[This blog post brought to you by a glass-and-a-half of Sauvignon Blanc and a chocolate-cheescake brownie.]
As of this moment, I am a big, tired, heat-rashy, hot mess.
My first day of Circle in the Square Musical Theater School straight-up kicked my ass. Thus, the wine and "comfort food" dinner. (I also had to lug my laundry down to the corner "Wash & Fold" which very honestly, almost did me in all together.)
Anyways, dance class was semi-difficult today (especially after a weekend full of frivolity and cocktails - more on Maggie's visit later), but even more difficult? My "acting technique" class, taught by our no-nonsense and uber-intimidating 90-YEAR-OLD instructor. (Yes, 90 years old. And her older sister is still hanging in strong at 100). I completely respect and admire this woman -- when I Googled her, many, many results popped up. She's legit, and a total veteran of the showbiz scene.
So what was so terrifying? She had people stand up, one by one, do a vocal exercise, and then like some psychic, she revealed ALL of our shortcomings, bad habits and personal issues. From this ONE exercise!! Seriously. For example, jaw tension is a dead giveaway that you're the oldest child, or if you use your hands a lot when explaining certain performance choices, it shows you're unsure about said choices and that perhaps you don't have that great of relationship with your siblings/parents. And, if you're a male you get to take your shirt off so everyone can SEE how tense you get when you sing..... Really, really strange, and hard-to-swallow critiques followed. So, essentially she finds every single thing you're self-conscious about, points it out and dissects it. Full disclosure: I didn't volunteer to go today. I KNOW I have jaw tension.... and I'm dreading what she'll have to say.... but, self-awareness is key, and I'll get my "roast" in two weeks. Say a little prayer.
Our Shakespeare instructor is quite the lady as well. She's brilliant when it comes to the Bard and loves to drop a good, dramatic, British-accented F-Bomb. I find her equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Don't get me wrong. I'm beyond thrilled to be a part of this program and know I'll learn a ton (and I'm thrilled I get to work on an actual Broadway Stage!) But first days are always a little anxiety-filled.
So, to end this sub-par post, I will quote the wonderful Shirley MacClaine, who sums up my feelings on my first 3 weeks in NYC so perfectly:
"My first few weeks in New York were an initiation into the kingdom of guts."
True story, Shirley.
~B
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