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. 

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.

One Week Done...

Since it is such a fast process, we work 6 days a week Monday thru Saturday. And after this first week, that day off couldn't come soon enough. The first week was a great week, even though we had some downs but over all the people i'm going to be with are some of the nicest people. 

Sunday I had the day off, which was much needed. I took advantage of the nice weather and got breakfast with an old camp friend who I hadn't seen since we worked on staff together. It's always great seeing camp friends, but even better when they are originally from across the pond and who knows when I will get to see them again!

That afternoon, I spent the day being a tourist in Boston adventuring towards the North End (gelato...), seeing Paul Revere's, Old North Church, and wandering the streets. After that I walked down Surface street (of course...), and ran across a farmers market. This past summer I definitely started to enjoy the farmers market this summer. From there I wandered through downtown Boston, stopping some typical tourist locations.

I have to say Sunday evening was probably one of my favorite parts of the day. I FINALLY got to see "Book of Mormon" while it was here in Boston. I did the lottery, got fourth row, dead center seats for $25. Not bad at all. I've always LOVED the soundtrack, but finally seeing the show, it was great. 

After the show I got the opportunity to go backstage, and see a girl I worked with on my previous show. Seeing in the show was great, and definitely proud of how far she has come. It's always great seeing people you've worked with keep pushing themselves, and making their dreams become a reality.

Yesterday we moved into our second week of rehearsals. These days are flying by, and before I know it i'll be hitting the road.

Till next time...

Adios Midwest, Hello East Coast!

Its crazy that I finally flew to Boston this past Sunday after having this planned for so long. I have to say my summer in Chicago flew by, and happy that this summer I actually was able to enjoy it. I took off the month of August to relax after all the craziness of the past year with ECT, and I was actually able to have some much needed time off. Honestly the longest i've ever had off from a show (both good and bad). I definitely missed having a show to work on, but I honestly needed it now since my life is about to get super crazy.

I also had the chance to spend time in Kansas City for 5 days with family, friends, and adjusting Gus to living back home with my parents. Honestly, this was probably one of the toughest choices I've had to make it. I've loved having my little furball with me in Chicago, and getting to have her around me. Since i've had her for 16 years the thought of spending months apart kills me, but I also know that while she's home she can get better and healthier (getting old, and having medical issues isn't fun).

Sunday I arrived in Boston. And learned quickly that Boston taxis don't always have the capability to take credit cards. Interesting arrival. Thanks to my dad and great uncle Andy, I am staying across the street from my great uncle's here in Brookline. It's definitely different than my Chicago neighborhood but i'm getting used to it.

These past two days at work have been A LOT of learning, a little anxiety, and getting to know everyone. The show I am working on has been touring around these productions for 25 + years. It's extremely nice that they already have everything down, same blocking, same sets (well updated), and really know what they are doing.

Tomorrow the whole process finally begins. I'm anxious, and excited to meet all my actors and crew that I will be with for the next couple of months.

New Years Resolutions Are Tough...

I have told myself over and over that I will start blogging. Clearly this doesn't happen. With a crazy schedule that I have had the pass year, honestly whenever I have free time its very hard to sit down and write.

However, since I will be going on tour for the next couple of months I figured this would be a fun way to track my adventure, keep in touch, and keep myself sane when it gets crazy.

Although I am extremely excited to start a new adventure, and do something new, my nerves have been going crazy the closer it gets. One month. One month till i'll be driving my fur child home, spending time at home, and packing my life away in one suitcase. Going over the packet of information my new company has sent me has made me so excited.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love Chicago. It's helped me grow as a person, become who I am, and be able to try things that I wouldn't be able to if I stayed home. I will always love Kansas City but Chicago has been my home for the past two years. Chicago has treated me so well, well maybe not the winters. I could live without those but the experiences I have gained through this amazing community are some I will never forget.

So with one month left of living here I better make the best of it. And enjoy now that summer is FINALLY here.

One year down...

After one tough year, I can officially call myself a Chicagoian, but as always, Kansan by heart. This year has truly had many highs and lows that never in my mind thought would happen to me. Deciding to move to a city was a risk and a challenge I am so happy I took, and remind myself how lucky I truly am live in this amazing city where I am living out my dream.

Although it has been no walk in the park. Going from a university department that to this day I considered to be like a family, where you knew everyone, and going to class was a joy because I was around faculty and other students that made me enjoy each day being there. As well as the support and encouragement I received while being there has made me realize how lucky I was to be around that. Being supported to continue my dream of stage management, and being told that I do have the potential has made me work hard each and everyday to make this happen. Even though it has been tough, and has been basically starting over, I would never want to go back and do it  differently. 

With that, I have had my doubt more than a couple times this year of whether I can reach my dreams, and if I should just have one of those "typical" jobs that everyone has. What's kept me from doing this? Realizing how much I enjoy going to rehearsals and performances each day, and of course my parents. There have been many times I have called to my parents crying, thinking I have failed them and have struggled with many things. Their constant support and not letting me give up has in a way been a push to keep me going. I hate disappointing my parents, and the fact that they believe in me so strongly has been a key motivation into continuing. 

Starting off this year, I had the chance the intern on an amazing production, "Smokefall" at the Goodman Theatre. Honestly this production made me realize what professional theatre is like, and how you CAN make a profession out of stage management. Learning under an amazing stage manager Kim Osgood, has honestly inspired to continue through what will the toughest years of my life, but you will be rewarded if you work hard and pay your dues (literally, thanks AEA). Going from there and working on various storefront non equity shows, and dabbling in a bit with equity shows has really showed me what professional theatre. The people I have met in each of these productions are truly amazing, and their stories of how far they have come are an inspiration.

Recently during my time back at the Goodman Theatre for "Ask Aunt Susan", I had the chance to work someone who typically does stand up comedian work at Second City. To hear her story how she just decided to pick up, move to Chicago, and pursue her dream of working there really shows how you can make anything happen, and its all about making yourself achieve that. No one is going to hold your hand out here in the real world, if you want something you have to earn it yourself. 

I honestly can say that this year has been difficult, but yet so rewarding. Although it can be tough not knowing what you are going to do next, though I have been lucky with always have a show up next, in a way it can be an exciting way to live. For now I know my heart and dreams are here in Chicago.