So here's what's up so far, Babies!
I just did a couple of staged readings last week (which is less stress in that you don't have to memorize your lines or the blocking, but infinitely more nerve-wracking because of how little preparation time you get. All you can do is to hope that your instincts are on). The awesomest (I know it's not a word---neener neener neener) was working on Harlem Duet by Djanet Sears. Not just because it's this incredibly written prelude to Shakespeare's Othello, and not just because I got to play the central character, Othello's first (black) wife. But that was a big part of it. It was like playing a black Medea, except without murdering the children. At least, not intentionally. But best of all, I got to act opposite some of my favourite actors in town. What a treat. Which is not to say that it wasn't agony at times. I put too much pressure on myself.
I will start teaching at Concordia again in June, which is tres swell. It's nice to teach (sort of) adults for a change. I'm thinking about making my focus voice work this time around. We'll see what kind of group I'll be with.
But there's more!
Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment and so I accepted to be on the Fringe jury again this year. A whirlwind of shows in ten days, trying to separate the wheat from the chaff, and yet not to get sucked into the vortex that is the beer tent, and then have something more or less relevant to say about what I've seen when it comes time for selection. The toughest part of the jury is leaving your friends at the beer tent to see a show that is shite, but you have to sit through it anyway. Thank the Lord I can see the shows for free. It really is the only consolation.
It also allows me to have an excuse to say nothing if I didn't particularly enjoy the show: "Sorry, I can't really talk about it. I'd love to give you feedback you know, but I can't..." *wink!wink!* Thank the Lord. At least noone's feelings get hurt. I'm an appalling liar when it comes to crap shows.
And YouthWorks has just slowed down for the next couple of weeks. Now it's time to write up the grants (blech) and prepare the summer programs. I also secretly hope to somehow save up enough money to escape to an island for at least a week in August. That would be choice!
And of course, there is also the super duper excitement of being cast in the Segal Centre for Performing Arts season opening of Inherit the Wind! I'll be playing Rachael Brown. (which is also my cousin's name, funnily enough) So here's a first for me: at the Segal centre, and I'm cast as a romantic lead. Really? No hookers? Single mothers? What about the maid? No? Not even a little? What a refreshing change. There may be hope yet for this town. In fact, what's even more awesome is that the part wasn't written for a black woman. Which is a big deal for the Segal Centre. That doesn't happen often unless you're somebody with clout like Tyrone Benskin. How much do I love my director, Greg Kramer? Lots. Uh huh.
There are other thngs on the burner, but after the repeated and persistent pain of anticipating and then losing out on auditions and other projects (from now on, we no longer refer to that musical by name, but whose initials are Dreamgirls...d'oh!) I'll hold those ones close to my chest until contracts are signed or at the very least I'm in rehearsal.
I know I've neglected you, and I'm sorry. When I'm not busy with work, the moment I slow down, all of the most recent flu and cold bugs catch up with me. But I still love you, and think of you often. I just can't (or am too tired) to do anything about it. I always appreciate your patience and the fact that you stick with me, even when I don't deserve it. I gotta tell ya, I have super friends and family. Which is what keeps me going.
Loving you!
