Hey guys!! I was asked to update everyone on what my experience has been like since I started working here on Long Island, and since I have a second to stop and think about it (and because I still really miss you guys) Id thought Id get all of my thoughts together and see what happens. So Ive been here at The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport NY for about a month now. Its about an hour away from NYC which is pretty awesome. I dont really remember what day it is anymore, but its fine. We JUST closed our first show of the season, 42nd Street, earlier today and it was such a fantastic show. Most of you know that I dont like musicals, and I think that one changed my mind. I think the best way to tell you all what it has been like and what I have learned is to give bullet points of advice. 1.) You will make AWESOME connections. - Because of my location and the theatre I am at, practically every person I shake hands with is, or is connected with, a big name in the Broadway world, which is pretty awesome. The director of 42nd Street, Randy Skinner, was the Assistant Director of the original production in 1980, then directed the revival in 2001 which both won Tonys (I believe.) Right now, were prepping Smokey Joes Cafe, which will be going on tour. It is being directed by the one and only --- Chet Walker -- the choreographer of the recent revival of Pippen. I shook his hand in the shop the other day saying Hi! Ill be measuring your actors. And of course, since I still know nothing about musicals, I had NO idea it was him. One of the 42nd Street actors has just been booked for his third run of Cats (I had to help take ALL of the measurements), another dancer worked for Disney in Tokyo, and another guy, as some of you read was the understudy for Quasi Modo in Germany. Oh, and our Julian Marsh was in Catwoman with Halle Berry. Practically everyone in Smokey Joes seemed to personally know someone at the Tonys tonight. I dont know. 2.) Youre first day... will probably suck. - Ill be dead honest, I was MISERABLE my first day. No one did anything wrong, I just hadnt been the new kid in a really long time. I was completely alone in a costume shop for twelve straight hours (an hour for lunch and dinner, dont worry) with three other crazy theatre people, surrounded by INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES and I felt like I had forgotten EVERYTHING that Sarah had taught the last three years. Several of you probably got text messages from me. It was really hard and I wanted to come home. But I survived my first 48 hours of anxiety and then I was totally fine. I officially became the mellow one who never stresses and life is great. You just have to stick it out. Dont feel ashamed for being home sick. They have all been there and totally understand if you need an evening to yourself if they go out for drinks and stuff. You know it will be worth it in a little while. 3.) If you dont know what is going on --- ASK FOR HELP - Seriously. Theatre people move around all the time and everyone has a different way of doing things. Sarah showed me one way to take measurements, and my supervisor has a slightly different way. The designer for SJC freaked a little because I took shoulder measurements differently than what he was used to and my boss had to calm him down. (We have to build a national tour in three weeks, hes a little stressed.) It is always better to ask for help and prove through that that you can learn and do know how to do things, than jumping right in and getting in above your head. Ask them to show you, instead of explaining it. You all are really quick learners. Just do what you do. 4.) Equity... is like owning and paying off a credit card. - So Equity... is interesting. If youre an actor, its something to strive for. You get paid more and the benefits are worth it. However, if you are SM or wardrobe, it gets tricky because there are time limits you have to work around. A lot of them. For instance, we have to have all of their laundry, dry and ironed and given to them half hour before curtain. With 200 costumes and a dozen equity actors and two shows in one day (with 13 tap numbers), its a time crunch and some individuals get antsy. Our productions have individuals called Equity Deputies and if they sense that the crew is acting unprofessional, crew members can be reported and you may not get to work on equity shows anymore. However, by working with equity, it kind of builds up your credit if they makes sense and possibly opens up doors for bigger stages and companies. Im still learning the ins and outs and I know Gateway does things a tad differently, but its just a heads up. 5.) Whatever happens, no matter who you meet, just be kind and professional. The theatre department as GSU is wonderful because we encourage a patient environment and try to keep drama and gossip to a minimum -- the theatre you are hired at may have a completely different atmosphere. I dont know how it is where Gage, Colin, Karen, or Tajh are working, but I have learned that I really need to watch what I say or what I hear because people like to jump to conclusions. I love my co-workers to death, but things are different compared to what they were back with you guys. So just be wise and nice, and well, be you guys when you get hired, and you should be just fine. Gossip is really stupid and just stresses you out and creates a LOT of misunderstanding. (Im in wardrobe... apparently its what were known for.) All of the love and positive energy that I felt while at GSU should be spread through out this crazy world of theatre. 6.) All electricians are build like Zoë Campbell and Zo Haynes. Theyre all small, like to climb things, have killer sunglasses, have short names, and can kick your butt. Thought you all should know. 7.) Granola and yogurt is a nice thing to live off if you have no time to cook. I know that was really long and there is plenty more that I could tell, but that is all I have for now. And for the record, the professors are right guys. ;) I love and miss you all like crazy!! A little more every day. Enjoy your summer! Muah! Mama Jules
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 04:48:08 +0000