Sing-yDance-yAct-y

http://singyactydancey.tumblr.com/

2011-04-22T10:17:00.001-04:00

I'm leaving blogspot. Future Tony Winner is now at http://singyactydancey.tumblr.com/

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Things are looking up :)

2011-04-02T23:13:00.002-04:00

Hey guys just a quickie update
My show opens in less than a week and I'm SO excited! I secretly love tech/dress rehearsal week, I feel like that's when the best memories are made. :)
I'm replacing some songs in my audition book-out with the old in with the new. I'm getting ready for some big auditions after my show is over, I'll be sure to write about them all and the successes that will come. :)
On a different note, who's ready for warm weather? Uh Me!

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Don't forget to follow me on twitter! @leahbway13

Update

2011-03-12T22:07:00.004-05:00

About a month until my show opens! Busy, busy, busy with rehearsals!

I spoke on RundgrenRadio on March 2nd about my experience performing in the tour! It was my first radio interview! Way cool. :)

I visited my best friend last weekend! I flew out to California to surprise her for her 17th Birthday! We hadn't seen each other in person since we met at a workshop in the City four years ago!

That's all for now! Don't forget to follow me on twitter! @leahbway13

Gleekin' Out

2011-03-12T21:47:00.005-05:00

I only asked for one thing this past Christmas. I must have been awfully good in 2010.

Back in January I attended a Glee masterclass! We were taught choreography by the lovely Lisa Stevens to "4 minutes", did Q&A with Jonathan Groff (he picked names out of a hat to sing for him. Unfortunatley I wasn't one of them!), and Q&A and a mock Glee audition with feedback from Jillian Cimini from Jim Carnahan Casting! Great day spent with the great people of Broadway Artists Alliance!

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Hallelujah

2011-03-12T21:43:00.002-05:00

Four years.
6th grade.
7th grade.
8th grade.
9th grade.
10th grade.
I FINALLY got my braces off in February!
Can you say "headshot perfect smile"?

"Welcome to a new kind of Tension"

2011-03-12T21:15:00.005-05:00

So...I saw American Idiot on Broadway almost TWO months ago! Can you say slacker?

I was up in the city for a masterclass and really wasn't sure what show I wanted to see. So off I go to TKTS and end up getting a great deal for American Idiot, which I did want to see at some point in my life. Now it's closing on April 24th! Good thing I already saw it! But have no fear if you can't make it to New York in time! A national tour is beginning in Fall of 2011. :)

Brief info on the show (thanks wikipedia!)

American Idiot is a one-act, through-sung stage musical. The show is an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day's concept album of the same name. Additional Green Day songs were interpolated from other sources, including 21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot b-sides, and an unreleased song called "When It's Time". The book is by Green Day's lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and the production is directed by Michael Mayer. The music is by Green Day and the lyrics are by Armstrong.[1]

The story, expanded from that of the concept album, centers on Johnny, a disaffected youth who flees stifling suburbia and his parents' restrictions to look for meaning in his life, and to try out the freedom and excitement of the city. One of his friends stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. Another friend serves in Iraq. Johnny finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike, has a relationship and experiences lost love.

The show opened to mixed to positive reviews from critics, but got an all-important rave review from The New York Times. American Idiot won two 2010 Tony Awards: Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Christine Jones, and Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Kevin Adams. It also received a nomination for Best Musical.On February 13, 2011, it won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

I know I say this ALL the time, but this FO' REALZ is my new favorite show. I'd love to see it again. It's a different kind of Broadway experience for the audience. It's the perfect mix of a concert and a musical. The technical stuff in this show is so beast and all the performers were incredible, particularly John Gallagher Jr.!

Be warned that this is most definitely not a show to take young children to. There is a lot of cursing, sexual scenes, and many of the themes of this show are for a mature audience. Some of the themes could perhaps be taken offensively if you have certain political views. This isn't a show for everyone.
BUT I LOVED IT!

Peace, Love, and Happiness
Future Tony Winner

Yep. I spent my Tuesday night watching TV. No shame.

2010-12-29T21:38:00.005-05:00

Just a quick note about The Kennedy Center Honors (which aired yesterday at 9pm on CBS.)

I hope to one day be in a Jerry Herman show on Broadway.
I hope to one day be choreographed by Bill T. Jones.
I hope to one day be belting out a Paul McCartney tune in front of thousands.
I hope to one day be talking to Oprah Winfrey about it all.
And ya know, maybe after all that is over I'll have a big party and jam out to some music by Merle Haggard.

All the tributes were pretty darn entertaining.

So congrats to the honorees. Hard work pays off and they definitely deserve more time in the spot light, a medal, and their name to be forever engraved at The Kennedy Center.

By the way, the Tony awards aren't the only thing I want.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner/Kennedy Center Honoree :)

"You'll be in my heart"

2010-12-29T18:32:00.005-05:00

Not too long ago, I had a great academic teacher pass away suddenly. He will always be one of my favorite teachers and one of the best I have ever had. Of course I cried Niagra Falls the first week. It was really tough. Then we (all school choirs combined) sang at his memorial service which was by far the toughest performance I have ever had to get through.
I miss him a lot. He always had confidence in me and knew I was going far places.
That was one of the last things I remember him saying to my class, how he knew all of us could really go somewhere with our talent. Well that, and which performance he should come to so he would get to see me instead of the person I was double cast with (a performance that I know he had the best seat in the house if you know what I mean.)
I think about his passing probably everyday. I still don't think I have come to the full realization that he is no longer with us. I just expect to walk into class and he will be standing behind the podium where the computer is, or see him in the audience. I think about things I can't wait to tell him, and then realize that he already knows. A man gone before his time, but enjoyed life so much that he had plenty of experiences. I know I will make him very proud one day.
Anyway the reason for this random post is I've been searching for the sheet music to the song "Stumble" sung by Natasha Bedingfield. I was looking at other songs that were available and I came across this one that had me bursting into tears all over again thinking about that great man that will always be missed and never forgotten. I'm sure everyone can realate to this song. Here are the lyrics to "Still Here" sung by Natasha Bedingfield.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

"You looked at me and saw what I never could see
You made me feel more than I thought I could ever be
And when I needed a friend you were always there to lift me up
To make me strong
You're not gone
You're still here
With me all the time
You're still here
When I close my eyes
I still see you
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here
Still here in my heart
In my heart
Because of you I knew how it felt to be loved
You made me feel beautiful 'cause you believed I was
And I will never forget how you touched my life
You made me feel like I belong
You live on
You're still here
With me all the time
You're still here
When I close my eyes
I still see you
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here
Still here in my heart
In my heart
All my life
You'll be in my life
You'll be part of me
I'll just think of you and you'll still be
You'll still be here
Still here
You're with me all the time
You'll still be here
Still here
When I close my eyes
I still see you
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here in my heart
You're still...
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here in my heart
In my heart
In my heart
In my heart
Still here"

Two Singular Sensations

2010-12-27T12:22:00.006-05:00

Photo credit broadway.com

Well...I had callbacks about two weeks ago for Phantom of the Opera. As soon as I found out I asked the musical director questions I had (like singing with an accent or not). I was given a cut of the song "Angel of Music" and had to memorize it. Thank goodness I know how to play piano. Even though I'm not great, it helps to just bang out notes so I get them stuck in my head. So tip of the day ladies and gentleman; Learn the basics of piano. Know your key signatures, know hand positions, and be able to identify notes enough to play.I sang the song for the director while the music director played piano for me. Just like any other audition.
Except it was even more nerve racking. I knew I was SO close. There were only two girls up for the same role as me.
One of them was my bff.
Yeah. That kinda sucks. Of course I want her to get the role she wants, but I want it too. I was feeling a little selfish sometimes when I would think about how much I want the role and how hard I was going to work to be the one to get it. We had a sleepover a few days before the callback and had a really long talk about it. We admitted that even though we would be happy if the other person got the role, deep down we both would be a little jealous. But we promised nothing was going to get in the way of our friendship. We even promised we would walk up to the cast list together.
Well...the next Monday came. The cast list was posted. Everyone ran over to it but me. I went to find my friend. We walked up together. I put my finger on the cast list scanning for Meg Giry.
My name was there.
And right underneath it, was my friends name.
That's right. We both got the part. Double cast.
Kinda crazy right? We both have been double cast before and aren't divas about it. We both are SO happy for each other. It's way better than having the awkward "O I'm so happy for you girlie congrats!" and knowing how much it hurts them to say it.
The shows I'm not playing Meg, I'll be in the ballet company. Same story for my friend.
So yeah. I'm really excited, for both of us. Life is good. :)

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner.

"God I Hope I Get It"

2010-12-05T13:16:00.005-05:00

Hey readers. I know it has been a super long time since I have posted. Here is a short update before I get started.

*Played Marilyn Monroe at an event
*Many performances here and there with my school musical theatre ensemble
*Taped an interview for Center for Civic Education about "Democracy in Action"
*A Christmas Carol
*Taping of small performance to be shown on Christmas day at local NBC station
*Cabaret Night
*Still in rehearsals for Handels' "Messiah"
*Christmas Review coming up
*Holiday vocal concert coming up
*Making plans for the summer (workshops and such)
*Auditions for Phantom of the Opera

Wait, what was that last one? Yeah. I had an audition last week for The Phantom of the Opera. Not on Broadway (yet) I'm not old enough. But my school is one of the few to be performing it this school year. The rights were released for high schools THIS YEAR!

There was a three part audition process that lasted over three days.
Day 1-Vocal audition. I had to sing 32 bars from a more "classical sounding" musical.
Day 2-Dance audition. Group combination to "Masquerade" and 45 second variation en pointe choreographed by myself.
Day 3-Monologue audition. One minute dramatic monologue.

I auditioned for the role of Meg, which is why I had to do the pointe variation. I want this really bad. I know I say that about everything, but I truly mean it. It's not enough that I love the show, but "Angel of Music" is my favorite song in the entire show. Meg would be such a fun character and great for me to play. I have mentioned before that I still feel I am in that awkward stage where I'm either playing a role too young for me or playing a role too old for me. But Meg is perfect! I don't feel like any age difference is going to be the one thing that would have my director choose between me and someone else for the part. My personal belief is that because I'm going to actually pursue this as a career I need this part just as much as any senior. I also want a bit of a larger role in this show because it would be a nice way to say good bye to my friends that are seniors. But just being in this show will be enough to keep me happy for the next four months of my life.

Call backs will probably be posted tomorrow and I don't even know if Meg has a call back. If I don't get the part, being a part of the ballet company would be great too.

I promise to keep everyone posted. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

Future Tony Winner

For real?

2010-10-01T21:37:00.003-04:00

***This post is kinda weird and may seem random but whatever I can write about it anyway!***

I don't want this to turn into a blog about every show I do. I wanna share my thoughts about the business, and getting there.

Seize any good opportunity that comes your way. Cherish the good times. Dance when you are stressed. Stay humble. Forget about that boy. Keep dreaming. Keep achieving. Take pictures. Stay focused. Hold on to your friends. Stay close with your family. Sing random songs. Do well in school. Find that perfect monologue. Bake cookies. Be nice to your teachers. Stay connected with the ones you meet along the way. Listen to all kinds of music. Don't let the mean kids get to you. Get plenty of sleep. Find a hobby you really enjoy. Drink lots of water. Remember to warm-up. Research on your passion. Plan ahead and be prepared.

Most importantly: love what you do.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

"The world needs a healer"

2010-09-19T11:04:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone! Long time no post I know I know. I've been super busy with school work and rehearsals. But this blog post just CANNOT wait.

*I will revise this soon I promise! More pics and details to come. This is sort of a preview before I write about EVERYTHING!*

A few weeks ago my amazing choir director at school told us we had the opportunity to perform as back up in a concert in PA. We would need to audition for him (my choir director) and he would select a few of us from there. We would need to learn all the music, attend a rehearsal, and attend school the day after the concert even though we would be getting back late. O yeah did I mention who we would get to be on stage with if we made it? TODD RUNDGREN! Yeah, you read that right.

I'm sure you are familiar with this extremely talented man's music. "Hello It's Me", "Can We Still Be Friends?" and "Sons of 1984" are just a few of his songs that make you wanna sing along.

As you probably infered, I did get to be one of the singers! This concert was of his "Todd" and "Healing" albums. We came in during the second half on the concert and sang in four part harmony some songs from "Healing". When we weren't singing on stage my friends and I were backstage freaking out about how cool this was. I think that says something. I mean, we all (with the exception of my director) are teenagers. My PARENTS listened/listen to his music. Even I think he is a great musician. Even I love his music.

I know I've been very lucky and I'm very fortunate to have done some REALLY cool things in the past. But this...amazing. The most fun I've EVER had on stage. It was an experience like no other. We got to dance around the mics, clap along with the audience, and of course do what we love to do; sing! Everyone(including Todd, the band, and Michele) was so nice to us and made us feel very welcome. We all had a great time up there and the energy from the audience made it clear to me that they were enjoying the show just as much as I was.

One of the really cool things about this concert is that you can watch it even if you weren't there! There was a live taping and for just $20 you can watch it. Kasim Sulton said it best "If you can't get to a show, you owe it to yourself to buy the webcast." My parents bought the webcast and we watched it last night. After I tweeted about it @Toddicus1235 said "it gets better the more times you watch it. Crank up your headphones."

Even after all these years, Todd Rundgren is still one heck of a performer.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Link to buy the concert. http://www.todocast.tv/toddrundgren/healing/

Photos from OnLocation Custom Photography facebook page.

"There's NO people like SHOW PEOPLE"

2010-08-21T21:12:00.002-04:00

I may be a little bias when I write this but I think theatre people are the most awesome people. I know there are awesome people everywhere but after bonding with people I will be having classes with and doing shows with this year I have come to the conclusion that theatre people are the most fun people to talk to, hang out with, and do silly things with.
Just sayin'.

:)

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

"What do you say to taking chances?"

2010-08-15T22:17:00.004-04:00

Wanting, and choosing to be in this business is something many people would call crazy. You gotta be a dreamer I guess. But "you know I'm a dreamer" so I have no problem with accepting the fact that it is crazy to want to pursue a career with a reputation for failure.
It's easy to fail.
That's why I'm not going to. I like the challenge. When you want something enough, you have the power to reach it. I know I have the determination, and I think that is even more important than talent (not saying you don't need to be a triple threat, but I think you get the picture).
I know there are people out there that have some amazing voices, can dance so well it looks easy to do six pirouettes in a row, and could probably win an oscar. But something got in the way, whatever it was. So they settled for something less. They give up on the dream.
I'm not going to let that happen. You can hold me to that.

You know how sometimes you get that feeling that you should or shouldn't do something? "I should study for that algebra 2 final." or "I really shouldn't have said that to him."
Well I feel like I SHOULD be working my booty off and I SHOULDN'T give up.

I feel like we all have a purpose in life, whether we fulfill it or not is up to us. Your purpose might be to be an amazing teacher, or raise awareness for a great cause. I know that my purpose is to be a "singydanceyacty" on Broadway. It's not for fame; if it was I'd go to Hollywood. It's that feeling I get whenever I'm on stage. The feeling I get when I see a Broadway show. The feeling I get when I'm in a workshop. The feeling I get when I listen to Stephen Schwartz on my ipod. It's that feeling that this is what I'm going to be doing the rest of my life.

You have to love it, and I do.

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor." ~ 1 Peter 5:6

I just love that quote.

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

"The Music of the Night"...Phantom on Broadway review!

2010-07-26T20:34:00.004-04:00

The last night I was in the city, my parents took me to see Phantom of the Opera! I was so excited because I was really hoping to see that show in particular while we were up there.
Also I had an amazing workshop with one of the performers in the show, Paul A. Schaefer who performs as the marksman and is an understudy for Phantom and Raoul.

Just a note: I'm not one of those people that has been obsessed with Phantom for years. I knew most of the music and have seen bits and pieces of the movie.

***At this show Raoul was played by Jeremy Stolle, Passarino and The Jeweler was played by Scott Mikita, and The Wardrobe Mistress and Confidante was played by Sarah Anne Lewis.***

The show was just, wow I mean what else can I say? Absolutely incredible! I can see why this is the longest running show on Broadway. Of course the music was great and the entire cast did a wonderful job. The ballet in the show was very pretty to watch. John Cudia who played the Phantom played the role very well, very dramatic and amazing voice! I find it interesting that there are 3 Christines (one plays on Monday and one on Thursday, I saw Marni Raab who plays all the other days.) This must be because the role is so vocally demanding. The technical aspect of the show was very impressive. The set, the trap doors, of course the chandelier, and surprises every where on the stage. Everything was done so well and shows off the "Broadway magic." The set was beautiful. EVERYONE in the audience "ooo-ed and ahh-ed" at the staircase used in the first scene of Act 2. Very nice costumes as well.

My favorite number was "Masquerade" it was such a standout, I remember it so well and find myself singing it around the house. But of course I loved "Music of the Night", "Think of Me", "Angel of Music" "Prima Donna" all the famous pieces.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) I give this show a 10 gazillion. I HIGHLY recommend it! If you ever get the chance go see it! Both my parents loved it too (even my Dad who I wasn't sure what he would think of it haha.)

Amazing show, my new favorite.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Billy Elliot on Broadway review!

2010-07-25T18:58:00.005-04:00

So I just recently got back from the city that never sleeps, and the first night I was there I went with a bunch of people in my workshop to see Billy Elliot.

For those of you that don't know much about Billy Elliot, here is a brief summary of the need to know (taken from wikipedia):
"Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Sir Elton John, and book and lyrics are by Lee Hall (who wrote the film's screenplay). The musical revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the UK miners' strike (1984–1985) in County Durham.
The musical opened in London's West End in 2005 and was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four including Best New Musical. The success of Billy Elliot the Musical has led to productions in Australia, on Broadway and elsewhere. In New York, it won ten Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards, including, in each case, best musical. It has also won numerous awards in Australia including a record-tying seven Helpmann Awards."

*Remember this is MY opinion of the show!*

When I saw the show Liam Redhead performed in the role of Billy, Jake Evan Schwencke performed as Michael, Grandma was played by Merle Louise (understudy for Carole Shelley), Big Davey was played by Eric Gunhus, Seth Fromowitz performed as the small boy and Ben Cook performed as the tall boy.

Liam Redhead did a really nice job in the role of Billy. At the talk back he said he hadn't played the part in over a week because of an injury so it was his first night back. He did a really nice job in "Electricity".
Jake Evan Schwencke did a pretty good job although I would have liked to see David Bologna perform because he was a tony nominee. He said at the talkback he had never done tap until this show and he learned how to tap in rehearsals, so that was impressive.
My favorite performer was Gregory Jbara who totally deserved all the awards he won performing as Dad.

Best part in the show? When Billy and "Older Billy" danced together. I love ballet more than tap, and it was gorgeous. Plus when Billy got on the fly...it was just...wow. Amazing.

What really impressed me about the show was the book. I mean yeah, the music was great I mean Elton John come on. But the book was fantastic great story.

Warning: This show does have cursing: so be aware of this if you plan on taking kids.

Would I see the show again? Probably not. It is a nice show though and I really enjoyed it. The cast was great they did a really nice job. I would recommend this show to someone, so how about you reader?

*COMING SOON...PHANTOM OF THE OPERA ON BROADWAY REVIEW!!!!!*

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

Future Tony Winner

RSC review!!!

2010-07-11T23:09:00.004-04:00

"The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies."-taken from their website

I just saw the show Completely Hollywood (abriged) where the guys condense 197 of the greatest movies of all time into 100 minutes. The result? An absolutely hilarious, guaranteed good time! Seriously if you aren't bursting out in laughter every ten seconds you must have some type of disorder that you have absolutely no sense of humor or are just incapable of laughing. It's that funny.

My parents loved the show too! :D

This was the last day they were in Washington DC and the next shows they are doing aren't the same show I saw today. However, I'm sure the other shows they do are just as good! Great actors. Great show. Great way to spend my Sunday.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

A GPS does not give you directions to ANY place you want to go...

2010-07-08T12:38:00.003-04:00

That place I wanted to go to but still can't find? That would be the perfect monologue website.

I spent AT LEAST three hours yesterday looking for the perfect, yet "age appropriate" monologue. I've had trouble with this, and I know many other teen actors have as well.

For me, the dramatic monologues are most difficult to find. They are either too "childish" or about abortions, suicide, drugs, you name it. With these monologues it is tough to know if it is okay to perform them in certain places. I'm doing a workshop and I submitted a monologue where I am speaking about a young woman who died in childbirth and how a girl I know that is my age (my character is in her late teens) "...did it whenever she wanted to with whomever she wanted to and nothing ever happened to her. And if it did, she'd get rid of it." My advisor told me it was a good piece but she didn't think it was best to use at this time (which is understandable, there are kids as young as ten that attend this workshop.)

But after all my searching I found some other monologues I think are good (I already had a comedic one) to use at this workshop. The others I will be able to pull out of my folder another time.

If you would like links to the websites I have used post a comment below and I will post them here.

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

BAA? No I'm not a sheep...

2010-07-05T19:16:00.004-04:00

Broadway Artists Alliance (BAA) is an awesome program! I have attended it in the past, will be attending it in the future, and I highly recommend it. If you want more details, comment below.

Visit the website

http://broadwayartistsalliance.org/index.html

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

"Getcha head in the game"

2010-06-27T12:11:00.002-04:00

I have a weeklong workshop starting tomorrow! I'm very excited and it's time for me to get focused. Whenever you have a performance, workshop, important meeting, or whatever it's important to be prepared.

This is what I recommend

*Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need!
*Plan your outfits
*Pack your bag ahead of time. Even pack things you may not NEED but may be useful. (Ex. extra pencils, change of clothes, dance shoes that you don't think you need...you never know when it might help you to have things like this!)
*Make sure you have snacks/plenty of water/food(or a little cash) to get you through the day
*Run through things you are doing (such as songs, monologues, dance combinations) until you get it how you want it. Once you have it at the level you want, run through it two more times. If you mess up, do it again until you get it three times in a row.
*Stretch and Warm-up
*Get lots of sleep
*Remember to eat a good breakfast that morning

It's always better to be prepared than to be rushing around at the last minute. You want to stay stress-free!

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

Wanna hear some factis amazing music?

2010-06-25T11:41:00.002-04:00

Mr. Whitacre posted a raw track of

Children of Paradise

from Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings!!! On the post he informs you that

this is the exact audio track that played underneath the singers and live musicians in the Carnegie Hall concert.

It sounds WAY cool! It was pretty neat to hear the music without vocals. I was picturing choreograpy in my head. I think this could be an opening dance on SYTYCD haha.

Check it out at ericwhitacre.com

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

National Dance Day?

2010-06-24T20:37:00.002-04:00

*Copied and pasted from the fox website*

*Get Excited for National Dance Day
So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe would like to declare July 31, NATIONAL DANCE DAY.

WHAT: NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.

WHEN: Saturday, July 31

WHY: To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.

Nigel has been tweeting up a storm about National Dance Day, a.k.a. D-Day. He said the goal is to “prove that the ‘Power of Dance’ can MOVE an entire Country!” So get up off the couch and put on your dancing shoes on July 31st. Share your D-Day ideas in the SYTYCD forums and stay tuned to this site for more information to come.*

Comment below on how you are planning to celebrate one of my favorite (new lol) holidays! Yes I am considering this a holiday haha.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

Holy Factis

2010-06-24T15:06:00.001-04:00

Hahaha factis is now on urbandictionary.com someone in the choir of angels put it up there. Awesome!!!

I know a kid who has talent!!!

2010-06-24T14:47:00.002-04:00

My friend is doing the youtube audition for the tv show America's Got Talent. He does have a heck of a lot of talent and he is a really nice person with a lot of personality. He is a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist and he is only 13!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSq7sGwINSo

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Future Tony Winner

:D

2010-06-20T23:05:00.004-04:00

Paradise Found: Sun and Airplane Wings

I don't wanna hop on the flight home in a few days. I'm actually getting a tan and anyone that knows me would be shocked to hear that. I'm using sunscreen of course!
A family member of mine said she knew some people that use the silly bands (the rubber bracelets that make different shapes) and put them some place on your body and tan like that. Then they have a very interesting tan line...haha.

Much needed vacation yay :)

"What's goin' on in my mind"

2010-06-18T10:35:00.003-04:00

Okay so the concert was Tuesday night. It is now Friday and I still have all the songs stuck in my head. It changes probably half hour-ly to a different song.
I'm not saying it is a bad thing to have the songs stuck in my head...it's a good thing. I LOVE his music. <3

If you go to Mr. Whitacre's facebook and/or website you can get his songs stuck in your head for free!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Whitacre/6290062228

http://ericwhitacre.com/

Warning: His music is addicting.

*The picture is from the DCINY Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings facebook page. This is a photo taken during the concert at Carnegie Hall. Don't worry they got special permission to take this picture haha. This is EVERYONE! A lot of people were involved in making the concert a hit!*

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

Carnaval del Barrio! (In the Heights Review)

2010-06-17T16:57:00.004-04:00

"Lights up on Washington Heights..."

In the Heights is one of my absolute favorite favorite shows. I saw it summer 2008 for the first time with the original cast. I just saw it this past week again with my school when we went to sing at Carnegie Hall.
I still LOVE this show!

For those of you that do not know much about this show I will fill you in. It is a musical with music and lyrics written by the very talented Lin-Manuel Miranda and an equally amazing book written by Quiara Alegria Hudes. The story takes place in Washington Heights, and area of New York City where many Dominican-Americans live. The show is set over July 3rd, 4th, and 5th in modern times. The music may not be what you would expect from a Broadway musical because it is hip-hop, merengue, salsa, and soul. In 2008 it was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and it is worth mentioning that it also won the Tony for Best Musical.

This show has everything! There is a love story, family drama, humor, an awesome set, incredible dancing, cool technical stuff, great characters, amazing singing....ah the list goes on.

Because I had seen the show with the original cast I went in there thinking the show may not be as good as it was when I saw it the first time. But I can happily admit I was proved wrong. When I saw it there were a few understudies filling in, but they all did very well. I was so happy to see that Christopher Jackson was still Benny. I talked with him after the show to let him know how well he did and I'm glad he is still doing the show. He said he was glad he was still involved too and he would like to do it a few more years. I think that is awesome, to be doing this show for so long and still love it just as much.

Corbin Bleu of High School Musical fame played Usnavi, the lead character in this show. He did a really nice job. I noticed that he sang some of the verses a little bit lower than it was originally done but it still worked. I was surprised how well he did. I loved him in the HSM series and I even saw him in concert a few years ago. I have even more respect for him as a performer now that he has done Broadway. He is very humble and he was very nice and stayed to take pictures for all of his screaming fans at the stage door. He is one very talented guy.

I can honestly say that everyone did a great job in this show. :) If you have not seen this or at least listened to it, I highly recommend this. Everyone that saw it fell in love with it. It is a really really great show.

Ta-ta for now!

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

NY Times Review :D

2010-06-17T14:34:00.002-04:00

This is the review from the Paradise Lost:Shadows and Wings concert I just performed in.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/arts/music/17eric.html

So if you weren't sure it was worth your time to check into, do you believe me now?

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

"And we'd sing free...in perfect harmony"

2010-06-17T01:32:00.004-04:00

The remaining items on my bucket list has just decreased.

I performed in the chorus of angels of composer Eric Whitacre's Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. It truly was the most amazing experience of my entire life. O yeah and did I mention that it was performed at Carnegie Hall? Yeah I performed at Carnegie Hall!

If you haven't heard any of Eric Whitacre's music, you should go search for it right now on youtube or google or something. It just makes you feel so...wow. When you listen to it don't even bother putting on socks because they will be blown off of your feet. Yeah, he is that amazing.

Mr. Whitacre is a very nice guy. He gave people an opportunity that most of us probably wouldn't have. The choir ranged in people ages 14 to 73 I believe was the oldest. We came from all over the globe. I met some really great people and we sounded amazing! Mr. Whitacre would get entusiastic when we sang or did something he really liked, he would smile and jump up and down.

There were six soloists in the show, and I got the chance to talk to most of them and get pictures at the after party. Not only did they have incredible voices, but they were very friendly to us. It was so cool just to hear their voices and an incredible honor to be on the same stage as them, along with Mr. Whitacre and the awesome musicians and everyone that was involved with this concert.

"Libertas Imperio" which means "we must be strong" (and a line said often in this show, and a song title) is what went through my head for parts of the show when I was not singing. I was so worried I would faint...and I didn't!

Best week of my life. Thank you Mr. Whitacre.

"And all I want to do is fly. Just Fly"
My dreams did fly on Tuesday night.

Carnegie Hall-check

Peace, love, and happiness
Future Tony Winner

http://ericwhitacre.com/
check out the virtual choir!
http://www.youtube.com/user/EricWhitacresVrtlChr

Warning: Do not read if you still haven't had time to watch the Tony Awards!

2010-06-17T01:27:00.003-04:00

I watched the Tony awards with my roomates for the Paradise rehearsals/show. After the show we decided to choreography our on dance inspired by Fela! and then proceeded to show all our friends, teachers, chaperones, and hotel staff...yep.

2010 Tony Winners!

Best Play
Red
Best Musical
Memphis
Best Book of a Musical
Memphis
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Memphis
Music: David Bryan
Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan
Best Revival of a Play
Fences
Best Revival of a Musical
La Cage aux Folles
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Denzel Washington Fences
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis Fences
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Douglas Hodge La Cage aux Folles
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Catherine Zeta-Jones A Little Night Music
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Eddie Redmayne Red
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Scarlett Johansson A View from the Bridge
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Levi Kreis Million Dollar Quartet
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Katie Finneran Promises, Promises
Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage Red
Best Direction of a Musical
Terry Johnson La Cage aux Folles
Best Choreography
Bill T. Jones Fela!
Best Orchestrations
Daryl Waters & David Bryan Memphis
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Christopher Oram Red
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christine Jones American Idiot
Best Costume Design of a Play
Catherine Zuber The Royal Family
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici Fela!
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin Red

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams American Idiot
Best Sound Design of a Play
Adam Cork Red
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Robert Kaplowitz Fela!

Special Tony Award® for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Alan Ayckbourn
Marian Seldes
Regional Theatre Tony Award®
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Waterford, Connecticut
Isabelle Stevenson Award
David Hyde Pierce
Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre
Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York
B.H. Barry
Midtown North & South New York City Police Precincts
Tom Viola

"One bright and shining day..."

2010-06-05T21:54:00.002-04:00

I have four words...I.Love.Eric.Whitacre!

Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings is incredible beyond explanation. If you don't believe me (or if you do) you are just gonna have to come to carnegie hall on June 15and see it in concert. I'm fortunate enough to be apart of this wonderful performance, and I know it is something that I will remember the rest of my life.

I would say "a once in a lifetime opportunity" but I don't want to curse myself haha. I'm working toward my goal of not being a stranger to the carnegie hall stage, and radio city music hall...and the great white way. :)

I can't wait to meet him (the composer Eric Whitacre) his music is just...wow!

So don't forget:
June 15, 2010
Carnegie Hall
New York, NY

Tony Time!!!

2010-05-22T15:20:00.005-04:00

Mark your calenders, the Tony Awards are less than a month away! The 64th Annual Tony Awards will be Sunday June 13th. If you can't be at Radio City Music Hall(which I don't think many of us can...) then you can catch the live broadcast on CBS.

Here is a list of the nominees:

BEST PLAY: "In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)," "Next Fall," "Red," "Time Stands Still."
BEST MUSICAL: "American Idiot," "Fela!" "Memphis," "Million Dollar Quartet."
BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL: "Everyday Rapture," "Fela!" "Memphis," "Million Dollar Quartet."
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (MUSIC AND/OR LYRICS) WRITTEN FOR THE THEATER: "The Addams Family," "Enron," "Fences," "Memphis."
BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY: "Fences," "Lend Me a Tenor," "The Royal Family," "A View From the Bridge,"
BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL: "Finian's Rainbow," "La Cage aux Folles," "A Little Night Music," "Ragtime."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Jude Law, "Hamlet"; Alfred Molina, "Red"; Liev Schreiber, "A View From the Bridge"; Christopher Walken, "A Behanding in Spokane"; Denzel Washington, "Fences."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Viola Davis, "Fences"; Valerie Harper, "Looped"; Linda Lavin, "Collected Stories"; Laura Linney, "Time Stands Still"; Jan Maxwell, "The Royal Family."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Kelsey Grammer, "La Cage aux Folles"; Sean Hayes, "Promises, Promises"; Douglas Hodge, "La Cage aux Folles"; Chad Kimball, "Memphis"; Sahr Ngujah, "Fela!"
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Kate Baldwin, "Finian's Rainbow"; Montego Glover, "Memphis"; Christiane Noll, "Ragtime"; Sherie Rene Scott, "Everyday Rapture"; Catherine Zeta-Jones, "A Little Night Music."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY: David Alan Grier, "Race"; Stephen McKinley Henderson, "Fences"; Jon Michael Hill, "Superior Donuts"; Stephen Kunken, "Enron"; Eddie Redmayne, "Red."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Maria Dizzia, "In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)"; Rosemary Harris, "The Royal Family"; Jessica Hecht, "A View From the Bridge"; Scarlett Johansson, "A View From the Bridge," Jan Maxwell, "Lend Me a Tenor."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Kevin Chamberlin, "The Addams Family"; Robin De Jesus, "La Cage aux Folles"; Christopher Fitzgerald, "Finian's Rainbow"; Levi Kreis, "Million Dollar Quartet," Bobby Steggert, "Ragtime."
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Barbara Cook, "Sondheim on Sondheim"; Katie Finneran, "Promises, Promises"; Angela Lansbury, "A Little Night Music"; Karine Plantadit, "Come Fly Away"; Lillias White, "Fela!"
BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY: John Lee Beatty, "The Royal Family"; Alexander Dodge, "Present Laughter"; Santo Loquasto, "Fences"; Christopher Oram, "Red."
BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Marina Draghici, "Fela!"; Christine Jones, "American Idiot"; Derek McLane, "Ragtime"; Tim Shortall, "La Cage aux Folles."
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY: Martin Pakledinaz, "Lend Me a Tenor"; Constanza Romero, "Fences"; David Zinn, "In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)"; Catherine Zuber, "The Royal Family."
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Marina Draghici, "Fela!"; Santo Loquasto, "Ragtime"; Paul Tazewell, "Memphis"; Matthew Wright, "La Cage aux Folles."
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY: Neil Austin, "Hamlet"; Neil Austin, "Red"; Mark Henderson, "Enron"; Brian MacDevitt, "Fences."
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Kevin Adams, "American Idiot"; Donald Holder, "Ragtime"; Nick Richings, "La Cage aux Folles"; Robert Wierzel, "Fela!"
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY: Acme Sound Partners, "Fences"; Adam Cork, "Enron"; Adam Cork, "Red"; Scott Lehrer, "A View From the Bridge."
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Jonathan Deans, "La Cage aux Folles"; Robert Kaplowitz, "Fela!"; Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen, "A Little Night Music"; Dan Moses Schreier, "Sondheim on Sondheim."
BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY: Michael Grandage, "Red"; Sheryl Kaller, "Next Fall"; Kenny Leon, "Fences"; Gregory Mosher, "A View From the Bridge."
BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: Christopher Ashley, "Memphis"; Marcia Milgrom Dodge, "Ragtime"; Terry Johnson, "La Cage aux Folles"; Bill T. Jones, "Fela!"
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Rob Ashford, "Promises, Promises"; Bill T. Jones, "Fela!"; Lynne Page, "La Cage aux Folles"; Twyla Tharp, "Come Fly Away."
BEST ORCHESTRATIONS: Jason Carr, "La Cage aux Folles"; Aaron Johnson, "Fela!" Jonathan Tunick, "Promises, Promises"; Daryl Waters and David Bryan, "Memphis."
SPECIAL TONY AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE THEATER: Alan Ayckbourn and Marian Seldes.
REGIONAL THEATER TONY AWARD: The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Waterford, Conn.
ISABELLE STEVENSON AWARD: David Hyde Pierce.
TONY HONORS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE THEATER: B.H. Barry and Tim Viola.

The shows with the most nominations are "Fela!" and "La Cage aux Folles" which both recieved 11 nominations. "Fences" earned ten nominations which is the most ever for the revival of a play.

Post any comments or predictions on the winners!

Peace Love and Happiness

Sing-yDance-yAct-y aka Future Tony Winner :)

"You guys make me feel so tall!"

2010-05-15T13:47:00.002-04:00

If you read my blog, you know that I go to a school for the arts. Very recently I was asked to sing at a program that they offer for younger students who are interested in auditioning for the school when they are old enough. The kids would also get to ask me questions about the school in general if they wanted.
I had a big smile when I found out what I would be doing. I think kids are adorable!

So I came in, warmed up with them, and introduced myself. My teacher asked the kids if they wanted to talk first or hear me sing and this boy in the front row said "sing please!"

So I chose to sing a song I'm working on now, "Home" from Beauty and the Beast. It is a very pretty song, one of my favorites. Plus most of them knew the story.
My song went well I thought, they seemed to like it.
They asked me a million and one questions. About the school, how I prepared for my audition, where I got my shoes...things like that. I was very honest with them. I told them you have to be focused, study a lot, sleep, things like that. But I also told them how much fun we have, I've met my best friends in the world here, and how much I love the school. I said I'd be excited to see them at school in the future.

I hope I helped them, I want to inspire others into this profession.I already knew one girl that was there. She loves the arts so much and it was great to see her so interested and so entusiastic about it! I had a great time. :)

Peace, love, and happiness

Sing-yDance-yAct-y

Singing Spaghetti Singular

2010-05-15T13:32:00.003-04:00

In my area, spaghetti dinners are pretty popular.
I can understand why, I don't think I have ever met someone who does not like spaghetti it is sooooo yummy. :)
Very recently, my school vocal department had a spaghetti dinner/cabaret night. I sang a solo piece. I thought it went okay but it was not my best performance. I guess something that sets me apart from many people that I know is that I have had a lot of performance experience. I'm not trying to sound like a snob, but I have.
One thing I noticed is how some people got VERY nervous right before they went on to sing. I understand when people get nervous, it means you care about it enough that you want to do really well. But some people decided they didn't want to sing anymore, or not until later when there were not as many people watching. I also noticed a few people looking really upset after they sang.

Awhile ago I came to the realization that...I'm not perfect. I'm not going to be THE BEST every single time I go up on stage. The only thing I have control of is that I try my best.
I used to get really upset if I didn't think I did a "worthy of a tony award" performance, but now I know that you just have to move on.

I try to look at: What did I do wrong? Do I know how to fix what I didn't do well on? What can I do better next time? What did I do well that I want to make sure I don't loose?

Then I go in my room, shut my door, and practice whatever I messed up on until I get it right three times in a row! :)

Peace, love, and happiness

Sing-yDance-yAct-y

Motivation

2010-05-02T14:13:00.002-04:00

It's hard to stay motivated in this business. Just the other day I got so frustrated with myself because I'm having trouble with a song and some health stuff. I saw this video yesterday, and it truly motivated me to keep working and not give up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BXu0oCNFws

to learn more about Patrick visit his website

http://helppatrickwalk.org/index.html

He isn't giving up, and neither should I.

Good luck all!

Peace, love, and happiness,

-Future Tony Winner

Opening night!!!

2010-04-10T14:25:00.004-04:00

You know that feeling that you have butterflies in your stomach and your throat is dry and you go through all your lines and songs and dance steps in your head in about 45 seconds? You must be backstage on opening night.
It's the most exciting feeling once you get onstage, hearing the audience erupt with applause when you take your bow, and everyone telling you that you did amazing...there's no better high.
Once you get it over with, you really feel like you have accomplished something...and you most certainly have.
You deserve those flowers.
Get out there, keep smiling, and most importantly....break a leg. :)

"O Gosh O Gosh O Gosh is it really like a week away from the show?!?!?"

2010-03-31T20:52:00.002-04:00

That is my own quote by the way haha. So I am currently in a musical that is about to open, and I am very excited. I automatically tense up when I look at the calender, but then I take a deep breathe and think. I don't need to stress at this point, because I've been practicing (and I keep practicing!)
What's the difference between practicing and rehearsing?
My teacher has a quote on his white board that says something along the lines of this:
You come here to rehearse, you go home to practice.
Enough said.
It really frustrates me when people don't go home and practice. I know that there are some people that don't love theatre as much as I do and aren't as dedicated, but I really wish they were. I know that texting your wishhewasyourboyfriend is more fun to most people than reviewing that dance combination and pounding out your notes...but what do you really need to do? Would you rather procrastinate and end up being the only one who doesn't know the dance and look stupid? Or tell your wishhewasyourboyfriend that you can't text him because your practicing for your show, but he should come see it? Hmmm I would pick choice number two, so you can show him how good you are, AND prove to yourself that you ARE capable of doing that "step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch"(Chorus Line!)?

"Excuse me...How do I get to Carnegie Hall?"

I know, and you should too...

"Practice!"

Hmmm I'm hungry

2010-03-21T21:27:00.004-04:00

I know that you hear this all the time, but it really is important to eat healthy. I know that chocolate ice cream and lay's chips taste amazing, but you and I both know that they don't do amazing things for your body. My parents are really into living healthy lifestyles, so that has rubbed off on me. That doesn't mean that I never eat McDonald's french fries, but I try not to.

If you want to pursue a career in performing, you definatley need TONS of energy. Sure you might get a sugar kick from having a chocolate milkshake before a rehearsal, but 20 minutes later you will be so tired you'll have trouble shuffle hop stepping across the stage.

Some people say "I know I'm supposed to eat healthy, but I still get hungry after meals." When people still feel hungry, it often leads to over eating. If possible, it's good to eat six smaller meals a day, instead of three larger ones. If you are in school, I know you can't exactly pull a low fat grilled cheese and tomato on whole grain bread out of your backpack (unless you like them cold...) but you can snack. I eat a snack in the middle of the day, and drink lots of water during the day.

Here is an example of what I might eat during the day

Breakfast-Kashi Golean crisp or Special K (any flavor my favorites are portein plus and blueberry) with horizon milk
Snack- Trail mix (peanuts, walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, raisins, and some dried fruit) or a cliff bar
Lunch-Salad with spinach, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, mozzerella cheese, and grilled chicken
Dinner- A boca burger (I usually get the flame grilled kind) with ketchup (don't usually eat them with a bun)and some type of fruit (I love apples, strawberries, grapes, peaches, plums, mangoes...hmm I love all fruits!) and pasta salad. Pasta salad can be a little mroe on the unhealthy side, so I make sure to make it with low carb and/or whole grain pasta.
Snack-100 calorie popcorn and pickles are two things I love to snack on

Check out hungrygirl.com for more health tips!

Peace, love, and happiness

Future Tony Winner

The Wonderful World of Auditions

2010-03-20T15:11:00.005-04:00

So you have an audition coming up. It may be the first time you have ever auditioned in your life, it may be your 500th. You may be auditioning for community theatre or a Broadway musical, no matter what auditioning can still be scary. You may feel overwelmed because you know you need to find a song, a monologue, and finish that spanish project by Friday. About a year ago I came across a really great website called musictheatreaudition.com and it is soooo helpful! I usually use the page that has monologues from musicals, which comes up on the left side of the screen once you do a search on the song & monologue database. They have all kinds of great monologues. I have also used this site for song ideas too.
If you are a singer, see if you have a Music&Arts store in your area. They have all kinds of sheet music, songbooks, and really cute pencils and socks too. I've gotten all my songbooks from Music&Arts. I know a lot of people like amazon.com as well. I ordered a great acting book from amazon before, but we usually buy things in store. I recently bought sheet music from musicnotes.com, where you can find a song, buy it, and print it out. I think this is a great idea, however it only will let you preview the first page, and I didn't realize that my song was not the full arangement.
If you are a dancer (perhaps auditioning for a dance solo in a musical), go to youtube.com and type in the name of the show or song. Most likely a lot of things will come up. You can get a feel for the show and what the director might be looking for.
When it comes to audition day, just take a bunch of deep breathes. Wake up early enough to take your time getting ready, and try to be at your audition ahead of time. I like to stretch even if it's not a dance audition. I also will eat a big breakfast so I'm focused on my audition and not my rumbling stomach.
Just remember that the world will not end if you don't do well on your audition. You can always take something away from it.
Good luck!

"I know what cha thinkin'. You're thinkin' I'm crazy."

2010-03-19T19:55:00.001-04:00

If you are reading this you might be trying to prove me wrong that I cannot read your thoughts...we will see about that. You may be wondering how I got my blog name. You may be a smart cookie (I use this phrase often although it makes no sense to me. How are cookies smart? Maybe smart cookies are ones without a bunch of calories and sugar? Comment what you think!) and already know what I am talking about. I may say and sing and do the most random things, but this actually has a story that goes along with it. So one day in school during my tech theatre class we somehow got to this discussion with our tech teacher about "techies." Someone must have called her a techie or something, I can't remember exactly. Anyway she told us that some people in the tech theatre business do not appreciate being called a techie. They think it's rude and doesn't make the job seem as incredibly amazing and challenging as it is. She said that a friend of hers (who has also come substitute for us if she could not be present) could give us a lecture for at least an hour on anti-being called a techie. We said that the next time we see him we would tell him we are "acties" and she said he would die of laughter if he heard that. Whenever someone at school asks me my major, or if I have to write it down on something, I say Musical theatre, not theatre. There is a difference. So I said to my teacher "So what are the musical theatre people...ummm...singiedancieacties?" She laughed and said yes. I have started to use that term to describe myself, and thought it would be a fitting title for this blog. Thanks for reading!