Its crazy to think that this is the final week of shows. Its honestly gone by extremely fast, and I feel like we just left Boston. And even then it feels like I just left KC for Boston. Its been quite a roller coaster, but honestly probably the best experience thus far in my stage management career.
This whole process, and the touring life has been such a learning experience for me, that I definitely can see myself doing it again (and soon hopefully!) I've learned so much about myself, my leadership skills, and my stage management skills. Doing 5 shows a week, plus in different venues for every show has been a great challenge, and has really taught me what a stage manager really has to do.
Its been tough somedays. Especially those first two weeks were probably the hardest weeks i've had in my career, but it has shown that I can get through anything as long as I work hard, and show that I want it. And its been even harder lately when all some of us want to do is be with family around the holidays.
These last three shows I just need to remember to not let time get ahead of me, and really enjoy being around everyone. That will probably be the hardest part is leaving all these wonderful people.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
2.5 Weeks Left...
It's crazy to think that with everything that has happened, its almost over. We have 2 1/2 weeks left on tour, and its definitely bittersweet. As much as I am ready to be back home (Chicago), and to be back with my little nugget Gus, its definitely going to be weird and sad to leave everyone.
Since September I have basically only been around these 7 people (well during rehearsals 8 to count the director). In my opinion, we have definitely become a family. At times we definitely want to kill each other, or get extremely annoyed. But for most of the time, we have been a family. We are all so unique with what we each bring to this family. I honestly could name who in our family is which member of the family, and at one or two times we have called each of us mom or the weird uncle. Its going to be weird going back to Kansas City, and not seeing these crazies everyday. No more waking up at the crack of day, tired, and have to unload a truck every morning. Having to put up the set, set up the lights, and get everything else together. Not seeing each one of them shine on stage, and making all the children in the audience laugh and cheer crazily at the end. I need to remind my self everyday to not count down the days, and to spend as much time as possible in these cities and around this crazy, lovable family we have had.
Its definitely been a fun, crazy, and wild ride on our tour.
Since September I have basically only been around these 7 people (well during rehearsals 8 to count the director). In my opinion, we have definitely become a family. At times we definitely want to kill each other, or get extremely annoyed. But for most of the time, we have been a family. We are all so unique with what we each bring to this family. I honestly could name who in our family is which member of the family, and at one or two times we have called each of us mom or the weird uncle. Its going to be weird going back to Kansas City, and not seeing these crazies everyday. No more waking up at the crack of day, tired, and have to unload a truck every morning. Having to put up the set, set up the lights, and get everything else together. Not seeing each one of them shine on stage, and making all the children in the audience laugh and cheer crazily at the end. I need to remind my self everyday to not count down the days, and to spend as much time as possible in these cities and around this crazy, lovable family we have had.
Its definitely been a fun, crazy, and wild ride on our tour.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
New York, New York
Oh New York, what a great weekend. For my first time in New York City, it was much needed and a perfect weekend. I have to say weather wise, I probably got the last great weekend where it was sunny, 60 degrees, and beautiful to walk around Central Park in.
For having only a few days in NYC, I have to say I did good, and got to see A LOT of the city. The first day I got in, I honestly stayed around my friends work place while I waited for her to get off. I went over to Macys where I watched them get ready for the parade. The "Believe" sign is seriously so much bigger than I thought it would be. And the whole area where they set up is much bigger, the TV really does make it seem so much smaller. After that I went over to Times Square, and tried for my first of four attempts to get to see "Hamilton." I never won, big shocker since there were probably around 500 people each time I tried for one of the 20 lottery tickets.
Even though I was bummed I couldn't be home for Thanksgiving, getting to spend it with my friend's friend family was probably one of the highlights of my trip. That morning we woke up at the crack of dawn to head down to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. We didn't realize it till it was too late that we were in a quiet zone for the parade. We got to see everything, but just didn't hear the bands and everything perform.
The next day was my big day of exploring the city. I honestly didn't expect the 9/11 memorial to be like it was. Even though I didn't make it into the museum (line was ridiculous) it was kind of shocking seeing how it was and where it all happened. After that I tried for Hamilton again, big surprise I did not win. Then I ventured up towards the Upper East Side. Seriously, those streets and buildings are gorgeous. If I could live anywhere in NYC I would choose that area in a heart beat. And with the 60 degrees, and sun out it was the perfect day to walk around Central Park and sit on the steps of the Met.
Later that evening, I won the lottery for "School of Rock". The show is still in previews and opens in about a week. I was honestly surprised with how much I loved it. The kids stole the show and were probably the best ones up there. The show itself was very good, and would highly recommend it for anyone. What was probably the best part, was being 10 feet away from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Laurence Connor.
Saturday, me and Claire woke up early and got rush tickets for "Finding Neverland". After that I finally got the chance to see the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. I honestly didn't realize how big of a skyline the city is, and how far it goes. After that we headed back to the theatre, and I probably cried throughout the show at least 5 times. The show deserved recognition during last years Tony Awards because it was honestly beautiful. I was lucky where only 1 or 2 of the ensemble were out. To be completely honest though, and i'm not sure if Matthew Morrison was sick, but I wish he had given more to his character. But otherwise I really hope this show sticks around.
This weekend was the kind of break I needed after the past few crazy months, and getting to see friends in New York was such a nice break. After seeing all this, I hope one day (soon!) I can make my move to NYC. Maybe my soon to be new home?!
For having only a few days in NYC, I have to say I did good, and got to see A LOT of the city. The first day I got in, I honestly stayed around my friends work place while I waited for her to get off. I went over to Macys where I watched them get ready for the parade. The "Believe" sign is seriously so much bigger than I thought it would be. And the whole area where they set up is much bigger, the TV really does make it seem so much smaller. After that I went over to Times Square, and tried for my first of four attempts to get to see "Hamilton." I never won, big shocker since there were probably around 500 people each time I tried for one of the 20 lottery tickets.
Even though I was bummed I couldn't be home for Thanksgiving, getting to spend it with my friend's friend family was probably one of the highlights of my trip. That morning we woke up at the crack of dawn to head down to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. We didn't realize it till it was too late that we were in a quiet zone for the parade. We got to see everything, but just didn't hear the bands and everything perform.
The next day was my big day of exploring the city. I honestly didn't expect the 9/11 memorial to be like it was. Even though I didn't make it into the museum (line was ridiculous) it was kind of shocking seeing how it was and where it all happened. After that I tried for Hamilton again, big surprise I did not win. Then I ventured up towards the Upper East Side. Seriously, those streets and buildings are gorgeous. If I could live anywhere in NYC I would choose that area in a heart beat. And with the 60 degrees, and sun out it was the perfect day to walk around Central Park and sit on the steps of the Met.
Later that evening, I won the lottery for "School of Rock". The show is still in previews and opens in about a week. I was honestly surprised with how much I loved it. The kids stole the show and were probably the best ones up there. The show itself was very good, and would highly recommend it for anyone. What was probably the best part, was being 10 feet away from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Laurence Connor.
Saturday, me and Claire woke up early and got rush tickets for "Finding Neverland". After that I finally got the chance to see the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. I honestly didn't realize how big of a skyline the city is, and how far it goes. After that we headed back to the theatre, and I probably cried throughout the show at least 5 times. The show deserved recognition during last years Tony Awards because it was honestly beautiful. I was lucky where only 1 or 2 of the ensemble were out. To be completely honest though, and i'm not sure if Matthew Morrison was sick, but I wish he had given more to his character. But otherwise I really hope this show sticks around.
This weekend was the kind of break I needed after the past few crazy months, and getting to see friends in New York was such a nice break. After seeing all this, I hope one day (soon!) I can make my move to NYC. Maybe my soon to be new home?!
Sunday, November 22, 2015
What City Am I In?
I'm not going to lie, that phrase has become a common phrase. Now that we're on Week 7 (or is it 6?), the days are honestly starting to blur together. Thank god, I write down my notes for each show during the show or else I would never know what to put in my nightly reports. Which coming soon, I'm going to post a little bit about what I do for those who don't really know what a stage manager does.
This past week, we have been in the Carolina's all week. And seriously, I LOVE Charleston. Even though I only spent less than 24 hours there, it was seriously such a beautiful city. I don't think I've ever been to a city quite like that. Like its apparently a huge city, but it seemed so small, and quaint. I honestly hope to go back there this year, and actually get to see it (wink MOM wink).
The whole time I was in Charleston I was thinking of the Bravo show "Southern Charm". Yes, I will admit I do watch that show. Not as much for the people, but honestly because of the city. And getting to walk down King St, see all the gorgeous houses by battery park, and performing my the College of Charleston was a great start to the week.
This is definitely one of the reasons why I have loved touring so much. I have gotten to see so many different cities, I honestly wish I had done more site seeing and really enjoying my time before now. At the start of the tour I was honestly so exhausted, and stressed that I was nailed up in my hotel room doing reports from that day, and getting prepped for the next day. I've honestly learned how to use my car time wisely (aka set up office in the back of the car and do everything then).
This coming week, I FINALLY get to go to New York City. This has honestly been a dream of mine since I was little to get to see NYC, Broadway, and all its beauty. Get ready for many pictures and posts on my short visit there.
Till next time!
This past week, we have been in the Carolina's all week. And seriously, I LOVE Charleston. Even though I only spent less than 24 hours there, it was seriously such a beautiful city. I don't think I've ever been to a city quite like that. Like its apparently a huge city, but it seemed so small, and quaint. I honestly hope to go back there this year, and actually get to see it (wink MOM wink).
The whole time I was in Charleston I was thinking of the Bravo show "Southern Charm". Yes, I will admit I do watch that show. Not as much for the people, but honestly because of the city. And getting to walk down King St, see all the gorgeous houses by battery park, and performing my the College of Charleston was a great start to the week.
This is definitely one of the reasons why I have loved touring so much. I have gotten to see so many different cities, I honestly wish I had done more site seeing and really enjoying my time before now. At the start of the tour I was honestly so exhausted, and stressed that I was nailed up in my hotel room doing reports from that day, and getting prepped for the next day. I've honestly learned how to use my car time wisely (aka set up office in the back of the car and do everything then).
This coming week, I FINALLY get to go to New York City. This has honestly been a dream of mine since I was little to get to see NYC, Broadway, and all its beauty. Get ready for many pictures and posts on my short visit there.
Till next time!
Monday, November 9, 2015
Hotlanta
This past weekend, we got to spend time in Atlanta. Even though it was only from Saturday to Monday early afternoon, I have to say I loved Atlanta. I had never been before, and even though it was not the greatest weather (it's been raining everywhere we go since Friday...) it was probably one of the best weekends I've had since leaving Chicago.
Saturday we got in late afternoon, and of course had some hotel issues (the door in my room wouldn't close, ugh). That evening my cousin set me up with tickets to go to the Atlanta Hawks game. For my first NBA game, I was definitely spoiled. During the 2nd period, I got to meet up with my cousin and before the start of the 3rd period I was able to go out onto the court. WOW, those guys are ridiculously tall. Being about 5 feet away from them definitely made me feel even shorter than I already am. After that me and Virginia watched the game from the members section which was an amazing view to watch the game.
Later that night we got to go out in Atlanta, and it is a fun town. I definitely got the friendly southern attitude from everyone, especially when we were a little confused with the Marta. Overall, it was a pretty great night and it felt good it get out and do something other than work.
The next day was more of a lazy day, and I got to see the downtown area when picking up/ dropping off people. That night I got to see my cousin again, and have my first home cooked meal in literally a month. No joke, not having something that came from a restaurant was probably the best thing all weekend. When I'm back home I will definitely be doing more cooking.
Its crazy that we are finally starting to make our way back east coast. I'm so excited to spend time in NYC for thanksgiving, and even more excited for after thanksgiving to see a lot of places on the East Coast i've never seen.
Till next time!
Saturday we got in late afternoon, and of course had some hotel issues (the door in my room wouldn't close, ugh). That evening my cousin set me up with tickets to go to the Atlanta Hawks game. For my first NBA game, I was definitely spoiled. During the 2nd period, I got to meet up with my cousin and before the start of the 3rd period I was able to go out onto the court. WOW, those guys are ridiculously tall. Being about 5 feet away from them definitely made me feel even shorter than I already am. After that me and Virginia watched the game from the members section which was an amazing view to watch the game.
Later that night we got to go out in Atlanta, and it is a fun town. I definitely got the friendly southern attitude from everyone, especially when we were a little confused with the Marta. Overall, it was a pretty great night and it felt good it get out and do something other than work.
The next day was more of a lazy day, and I got to see the downtown area when picking up/ dropping off people. That night I got to see my cousin again, and have my first home cooked meal in literally a month. No joke, not having something that came from a restaurant was probably the best thing all weekend. When I'm back home I will definitely be doing more cooking.
Its crazy that we are finally starting to make our way back east coast. I'm so excited to spend time in NYC for thanksgiving, and even more excited for after thanksgiving to see a lot of places on the East Coast i've never seen.
Till next time!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Better Late than Never...
You may say that these past two weeks have been crazy is a bit of an understatement. It's been insanely crazy/busy/chaotic. That's why I haven't been able to blog. Trying to keep my head afloat and also managing to try to keep myself sane by sleeping when I can.
We left Boston about 3 weeks ago, October 9. man has time truly flown by. It feels like forever ago since we were in Boston, but it also feels just like yesterday.
The first week we were in Wisconsin and Illinois. Man did it feel good to be back in Chicago after being away for less than 2 months. I didn't realize until I got there about how much I missed it and all my friends that feel like family there. In Chicago, I was able to see friends and finally get to watch a Royals game (finding time to watch the games have been difficult).
After that week, we are in the South till Thanksgiving. Our first weekend there we were able to drive to Memphis and celebrate Stephen's birthday on Beale Street. Definitely a fun and interesting night out.
One of the many things I love about the tour is getting to get to travel to so many different cities that i haven't been too. Last week, I was able to spend time in Little Rock, Jackson, Biloxi, and this weekend we got to spend time in San Antonio.
Its definitely been crazy, and its starting to finally feel normal and things are coming together.
Till next time.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Final Week of Rehearsals...
Time has seriously flown by since I arrived in Boston. I honestly feel like it was just yesterday that I got here, and started working for this company. Its crazy to think that this is the last week we are in the rehearsal space, and starting Saturday we will be teching the show at Babson college. Although i'm excited to begin tech, the thought of how far away it is and how much earlier I will have to be getting up next week is not exciting. Oh well, that's life.
I have to say I am sad to think that I will be leaving this city. Although I've come to hate the public transportation (SO slow, and unreliable), it really is a gorgeous city and this time around i've really gotten to explore more than what i've done before. I've been taking advantage of my day off, and its been fun. And the nice weather definitely helps with it.
This past day off I decided to continue seeing the more historical side of Boston. I've definitely always been into history, and I love getting to see all these old places that have such fascinating history. I think this is why I loved Europe so much this past summer, getting to see all the old places, and imagining with how long they have been there.
I started off venturing to the Bunker Hill Monument over in Charlestown. The neighborhood of Charlestown is honestly so gorgeous. It reminded me a little of cape cod, and all the houses were so unique and adorable. I also forget how narrow the streets are over there, and in the North End of Boston. After walking around the neighborhood, I decided to go up the monument. As a write this my calves are seriously still killing me. It's definitely a hike up the monument, and the small staircase going up it doesn't help.
Next, I continued to venture around downtown, kind of following the freedom trial (I know I was very touristy). I ventured through the Boston Commons, stopped in a marijuana rally, and got to enjoy probably one of the last few warm days (till i'm in the south soon!). After that, I walked down Newbury Street. Seriously, the shopping down there is crazy.
It was a very enjoyable day off, and much needed for what is coming this week with final rehearsals, and load in. It's going to be a crazy week, and before I know it i'll be on the road.
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