Thoughts From The Wings

In the past two weekends I've attended or worked at the following:

-a student-produced play
-a drag ball
-a dance company recital
-an experimental fashion show (put on in a gorgeous dilapidated church)
-a coffeehouse
-a graduation banquet (featuring monologues and music)
-rehearsals for a musical based completely on Elvis music

Photo Cred

Not only is it obviously extremely hard to complete homework on weekends like these, it's hard to WANT to keep attending class at all.  For several of these events I worked or lent a hand in someway, and for two of them I got paid.

It hit me that I'm getting a taste of what life could be like to actually be done school and working in theatre/performance.  I love it, and am determined to be good at it.

I was just offered and accepted a position as props manager for an entire season at a summer theatre (five shows in all).  I may have gotten myself in over my head, but I will no doubt meet lots of people that are good to know in my professional community (and I've already befriended several such individuals this semester).

All that said, I didn't get President's Distinguished Graduate, and I'm okay with that.  It brings me a sense of contentment and pride to reflect that I'm already working in my field and building a good name for myself-that means more than any speech or plaque!

This week I'll be working tech for my current show (also as props mananger) as well as putting on my last Phi Theta Kappa induction as Chapter President.  I am counting the sweet weeks away to finals and then graduation, knowing that I have exciting days ahead of me. :-)

More Teasers! (Not My Own)

To quickly answer my last post: they're the two venues we're currently deciding between for the wedding!  Notre Dame of MD, and a friend's home.

Now until next time, something else that is making me happy!

Pop Quiz! (Blurb Style)

Any guesses as to what these two locations have in common??  (No cheating if you happen to already be in on this! :-))

Now Boarding: Classes & Kappans

I went into spring break without lofty goals or big plans of how I would spend it, yet I am fairly content with how it went!  I slept well, saw the HTB (Hubs-To-Be) almost every day,  did a little studying, shopping, celebrated Easter, etc.  I'm not looking forward to going back to classes, but I'm kind of excited for the final push to have a successful semester.

This week I get to do a bit of traveling and skip an extra day of class.  On Wednesday night I'm leaving with my Phi Theta Kappa chapter for International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  While I doubt I'll enjoy this trip in the same way I did the last, I'm excited as always to see new places.  I'll be staying with my friends and other fellow Kappans at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel (part of the Gaylord resort chain).  In my opinion, the place looks ridiculous!!  But in a good way I suppose. :-p  This year's experience will be enhanced by being a part of the campaign of a friend of mine who is going after an International Officer position.  This may be the last big Phi Theta Kappa event I attend for a long time (or ever, depending on how active I become as an alumnus) so I intend to learn as much as I can, celebrate, and enjoy every minute!

Spring Break [or, Where I Talk About How Great Life Is]

Unfortunately we cannot (as Niki suggested) get married in the "Tree Castle".  Longwood Gardens doesn't allow for contracts for private events to be held on the grounds. :-(  Bummer.  However, I am happy to report I am back on the wedding planning train, as we both feel ready to be and as spring break allows me the luxury to do so.  We've started looking for an apartment in the area (hear of a cheap one?  let me know!) and want to make a decision soon about a venue.  We actually already have a reserved date at a venue, but I'm going to keep the when and wheres of that under wraps for now. ;-)

So, a few other items worth reporting about include...

The interview for Distinguished Graduate went, in my opinion, pretty well.  I could feel from everyone in the interview that I had done well, but I don't have a feeling one way or another about whether I will be their final recommendation.  I sat through a video-taped interview conducted by members of the Student Life staff, communications department faculty, and a member of the college's media team.

In the mean time, I was contacted personally by a college dean on behalf of the president to be the student speaker at a reception for the Baltimore County Council!!!!!  I am extremely honored and excited for the reception, which will be held in a few weeks.

I didn't get cast in any Cockpit shows, and was disappointed about that for a few days.  However, it frees up my summer for wedding planning/the wedding, a possible job search, and for working events at the job I currently have.  It was a good learning experience, even without getting cast.

Not getting cast also further opens the door for opportunities that are presenting themselves after stage managing Spring Awakening.  What an experience that was!!  My crew and cast and I had to overcome challenges I really wasn't expecting, and the result was one of the best shows I've ever been apart of.  Everyone I know who saw it commended it, and feedback I received about my abilities as SM were overwhelmingly positive.  I feel born to do it, even though production and management isn't what I originally pictured myself doing in theatre.  Before the show wrapped the director (who I look up to and had an absolute blast with) asked me to come on board another show he was already working on (and in which many of my SA friends are in).  So in May, I'll be doing props for the current show at Dundalk Community Theatre.  I'm actually going to my first rehearsal tonight to get started on things.

What a life I've been given!  I'm currently very, very content in all things.