Behind the Plywood Sets...

Behind the make up, costumes, and sparkling lights comes the intense work and and devotion that accompany any stage performance. As soon as auditions are completed, the actors and actresses wait in anticipation for the day when the cast list is posted. When the lucky few have been chosen for their roles, the precious preliminary preparations begin for the show that will be performed months down the road. After endless hours of rehearsal, the performers are finally allowed to move into their new home- the theater. As the audience runs hastily into the theater to find a quality place to sit, backstage is buzzing with anticipation for the moment when they take their places on the stage. Although the scenes and dances seems effortless during a performance, there are countless hours of work that happen behind the plywood sets in preparation for a musical production at the Theater in the Park.

On the first day of rehearsals, every one sits uncomfortably in a circle as the scripts are distributed and costume measurements are taken. Slowly, one begins to wonder if any show can be worth the uneasy circumstances surrounding unfamiliarity. As the weeks pass, hours are spent, in and out of rehearsals, pouring over the pages of the script, memorizing each specific note in the score, and sweating through dance step after dance step. When each specific scene is repeated daily, the lines and actions become second nature for each of the performers. They begin to see the bigger picture of their show when each individual scene becomes blended with those that surround it. In the primary room, the director and choreographer hold scheduled practices while all around them in various other rooms impromptu costume checks, vocalizations, and warm ups are taking place. Soon, the mass of faceless bodies that surrounded the new cast on the first day of practices have names and personalities that accompany them.

A sense of relief overcomes the performers when they are allowed to enter the theater for the first time and see their sets, costumes, props, microphones, and dressing rooms. The rush of excitement that accompanies taking that first step onto the stage is indescribable. The scent of fresh paint lingers in the air because all of the sets have just been given their last coat of paint and are ready for use. As the performers enter their dressing rooms, they are greeted with brightly lit lights and overflowing racks of brightly colored costumes. Sitting in obscure places backstage, rest all of the sets that will be quickly whisked into place during the numerous scene changes. For the first time, the cast is introduced to the Theater's Manager and Technical Directors. All of those with speaking or singing lines in the musical are assigned the microphone that they will use every day from that point until closing night. Although the cast is thrilled with the new environment, the pressure is quickly pressed upon them for perfection in their roles. Rehearsals start lasting for a minimum of six hours a day. Although water and fans are helpful, the Summer temperatures become almost unbearable for the performers. All around performers are running lines, preparing for dances, and perfecting quick set changes. Even though tensions and excitement are on the rise, a little spare time is always found for fellowship and bonding with fellow cast members. Finally, the performers are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as preparations end and performances begin.

Although the nights of performances have arrived, the actors and actresses are more tired than ever, but they never let it shake them as they take their places on the stage and become new people. The Call Time for the performers is a long while before the theater opens which is helpful so that all of the preparations can be made in a relaxed manner. As soon as the performers arrive, they scurry to the “Tech Tower” to retrieve their microphones. Directly there after, all of the dressing rooms become stuffed as stage make up is applied and the primping begins. Then, costumes are adorned and each person is slowly transformed into their respective characters. Now, many cast members begin to place props, practice dance steps, and help with other miscellaneous tasks that arise. Nerves start to increase backstage as the roar of the theater becomes louder when the thousands of audience members compete for the best seats in the house. All around, cast friends are gathering by the director as he gives last minute notes before taking his place in the audience. At five minutes to curtain, the lights beam in brilliant colors on the empty stage and the Music Director is the first to appear from the wings and as he take his place in the pit with the orchestra and begins the Overture. In various clumps scattered
backstage, friends come together to do various pre-performance rituals like praying, vocalizing,
stretching, and wishing one another good luck one last time before they take their places on the stage. Suddenly all nerves, pains, and insecurities disappear as each person in his or her own individualized character emerges from the wings and the show begins.

While the show is polished and ready on performance night, it took countless hours from chorus, directors, choreographers, leads, technical directors, managers, and others to make a production at Theater in the Park a success. During practices, the endless hours of work and the uncertainty of the final outcome stressful for each and every performer. When they reach the point of entering the theater, the show starts to truly take shape despite new pressures and excitements. With butterflies in their stomaches, the cast waits with anticipation for their chance to take that first step onto the stage. Although the workload is intense and it seems as if there is no time for other recreation, the faceless bodies that were once unknown strangers, have ultimately become each performers best friends and new family that they will keep for years to come. When the final pose is hit, the audience roars, and the stage goes black, the performers know that their hard work has paid off and they anxiously wait to start the whole process over again.

Overdue Update

Wow, so I really fail at updating my blog! Sad. Very sad. I can't believe it's been 7 months since September. It was a good month. :) So much has happened since then. I don't really know where to start. I'll do my best.

I've almost completed 2 more semesters of Music School. It's always a joy to spend time with my kids...okay that's a total lie. 3-6 year-olds could never be a joy all the time. Haha But, I enjoy it, nonetheless.

School-- wow. I can't believe that I will be done with high school forever in less than 2 months. Crazy. I'm so glad to be done, but now it's time to man-up and realize that the rest of my life comes knocking...no...actually I think a more accurate metaphor would be life is hot on my heels threatening me within an inch of my life to decide my future or suffer the consequences. Yeah, that sounds a little more accurate.

I've been auditioning all over the place this year to try and work down my audition anxiety. Its working ...I think. I've discovered that I do better at spontaneous auditions than ones I psyche myself out for a long time in advance. I'm really excited about TITP this Summer and I hope the experience will be just as great as it was last year with 7B47B.

Ah, the heavy hitter...relationships. I've learned something interesting in the past few months. When you enter into an exclusive relationship...be it friends or romantic, there seem to be an imaginary pair of blinders that set you away from everything else that you once used to value. I've found this happen to me in more than one circumstance with both male and females alike and both friend and romantic relationships. What have I learned? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? No. Let go. I've decided that exclusive relationships aren't all they're cracked up to be. I want to have freedom and not feel like I have to answer to any one person at all times...that's what parents are there for! I like it this way.

So, here's where I stand now. It's 2010. I've changed and grown so much. I'm really bullheaded about a lot of stuff. I wish I wasn't, but that's who I am and how I like it. Sometimes I wish people saw me differently, but I love the friends I have and that they accept me for who I am. I'm 18 and legal. I can do all kinds of things now that were illegal before and it feels pointless, but fun. :) I have a jam packed Summer ahead and I know it's going to be bittersweet as I send all my friends away to their new college homes. I'm going to college? Guess so. It's a very weird concept, but I can't wait. I've been done with the home schooling scene for so long now. I'm more than ready to spread my wings! I guess that's all I've got for now...such a vague overview...oh well...more next time.
Xoxo,
-H

Dance of Life

We should think of marriage as a dance. In this dance both the man and the woman are equal. God, the choreographer, teaches and coaches both dancers so they can show off their own specific qualities. The dance is not about who leads or takes each step, it's about the overall performance. Both dancers want to do well at their role so they come to the choreographer with questions on how they can make their individual parts better so they can , ultimately, make their partner look better. In the end, both dancers have perfected their routine and are able to perform their dance flawlessly.

Love and Lasting Relationships

In today's culture, love means so many different things. One can express love in an intimate way for his spouse in one breath and in another say how he loves football or a cup of coffee. Returning to the original Hebrew translation of love we see that there are three different types of love: eros, philos, and agape. Eros love is erotic love. This is the type of love a man would express to his wife. In Proverbs 5 it is said to be like fire and passion. Within a committed relationship, this is the typical type of love. However, if eros love is shown in other circumstances, that “fire” might crawl out of the fireplace and burn down the entire house! The second type of love is philos love. This type of love is the one that would be expressed about football or coffee. Philos love is a love of companionship and fellowship. An English word that comes from this type of love is Philadelphia-- the city of Brotherly Love. Lastly, Agape love is a selfless, unconditional, one-sided love. In agape love, a person loves with the purpose to simply help the other person without expecting anything in return. One person gives what the other needs the most when they diverse it the least. Agape love enriches and encourages both eras and philos loves. The type of love expressed in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 is what agape love consists of: patience, supernaturalness, kindness, etc. Eros, Philos, and Agape loves are what make up the common “love” that is referred to daily in present day culture.

When someone finds another person of the other sex whom they care deeply about, sometimes it is unclear whether they are in love or just infatuated. The verdict is simple to determine. Love takes time to figure out how how it feels for the other person before making its move while Infatuation explodes out of no where and has to make itself known immediately. Love cares about the other person's feelings and shares its feelings. Infatuation only cares about itself and how it looks. Love devotes all of it's time to one person and can not make room for others. In contrast, Infatuation can care about two or more people at a time without any problem. It is simple to determine whether love is true or simply just infatuation.

The views of love from the perspectives of Hollywood and Christ are extremely different. There are four steps to ensure a lasting relationship. Following God's commands are the first step to keep a lasting relationship. God says to become the “right person,” an imitator of God, mimic God's tenderness, compassion, and forgiveness. Hollywood tells the world to find the right person, fall in love, fix all of your hopes and dreams with the other person, make sure they come through for you, and it things do not work, throw it all away and start the process all over again. God tells us that we have to walk in His love without games, manipulation, or power-plays. We should seek God in our relationships. We need to beg God to make us like Him so we do not see just the holes in the other person's character and what we, as humans, think they should live up to. Hard times are expected and when they happen, simply repeat God's steps one, two, and three. When relationships grow through the bad times, that is when Christ is present.

It is important to remember that God has a special plan for each of his creations and we should not rush into relationships just because there is a flush of emotion. When someone enters into a relationship with another person, he needs to remember to keep God as the focal point. It is important to truly know the other person on various levels. Seeing the other person on a spiritual level is very important. If he or she does not love Jesus Christ, that is immediately a sign to stay away. Knowing the values, lifestyle, and commitment that the other person towards Jesus shows the health of his or her soul. Observing the other person on social setting without pairing off alone lets you have a chance to see how they act and especially treat their family. Knowing the other persons psychological mind lets you see his or her dreams, gifts, and ambitions in life. Understanding the emotions of the other person show the physical commitment of in their life towards things that are important to them as well as what they can give to you. When relationships are followed with God in mind, they work.

*Source: Chip Ingram in his series Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships

Gravity!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeV_R4tsdAs

Well, I'm totally addicted to this dance. It's from So You Think You Can Dance and it's performed by Kayla and Kupono. The story behind the dance is this: At some point or another in your life, you will be tempted...it may be drugs, a relationship, shopping, (updating your blog?!) or somthing as simple as checking email. In this dance, Kayla represents each human struggling with an addiction while Kupono IS the addiction. She repeatedly ties to escape his shadow, but he's always there-- beside, above, and behind her. She can't escape.

This piece is so inspirational. It was choreographed by Mia Michaels. I absolutely love her work. The song is Gravity by Sara Bareilles.

ENJOY! (I did!) :)
xoxo,
-H

From the Mouths of Babes...

How Do You Decide Who To Marry?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're goingto marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later whoyou're stuck with.
- Kirsten, age 10

What is the Right Age To Get Married?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
- Camille, age 10

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to getmarried.
- Freddie, age 6

How Can A Stranger Tell If Two People Are Married?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to beyelling at the same kids.
- Derrick, age 8

What Do Your Think Your Mom and Dad Have In Common?

Both don't want any more kids.
- Lori, age 8

What Do Most People Do On A Date?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get toknow each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and thatusually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
- Martin, age 10

What Would You Do On A First Date That Was Turning Sour?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all thenewspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
- Craig, age 9

When Is It Okay To Kiss Someone?

When they're rich.
- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want tomess with that.
- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you shouldmarry them & have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- Howard, age 8

Is It Better To Be Single or Married?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys needsomeone to clean up after them.
- Anita, age 9

How Would The World Be Different If People Didn't Get Married?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
- Kelvin, age 8

How Would You Make a Marriage Work?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like atruck.
- Ricky, age 10


...Priceless... :)
xoxo,
-H

The Dough Boy's Obituary

It is with the saddest heart that I pass on the following. Please join me in remembering a great icon. The Pillsbury Dough boy died yesterday of a yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was only 51. Dough boy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay there Respects, including Mrs. Butter worth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies and Captain Crunch. The gravesite was piled high with flours, as long-time friend Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy, describing Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Dough boy rose quickly in show business but his later life was Filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he even still, as a crusty old man, was considered a roll model for millions. Toward the end it was thought that he would rise again, but alas, he was no tart. Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his Elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about twenty minutes.

xoxo,
-H