The Importance of Being... Awesome!

You know, I thought when I graduated college that I would have more free time, and I wouldn't feel so busy... I was very wrong. Although I am participating in fewer activities, they are taking up more time than the many activities I was doing before. Just a few short months ago I was going to school full time, working part time, performing in a show (which I had to commute an hour to), constructing 5 full costumes for said show, and trying to squeeze in homework (trying to graduate), practicum hours, and my church calling. People would ask me all the time how I could possibly do so much, and I can honestly say it almost killed me, and I was pretty numb by graduation, but I made it! Now that school isn't in the equation, I figured that I would have time to do more for myself, but I didn't realize that having a full time job would take up more of my week than all of those other things before. I'm only working, directing a show, and fulfilling my church calling; but I think I'm just as mentally and emotionally exhausted as before. But everything will work out, just like it did before. I have hope.


Don't misunderstand me, I really love my life right now. I finally feel like an independent adult: working full time, paying for my own living, and making my own decisions completely; and I love that! I am directing my first show, which is super exciting, if not absolutely terrifying... but we just had our first meeting and our get-to-know-you rehearsal, so we're not quite into the process yet. I have been making and developing amazing friendships lately, and these friends have been a real strength to me during this difficult time in my life. When I lay out the blessings that I have and really look at them, I can see that I have no reason to complain or to be unhappy. Life is really good, despite all of the recent confusion and heartache I've experienced. I'm not alone, and I have full faith that everything will be fine.

The thing that has been filling all of my thoughts and dreams lately has been The Importance of Being Earnest. Many months ago, I found out that the direct for the the Fall slot at The Old Barn Community Theatre would be moving away, and that they were looking for someone to direct the straight play, I jumped at the opportunity. I told the Board that I would soon be graduating from Weber State with my Bachelor or Arts in Musical Theatre, and I that I would love to have the chance to direct a full production. They took me on! I began looking for a straight comedy back in March (or even earlier, I was really excited), and I kept coming back to The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. This was the first play that I read just for the sake of reading a show, back when I was in junior high or high school, and I thought it was hilarious! I didn't think much of it after that point, other than watching the Collin Firth, Rupert Everret movie version every once in a while; but when the time came to choose a show, this one really spoke to me.

Once we decided to start ironing out the details of how we were going to put on this show, my assistant director gave a brilliant suggestion: set it in the 1920s. Genius, I know. He always is. It will be a different production from other Earnests, it will be easier to find costumes and set pieces, and we have the freedom to add a few interesting things (our Algernon is learning how to play the Ukulele!). I couldn't be more excited about the concept! What makes this whole thing even more exciting was the talent that came out to auditions last week. I am happy to say that casting was extremely difficult, because everyone was good! I didn't want to loose anyone that came out... but alas, even with the parts we added to the show, there are only 12 cast members. But these 12 people have so much talent, I have no doubts that they will all work hard to make this show as wonderful as I see in my mind!

I will post the show dates, times, and location when the event is closer. I want to share this beauty with everyone!

Giving it 100%

As stated in the previous blog, I was raised in a house that was filled with music and theatre. During my years at home, my parents were often away in the evenings at some community theatre or other, devoting their nights and weekends to a musical. They never once thought to themselves, “Maybe I just won’t go to rehearsal tonight.” My parents taught me that when you make a commitment like that, you don’t just back out because you don’t feel like going.

This principle has become part of who I am, and not just in theatrical aspects of my life. When I have made a commitment of any kind, my determination to complete the task goes far beyond feelings of obligation. There is no question in my mind… it has to be done. For example, when I decided to work toward a Bachelor of Arts I knew that I wouldn’t quit until it was done. Yes, there were plenty of mornings that I wanted more than anything to sleep instead of going to my 8 am ballet class; but I went. I finished. I graduated. Never once did I entertain the idea of dropping out of college and leaving my goal unattained. This is just one example of many… and I want to thank my wonderful parents for instilling such an invaluable principle in me. As much as this has helped me in the past, my determination to finish what I start will assist me in all of my future endeavors, such as marriage, motherhood, and community involvement.

The reason that I’m bringing this up is to help others understand why theatre seems to take precedence over other aspects of my life. This is, of course, not an accurate statement. There are many other things that are higher on my priorities list than being in a show… I don’t have to be involved in a production to survive (it certainly helps maintain my sanity, but isn’t essential). Once I have agreed to participate in a theatrical production (through acting, directing, costuming, or any other way) I am extremely determined to see it through to the end. Dropping out, not showing up, or doing the task at anything less than 100% is out of the question. My principles won’t allow me to even consider it.

Others have said that they don’t really understand how I feel, but I can honestly say that have a difficult time understanding how people can be so lukewarm about a commitment that was made. I don’t connect with someone that is involved in a show and decides to drop out halfway through the rehearsal process, or choses to go to some other event on a night that we have a show scheduled to perform. When I question such a person about their decision they usually say something like, “I didn’t think I was that important to the cast,” “someone can cover for me,” “I’m not missing anything,” or “I’d rather be at (fill in the blank) than here.” This makes no sense to my brain. Even the smallest cast member is essential to the performance running smoothly! People often don’t see their role as important, but I can say from experience that when a person isn’t there that you’re used to acting with… it really throws you for a loop, and it’s sometimes difficult to recover.

I guess what I’m saying it, if you commit to something in life (ANYTHING at all) give it everything that you’ve got. If it’s something that you’re not willing to put 100% into, then don’t agree to it. Others will be relying on your to do your part. Don’t let them down.