Mattress over-On to NYC

After three weeks at Stagedoor Manor I am finally back in NYC.

Sadly, I will not be going to California this year because of money reasons-there just isn't enough of it.
Directors Lab West was wonderful in allowing me to defer my acceptance to next year, when I will be attending. Let's hear it for planning ahead!

Once Upon a Mattress was a wonderful experience. My cast was a talented group of 13-17 year olds who rocked the house down. I could not have been prouder of them. Out of my entire Stagedoor experience the kids were my favorite part. They were always full of energy (well sometimes they were exhausted) and ready to work, you can't buy a cast like that. There is an award at Stagedoor called "Best Ensemble" it's given to three casts who (in theory) work together the best. While my cast was not given this award officially to me they were the best. I have never seen a group of kids work together so well. Congratulations to the entire cast. Oh! And to top it off my tech was stunning. I mean, wow. My crew came together and worked extremely hard for the show. This resulted in myself buying everyone drinks on the final night, which resulted in a high bar tab, which has resulted in my budget for the remainder of the summer. (ha ha)

Currently, I am working on getting the rest of my life together before I start work after Labor Day. Right now it's moving into a new apartment and gearing up for the 7:32 Workshop. I always find it funny how much time moving takes up, and this is a big move. I have cleaned out everything from the past 6 years in NYC-giving away 8 boxes of books I have read, clothing I do not wear, and stuff animals that can be put to better use in a loving home. While it's hard at times there is a good feeling of streamlining that has begun to happen. I'm a big fan of Uncluttered.com and Erin's idea of uncluttering to be happy/successful. How can you work towards a goal if there is stuff holding you back? Since I am trying to travel more I'm making things easier on myself by making my room "subletter friendly". Lots of work ahead. In the morning it's time to buy an A/C unit and curtains.

Speaking of morning I have not been able to sleep the past two nights. Huh. Guess I will continue to unpack until the sandman takes me away again.

First Run of Mattress tonight

We have our first run through of Once Upon A Mattress tonight in the space.
I have to give a shout out to my wonderful cast of kids who are working their butts off for me in this production. Wow.
While other shows are still finishing blocking we are RUNNING THE SHOW!!! Happy! Now, its going to be a rough run but a run none the less. How wonderful?

We only have two more days of classes and rehearsals before we switch to the all rehearsal all the time schedule, which Im looking forward too. The artistic staff has 12 hour days at minimum, it can be alot.

This Sunday some of the staff is going White Water Rafting on the Delaware river, Im not sure if I will join them as my latest edition of 7:32 (the new musical Im working on with KT) came into my inbox this morning and I would like to spend Sunday reading it/prepping for the upcoming workshop.

Well, that is all for the moment. Have to head on over to the theater now!

Once Upon A Mattress Week 1

Week One at Stagedoor Manor is almost over-Who knew?!

It's been a crazy week of casting, rehearsals, classes, and general theater-ness.
Lets stat with my classes: each artistic staff member teaches 2-3 classes a day. This session I am teaching 3 classes of Musical THeater Auditioning (each one with a different musical director) and two classes of Physical Theater, every other day I get one class off (which oddly enough is right now). Each class is totally different and enjoyable in their own ways. I am espically having fun with Ryan in our Musical Audition class. Ryan is very honest with the campers, we have already made 2 girls cry when we told them that they just cant sing "Holding to the ground" from Falsettos, BECAUSE THEY ARE TWELVE. I've also enjoyed the random answers i get when I ask kids the following questions:

1. What's your favorite musical and why?
Answer: Wicked. Because it has good music.

2. What's this song (I know the truth from Aida) about?
Answer: A girl discovering herself and she is happy.

3. What musical is this from?
Answer: I dont know.

Favorite Questions from Campers:

1. How do you get on Broadway now?
2. Can you get me on Broadway?
3. Have you ever been on Broadway?
4. Do you know anyone who has ever been on Broadway?
5. Once Im on Broadway I never have to audition again right?
6. Do I need to take voice lessons if I want to be a better singer?
7. Can I sing On My Own as my audition piece for Into the Woods?
8. Who is Journey?
9. Do you know anyone who worked/s on Wicked? And can you get me tickets?
10. How old are you?

Favorite thing I have been stopped for:
Them: "You are supposed to be in Bed!"
Me: "Um...I'm directing Once Upon A Mattress..."
Them: "Oh, so your not a camper?"
Me: "No."

Favorite Quote:
Me: What are you trying to do?
Camper: Love.
Other Director: Okay, go ahead, act LOVE.
Me: And while your at it, act purple too.


On to the show: Overall its going well. Some rehearsals are better than others but the kids are absolutely wonderful to work with and so much fun. Im planning a run of Act 1 for Monday night. :)

Tonight starts my day off!

Stagedoor Week 1

Once Upon a Mattress has our first rehearsal tomorrow morning. I am both excited and terrified of the 30 cast members I have to teach to act, sing, and dance.
Cant write much since I have to block the show tonight, but I want to say that Stagedoor Manor is FABULOUS.