks.
As to the Satyagraha production itself, I'll try to use words to describe it, but really nothing seems sufficient to detail the experience better than watching Phillip's libretto and McDermont and Crouch's production unfold in person. Satyagraha was equal parts mystifying, saddening, and enlightening. Gorgeous puppetry and symbolism, though perhaps a bit more thematic repetition than was necessary to get the point across. Then again, what do I know? I'm only an opera newbie! In a fun bonus, I got to watch the last two acts from the front row of the mezzanine when a few season ticket holders left (way too) early.
The most exciting part of the afternoon was when Phillip Glass himself came out at the very end of the curtain call to bow with the cast. I've heard him talked about for years, but never realized he was well into his 70s.... how the world turns. He's still fiercely original and quirky as ever... I hear his current partner is in his 30s... weeerk it Phil!
On a whim, I switched from clapping to waving (we wave at the audience in La Boheme after Musetta's waltz; it's always a crowd pleaser), and lo and behold a few of the principal singers and even Phillip Glass waved back!
After a wonderful dinner where I played sugar momma to a dear friend of mine as a belated birthday present, I stumbled upon a jazz performance at Columbia's Miller Theater, spent my night practicing "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson on the ukulele, and am now happily off to bed.
Lots of love,
A Broadway Baby
Friday, November 18, 2011
Fun Fact Fridays
Starting now, I'm instituting "Fun Fact Fridays," when I'll share one delicious yet useful fact about showbiz in New York per Friday.
This week's tidbit: Work Study Program at Broadway Dance Center (BDC). Whether you're wanting to learn how to dance or sing, or you're an old hat at both, BDC is an amazing place to study. With the help of the Work Study Program, lifelong learners (young and old) can work two to four hours a week in exchange for $5 dance classes (usually dance class at BDC is $18 per class!).
The program is easy to access, just walk into 322 W 45th (you can't miss it, we're between a gentleman's club and a hostel... in true New York fashion) and request an application. Who knows, I might be the one calling you to set up orientation interviews!
You really can't go wrong with this program or the Broadway Dance Center people. No snooty-ness or hyper-competitiveness here. Everyone - from the dancers behind the front desk to the customers in the lobby and studios - is genuinely happy to be there and to be learning. I can't imagine a New York performing life without BDC!!
Special shout outs this week to my girls Camille and Sharon, who keep me in touch with my inner soul sister, and Joe and Scott, who keep me smiling all night long during the Friday night front desk shift at BDC.
All my love,
A Broadway Baby
This week's tidbit: Work Study Program at Broadway Dance Center (BDC). Whether you're wanting to learn how to dance or sing, or you're an old hat at both, BDC is an amazing place to study. With the help of the Work Study Program, lifelong learners (young and old) can work two to four hours a week in exchange for $5 dance classes (usually dance class at BDC is $18 per class!).
The program is easy to access, just walk into 322 W 45th (you can't miss it, we're between a gentleman's club and a hostel... in true New York fashion) and request an application. Who knows, I might be the one calling you to set up orientation interviews!
You really can't go wrong with this program or the Broadway Dance Center people. No snooty-ness or hyper-competitiveness here. Everyone - from the dancers behind the front desk to the customers in the lobby and studios - is genuinely happy to be there and to be learning. I can't imagine a New York performing life without BDC!!
Special shout outs this week to my girls Camille and Sharon, who keep me in touch with my inner soul sister, and Joe and Scott, who keep me smiling all night long during the Friday night front desk shift at BDC.
All my love,
A Broadway Baby
Thursday, November 17, 2011
What do Mamma Mia and Lady Gaga have in common?
Apparently a super spunky audition sequence with some flashy jazz hands at 10 in the morning, that's what.
So today began like most of my days: up early at the alarm clock, coffee, omelet, brush teeth + mouthwash if I'm lucky enough to remember, quick run/workout, shower (or birdbath... hopefully) then pack my stuff for a day of auditioning/tutoring madness.
The Mamma Mia audition is easier - in some ways - than most, because the dancers in that show wear street clothes, minimal make-up (a.k.a save your false eyelashes and blood red lips for Chicago and How to Succeed), and do almost nothing to their hair (otherwise known as, leave those curling irons at home, ladies!)
I knew I was going to have a hard day's transit so I texted a friend to sign me up around 8am, so I was #44 on the unofficial non-union dancers' list, but then I stupidly went to get coffee for her and print some head shots at the critical audition moment: when the Actors Equity monitor shows up and stakes her territory by tearing up the unofficial list.
At this point, one of two things happens:
So today began like most of my days: up early at the alarm clock, coffee, omelet, brush teeth + mouthwash if I'm lucky enough to remember, quick run/workout, shower (or birdbath... hopefully) then pack my stuff for a day of auditioning/tutoring madness.
The Mamma Mia audition is easier - in some ways - than most, because the dancers in that show wear street clothes, minimal make-up (a.k.a save your false eyelashes and blood red lips for Chicago and How to Succeed), and do almost nothing to their hair (otherwise known as, leave those curling irons at home, ladies!)
I knew I was going to have a hard day's transit so I texted a friend to sign me up around 8am, so I was #44 on the unofficial non-union dancers' list, but then I stupidly went to get coffee for her and print some head shots at the critical audition moment: when the Actors Equity monitor shows up and stakes her territory by tearing up the unofficial list.
At this point, one of two things happens:
- The girls in the room bend to their internal moral compasses and do the right thing by transferring over the names - in the same order - from the non-official list to the official non-union dancers list.
- There is a mad dash for the new list and all of the opportunists [sometimes physically] fight with each other to get as close to the top of the list is possible.
Some days, that bump down may have made the difference whether I was seen and had the opportunity to audition or not. Fortunately, today was a day where they were moving QUICKLY in the room, and so the Mamma Mia team from Tara Rubin casting company saw everyone - union and non union dancer alike.
People in the room:
Janet Rothermel - Dance Supervisor
Ryan Sander - Dance Captain on Broadway
Lindsay Levine - Casting Associate from Tara Rubin Casting
Lesson from the day: wake up earlier for the next audition and don't leave until my name is on the official non union list. oy.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Learning the hard lesson to deposit cash money as soon as you get it: -$300... New found admiration for the MTA: priceless
Nothing like a Wednesday morning mugging on the crosstown 79 bus to get your day started off right!! Final day of dress rehearsal for La Boheme, and I still can't believe I managed to make it to rehearsal on time AND to retrieve le wallet (sans $300 in cash, unfortunately, but still with the $400 in checks.... memo to self: deposit that tutoring money asap in the future. Also, don't endorse your checks until right when you put them in the ATM, otherwise someone else can take them and use them).
After I realized my wallet was gone, I raced after the bus (at a healthy ten block sprint) to get its number, then managed to flag down a bus dispatcher and found - to my pleasant surprise - that the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) employees are actually really kind and obliging! One of the bus drivers got me water and napkins (I had a crazy cry + hiccup + make up running = altogether unattractive look going for me) and the other one managed to find the bus in the depot and send guys out to search it.
After what seemed like an eternity of waiting on the receiving end of a slightly crackling walkie-talkie, some dude named Elias asked me my full name and said that they had found my wallet!! It was a Met Opera Miracle!
The superintendent in charge of Manhattan transport had heard that I was crying over the radio I guess, and so he came to drive me down to the depot near Times Square himself. Beyond that, he even gave me a lift back to the Met Opera, and I still can't believe I managed to get my wallet back, make a statement, get into costume, and get on stage before rehearsal started.
Who says there aren't nice people in New York? Cheers to you, Ronnie! And who knew that MTA employees could be so helpful and generous!
In summary:
Learning the hard lesson to deposit cash money as soon as you get it: minus $300...
New found affection for the MTA and renewed hope for humanity: priceless
After I realized my wallet was gone, I raced after the bus (at a healthy ten block sprint) to get its number, then managed to flag down a bus dispatcher and found - to my pleasant surprise - that the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) employees are actually really kind and obliging! One of the bus drivers got me water and napkins (I had a crazy cry + hiccup + make up running = altogether unattractive look going for me) and the other one managed to find the bus in the depot and send guys out to search it.
After what seemed like an eternity of waiting on the receiving end of a slightly crackling walkie-talkie, some dude named Elias asked me my full name and said that they had found my wallet!! It was a Met Opera Miracle!
The superintendent in charge of Manhattan transport had heard that I was crying over the radio I guess, and so he came to drive me down to the depot near Times Square himself. Beyond that, he even gave me a lift back to the Met Opera, and I still can't believe I managed to get my wallet back, make a statement, get into costume, and get on stage before rehearsal started.
Who says there aren't nice people in New York? Cheers to you, Ronnie! And who knew that MTA employees could be so helpful and generous!
In summary:
Learning the hard lesson to deposit cash money as soon as you get it: minus $300...
New found affection for the MTA and renewed hope for humanity: priceless
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
First Day of La Boheme Rehearsal!
Horseys and donkeys and drunkards, oh my!
This morning was my first rehearsal with the (enormous) La Boheme cast and chorus (and children's chorus!). At one point I was trying to count everyone onstage, but gave up because there are just SO many people.
The experience is fabulous; children are stomping around a two-story set, older (more mature... searching for the PC term here, people) ladies are giving sass and telling fortunes in no particular order. And LO and behold, there are two live animals in the show! One gorgeous Andalusian-looking horse to draw Musetta's carriage and one donkey to pull the cart with all the kids toys.
The animals are so cute that I can put aside the fact that they make more than me.
Suffice it to say, it's been quite easy to act excited about everything that I see when I'm on stage with my shopping buddy, Lauren. We have this fun track where we hang out with the choristers and then wander up the center stairwell, play with the children, buy some jewels, and get sassed by some older ladies. Good times, good times.
Just finished a yoga class followed by a fabulous dinner of quinoa (my first time cooking it, HD, and I did it!), spinach, sausage, and corn. Can we say HEALTH? Had a protein shake for dessert... really working toward those extra five pounds of muscle for dance calls.
All in all, today was none to shabby on the pursuit of achieving goals front!
Hugs and Love,
A Broadway Baby
This morning was my first rehearsal with the (enormous) La Boheme cast and chorus (and children's chorus!). At one point I was trying to count everyone onstage, but gave up because there are just SO many people.
The experience is fabulous; children are stomping around a two-story set, older (more mature... searching for the PC term here, people) ladies are giving sass and telling fortunes in no particular order. And LO and behold, there are two live animals in the show! One gorgeous Andalusian-looking horse to draw Musetta's carriage and one donkey to pull the cart with all the kids toys.
The animals are so cute that I can put aside the fact that they make more than me.
Suffice it to say, it's been quite easy to act excited about everything that I see when I'm on stage with my shopping buddy, Lauren. We have this fun track where we hang out with the choristers and then wander up the center stairwell, play with the children, buy some jewels, and get sassed by some older ladies. Good times, good times.
Just finished a yoga class followed by a fabulous dinner of quinoa (my first time cooking it, HD, and I did it!), spinach, sausage, and corn. Can we say HEALTH? Had a protein shake for dessert... really working toward those extra five pounds of muscle for dance calls.
All in all, today was none to shabby on the pursuit of achieving goals front!
Hugs and Love,
A Broadway Baby
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mediterranean Life for Me
Red Wine & Greek Salad (though substitute mozzarella, and a LOT of it).
Best end to the longest weekend ever.
Here's to a fresh week of Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages and vocal tech.
Yay dance!
Best end to the longest weekend ever.
Here's to a fresh week of Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages and vocal tech.
Yay dance!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Hyperactivity
OK, so I just made $600 in two days (not including my Met Opera pay from Friday's last Don Giovanni show for the fall).
Awesome? Yes.
Sustainable? Definitely not.
My brain is HURTING ya'll! I mean, it's been super exciting to teach myself increasingly more difficult physics and learn all about integrative methods for assessing risk factors in child development, but I am close to worn out.
Need another rest day ASAP! It is not a joke that overworking oneself can increase the crazy...
It's a tough balancing act though. Part of me is like, ooo I have all these opportunities and nice, well-paying clients... ergo I should take advantage of this good fortune while I have it!
The other part of me is like holy CWAP you need to actually stop moving and RELAX on occasion or there will be hell to pay.
Let's see which part wins out.
...To be continued!
P.S. Big shout out of love and gratefulness to Cleo, who saw my last Don Giovanni performance at Lincoln Center yesterday and brought me the most gorgeous of flowers, and to Heather, who keeps me grounded and isn't afraid to call me out when I need it.
I am tres lucky!
Hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Awesome? Yes.
Sustainable? Definitely not.
My brain is HURTING ya'll! I mean, it's been super exciting to teach myself increasingly more difficult physics and learn all about integrative methods for assessing risk factors in child development, but I am close to worn out.
Need another rest day ASAP! It is not a joke that overworking oneself can increase the crazy...
It's a tough balancing act though. Part of me is like, ooo I have all these opportunities and nice, well-paying clients... ergo I should take advantage of this good fortune while I have it!
The other part of me is like holy CWAP you need to actually stop moving and RELAX on occasion or there will be hell to pay.
Let's see which part wins out.
...To be continued!
P.S. Big shout out of love and gratefulness to Cleo, who saw my last Don Giovanni performance at Lincoln Center yesterday and brought me the most gorgeous of flowers, and to Heather, who keeps me grounded and isn't afraid to call me out when I need it.
I am tres lucky!
Hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Go HARD or Go Home
First day in several weeks that my hip actually hasn't hurt while walking... then I had to ruin my wisely chosen days of rest by going to an abdominals class at the gym and sprinting to my last tutor session of the evening.
Now the back aches and the hip is tweaky. DAYUM.
Optomism: May as well get up at 8am tomorrow and do total body workout!
Here's to going hard instead of going home,
Your Broadway Baby
Now the back aches and the hip is tweaky. DAYUM.
Optomism: May as well get up at 8am tomorrow and do total body workout!
Here's to going hard instead of going home,
Your Broadway Baby
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Resting the body, strengthening the mind
So just because my hip is janky (former roommate's adjective for all messed up) doesn't mean that I can't still work toward improvement!
As such, I learned You and I by Ingrid Michaelson on the ukulele! But ouch the stretch to that Emajor chord hurts my teeny hands! So silly.
Also, over the past few days I've had to teach myself conceptual physics so I could teach one of my private tutoring students about newton's laws of motion. (Hooray for Khan Academy videos).
In my kid's history class, they're learning about reincarnation, dharma (moral duty) and karma... so in hopes of following my dharma and building better karma, I'm sending hugs and love to all my dancers out there, especially the NYC ladies heading to Royal Carribean Chicago auditions tomorrow.
Break legs!
-A Broadway Baby
As such, I learned You and I by Ingrid Michaelson on the ukulele! But ouch the stretch to that Emajor chord hurts my teeny hands! So silly.
Also, over the past few days I've had to teach myself conceptual physics so I could teach one of my private tutoring students about newton's laws of motion. (Hooray for Khan Academy videos).
In my kid's history class, they're learning about reincarnation, dharma (moral duty) and karma... so in hopes of following my dharma and building better karma, I'm sending hugs and love to all my dancers out there, especially the NYC ladies heading to Royal Carribean Chicago auditions tomorrow.
Break legs!
-A Broadway Baby
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Fall Back to Move Forward
Today's the day we set our clocks back an hour to welcome fall! So I shouldn't be surprised by some other setbacks to my usual regimen, but what an unexpected delight to not be able to make it to spin class on 1st avenue because today is the New York City Marathon!
Those runners are SUCH inspiring athletes that I can't even be bothered by the fact that I can't get into my gym! Here's to a lovely alternative walk across central park with me mum.
Happy fall!
A Broadway Baby
Those runners are SUCH inspiring athletes that I can't even be bothered by the fact that I can't get into my gym! Here's to a lovely alternative walk across central park with me mum.
Happy fall!
A Broadway Baby
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day of Inspiration
Three AMAZING things stand out about this brisk, yet lovely fall Saturday in New York
- My illustrious mother is here visiting for the weekend. I could not have a better buddy with whom to traverse New York City!!!
- Today was VISION DAY for the organization that is reinvigorating my optimism and hope for the world. We spent four hours in the Metropolitan Museum's innards, benefiting from the unique combination of jazz music, inspirational speeches from Tim Shriver (Maria Shriver's little bro, John F Kennedy's nephew), conjurings of Martin Luther King Jr, a surprising diaspora of inspiring young people, and a visit from the incredibly Yale-looking Yale acapella group. Deliciousness on all counts.
- Just got home from seeing Billy Elliot on Broadway. Sooo reinspired to work ten times harder towards my dance dreams! Those little boys are FIERCE. The show is closing for good on January 8th, so if you're in the city and haven't seen it, GO!
It's sleepy time, and I'm looking forward to some good dreams.
Lots of love,
A Broadway Baby
Friday, November 4, 2011
Rest Day!
Though Chicago and Memphis Equity Chorus Calls are beckoning, I can be honest and realize there are no roles for me in either show (well, at least not until I'm thirty or so for Chicago). Probably for the best, because this hip situation needs to be resolved!
Looking forward to a day spent intensely cleaning the house to prepare for MOMMA's weekend stay!
In Met Opera news, I have still evaded the nightly threat of death by honing my dodging-projectile-silver-goblet skillz.
Oh showbiz.
Love and hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Looking forward to a day spent intensely cleaning the house to prepare for MOMMA's weekend stay!
In Met Opera news, I have still evaded the nightly threat of death by honing my dodging-projectile-silver-goblet skillz.
Oh showbiz.
Love and hugs,
A Broadway Baby
Thursday, November 3, 2011
You REALLY know you've made it when...
Your Charles Schwab portfolio manager sends you flowers. So I guess I should go invest some more money with her?!
I mean the photo's backwards, but hey, proof:
I mean the photo's backwards, but hey, proof:
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