Seriously, though, it's the first day of a new year. I decided to take a moment to look back on the theatrical pursuits of last year and came up with some pretty good memories.
First off, I started 2013 with my theatrical home, Babes With Blades Theatre Company, playing the role of Brutus in an all-female cast of Julius Caesar. Can you say, "wow"? I know I did, many, many times. Sometimes over the insanity of it, sometimes over the sheer effort it required of me, and sometimes out of respect for those around me and the work created.
After my gender-bending Shakespeare experience, I was cast by InFusion Theatre in Fight Girl Battle World, in the equally gender-bent role of J'an Jah. I was a blue-haired, blue-skinned Ursalean; the male of my species, despite the 'let's make it as obvious as possible' presence of my womanly curves. My spaceship consisted of a "Bop-it" and an old Nintendo controller and the soundtrack for this visual masterpiece was beyond stellar.
I was then cast by another company that's been on my "please let me work there!" list for a while. I had previously understudied at Redtwist Theatre, but the role of Beth in All-American was my first full-on acting experience and I had a blast. It wasn't my first time playing a Mom, but it was the most fun. From a great director and cast-mates, to a super-fun, and tightly-written 90 minute script, to the moment on stage where I downed a half-liter of water in one take (without choking in any performances, though I came super-close in one!) this was a delight for me. It's also the first show I've been a part of in Chicago that received a Jeff Recommendation - keep your eyes peeled for that list.
In amongst the full productions of 2013, I also participated in various staged readings with BWBTC, Stage Left Theatre, Polarity Ensemble (a new one for me!), American Demi-Gods (also a new one!), and Chicago Dramatists and a presentation at Fight Night #4. I've also started rehearsals for The Lark with Promethean Theatre Ensemble and workshops for BWBTC's L'Imbecile, but I think I'll save those for listing as 2014 accomplishments!
I've also been in the audience for 30+ shows (calendar says 32, but I'm not great at writing everything down!) and auditioned for countless companies (ok, I technically could count them, but I'm not gonna!).
This with 2 out-of-town weddings, family & friend gatherings, birthday celebrations, movies and concerts, a going away party, theatre fund-raisers, entertaining out-of-town guests and, every so often, a lazy night at home. (Not to mention the full-time day job and 3 work trips, but this is more of a 'my heart's desire' retrospective)
When you look at it like that, 2014 was pretty busy and fulfilling and since I'm not a huge fan of stating goals & declaring resolutions, I'll leave it at this:
More, please. More fun, more smiles, more growth, more peace, more connection, more engagement, more success, more better!
Thanks 2013.