I have to admit,
I just felt like writing.
There just seems to be a lot on my mind, so thought I might share it.
I am very anxious about going to college next year. I am so so excited, but I have been having stress dreams about it too. Mostly, I really want to know who my roommate(s) will be!! I can't wait to start, but at the same time I am really not ready to leave my high school. I feel like I really want to have more opportunities here even though I've been heavily involved all four years. I am going to miss being here every day. I will miss the shows and the people and the musicals and the cabarets and the listening lunches. I will miss the teachers and the lessons and everything that makes up WA.
I have wanted to perform since I was very young. Very, very young. With my dad in a band and my aunt a professional opera singer, things have always been musical for me. In the summer of 2004, I did a summer program called Imagination on Wheels- coincidentally, run by the man who directed Blood Wedding here- and fell in love with the craft. I played a narrator in four Dr. Seuss productions. It was interesting and inspiring and fun! Sadly, the program ended after my first year. I auditioned for everything in the town, but I wasn't given another opportunity until 6th grade when I was cast in Annie as Pepper. The role fit me well even though I am the complete opposite of the character. I was the tallest girl in the company. After being rejected from middle school theatre, the summer of 7th grade I discovered SSPA. Summer School for the Performing Arts. The program changed my life again. I didn't know that I wanted to act until then. I knew performance was something that I loved, but it was that summer when I discovered that performing was what I wanted to do with my life. SSPA became my home, my safety, my happiness after that. They loved me, they cast me, they believed in me. Knowing that somebody believed in me meant more than any type of lead role. Finally, I was cast in a middle school production during 8th grade. I was a Brainiac in High School Musical (not my proudest moment, I admit) and the summer after that, I was in Pippin as one of the (many) Lead Players. I started high school with nothing and everything. I knew some upper-classmen, but I didn't know the ropes yet. I had been taught to act, but not to apply what I had learned. My first monologue during auditions was the speech from the end of the movie Accepted. Yes, the one with Blake Lively and Justing Long. It was embarrassing to say the least. What made it worse was that I sang One Song Glory. I was called back, but to no avail. Into The Woods clearly was not to be my WA debut. Defeated, I helped with Dancing at Lughnasa and The Guys and then came back for my Sophomore year much more prepared and in an Advanced Acting class. Sophomore year, I was in Rent as a featured soloist, and Angels in America as a chorus member. But I was excited and happy to be there. I worked on props for None Of The Above, and then that summer I was a counselor at SSPA. I thought I would be able to still take part the same way, but I wasn't. I became the person who watches. I had nothing to teach them. I couldn't help in any way. I didn't know what to do. I ended up as the assistant director for the black box. It was a wonderful experience. I loved helping, but it was clear to me (and all of those around me) that I was somewhat resentful of the children around me. I felt horrible. I wasn't allowed to perform anymore. It was against the code- and for good reason. It is about the kids. I can't be trying to make it about me when they are pushing for part themselves. I should be lifting them up, not tearing them down. I should be their coach, not their competition. It simply wouldn't be fair. I had to find something else. A new home. Somewhere that gave me hope and the opportunities that I needed. I couldn't do that to the kids. And I was far too selfish to stay. Junior year I was in Chicago: The Musical as D.A. Harrison, but that was as far as my involvement with WATA went that year. My drama department went to see a production of A Child's Christmas in Whales during the year. I wasn't there because I had no theatrical classes until the second half of the year. Somebody told me that the company, Boston Children's Theatre, was to perform Spring Awakening in the summer program. I decided to audition for their spring shows so that I wouldn't be a completely new face when I auditioned for the summer. Apparently, they really liked me because I landed the role of Gertrude in Seussical Jr. I had found a new family. I made a bunch of friends and finally felt like I belonged somewhere again. It was what I had been looking for. Finally, the summer, I was in the Drowsy Chaperone. I worked for SSPA the first week of the session, but after that, I was in BCT mode. This year, I am going to be at BCT again. I love it there. I am an intern full time right now, and I am loving it. I have now been in The Phantom of the Opera, and I have directed a musical, and I feel like I have gained some insight into my own life as well as the rest of the worlds'.
But that is my theatrical life.
That is all that I have experienced.
Next year, I will be in a completely new place, with a completely new group of people.
Different processes, different challenges, different lives.
What will I do?
Hopefully, I figure it out before I get there.
And if I don't, New York City will just be a new adventure and exploration.
Love,
Bri
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Woah, its been a while.
Well hello Blogger family!
My, has it been a long time since I've posted anything. Let's see,
1. Phantom is LONG gone. It was a nice, crazy experience with lots of dramadrama and tears, but ultimately it was successful.
2. Picasso at the Lapine Agine was great- I was on the props team and made some great-looking bottles of raspberry vodka.
3. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar turned into J'Caes- a ghetto-fabulous adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic. Very classy. Very powerful. I was in the chorus and on for two scenes, but it was a great experience and it landed us in the top three winners at Festival this year.
4. Children's Letters to God was wonderful. We ran into some problems involving music, etc. but we powered through and I learned that I need to take responsibility, not blame, for actions and things that end up going wrong. Plus, I loved my cast and they loved me (for the most part, I think. Except the one time I was mean and I feel awful. But I guess that's the life of a director, right?) But it was the most powerful lesson that I have ever learned in my life and I will never forget it and I will always cherish it. Not everybody can say they've made history, and even though mine was on a smaller scale, it made a huge impact on my life, so I am honored to have been chosen. If any of you are reading this, I love you all very much and thank you Mr. Towers for the opportunity to direct these wonderful people.
5. To Kill A Mockingbird is the show I am currently working on. It is being directed my Burgess Clark and it is an adaptation for the stage from the classic novel by Harper Lee. It is with Boston Children's Theatre- look it up if you want to come. It is going to be great :] I'm on;y in one scene but the people playing the principles are wonderful.
6. Blood Wedding is happening at my school currently- there is a performance tonight (which I am happy to say that I will be seeing!!) and I think there might be one tomorrow and then next week there are two more. I will not be there for the second weekend, as it will be the opening performances of TKaM, but I am proud of my school and my friends for putting on such an amazing production. I have only seen the costumes and makeup so far, but I know that it is going to be an incredible show. Plus there are only 3 seniors, I guess. Maybe 4 or something- that's what I overheard. I am probably terribly incorrect and will end up embarrassing myself but whatever.
7. I'm no longer in school! Well, that's kind of a lie, but I am on internship currently, here at BCT. Its great- I'm working Props for TKaM, I've been helping a lot with costumes lately (the Ham is going to be fabulous) and I am organizing Daniel's vocal studio. It has been a long 11 days (today was my 11th day) I am going to be averaging 30 hours a week. Right now, I'm at about an average of 5.5454545454545 hours per day, meaning 38 hours per week. Pretty solid, I'd say. Its a requirement that I take 30 hours a week, so I am pretty pleased with this current statistic. Plus tomorrow, I'll probably be getting a few more hours in due to the crazy Saturdays (don't even get me started on what happened on the 16th.
8. I am doing the Broadway Cares Cabaret again! Just don't ask me any details yet because currently I do not know them!
9. I have chosen a college. I'm going to Pace University in New york City :]
I love you all- I have to go back to work, but I'm excited to be back :] Perhaps I'll post some of my required journal entries here!
check out my twitter (cause its great): @Bri_is_awesome
Have a wonderful day!
Bri
My, has it been a long time since I've posted anything. Let's see,
1. Phantom is LONG gone. It was a nice, crazy experience with lots of dramadrama and tears, but ultimately it was successful.
2. Picasso at the Lapine Agine was great- I was on the props team and made some great-looking bottles of raspberry vodka.
3. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar turned into J'Caes- a ghetto-fabulous adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic. Very classy. Very powerful. I was in the chorus and on for two scenes, but it was a great experience and it landed us in the top three winners at Festival this year.
4. Children's Letters to God was wonderful. We ran into some problems involving music, etc. but we powered through and I learned that I need to take responsibility, not blame, for actions and things that end up going wrong. Plus, I loved my cast and they loved me (for the most part, I think. Except the one time I was mean and I feel awful. But I guess that's the life of a director, right?) But it was the most powerful lesson that I have ever learned in my life and I will never forget it and I will always cherish it. Not everybody can say they've made history, and even though mine was on a smaller scale, it made a huge impact on my life, so I am honored to have been chosen. If any of you are reading this, I love you all very much and thank you Mr. Towers for the opportunity to direct these wonderful people.
5. To Kill A Mockingbird is the show I am currently working on. It is being directed my Burgess Clark and it is an adaptation for the stage from the classic novel by Harper Lee. It is with Boston Children's Theatre- look it up if you want to come. It is going to be great :] I'm on;y in one scene but the people playing the principles are wonderful.
6. Blood Wedding is happening at my school currently- there is a performance tonight (which I am happy to say that I will be seeing!!) and I think there might be one tomorrow and then next week there are two more. I will not be there for the second weekend, as it will be the opening performances of TKaM, but I am proud of my school and my friends for putting on such an amazing production. I have only seen the costumes and makeup so far, but I know that it is going to be an incredible show. Plus there are only 3 seniors, I guess. Maybe 4 or something- that's what I overheard. I am probably terribly incorrect and will end up embarrassing myself but whatever.
7. I'm no longer in school! Well, that's kind of a lie, but I am on internship currently, here at BCT. Its great- I'm working Props for TKaM, I've been helping a lot with costumes lately (the Ham is going to be fabulous) and I am organizing Daniel's vocal studio. It has been a long 11 days (today was my 11th day) I am going to be averaging 30 hours a week. Right now, I'm at about an average of 5.5454545454545 hours per day, meaning 38 hours per week. Pretty solid, I'd say. Its a requirement that I take 30 hours a week, so I am pretty pleased with this current statistic. Plus tomorrow, I'll probably be getting a few more hours in due to the crazy Saturdays (don't even get me started on what happened on the 16th.
8. I am doing the Broadway Cares Cabaret again! Just don't ask me any details yet because currently I do not know them!
9. I have chosen a college. I'm going to Pace University in New york City :]
I love you all- I have to go back to work, but I'm excited to be back :] Perhaps I'll post some of my required journal entries here!
check out my twitter (cause its great): @Bri_is_awesome
Have a wonderful day!
Bri
Monday, September 20, 2010
My brain on Phantom...
Well hello!
It has been a little while.
So, as you may or may not know, my high school is performing Phantom of the Opera this fall! First high school in Massachusetts (represent!) to be putting this show on. That is pretty darn exciting, if I do say so myself. We started with auditions on the first day of school- a Wednesday, might I add- and after a long and frightening weekend of waiting for results, our wonderful assistant director Audrey sent out a facebook message of the callback list. I received 2 callbacks: 1 for Carlotta and 1 for Madame Giry. If you are familiar with my voice at all, you know that I fit Madame Giry best (if you are not, familiarize yourself here) but this summer, through all of the Drowsy love and craziness, I did a lot of vocal work and my head voice has come a very long way. Well, to cut a very long story short:
The cast is like this (I can't legally post last names, so, these will have to do) ...
Phantom: Caleb
Christine: Jill
Raoul: Nick
Carlotta: Hana, Bri (me! :] )
Piangi: Felix
Madame Giry: Christie
Meg: Nicole, Jackie
Andre: John
Firmin: Paul
I am VERY happy with how this cast turned out. I am extremely excited to be playing Carlotta in a team with one of my good friends and the rest of the principals are fantastically placed. I am very proud of them all, as well as myself for achieving my summer goal.
So, we have now begun rehearsals. We had a successful run of Act One last week and we are working on Act Two currently. We are far from finished, but it is coming along wonderfully. If I get the chance, I will be posting pictures and videos and audios of rehearsals so that you can also mark our progress and see how things are going. I am going to try and keep this blog up to date through the process, since I rarely ever do that. So, although we have been rehearsing for a few weeks now, I am going to start with today's rehearsal with our wonderful conductor.
Hana and I met with Mr. C today after school to work on our intonation, rhythm and overall singing. I have been sick for the past 3 or 4 days, so, I really didn't have much of a voice and had to sing most of it an octave down, which turned out to be fine. Hana was fantastic, as always, and we ended up having a very successful rehearsal with him. He taught us about positive thinking (mostly for me because I wasn't feeling too great due to my lack of voice today) and of course, he taught us the correct notes!! Very important when we're doing Phantom of the Opera.
This has been a brief, and yet informative update for you all! I hope that you will be joining me for this journey to the Opera Populaire over the next month and I will be writing again soon!
Love,
Bri :]
It has been a little while.
So, as you may or may not know, my high school is performing Phantom of the Opera this fall! First high school in Massachusetts (represent!) to be putting this show on. That is pretty darn exciting, if I do say so myself. We started with auditions on the first day of school- a Wednesday, might I add- and after a long and frightening weekend of waiting for results, our wonderful assistant director Audrey sent out a facebook message of the callback list. I received 2 callbacks: 1 for Carlotta and 1 for Madame Giry. If you are familiar with my voice at all, you know that I fit Madame Giry best (if you are not, familiarize yourself here) but this summer, through all of the Drowsy love and craziness, I did a lot of vocal work and my head voice has come a very long way. Well, to cut a very long story short:
The cast is like this (I can't legally post last names, so, these will have to do) ...
Phantom: Caleb
Christine: Jill
Raoul: Nick
Carlotta: Hana, Bri (me! :] )
Piangi: Felix
Madame Giry: Christie
Meg: Nicole, Jackie
Andre: John
Firmin: Paul
I am VERY happy with how this cast turned out. I am extremely excited to be playing Carlotta in a team with one of my good friends and the rest of the principals are fantastically placed. I am very proud of them all, as well as myself for achieving my summer goal.
So, we have now begun rehearsals. We had a successful run of Act One last week and we are working on Act Two currently. We are far from finished, but it is coming along wonderfully. If I get the chance, I will be posting pictures and videos and audios of rehearsals so that you can also mark our progress and see how things are going. I am going to try and keep this blog up to date through the process, since I rarely ever do that. So, although we have been rehearsing for a few weeks now, I am going to start with today's rehearsal with our wonderful conductor.
Hana and I met with Mr. C today after school to work on our intonation, rhythm and overall singing. I have been sick for the past 3 or 4 days, so, I really didn't have much of a voice and had to sing most of it an octave down, which turned out to be fine. Hana was fantastic, as always, and we ended up having a very successful rehearsal with him. He taught us about positive thinking (mostly for me because I wasn't feeling too great due to my lack of voice today) and of course, he taught us the correct notes!! Very important when we're doing Phantom of the Opera.
This has been a brief, and yet informative update for you all! I hope that you will be joining me for this journey to the Opera Populaire over the next month and I will be writing again soon!
Love,
Bri :]
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Team Drowsy
Well friends,
It is done. We've put on our maid and butler and 1920s costumes for the last time and performed the best show in our power for a final audience of adoring fans. Holding hands with all of you before our show on Sunday, I realized something. This truly has been the most influential and meaningful experience that I have had. I'm just sorry it took me until the program was over to figure it out. Each and every one of you have a special place in my heart where you will all stay for the rest of my days. We met as a cast for the first time on our second day of camp and read through the script. At the time, I don't believe that any of us foresaw how tight-knit we would become or that by the end we would all be begging to return. I say a lot of these things at the end of shows. I usually write a note to the cast about the end or how it all made me feel. Never before have I felt so accepted in a group of (with an exception of a few) complete strangers. I didn't know that in a short 5 weeks, these strangers would morph into friends.
This has been one hell of a ride. I came into this program blind. I did not know what to expect, who would be here, what was happening, or anything. I walked into the auditions with a few friends from Seuss and I was off. People can be clique-y. I know from experience that when doing a new summer program, people aren't the most accepting of newcomers. Fortunately for me, this is not just any random camp. Over the weeks, I have come to know and love all of you with my whole heart. I believe that we truly were and are a family, no matter where we live, no matter who we are, no matter our past or present, or future. I am truly honored to have been a part of this cast.
You should all be so proud of our accomplishments. Somehow, we managed to put together a knockout show, learn a'cappella and group pieces, perform individuals and grow as people of the planet as well. I know that I grew. I am more confident, I know myself and others better, and I learned that you don't have to play a principle to be a part of the family.
I wish I could write more. My mind is pulling me in seven different directions and I have all of these things that I want to say, but I do not know how to place them in the form of a blog or email. I shared with you at the end of our run that I was honored and touched to be accepted into such a loving and caring group of people. You are all truly my new family. I wish for you the best of luck and I hope to see you all soon. Know that we are all here for each other as we stumble through life's crazy labrynth ;]
Love,
Brianna
It is done. We've put on our maid and butler and 1920s costumes for the last time and performed the best show in our power for a final audience of adoring fans. Holding hands with all of you before our show on Sunday, I realized something. This truly has been the most influential and meaningful experience that I have had. I'm just sorry it took me until the program was over to figure it out. Each and every one of you have a special place in my heart where you will all stay for the rest of my days. We met as a cast for the first time on our second day of camp and read through the script. At the time, I don't believe that any of us foresaw how tight-knit we would become or that by the end we would all be begging to return. I say a lot of these things at the end of shows. I usually write a note to the cast about the end or how it all made me feel. Never before have I felt so accepted in a group of (with an exception of a few) complete strangers. I didn't know that in a short 5 weeks, these strangers would morph into friends.
This has been one hell of a ride. I came into this program blind. I did not know what to expect, who would be here, what was happening, or anything. I walked into the auditions with a few friends from Seuss and I was off. People can be clique-y. I know from experience that when doing a new summer program, people aren't the most accepting of newcomers. Fortunately for me, this is not just any random camp. Over the weeks, I have come to know and love all of you with my whole heart. I believe that we truly were and are a family, no matter where we live, no matter who we are, no matter our past or present, or future. I am truly honored to have been a part of this cast.
You should all be so proud of our accomplishments. Somehow, we managed to put together a knockout show, learn a'cappella and group pieces, perform individuals and grow as people of the planet as well. I know that I grew. I am more confident, I know myself and others better, and I learned that you don't have to play a principle to be a part of the family.
I wish I could write more. My mind is pulling me in seven different directions and I have all of these things that I want to say, but I do not know how to place them in the form of a blog or email. I shared with you at the end of our run that I was honored and touched to be accepted into such a loving and caring group of people. You are all truly my new family. I wish for you the best of luck and I hope to see you all soon. Know that we are all here for each other as we stumble through life's crazy labrynth ;]
Love,
Brianna
Friday, July 30, 2010
The forgotten blog post!!!
The following post was written in the middle of Summer and never posted. I just found it and it amused me :] the original title was, "Time passes WAY too quikly" enjoy!! Real update to come later today!
Do you like my random capitalization in the title?
It certainly amuses me.
Well, friends, it has been a few weeks since I have written. Amazing how fast time flies. I know its a bit cliché to say that, but for real, have you ever really thought about it? now you will ;]
In my past weeks at BCT, things have certainly improved. My last post was not the happiest, I will admit. This one will be a lot better. The purpose of this blog is to primarily write and document my life and also to share some insight that I think might one day help the world... possibly.
This was our final week of classes, unfortunately. Next week begins tech and production week which is both sad/terrifying and exciting. This week, we danced the best combinations of the program, sang our songs confidently, and created the best characters in acting. A good way to end the summer, I think. Although it is not over yet, we can't fight the fact that it will be all coming to a close in a short 9 days. I feel like I just began to get to know everyone and making friends. That initial audition day seems like it happened years ago while the time in the actual program has floated away and been lost. The days pass slowly some of the time, but then you look back and wonder where the weeks have gone. I am not pronouncing it over yet, because it is not and that would make people sadder. Instead, I would like to celebrate right now some of the awesome times that we have shared backstage and around the campus in the past week.
In no particular order (especially not in chronological, Dear God)...
-Alexis slept over in the dorms
-Daniel told me that my shirt reminded him of hooters
-There are Gazelles everywhere
-There was a scary spider in the shower this morning and it frightened me and the dorm
-I hid under Abbie's bed
-Philipp talked to an empty room by accident
-Kristina and I wonder how they clean the ceiling of the theatre
-Allsun is Sutton foster
-Rachel is Alice Ripley (but so is Brian...)
-Abbie and Magda (they don't even need an explaination)
-Kyle as Aldolpho
-Kevin (because I promised I would mention him in the next blog and I don't really know what to say about him other than that he's in the program and speaks a lot in acting class)
-The improv exercise between Burgess and Mark
-The understudy run-through on Wednesday
-scheduling "cake" for Brian's birthday into the rehearsal
-Getting no food from GDA (hey, thanks Governor Dummer)
-Playing the celebrity game
-Philipp the God
-Team Drowsy T-Shirts
-Dressing like Ashley
-Dancing to Iris and Quicksand and S-Club 7
-Making Friends
-Everyone always asking if Josh is alright after his fake fall
-Gaga
-Billy has to eat SO MUCH FOOD during the show
Good times :]
love,
Bri
Do you like my random capitalization in the title?
It certainly amuses me.
Well, friends, it has been a few weeks since I have written. Amazing how fast time flies. I know its a bit cliché to say that, but for real, have you ever really thought about it? now you will ;]
In my past weeks at BCT, things have certainly improved. My last post was not the happiest, I will admit. This one will be a lot better. The purpose of this blog is to primarily write and document my life and also to share some insight that I think might one day help the world... possibly.
This was our final week of classes, unfortunately. Next week begins tech and production week which is both sad/terrifying and exciting. This week, we danced the best combinations of the program, sang our songs confidently, and created the best characters in acting. A good way to end the summer, I think. Although it is not over yet, we can't fight the fact that it will be all coming to a close in a short 9 days. I feel like I just began to get to know everyone and making friends. That initial audition day seems like it happened years ago while the time in the actual program has floated away and been lost. The days pass slowly some of the time, but then you look back and wonder where the weeks have gone. I am not pronouncing it over yet, because it is not and that would make people sadder. Instead, I would like to celebrate right now some of the awesome times that we have shared backstage and around the campus in the past week.
In no particular order (especially not in chronological, Dear God)...
-Alexis slept over in the dorms
-Daniel told me that my shirt reminded him of hooters
-There are Gazelles everywhere
-There was a scary spider in the shower this morning and it frightened me and the dorm
-I hid under Abbie's bed
-Philipp talked to an empty room by accident
-Kristina and I wonder how they clean the ceiling of the theatre
-Allsun is Sutton foster
-Rachel is Alice Ripley (but so is Brian...)
-Abbie and Magda (they don't even need an explaination)
-Kyle as Aldolpho
-Kevin (because I promised I would mention him in the next blog and I don't really know what to say about him other than that he's in the program and speaks a lot in acting class)
-The improv exercise between Burgess and Mark
-The understudy run-through on Wednesday
-scheduling "cake" for Brian's birthday into the rehearsal
-Getting no food from GDA (hey, thanks Governor Dummer)
-Playing the celebrity game
-Philipp the God
-Team Drowsy T-Shirts
-Dressing like Ashley
-Dancing to Iris and Quicksand and S-Club 7
-Making Friends
-Everyone always asking if Josh is alright after his fake fall
-Gaga
-Billy has to eat SO MUCH FOOD during the show
Good times :]
love,
Bri
Saturday, July 10, 2010
"Champagne makes me drowsy"
Good Morning!
Today is my first day back home with air conditioning and a comfy bed. This week I started Boston Children's Theatre's Summer studios. I am dorming there because it would interfere with SSPA if my parents had to drive me every day, so, we decided that it would be a good experience to live away from home (excluding weekends) for 5 weeks. I have survived week one (narrowly, might I add). I think that I am going to break this blog down into days. It is going to be a long one, so if you don't have the time right now, I would advise that you wait to read it.
Day 1
After waking up extremely early to shower and get ready for the hour long ride to campus, we started on our journey East. We arrived around 8 and met one of my RAs, Brian. And then my parents wanted a tour of some sort. I stood awkwardly while kids stared and wondered why my parents were there. After they left, auditions began. That's a lie. After introductions from the staff, auditions began. As you might know, I am a very nervous person. Whenever I have to get up in front of people and do things, I get extremely nervous. Good thing I'm a performer, right? Everybody who sang was incredibly talented. Finally, it was my turn to go up on stage and wait my turn. Two seats away. One seat away. Time to go. I sang Out Tonight from Rent, hoping that it would result in a callback or consideration for the Wedding Singer. After everybody finished singing, we all went down to the black box an learned dance combinations from the Wedding Singer and the Drowsy Chaperone. The space was very cramped and it was difficult to learn the dances with so many people around. Somehow I was able to do so, however, and not completely suck. When the dancing was over, the numbers for Wedding Singer were called and I was not one of them. I sat in the lobby waiting to hear anything about anything for probably an hour or two. Finally, they called for the remaining girls to the black box for Drowsy callbacks. I sang for Drowsy and Mrs. Tottendale. They went well, I thought and that was pretty much the end of the day. We had orientation and introductions back at the dorms. We met each other and I found out that there are 4 Briannas at the camp. Good. I am also living with 10 German students and 2 American girls (not the dolls, literal people). Also- There's no AC.
Day 2
Our classes were chosen and assigned in accordance with our auditions and I was put into Dance, then Music, and then Acting. Every morning we go to these classes starting at 9am. I thought that I would hate dance, because I suck, but I actually rather enjoyed it. Its a really nice workout and we did a combination to Tainted Love. It was a lot of fun :] In Music, we started an ensemble piece- A Weekend in The Country from A Little Night Music. It is difficult, let me tell ya. Then in Acting we were introduced and we went around the circle saying out names, who our favorite actor/actress is, and then say something that we wouldn't normally tell anyone the first time we met them. It was pretty upsetting. The whole idea was to become comfortable with being vulnerable around each other. We had to stop part-way through due to the time. Then it was time for the cast list. Still holding a little bit of hope in my heart, and still knowing that I was not going to be in the Wedding Singer, I approached the large group of people crowded around the small bulletin board upon which our fates were posted. I scanned the Wedding Singer's list for my name and when I didn't find it there, I found it next to the label, "u/s Drowsy Chaperone." I then went off to lunch and rehearsal where we learned a few group numbers and then I went back "home" a bit upset.
Day 3
The hottest day in history. I woke up slightly discouraged and dragged myself to the shower at 6am (how disgusting) to cool myself off. Breakfast was good, then classes were good. In dance we continued with Tainted Love, in music we learned theory and sight singing, and in acting we finished our exercise and started watching Dog Day Afternoon. In the afternoon we had rehearsal and then I went back to the dorms and chilled with the Germans.
Day 4
In dance we learned some salsa stuff. I wasn't the biggest fan of this. This is because I am an awkward human being. In Music we were assigned group numbers. Everyone got duets aside from 2 groups- one of three, one of four. I was in the group of four girls. We were assigned a number from The Frogs by Stephen Sondheim- originally performed by Nathan Lane and Roger Bart. Yes, 4 women singing a song written for 2 men. It's fine. I'm sure we can do it. Acting we almost finished Dog Day Afternoon and then after lunch the entire cast of Drowsy Chaperone almost died because of the heat in the room. Fun day.
Day 5
The opening of Day 5 includes our first Master Class. This week's was dance- again, my weak point. It was completely intense (in my opinion- I mean, it might not have been that bad to people who actually dance) We learned two combinations- one from the 20s for the Drowsy people and one from the 80s for the Wedding Singer people. They were fun :] I was better at the 20s one. I think it has something to do with my Chicago experiences. After that we had rehearsal and we danced on the lawn with Brian to Toledo Surprise.
My comments
During Acting, Burgess said something about how sometimes (in fact, most times) getting what you want is not what you need. I guess that is what happened to me this week. I went to the program hoping to be cast as Holly in the Wedding Singer. I chose my audition song based on that desire, I dressed for the occasion, and I did my hair differently in the hopes that I would be cast as the crazy, young, fun person from the 80s. When I wasn't even considered at all for that show, I won't lie, it really made me sad. The Drowsy Chaperone is a fun and hilarious show and I should be honored to be a part of the small cast that it is made of. I'm learning to accept things for the way they are. I cannot make people consider me for a role they just don't believe I fit. I cannot belt higher than my abilities will take me at this time. I cannot make myself shorter. I am myself. All I can do is stand up in front of the directors and choreographers and the others and accept my life for what it is. I can only embrace what I have. I can't change what people are going to think about my talents or what they can be used for because it is not in my power to do so. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though I am still not crazy about the role that I have been assigned, I am learning to accept it. I am up to the challenge and I will be learning all the way. I didn't need to be in The Wedding Singer. I needed to be in The Drowsy Chaperone. I know this because if it weren't meant to be, it would not have happened. Someone with more power and wisdom decided my fate and I can do nothing but trust that they were right. I have no doubts that if I go about this correctly, smiling, embracing, and accepting the hand that I was given, I will learn more than I have ever imagined.
Enjoy the week, friends-
I'll be back soon.
Love,
Bri
Today is my first day back home with air conditioning and a comfy bed. This week I started Boston Children's Theatre's Summer studios. I am dorming there because it would interfere with SSPA if my parents had to drive me every day, so, we decided that it would be a good experience to live away from home (excluding weekends) for 5 weeks. I have survived week one (narrowly, might I add). I think that I am going to break this blog down into days. It is going to be a long one, so if you don't have the time right now, I would advise that you wait to read it.
Day 1
After waking up extremely early to shower and get ready for the hour long ride to campus, we started on our journey East. We arrived around 8 and met one of my RAs, Brian. And then my parents wanted a tour of some sort. I stood awkwardly while kids stared and wondered why my parents were there. After they left, auditions began. That's a lie. After introductions from the staff, auditions began. As you might know, I am a very nervous person. Whenever I have to get up in front of people and do things, I get extremely nervous. Good thing I'm a performer, right? Everybody who sang was incredibly talented. Finally, it was my turn to go up on stage and wait my turn. Two seats away. One seat away. Time to go. I sang Out Tonight from Rent, hoping that it would result in a callback or consideration for the Wedding Singer. After everybody finished singing, we all went down to the black box an learned dance combinations from the Wedding Singer and the Drowsy Chaperone. The space was very cramped and it was difficult to learn the dances with so many people around. Somehow I was able to do so, however, and not completely suck. When the dancing was over, the numbers for Wedding Singer were called and I was not one of them. I sat in the lobby waiting to hear anything about anything for probably an hour or two. Finally, they called for the remaining girls to the black box for Drowsy callbacks. I sang for Drowsy and Mrs. Tottendale. They went well, I thought and that was pretty much the end of the day. We had orientation and introductions back at the dorms. We met each other and I found out that there are 4 Briannas at the camp. Good. I am also living with 10 German students and 2 American girls (not the dolls, literal people). Also- There's no AC.
Day 2
Our classes were chosen and assigned in accordance with our auditions and I was put into Dance, then Music, and then Acting. Every morning we go to these classes starting at 9am. I thought that I would hate dance, because I suck, but I actually rather enjoyed it. Its a really nice workout and we did a combination to Tainted Love. It was a lot of fun :] In Music, we started an ensemble piece- A Weekend in The Country from A Little Night Music. It is difficult, let me tell ya. Then in Acting we were introduced and we went around the circle saying out names, who our favorite actor/actress is, and then say something that we wouldn't normally tell anyone the first time we met them. It was pretty upsetting. The whole idea was to become comfortable with being vulnerable around each other. We had to stop part-way through due to the time. Then it was time for the cast list. Still holding a little bit of hope in my heart, and still knowing that I was not going to be in the Wedding Singer, I approached the large group of people crowded around the small bulletin board upon which our fates were posted. I scanned the Wedding Singer's list for my name and when I didn't find it there, I found it next to the label, "u/s Drowsy Chaperone." I then went off to lunch and rehearsal where we learned a few group numbers and then I went back "home" a bit upset.
Day 3
The hottest day in history. I woke up slightly discouraged and dragged myself to the shower at 6am (how disgusting) to cool myself off. Breakfast was good, then classes were good. In dance we continued with Tainted Love, in music we learned theory and sight singing, and in acting we finished our exercise and started watching Dog Day Afternoon. In the afternoon we had rehearsal and then I went back to the dorms and chilled with the Germans.
Day 4
In dance we learned some salsa stuff. I wasn't the biggest fan of this. This is because I am an awkward human being. In Music we were assigned group numbers. Everyone got duets aside from 2 groups- one of three, one of four. I was in the group of four girls. We were assigned a number from The Frogs by Stephen Sondheim- originally performed by Nathan Lane and Roger Bart. Yes, 4 women singing a song written for 2 men. It's fine. I'm sure we can do it. Acting we almost finished Dog Day Afternoon and then after lunch the entire cast of Drowsy Chaperone almost died because of the heat in the room. Fun day.
Day 5
The opening of Day 5 includes our first Master Class. This week's was dance- again, my weak point. It was completely intense (in my opinion- I mean, it might not have been that bad to people who actually dance) We learned two combinations- one from the 20s for the Drowsy people and one from the 80s for the Wedding Singer people. They were fun :] I was better at the 20s one. I think it has something to do with my Chicago experiences. After that we had rehearsal and we danced on the lawn with Brian to Toledo Surprise.
My comments
During Acting, Burgess said something about how sometimes (in fact, most times) getting what you want is not what you need. I guess that is what happened to me this week. I went to the program hoping to be cast as Holly in the Wedding Singer. I chose my audition song based on that desire, I dressed for the occasion, and I did my hair differently in the hopes that I would be cast as the crazy, young, fun person from the 80s. When I wasn't even considered at all for that show, I won't lie, it really made me sad. The Drowsy Chaperone is a fun and hilarious show and I should be honored to be a part of the small cast that it is made of. I'm learning to accept things for the way they are. I cannot make people consider me for a role they just don't believe I fit. I cannot belt higher than my abilities will take me at this time. I cannot make myself shorter. I am myself. All I can do is stand up in front of the directors and choreographers and the others and accept my life for what it is. I can only embrace what I have. I can't change what people are going to think about my talents or what they can be used for because it is not in my power to do so. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though I am still not crazy about the role that I have been assigned, I am learning to accept it. I am up to the challenge and I will be learning all the way. I didn't need to be in The Wedding Singer. I needed to be in The Drowsy Chaperone. I know this because if it weren't meant to be, it would not have happened. Someone with more power and wisdom decided my fate and I can do nothing but trust that they were right. I have no doubts that if I go about this correctly, smiling, embracing, and accepting the hand that I was given, I will learn more than I have ever imagined.
Enjoy the week, friends-
I'll be back soon.
Love,
Bri
Monday, June 14, 2010
High School Never Fails to Amuse Me... Oh Wait... That's a Lie.
Weird that it has literally been a year since I started writing this blog. I know that nobody reads, but someday it might turn into a thing. Until then, I'm just writing for my own and my one follower's enjoyment. Friday night marked the 11th annual Academy Awards (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, look at my past blogs- I explain there) Next year's season was announced.
Our main stage season is as follows:
Season one- Phantom of the Opera
Season two- Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Season three- Julius Caesar
Season four- The Women
Season five- Flat Stanley the Musical
Along with these, the seasons for the black box were also announced. Each year, a lucky handful of senior students are chosen to direct a show in our studio theatre (Black Box). Since my freshman year, my goal has been to direct a musical in the black box, something that has never previously been done at our school. My original plan was to direct Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown since there are only two people and I think that it would be amazing down there, but after much consideration, it was decidedly too difficult for freshmen and sophomores to pull off. It was this decision that led me to Children's Letters to God the Musical. I submitted my director's proposal a few weeks ago and eagerly awaited the announcement on Friday. Of course, I was interested in the awards themselves, but really, I had been waiting the entire ceremony to hear the results of my efforts.
After sitting through the announcements of the guest directors for the main stage and breaking Matt's hand, it was finally announced that another first was going to be present in the season. So, my dear friend(s), you are reading the words of a person making history. Children's Letters to God is going to be living in the studio theatre during the third season next year. I am incredibly excited and honored to have been chosen for this and I cannot wait to start working. Unfortunately, I submitted my only copy of the libretto for my proposal, so I am going to need that back. If you are interested in hearing some of the music, click HERE. That is probably my favorite song from the show. It is called, "I Know"-it makes me smile and I love it. The kids who perform in it are incredibly talented- this particular video is from a Philippines version of the musical (according to the video description) I tried to find the obc on youtube, but it wasn't there. The official website of the show is HERE. I can't wait to scout talent from my own neck of the woods.
If any freshmen or sophomores are reading this: Here is a bit of information to get you ahead of the game...
Characters: 3m, 2f
Brett, age 13- his parents are divorced. He loves his father and wears a hat full of pins from places they have gone together. Although he says that he doesn't wear it to bed, he completely does.
Joanna, age 13- she wants desperately to be a princess. She wants a fairytale ending and she is head-over-heels in love with Brett, even though he is sort of a jerk sometimes.
Iris, age 11- her best friend is her pet turtle, Arnold. She resents anyone who doubts the love between her and her turtle, but she secretly longs for more friends. She likes Brett a little bit, too.
Theo, age 10- he wants to be Brett's friend so badly. He wants nothing more than to please his parents and learn how to play baseball and be more athletic. He does not want to be chosen last anymore.
Kicker, age 9- he is Joanna's sister. He loves her, but also hates her. (it is a mutual hatred, but it is just sibling rivalry, nothing violent or horribly mean here)He wants to be accepted by the older kids and fit in.
Obviously, this is completely early- a little less than a year in advance- to be releasing the information, but I am extremely excited. Hopefully more people will read this blog and become interested in auditioning.
I am still eagerly awaiting the rooming list for BCT!
Hopefully that will be in very soon.
Another exciting thing,
For my job shadow in April, I took a trip to New York to follow a Casting Director, Mark B. Simon (he has cast all of JRB's shows and many others). I was allowed to sit in on the auditions for Eric Whitacre's New York production of Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. It was a fantastic experience. I hope to return someday and do some more "work" with them. For now, I have tickets to see the show, so there will be a review of some sort up when I return. I know it is going to be absolutely wonderful. I can't wait!!
Sorry this post is so unorganized- I am supposed to be working on a project for Creative Writing right now :P
I hope you could follow easily enough and I am excited to write more this summer!
Have a wonderful week everybody!
Love,
Bri :]
Our main stage season is as follows:
Season one- Phantom of the Opera
Season two- Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Season three- Julius Caesar
Season four- The Women
Season five- Flat Stanley the Musical
Along with these, the seasons for the black box were also announced. Each year, a lucky handful of senior students are chosen to direct a show in our studio theatre (Black Box). Since my freshman year, my goal has been to direct a musical in the black box, something that has never previously been done at our school. My original plan was to direct Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown since there are only two people and I think that it would be amazing down there, but after much consideration, it was decidedly too difficult for freshmen and sophomores to pull off. It was this decision that led me to Children's Letters to God the Musical. I submitted my director's proposal a few weeks ago and eagerly awaited the announcement on Friday. Of course, I was interested in the awards themselves, but really, I had been waiting the entire ceremony to hear the results of my efforts.
After sitting through the announcements of the guest directors for the main stage and breaking Matt's hand, it was finally announced that another first was going to be present in the season. So, my dear friend(s), you are reading the words of a person making history. Children's Letters to God is going to be living in the studio theatre during the third season next year. I am incredibly excited and honored to have been chosen for this and I cannot wait to start working. Unfortunately, I submitted my only copy of the libretto for my proposal, so I am going to need that back. If you are interested in hearing some of the music, click HERE. That is probably my favorite song from the show. It is called, "I Know"-it makes me smile and I love it. The kids who perform in it are incredibly talented- this particular video is from a Philippines version of the musical (according to the video description) I tried to find the obc on youtube, but it wasn't there. The official website of the show is HERE. I can't wait to scout talent from my own neck of the woods.
If any freshmen or sophomores are reading this: Here is a bit of information to get you ahead of the game...
Characters: 3m, 2f
Brett, age 13- his parents are divorced. He loves his father and wears a hat full of pins from places they have gone together. Although he says that he doesn't wear it to bed, he completely does.
Joanna, age 13- she wants desperately to be a princess. She wants a fairytale ending and she is head-over-heels in love with Brett, even though he is sort of a jerk sometimes.
Iris, age 11- her best friend is her pet turtle, Arnold. She resents anyone who doubts the love between her and her turtle, but she secretly longs for more friends. She likes Brett a little bit, too.
Theo, age 10- he wants to be Brett's friend so badly. He wants nothing more than to please his parents and learn how to play baseball and be more athletic. He does not want to be chosen last anymore.
Kicker, age 9- he is Joanna's sister. He loves her, but also hates her. (it is a mutual hatred, but it is just sibling rivalry, nothing violent or horribly mean here)He wants to be accepted by the older kids and fit in.
Obviously, this is completely early- a little less than a year in advance- to be releasing the information, but I am extremely excited. Hopefully more people will read this blog and become interested in auditioning.
I am still eagerly awaiting the rooming list for BCT!
Hopefully that will be in very soon.
Another exciting thing,
For my job shadow in April, I took a trip to New York to follow a Casting Director, Mark B. Simon (he has cast all of JRB's shows and many others). I was allowed to sit in on the auditions for Eric Whitacre's New York production of Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. It was a fantastic experience. I hope to return someday and do some more "work" with them. For now, I have tickets to see the show, so there will be a review of some sort up when I return. I know it is going to be absolutely wonderful. I can't wait!!
Sorry this post is so unorganized- I am supposed to be working on a project for Creative Writing right now :P
I hope you could follow easily enough and I am excited to write more this summer!
Have a wonderful week everybody!
Love,
Bri :]
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