A comment I received on my last post about voting made me think that I need to clarify what I meant when I said it doesn't matter who you vote for. That is not exactly what I meant.
Watch this.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Scrap Art Music
I have been meaning to write about this for a couple of days now, but things keep getting in the way. Like the election and voting and stuff. Anyway, my friend, Andy, works at the theater across the street from me and we were chatting Tuesday afternoon when he told me that he was loading in Scarp Arts Music. I knew I had friends going, but hadn't given any thought towards going myself. When Andy offered me his two comp tickets, I grabbed them. Who turns down free theatre?
I didn't look up the show until after I took the tickets, not that I wouldn't have taken the tickets anyway, but ya know...
Here's the description from the RiverCenter's website:
Fashioned from industrial scrap and offbeat materials ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells, Scrap Arts Music's one-of-a-kind instruments are as visually striking as their music is sonically riveting. Audiences from four continents have welcomed this electrifying quintet with unbridled enthusiasm, embracing their intoxicating mix of music, movement and spectacle. Transcending language, culture and age, Scrap Arts Music offers a highly physical, wildly theatrical and thoroughly entertaining taste of the musical vanguard.
Basically, it was Dave Holland and Stomp all mixed together. For those of you who don't know who Dave is, he is/was a local musician here in Columbus. He has moved to Atlanta since that is where most of his gigs are. Dave uses anything and everything to create a very unique orchestra of sorts. He can play anything and everything. His beats are jivin'. Yes, I did just say "his beats are jivin'." And yes, I just said it twice. But it's true. Ask anyone who knows him. And if you ever get the chance to meet Dave, you have got to see him dance. It's life changing, really. But, I digress. The point was to tell you about Scarp Arts Music.
There were four guys and one girl. I have to say, I was super impressed with the girl. She was just as good, if not better, than the guys. I guess the fact that I really only know guy drummers makes me a little bit awed by her.
All in all, a good experience. Having seen Stomp, this was kinda like a repeat or, as Anthony put it, the Green version of Stomp.
Thanks, Andy!
I didn't look up the show until after I took the tickets, not that I wouldn't have taken the tickets anyway, but ya know...
Here's the description from the RiverCenter's website:
Self-described as “Music, Metal, Muscle and a Mini-skirt”, Scrap Arts Music is an engaging and inventive contemporary percussion ensemble that creates an outstanding music experience by combining instruments cleverly fashioned from industrial scraps with high energy choreography. Both visually and acoustically compelling, they create music that ranges from booming percussion to spellbinding soundscapes in a performance that is certain to grip audiences of all ages.
Fashioned from industrial scrap and offbeat materials ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells, Scrap Arts Music's one-of-a-kind instruments are as visually striking as their music is sonically riveting. Audiences from four continents have welcomed this electrifying quintet with unbridled enthusiasm, embracing their intoxicating mix of music, movement and spectacle. Transcending language, culture and age, Scrap Arts Music offers a highly physical, wildly theatrical and thoroughly entertaining taste of the musical vanguard.
Basically, it was Dave Holland and Stomp all mixed together. For those of you who don't know who Dave is, he is/was a local musician here in Columbus. He has moved to Atlanta since that is where most of his gigs are. Dave uses anything and everything to create a very unique orchestra of sorts. He can play anything and everything. His beats are jivin'. Yes, I did just say "his beats are jivin'." And yes, I just said it twice. But it's true. Ask anyone who knows him. And if you ever get the chance to meet Dave, you have got to see him dance. It's life changing, really. But, I digress. The point was to tell you about Scarp Arts Music.
There were four guys and one girl. I have to say, I was super impressed with the girl. She was just as good, if not better, than the guys. I guess the fact that I really only know guy drummers makes me a little bit awed by her.
All in all, a good experience. Having seen Stomp, this was kinda like a repeat or, as Anthony put it, the Green version of Stomp.
Thanks, Andy!
Voting
As I geared myself up to vote this morning, my thoughts were, and still are, full of the significance that goes with voting.
Being a woman, it is kind of a big deal to be able to vote. Women had to protest, go on strike, and burn bras. Come on, folks. Bras are expensive. Seriously though, a lot has gone into providing me the right to vote and I do not take that lightly. Going back even further than womens suffrage, men and women died to afford you and I, not only the right to vote, but to live in a country with a democracy and a voting system. No matter what party you are affiliated with, no one can argue that we have it pretty darn good to live in a country where the people have a voice and the right to elect their leaders.
It doesn't matter who you vote for as long as you get out and vote. Yes, it is a right, but it is also a privilege, honor, and duty.
Being a woman, it is kind of a big deal to be able to vote. Women had to protest, go on strike, and burn bras. Come on, folks. Bras are expensive. Seriously though, a lot has gone into providing me the right to vote and I do not take that lightly. Going back even further than womens suffrage, men and women died to afford you and I, not only the right to vote, but to live in a country with a democracy and a voting system. No matter what party you are affiliated with, no one can argue that we have it pretty darn good to live in a country where the people have a voice and the right to elect their leaders.
It doesn't matter who you vote for as long as you get out and vote. Yes, it is a right, but it is also a privilege, honor, and duty.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Children's Books
My co-worker, Kern, asked me a little while ago about my favorite children's books. I had to think about that for a minute. I have read a lot of children's books and I do have favorites, but they are pretty classic and not exactly what she was looking for.
My Grandmother used to read "Goodnight Moon" to me when I was little. I really love this one.
Curious George is another favorite. I don't know what it is about that little monkey that gets me so much, but he sure does get me. Ben Garcia has this little face that he makes that looks just like Curious George. So cute.
I am also a HUGE fan of anything by Beatrix Potter. Hunka-Munka was a personal favorite of mine, as well as my siblings. It was really just too much fun to say Hunka-Munka.
Also, a new favorite is Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. I first heard of this when the Springer did the stage production two summers ago.
Another one that I fell in love with, although I was already in love with this one and I was just re-introduced to this one, is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series. The Springer did "If you Give a Pig a Party" this past summer and it was just too cute!
Just a small reading list for the younger readers. SJC, take note, ok?
My Grandmother used to read "Goodnight Moon" to me when I was little. I really love this one.
Curious George is another favorite. I don't know what it is about that little monkey that gets me so much, but he sure does get me. Ben Garcia has this little face that he makes that looks just like Curious George. So cute.
I am also a HUGE fan of anything by Beatrix Potter. Hunka-Munka was a personal favorite of mine, as well as my siblings. It was really just too much fun to say Hunka-Munka.
Also, a new favorite is Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. I first heard of this when the Springer did the stage production two summers ago.
Another one that I fell in love with, although I was already in love with this one and I was just re-introduced to this one, is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series. The Springer did "If you Give a Pig a Party" this past summer and it was just too cute!
Just a small reading list for the younger readers. SJC, take note, ok?
Early Voting
I have to vote early. I hate that. With a fiery passion. I hate it because I really love to vote. Sounds silly and weird, I know. But I do. Voting early seems like opening all of the presents under the tree before Christmas morning and then wrapping them back up again. There is something exhilarating to me about the first Tuesday in November. There is a tension in the air and a buzz all around. And I love it. I really love it. However, I know that my time on Tuesday will be better spent on a street corner with a Terry Yarbrough sign in my hand, then standing in a line to cast my vote for hours and hours. So, I am going to go vote on Thursday morning.
I have been hearing horror stories from various folks about standing in line for early voting. My friend, Erica, stood in line at the library from ten to three yesterday. My dad went to the college yesterday morning and he was there around 8:20, was number forty in line, it took an hour, and by the time it was his turn there were two hundred and forty people behind him. Yeah. That's just crazy. Think about it, an hour for every forty people. Craziness. Thus, I am going to go and vote early. Even though it pains me to do so.
I have been hearing horror stories from various folks about standing in line for early voting. My friend, Erica, stood in line at the library from ten to three yesterday. My dad went to the college yesterday morning and he was there around 8:20, was number forty in line, it took an hour, and by the time it was his turn there were two hundred and forty people behind him. Yeah. That's just crazy. Think about it, an hour for every forty people. Craziness. Thus, I am going to go and vote early. Even though it pains me to do so.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
One Foot in Front of the Other
*This was written by Cory Southwell. I loved it so much that I had to share. Click here to read his blog.
alarm goes off.
wake up.
don’t want to.
get dressed.
brush my teeth.
make my bed.
ha, yeah right.
trudge down the stairs.
push open the doors.
step outside.
burst of fresh air.
crisp.
clean.
no, not clean.
this is boston.
not home.
crisp.
refreshing.
sunrise.
no clouds.
blue sky.
damp air.
dew on the ground.
cool breeze.
pefect.
early morning jog.
no cars coming.
cross the street.
pick one foot up.
put it down.
other one up.
and down.
up.
down.
up, down.
up, down; up, down.
faster.
and faster.
steady pace.
going strong.
clearing my head.
time passes.
ever so slowly.
rest of the world is moving in slow motion.
i’m passing it by.
up, down; up, down.
up, down.
up.
down.
slowing down.
out of
breath.
shape.
time.
end up back in my room.
tired.
sweaty.
shower.
get dressed.
trudge down the stairs.
push open the doors.
off to class.
Monday, October 20, 2008
And so it goes
Leave it to Ron Anderson to make life a little more complicated than it already was. After leaving LaGrange College, changing my major thirty times (ok, it's only been six times, but still...), and falling in love with journalism and photography, I thought the whole theatre bug was out of my system. Even working at the Springer Opera House and doing Winnie the Pooh didn't make me second guess myself. However, Mr. Ron casting me in Father of the Bride and the process I have gone through with that production has made the wheels in my head start to turn. And I don't know how I feel about that.
In the long term plan that I have in my head, I see myself finishing school, moving to D.C. or somewhere similar and writing for a newspaper or freelancing and writing for several papers, being a photographer and going to crazy places to get the perfect shot, changing the world one picture and/or article at a time, and traveling a good deal. Theatre was not a part of this equation. And I didn't want it to be. I was burnt out and in need of something else. However, I find that this is a job that I enjoy immensely. I get paid to play, read, research, be someone else for a little while, and spend time with really interesting people. I get to be the diversion that people seek when the world goes to hell in a handbag. Because of my job in the theatre, I have a voice that people are listening to. I have the opportunity to impact communities, tell a story that has either never been told or has been forgotten, and relieve the stress that people are feeling in their everyday lives. I am a part of an industry that has survived wars, depressions, and economic recessions. I do like that.
I could be a writer and an actor and a photographer. Either way, I'll be poor. It's not like any of those professions are something that one chooses to do for the money. I could still work with children and be apart of the arts education movement that I am so passionate about. I could freelance and finish that book. I could take pictures on tour, do headshots and other various shoots. This could work. It really could.
Thanks a lot, Mr. Ron.
In the long term plan that I have in my head, I see myself finishing school, moving to D.C. or somewhere similar and writing for a newspaper or freelancing and writing for several papers, being a photographer and going to crazy places to get the perfect shot, changing the world one picture and/or article at a time, and traveling a good deal. Theatre was not a part of this equation. And I didn't want it to be. I was burnt out and in need of something else. However, I find that this is a job that I enjoy immensely. I get paid to play, read, research, be someone else for a little while, and spend time with really interesting people. I get to be the diversion that people seek when the world goes to hell in a handbag. Because of my job in the theatre, I have a voice that people are listening to. I have the opportunity to impact communities, tell a story that has either never been told or has been forgotten, and relieve the stress that people are feeling in their everyday lives. I am a part of an industry that has survived wars, depressions, and economic recessions. I do like that.
I could be a writer and an actor and a photographer. Either way, I'll be poor. It's not like any of those professions are something that one chooses to do for the money. I could still work with children and be apart of the arts education movement that I am so passionate about. I could freelance and finish that book. I could take pictures on tour, do headshots and other various shoots. This could work. It really could.
Thanks a lot, Mr. Ron.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Opening Night
There is something about opening night that is nerve racking, exciting, and terrifying all at the same time. During our cast and crew meeting, our director told us that there are two things that actors think about right before they go on stage; "Is my zipper up?" and "What is my first line?". He's right. I checked my dress and kept repeating "Good Morning, Everybody!" over and over again.
Nerves didn't really hit me tonight. Rehearsals have been so productive and that provided a sense of security. That along with the fact that we have a fantastic team of actors on stage working together to pick each other up should we fall.
Today was a nice, relaxing day. A late morning rehearsal, lunch with Anthony, a trip to the GAP and an errand for Anthony, a trip to Barnes and Noble, back to the theatre for a radio spot (Listen to 95.3 in the morning from 6-8:35), and then we had our first show. Nothing strenuous. I was relaxed, focused, and ready to attack the show with vigor and gusto.
Great audience tonight. They seemed to love the show and we most definitely loved them. Being able to hear how an audience reacts to certain moments made the night fun for all involved.
If you want to read the article from the paper, click here.
The show runs through November 1st! Come see it!
Nerves didn't really hit me tonight. Rehearsals have been so productive and that provided a sense of security. That along with the fact that we have a fantastic team of actors on stage working together to pick each other up should we fall.
Today was a nice, relaxing day. A late morning rehearsal, lunch with Anthony, a trip to the GAP and an errand for Anthony, a trip to Barnes and Noble, back to the theatre for a radio spot (Listen to 95.3 in the morning from 6-8:35), and then we had our first show. Nothing strenuous. I was relaxed, focused, and ready to attack the show with vigor and gusto.
Great audience tonight. They seemed to love the show and we most definitely loved them. Being able to hear how an audience reacts to certain moments made the night fun for all involved.
If you want to read the article from the paper, click here.
The show runs through November 1st! Come see it!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
"POOH" Closes
I played my last show for Winnie the Pooh last night. One part of me is sad, while the other is so very glad that I can now focus on just one show. The highlight of my night was the fact that Micah, Tricia, and Sara James Carver, along with Tricia's mom, Mrs. Darrah, all came to see the show.
I was more than thrilled to have them there and to be able to hang out with Micah, Tricia, and Baby Smith afterwards. Nights like last night are my favorite kind. Good friends, good food, and chocolate cake. Oh, and mixed tapes. Is there anything better?
Here's to closing a good show and opening another in 6 days. Cheers!
**Photos by Micah Carver via Mrs. Darrah's camera.
I was more than thrilled to have them there and to be able to hang out with Micah, Tricia, and Baby Smith afterwards. Nights like last night are my favorite kind. Good friends, good food, and chocolate cake. Oh, and mixed tapes. Is there anything better?Here's to closing a good show and opening another in 6 days. Cheers!
**Photos by Micah Carver via Mrs. Darrah's camera.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Father of the Bride
I'm sitting in rehearsal on a break and I wanted to let you all know that I am still alive. I know that you were all wondering. My blog posts are further apart and I haven't been seen for a few weeks. I've been living at the Springer. Or at least that is what it feels like. In truth, I have just been in rehearsal, going to school, and trying to squeeze in lunch with my mom, a phone call with my dad and siblings, and all my Young Life friends.
Rehearsals are going well. We blocked the show within the first two days. We have been working through since Thursday of last week, which is pretty good. Today, we are working the first act. Stop and start. Stop and start. Stop and start. I love this part because this is when we actually start to talk about the show and what we mean when we say so and so.
As we move further into this process, I will post part of the journal that I am keeping during rehearsal. (That's for you, Ansley!)
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Sweet Moments
Sweet moment #500483- Watching the V.P. Debate with Ron Anderson and Joe Nelson, while texting Micah. Priceless.
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