Go PoPo Go!

The sun was shinning, the windows were rolled down, Newsboys was blaring through the speakers, and my mood was light. It had been a productive day at work and my lunch hour had been relaxing and fun. I was headed home and looking forward to seeing my hubby. Driving down Louisville’s Watterson HWY I saw a pick up truck with a cute yellow lab in the back. The dog was smiling in the only way dogs can: with his mouth wide open, his tongue hanging out, and a twinkle in his eye. I laughed and thought to myself that he must be loving life right now and I made a mental note to tell Brandon about him when I got home. I continued singing along with my CD and would occasionally glance over at the dog and smile to myself.

To my horror, as the truck changed lanes the dog was nearly dumped out of the truck. The dog had been standing on the edge of the truck and driver was so quick to get over the dog came with in inches of falling out. My mood immediately changed; I got behind the truck and began to keep a close watch on the dog in the back.

After the dog was nearly thrown out of the truck for a second time I decided that I was going to send a letter to the ASPCA or anyone else that might be able to do something about it; even it was to only educate the moron about driving with a dog in the back of a pick up truck. I pulled out my camera and snapped a few decent shots to send along with my complaining letter and began mentally writing it out.

As the truck began to pick up speed and I ended up 3 cars behind him I made sure to keep him in my sight. As we were coming up on 71 the truck swerved over onto the 71N ramp so quickly ½ of the poor dog was tipped over the side; the only thing that kept him in the truck was that his leash was attached to the side. Choking and yelping the dog frantically began to scratch his way back into the truck. The driver made a hard jerk in the opposite direction, I assume to “help” the dog back in the truck, and the dog was able to get back in the truck.

At this point I was livid and decided that action had to be taken immediately. I knew I had the Oldham County Police number and frantically searched for my phone while trying to keep up with the pick up truck. The truck reached speeds of 85mph and trailing him was becoming a hard task; especially since we were in the middle of rush hour and I was searching for my phone.
I called the Police department and they took all of my information, current location along with a report; they told me that they were sending squad car out to look for him. Shocked at their quick and immediate response I called Brandon and told him I was going to be late and explained the situation. While on the phone with Brandon the police station called me back asking where I was and if I was still following the truck. When I said yes they asked me to continue to follow and to stay on the line so they would know the trucks location. I remained behind the truck as it got off at Exit 22, LaGrange, and watched as a police car pulled out in front of me to pull the truck over.

I have no idea what happened after that; however, I’m sure the driver was given either given a strict warning OR a ticket. I would be happy with both. I was also glad to learn that my police department was willing to help out and stuck it out through the whole process, even until the truck was pulled over.

Props go out to the Oldham County Police Department, they ROCK!

It's Awkward in the Lime Light

The second weekend of Faery's Kiss was full of laughs, blurbs, and fun! Thursday night we had hit our stride; with an attentive and active audience it was the best show yet. Saturday and Sunday went just as well and although I'm sad it's over I am really looking forward to spending evenings with my husband and dog again.

On Sunday morning Brandon and I got up early with plans to meet some of his family for breakfast. We all got in out cars and met at Our Best Restaurant in Louisville before the show. As everyone was standing in the foyer waiting for them to ready our table a couple and an older woman were on their way out the door. We all smiled and moved out of the way; however, I noticed that the younger of the two women was staring at me. I smiled at her and looked away; as I glanced back a few seconds later she was still staring at me. Again, I smiled. As she reached for the door she finally spoke up asking if I had been in a play recently. Unsure of where this was going I hesitantly stated yes. She grinned from ear to ear and shouted: "YOU'RE FAY, FAY SPRITE!"

How she recognized me with me hair a mess and my glasses on is beyond me but she did and had just announced it to the whole restaurant, again, I hesitantly stated yes and felt a blush coming on. She looked over at her husband and clucked that she had been right; turning to me she explained that the minute I had walked in the door she had known it was me but he hadn't believed her. Her husband chimed in his defense explaining that he hadn't been sure at first but now that they were up next to me he could see that she was right, I was Fay. Then all at the same time the woman, her husband, and the older woman all poured on their praise about the show, how much they loved it, and how excited they were to meet me. After a few thank yous, shaking all of their hands, and smiles they took their leave.

Immediately I looked at Brandon and said: "That was weird!" He just laughed and agreed. As we finally got to our table I sat down next to grandma, who proudly stated that she didn't know that she was eating breakfast with a celebrity! hehe. :)

Some may think that sort of attention would be fun; I found it awkward. Having a complete stranger approach me and dote on me in such a way was a little embarrassing and weird. Although it was great PR for the show and theatre company, let's just say I hope it doesn't happen to me again!
:-P

Working for the Big Screen

Last night I, once again, put on a dress and headed out for yet another theatre experience. This time it was to be in front of a movie camera. During Whodunnit's Fashion Show at the Castle of Blood one of my cast members approached me about taking a part in his most recent movie, a low budget independent film that he was co-directing. Thinking it might be fun, something to check off my bucket list, and add to my resume I said: why not! :)

The cast and crew were very friendly and overall I had a really good time. This was the crew's 3rd movie they had worked on together and were using the same characters. As it turns out, Jim gave me a copy of their first movie The Finale which I found hysterical. This movie utilizes the same characters from Finale and is called Jim Bo Goes to Hollywood. All 3 films are stoner films filled with stupid humor and corny jokes; they have a cult classic feel to them. They all use Louisville locations and draw on it's history. They're not Hollywood quality but the first one is even sold here in Louisville at Barnes and Noble stores. We filmed last nights scene at the LaGrange Irish Rover and were given more than one weird look... it was fun!

Acting for a film and acting on stage are VERY different and require VERY different skills. Stage theatre requires quick thinking and instant reactions, I learned film has to be consistent and precise. For the purpose of continuity, each time they shoot the scene from a new angle or OVER and OVER and OVER again to get it just right you have to have the ability to say your line with the exact same intonation EVERY time and react the exact same way EVERY time. For them to be able to fit the pieces together and have it work it all has to be identical!

OHMYWORD it's HARD!!!

Most stage actors know that every show is a little different and that's one thing that makes it exciting. It's nothing close to that when doing film work; Hollywood pros make it look so easy!

I will do one more scene, the scene that comes before the one we did tonight, and as far as I know right now that will be the end of my movie career. Hehe. They do hold “premiers” and house the movie in a small theatre so if I want I can go see my face plastered on the big screen… I’m not real wild about that idea. Seeing my face at that scale does not sound remotely appealing; especially since they did some close ups of me. :-P

All in all it was really neat to see what kind of work goes in to the whole ordeal and get to experience what it's like to be apart of a real movie. Everyone said I did a great job and was happy with my work so I went home content and with a little more cash in my pocket.

The thrill of a live audience

Friday night the cast of Bill Breuer's Faery's Kiss geared up for their second show; the only difference was I was playing the part of Fay. It was an excited cast that put on their costumes and makeup that night; we all were still breathing the energy from opening night and were ready to go at it again.

The show started out great! As each scene flew by I was shocked to learn that the next scene was the last of Act I and intermission would soon be upon us. The cast refers to this scene as the "party" scene; probably because the scene is during a party... In this scene, as a faery, I start out invisible to everyone but Thomas Trent; however, he upsets me and I see a need to make my presence known to the whole party. As I storm off stage I have a 3 minute window to peel out of my leotard and untie my skirt. I have to put on a dress, heals, necklaces, a belt, and wig. It may not sound like that much but it takes longer than you might expect and feels a whole lot shorter when standing backstage trying to make sure you don't miss your sound cue. Standing behind the onstage door just milliseconds before my cue I realized that my dress was on backwards. Thinking there was nothing I could do and it would add to the humor of the scene I made my grand entrance as a "mortal" looking absolutely absurd. I stepped out with confidence and made my way through the blocking I had practiced for months. As I leaned my head back to look at Thomas, played by Tim, I felt my wig slide off the back of my head. For a split second the whole room came to a halt and out of the corner of my eye I saw my director's face go sheet white! I said the first thing that came to my mind: "OO!" Charlene, the female villain, laughed an evil laugh picked up the wig and carried on as it was an everyday thing! She covered so nicely we never missed a beat and were able to wring a couple extra laughs out of the audience. As the scene came to an end I realized that my bra had been showing the entire time! The curtain went down and the whole cast burst into laughter as our energy sky rocketed. I looked at my director and with a big smile on my face said: "My dress is on backwards, my bra is showing, and my wig fell off!" Needless to say, it took almost the whole intermission for us all to calm down.

Despite a few lines getting dropped or added the show went exceedingly well. We had a great audience and we all were very proud of everyones performance. Everyone had only positive things to say to us as they left the theatre and the comments in the comment box were just as encouraging.

Friday night I was visited by friends from the Whodunnit Theatre Company (where I performed Fashion Show at the Castle of Blood) and a couple of my scrapbooking ladies. It was great to see everyone and hear how much fun they had! One weekend down and 3 performances to go. I perform Fay on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday and help run tech on Friday. I can't wait! :)

Faery's Kiss

Last November Bill Breuer offered me the female leading role of Fay Sprite in his World Premier of The Faery's Kiss. I eagerly took the role and got to working on my enormous amount of lines. My role is double cast so through the whole process I learned a lot about working with someone who shares my role. I have spent 2 months watching the cast grow, come together, and work really hard both as a cast and as individuals. The cast is a mix of amateur and experienced actors; each of us teaching something to the other.

As of Thursday March 5, 2009 we were no longer rehearsing. The stage was set, the props in place, we all knew our lines, the lights were hung, the audience was excited, and at 7:30 pm the curtained opened. As I stood back stage, Lea played Fay for opening night, and helped with props and set I was beaming with pride; the cast gave a PHENOMENAL performance!! We were not with out our bumps and glitches but overall we kicked the hell out it! Despite opening on a Thursday, the audience was lively and attentive to the very end. I think I even heard a few sniffles as Lea gave our emotional monologue towards the end.

I felt such a rush last night as we opened the show from the whole experience. Even though it wasn't me taking the final bow, that comes tonight, I thought to my self THIS is why I do theatre. The thrill of preforming in front of a live audience, thinking on your feet as someone misses a cue or line, hearing the audience laugh at a comedic moment that you have spent months perfecting, the costume, and all the hard work and emotion that goes into acting. Even the opportunity to step in to someone else's body and world and live and think as they would if only for a few hours.

Tonight is my night to shine! I will give MY world premier of Fay in The Faery's Kiss. Don't wish me luck, I hope to break-a-leg. ;)

Chocolate Dreams

Monday, February 27, 2009 Brandon and I attended a formal fundraiser hosted by GuardiaCare. It was an elegant evening of chocolate, wine, and filled with the higher class of the Louisville Metro. Held at Churchill Downs in the triple crown room money and prestige was seen through out the room. Brandon and I made sure to dress accordingly and I was relieved that we did. People strutted around the room all evening with the noses in the air and plenty of money in their pockets. The event held raffles, door prizes, and a silent auction so there were many opportunities to give all that money to GuardiaCare.

We tasted all sorts of chocolate from 13 different vendors, 12 of which were local restaurants. Everything from truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, and chocolate covered bacon. Yes, I said chocolate covered bacon. I understand that the idea of a mixture of salty and sweet may sound ingenious; however, the taste was anything but appealing. We heard many rave about the dessert all evening but Brandon and I prefer to keep bacon something you eat with pancakes or eggs not dessert. By the end of the night we were all chocolated out and couldn't bring ourselves to try the last 3 desserts placed on a plate before us. Instead, we rested our weary feet, let our stomachs take a break from the sugar rush, and patiently waited for the drawings to take place.

While waiting Brandon wanted to stroll the silent auction and check out on of the prizes; 2 round trip tickets to anywhere in the US with a starting bid of $400 and the total value was given $800. We both thought it was a good deal and decided to jump in on the fun! Immediately after placing a bid of $550 another couple swooped in. You were only allowed to bid in $5 increments so Brandon and I decided to make them work for it. After discussing how high we were willing to go, $600, we bid again and watched as yet again they were quick to up the anty. Feeling competitive we played their game; each of us keeping a close watch on the other till there was only 5 minutes left. They had put down the last bid and they were just about to close the auction when I saw that a volunteer I had spoken to earlier in the evening standing at the end of the table. I walked over and we chatted for a second. Later, Brandon was amazed at how conniving his wife was. I told him the conversation went like this:

Me: Why hello, how is your evening going? Did you get to try everything?
Her: Hello again! I did, it was wonderful but I don't think I will want chocolate again any time soon.
Me: (laughing) When is the auction over?
Her: 8: pm
Me: what time is it?
Her: (smiling) 8:pm
Me: (laughing) well then I better get my last minute bid in...
Her: better hurry I'm just about to pull up the papers.
- I made the last bid for $600 and she took the paper from my hand as I thanked her. :) Needless to say, the other couple was NOT happy with us.

It was a fun evening and we walked away with good memories, fun pictures, and 2 round trip airplane tickets to anywhere in the continental US. We've decided to go to the Grand Canyon and quickly found out we got a REALLY good deal. We only paid $300 per ticket; however, the tickets to Phoenix, AR round trip are $1200 a PIECE!