Back in the Saddle Again...

Greetings, All!

I have a lot of really exciting news to share with you.  Things have been going well for me since coming back from my amazing and life changing cross country trip...

Grand Canyon!

So, officially, as of Thursday, I have signed the paperwork to become an Equity Membership Candidate!  This is a really exciting step to be taking.  While I was signing the paperwork I had to pause and take in the moment.  I have been working towards this for five years and now finally I have Equity points.  I celebrated with a piece of chocolate.

The reason I actually now have the points is because I'm understudying the lovely and talented Karen Peakes in the upcoming A Little Night Music at The Arden Theatre for the role of Charlotte.  Tonight I'm going to a stumble through of their Act I, and pretty much anytime I have free time available I'll be at their rehearsals.  Musicals can be deceptively difficult and tedious work.  I feel like no matter how much you prepare, you finish one thing, turn around and there's still a million things to do.  But I suppose that's the wonder of musicals, to make it look easy.

This past week since getting back I started doing a 30 smoothie challenge from Simple Green Smoothies and I cannot tell you how amazing I have been feeling!  More energy, I feel full longer, and I am fortifying my body with delicious nutrients from fruits and veggies, something I was severely lacking.  I have also challenged myself along with that to exercise everyday except Sundays (my day of rest).  Within this week I already feel like my life has changed.  Seriously, I think everyone should try to do the upcoming 30 day challenge in June.  Their smoothies taste amazing.

Also this week I was doing a mini school tour with BCKSEET Productions.  Every year they get a grant and put together a program called "Class Act" in which they use professional actors and bring plays to schools.  We did an all-women cast version of Julius Caesar and I had the magnificent opportunity to play Mark Antony.  It has reignited my love for that play.  Or I should say it has simply ignited it.  I read it out loud my sophomore year of high school and I remember watching a dour version of it in class as well.  I remember Portia's scenes were dimly lit and it was pretty boring.

JULIUS CAESAR ROCKS!  What a PLAY!  The Language!  Wow.  "Until then, think of the world."  That was the line while re-reading it this time around really snagged me.  I guess since my bad experience in high school I was turned off by it, but now that I am really proficient with the language of Shakespeare in general I am able to appreciate it more.  It was also helpful to hear it read out loud by amazingly talented actresses (Sarah Doherty, Catherine Palfeiner, Kate Brennan, Sarah Schol, Amy Hume, Mary Lee Bednarek, Jennifer Summerfield) and not high schoolers who stop at the end of every line.  It again reminded me of how much I love this community here.

Today I go back to rehearse with BCKSEET for a reading of a play called Bullyrag by Molly Lang.  This is sponsored in part by the Ani Fund, and part of that goes towards a scholarship through BCKSEET that goes directly to young artists.  It's inspiring to see artists my age doing such thoughtful and innovative work.  The reading is happening May 12th at 5pm at The Adrienne Theatre.

That's about it for now.  Ed and I are gearing up for summer camp and we are very excited!  Looking forward to another awesome summer with awesome kids.  They always teach me something.

Be well, world and until next time...

-Cindy