Monday, 21 November 2005

Just whatever.

I haven't had a lot of time for updates lately. I've been pretty busy with everything (at work, at home, at the theater, etc.). But, I now have a few minutes.

So, the vocal competition didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I woke up that morning with almost no voice. And, considering that I haven't been sleeping very well lately, was a little tired. I did my best, but didn't make it past the semi-finals. However, there were 19 of us competing that night and only 2 made it. As far as I'm concerned, I did well enough to go onto the semi-finals and I'm happy with that.

Things are going extremely well with rehearsals. Although, normally I'm out of book way before the deadline (which isn't until January 2). But, I still have over a month to finish memorizing my lines.

Memorization has never been a problem for me. The first really big part that I got I had to memorize a fair amount of lines and a number of monologues.  So far, I've only ever once forgotten a line, but it wasn't an important one.

I went to a play the other night. A friend of mine works the ticket office at the Roxy theater in Edmonton and left me a ticket at the door. She was also kind enough to introduce me to a local authority on acting. He has a very extensive background in performing and instruction and is well respected across Canada and into the U.S. He gave me a few pointers, but basically said that everything I've done already was right on course with what I should be doing. It's all experience and exposure.

I started up with my piano lessons once again. I took a month off because my instructor was in Italy settling her Aunt's estate. I still haven't been able to get ahold of my vocal instructor, so I might have to find another one who can accommodate my crazy schedule. And, I really want to find an acting coach. I've taken classes, but I really want something more in depth.

And, finally, my birthday this year was a little surprising. My sister and my niece arranged for a small surprise party for me. My youngest niece and her friend put on a small play for me as well. It was really nice.

Well, take care. I'm going to be busy once again for another couple of weeks, but I'll try to update things once things calm down a little.

B.

Posted by brookside10 at 9:31 AM MST | Post Comment | Permalink
Updated: Sunday, 14 June 2015 4:33 PM MDT

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Friday, 18 November 2005

Another year come and gone.
Well, today's my birthday! It's been an interesting year. A very busy year.

Things at work are picking up due to the upcoming Christmas season and we're now well into our rehearsals for King Lear.

It's been great working with all of the other actors and production staff. There are so many things that I've been learning and it's given me a different perspective about acting. I am so proud to be part of such a great production and can't wait until February when our show will finally be on stage!

I always look forward to show dates. I'm usually the annoying one back stage asking if we can run for another week or two. And I know that things won't change in that respect.

We've really been concentrating on the relationships between the characters lately and how they effect one another. And, of course, creating a history for the characters and their families.

The approach that we're taking is so different. It's so much more involved than the other productions that I've been in. We discuss things more. We talk about intent, direction, verse and so much more.

Well, I have to go. Take care.

B.

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Wednesday, 2 November 2005

So much to learn
We've had our first two rehearsals for King Lear. I have to say that I've learned more in the last few days that I ever have about acting.

I knew that this project would teach me a lot and I was right. It's all the stuff that I've been trying to work on over the last few years, but now I actually have someone going over it with me. Which is really good because I can then make sure that what I'm doing is right.

It all goes beyond the modern tried and true method of character. Learning to truly delve into the text and find the meaning that Shakespeare was trying to come up with. Trying to find hidden clues in the verse and prose to guide me in the right direction. It's all really facinating.

We were all given a booklet to read on Shakespeare's writing style and I plan to go over this after this weekend.

I have my vocal competition this weekend and that's pretty much going to keep me busy until next week. So, until then, take care.

B.

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Monday, 31 October 2005

Country Vocal Spotlight
Just a quick note to say that I finally have the date for the Country Vocal Spotlight semi-finals. Come and cheer me on as I compete on Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 pm in the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton, Alberta. Admission is free.Read More...
For information on how to find Northlands, visit their website:

Northlands Park - Edmonton

Hope to see you there.

B.

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Wednesday, 26 October 2005

Things are really going well!
It's been such a busy few weeks. I have been rehearsing for a vocal competition in the beginning of November and I've been rehearsing for an audition for a play in Edmonton.

There's been so much going on. The independent film I was in this summer is almost ready for release. And I also just found out that I made the audition that I had this weekend.

I will be playing Goneril in King Lear in February. I'm incredibly excited and I'm really looking forward to the learning experience and to doing Shakespeare.

I guess all of my hardwork is really starting to pay off! Well, have to keep this short. Have to get back to my rehearsing. I hope to write more later. Check my website for information about the show dates!

Take care,
B.

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Tuesday, 11 October 2005

Tempus Fugit
Seems like so much time passes between my entries nowadays. I hardly have time to keep up.

Fall has come and the leaves are almost off all of the trees. Which is kind of sad because that means that winter is coming. Only 6 or 7 months until Spring (at least here, anyway).

I really shouldn't complain because before I know it Spring will be here. I just don't like -40 degree weather with a windchill factor of -50 or -60. And driving in all of the snow can be a pain. Especially when I travel so early in the morning.

Theatre season is back in full swing and I'm going to audition for a play in Edmonton. I'm really nervous. I've been rehearsing my monologue and re-reading the play. I guess I'm nervous because I just want the part so bad. But, nervous is good. Means I care.

Other than that, I'm getting ready for the vocal competition in November. I have to decide by the end of the week which two songs I'm going to sing. And then I have to prepare for the question and answer portion of the competition. Not to mention picking my wardrobe and choreographing my stage presence. Just waiting to see what my vocal coach thinks of the songs I've selected.

And work is really busy. I've been working alot of extra hours lately and re-certifying in some of my courses.

Well, work calls. To many things going on these days. And most of them aren't that fun. Oh, well.

Take care,
B.

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Friday, 23 September 2005

Just a quick hello!
I'm still around! I've been busy, but I'm still around.

Lots of new projects coming up. I'm also taking a few classes (piano, vocal, horseback riding, and rapier).

I'm hoping to have a little time for myself in the coming weeks just to relax a little. Now that I won't be Production Director, it's a load off my mind. No budgeting, no arranging transportation, no dealing with actors or directors, no contacting crew, etc. Just worrying about my needs for a change.

Anyway, a friend of mine sent me this joke. Damn funny!

BASEBALL AND THE SCOTSMAN

A Scotsman moves to Canada and attends his first baseball game.

The first batter approaches the batters' box, takes a few swings and then hits a double. Everyone is on their feet screaming "Run!"

The next batter hits a single. The Scotsman listens as the crowd again cheers "RUN, RUN!!"

The Scotsman is enjoying the game and begins screaming with the fans.

The fifth batter comes up and four balls go by. The Umpire calls "Walk." The batter starts his slow trot to first base.

The Scot stands up and screams, "Run ye lazy bastard, run!" The people around him begin laughing.
Embarrassed, the Scot sits back down.

A friendly fan notes the man's embarrassment, leans over and explains, "He can't run -- he's got four balls."

The Scot stands up and screams, "Walk with pride, Laddie!"

Have a great weekend!

B.

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Wednesday, 31 August 2005

It's the show that never was.

As you may know, I'm the Production Director for our local Theatre group. And we've been experiencing alot of problems over the last year.

The theatre in town has been undergoing massive renovations for the past year. It was supposed to have been completed by Spring. Of course, as with all construction, that didn't happen. This meant finding new venues for all of our shows last season except for one.

Our final show of the season...our musical. Our musicals are rather large with a cast of around 40. With sets and the type of choreography we do, there's no way we could hold the musical in any location in town.

So, being the executive, we decided to hold off until the fall. We rescheduled the show for the last two weeks of October. The theatre was scheduled to have its grand opening in September so this was a reasonable choice. Or so we thought.

On Monday, we held our final executive meeting for the year before we have our Annual General Meeting for all the members. It was discovered that the theatre isn't finished. The seats are currently in customs in China. Which means that by the time they get here and get installed, we're looking into 2006. A decision was then made to hold off the show until May 2006.

Due to other commitments, I had already decided not to run for the executive committee this year. I  have too many other things that are occupying my time.  Now I have to gracefully bow out of the show as well.  It was a tough decision, but one that I think is in my best interest.

I've decided to try theatre in the city. I'll be getting more experience and exposure. Which is important if you want to get your name out there.

I wished them the best of luck with the production and thanked them for everything they've done for me. It was great to be part of the local community theatre.

B.

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Updated: Sunday, 14 June 2015 4:39 PM MDT

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Thursday, 11 August 2005

I love learning new stuff!
So, last night I went to my first rapier lesson. Wow! What a blast!

I wasn't able to make it last week. Which was okay because it was tavern night (a night just to sit and drink). So I made it last night.

I didn't realize how much work it is to hold up a 3 lbs. sword. Especially for more than 5 minutes.

And I have no idea what I'm doing. But, I caught on fairly well. I managed to hold my own against the more advanced students.

But now I have a lot of work to do. I have to work on my footwork and practice some of the moves. We were learning the Capo Ferro style of fighting last night (prima, seconda, tersa, quattro) and footwork.

Well, gotta get back to work. Once I learn more, I'll include it. In the meantime, I have alot of reading and studying to do.

B.

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Saturday, 30 July 2005

Country Vocal Spotlight and Everything Else

This has been a really good week for me. Not only did I get to be a featured performer in the made for tv movie I was in (The Christmas Blessing), but I made it through to the semi-finals of the Country Vocal Spotlight! It's been a good week. Really busy, but good.

We've had the World Masters Games in town since last week. Everyone's had a great time. Especially the Australians. I was talking to one couple who were staying in the same hotel as alot of other Aussies. Apparently they drank the hotel dry!

Well, another busy week ahead. I can't make the audition in Calgary I was supposed to go for. It was for a lead role in an independent film, but it was on a deferred pay basis. The distance and pay thing was okay, but I'm trying to get the house fixed so we can sell it. On top of that, my schedule has been pretty booked.  I'm also still wrapping up lose ends for the Drama Society.

I let the Executive Selection Committee know that I won't be running again and will give up my position as Production Director. I just don't have the time anymore.

Anyway, got to go. I really feel as if I'm making some sort of headway with everything lately. Take a look at the website if you haven't recently. I'm adding more information and should have new photos up soon. I still have to get some recordings done and add them in as well. See ya!

B.

Posted by brookside10 at 11:49 PM MDT | Post Comment | Permalink
Updated: Sunday, 14 June 2015 4:43 PM MDT

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