Building Character

Tonight was the Region Drama competition/festival. Every year the kids compete in the following categories: Contemporary Scenes, Classical Scenes, Dramatic Monologues, Humorous Monologues, Pantomime and Musical Theatre. Last week the kids competed in the one act (which I blogged about in my previous post). With the exception of musical theatre, the kids perform their piece in three different rounds in front of three different judges. (Musical Theatre the kids perform once in front of three judges).
I also hosted this year which meant I had to organize EVERYTHING! But, it was ok, just a lot of work. But, I was so grateful for my student volunteers. I had about 25 kids act as hosts, they dressed professionally and were so great! I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.
There is so much blood sweat and tears put into these events. And I want all the kids to do well and go to state.
But, inevitably some will not do as well and it always breaks my heart. I had a kid do a humorous monologue this year. He is a pretty shy kids with an interesting vocal delivery (his natural voice is actually a little robotic). Anyway, I thought he would do well with humorous monologue, but he didn't. And he was crushed because he didn't make it to state. I saw him in the hallway with a tear stained face. I asked him if he was ok, and he just said things like this are hard for a guy like him. I told him he is awesome and I appreciate so much the hard work he had put in. And my heart broke a little for him. Then most of the kids who don't make it state really take it in stride. I really try to prepare the kids for whatever happens, I wish they all could win. But, then what would that teach?
Building character. You win some, you lose some. I think it is so important to learn the lesson about losing. The important thing is to keep moving forward. In contrast I had another kid qualify for state, but not get straight superior ratings... and he was beyond mad. Seriously? I know it's hard but get over it! Sometimes I don't have sympathy for that. I know it's hard, but it's life.
And then the kids... the kids. I had 32 kids compete in region, 25 qualify for state and 18 recieve straight superior ratings! AMAZING!!
It's so interesting to listen as the ballots and critiques come into the tabulation room. I care so much about these kids. It was also especially cool for me this year. Because of how our region is organized, Taylorsville and Granger High School are with us. Well, because of my four years spent at Valley, I knew almost all the kids from those two schools. It was so cool to see them!! Such great memories with those kids!
I had another kid sing "It's Hard to Speak My Heart" from the musical, Parade. I had personally picked the piece for him and worked closely with him on the piece. This kid is amazing. It was so wonderful to read the feedback from the judges. I cried when I read the compliments he received. He is destined for greatness. My favorite one was, "Please pursue your art."...
After the results had been shared with the kids, my students rushed the stage and gave me the most suffocating group hug. As I was driving home, I started to think about how insanely lucky I am to be the person who has the opportunity to build character.
They love me so much. It is so humbling. Seriously, I am so honored to be their teacher. And in awe of the life that I lead.

Just Do Your Best

I used to think that during the fall musical was my busiest time of the year. I was wrong. It's March. Why? Two words- region competition... Each year there are two days devoted to this drama competition, a day of One Acts and then individual events (Contemporary Scene, Classical Scene, Humorous Monologue, Dramatic Monologue, Pantomime and Musical Theatre).
And of course, you want the kids to do their best, because like it or not, how well they do reflects on you. But Art is subjective...
So, in all honesty, all I care about is whether or not the kids are prepared. But, where is the line? How much do I make sure they do and how much do I leave up to personal motivation? And when do I let go of what it becomes and just be ok?
Today was the One Acts and we performed a difficult sketch comedy piece called "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon." It's a frantic, chaotic parody of many fairy tales. The actors play multiple characters with multiple characterizations... in other words it may be the most insane thing I have ever put together. Also, with the rules, we have to keep the show under one hour... so that makes it even more frantic.

 Well, it went... ok. The judges had the same comments that I had been telling them for weeks. Diction, pacing, projection, clarity of character... I guess now these comments have more validity. The kids did a good job, it was highly entertaining, but lacked focus. Well, because only 3 out of 6 schools participated in region, by default, we are going to State in a month. If it wasn't for that fact, based on the judging, we wouldn't be going to state.

 I hope we will be ready. It's really difficult to fine tune a piece when the kids are still struggling with memorization. So, hopefully now we can take the opportunity to fine tune and do well at State. It has the potential to be amazing.

But, when will I find the time? In a week are the individual events, which I will be hosting at Hunter. I have to organize 6 schools, hundreds of students and about 25 judges. Not to mention ordering food, making sure the judges get paid and preparing my kids to be successful. I've been focusing so much on the one act that I haven't given enough time to the kids. And I am afraid they will bomb... So, my next few days will focus on making sure the kids are at least somewhat prepared.
But, truth be told, I am feeling a little burnt out. THE DRAMA NEVER ENDS! I love it, I do, but last week I was struck with and insane cold that stopped me dead in my tracks, and I am still struggling to bounce back. Since August, I haven't stopped. August-November- The Musical- I had a week respite, and then auditioned for the play which closed at the beginning of February, when I started working on the One Act. In addition, right now we have a student production, "Dial M for Murder" currently in rehearsals (and opens in 3 weeks... and I am scared). I am planning a performing arts tour to Disneyland for the first week of April for over 80 people. Then we have State Drama, and will be in rehearsals for the Senior Show, "Done to Death" which performs in May- then I will have one week until the Awards night and then... whew the end of school. Oh, and did I mention I have to teach? I'm trying (sometimes in vain) to have a social life and be healthy.
But, the kids... the kids. I love them. I just wish they would not be half-hearted sometimes. SERIOUSLY, BE MEMORIZED!! I hope they do ok with their individual events, and then I can work to fine tune them for state.
For the musical, I entered us into the Utah Musical Theatre Awards which is part of a National Musical Theatre Awards. The best actor and actress receive an all expenses paid trip to New York, where they have the opportunity to work with Broadway professionals. Well, with that being the top prize, how could I miss the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring?
Well, we were nominated for five awards! Best Actor (Josh Gandy), Best Supporting Actor (Adam Hutchinson), Best Ensemble, Best Set Design and Best Costume Design. (Although I am SOOOOO glad we didn't get a best musical nomination, because that means I won't be doing a production number at the awards on March 31st, and for that I am grateful!)
It is A LOT for one person to do. And sometimes I question my sanity. (I auditioned yesterday for Murray City's production of "Joseph" when the majority of rehearsals will be during the end of the year, although the performances will be in June.)
I hope it all goes well. Sometimes it's hard to emotionally separate myself when my kids don't do as well as I'd like. I never show them my true feelings, I just say art is subjective, and the most important thing is to prepare. But deep down, I want to be the best, I want to be known for my amazing program, I want my kids to thrive and be examples, I want to be at the top. But what am I willing to sacrifice? I try to leave the school at a decent hour and I try to keep my life balanced. So, I have to let go of expectations at times.
I just want them to do their best.
And I want a vacation.

In Honor of Love

So tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Aka, S.A.D. (Single awareness day, the day where you become super aware of your single status...)
Facebook is interesting. There are many posts about people doing wonderful things for their significant others, and many posts about how this holiday stinks.
So, where do I stand? I'm fine. Being single really is just the way it is, and since I don't have a significant other to heap sentimentality upon, I will instead write about a few things that I love. So, in no particular order, things I love on this Valentine's Day 2012-
1- Key changes in songs. A song is going along and then... excitement... a key change to bring it home. Love hearing it, love singing it even more!
2-Speaking of singing, have I mentioned HOW MUCH I LOVE TO SING!!!!! I am so grateful I was blessed with my voice. I love it, it is often cathartic.
3-Good friends... I have the best friends. The ones I see regularly, the ones I see rarely and the ones who can just pick up where we left off.
4- Spontaneous dance numbers with my students as we rule the hallways 'West Side Story' style... seriously, I'm THAT kind of teacher!
5- Hugs from my nieces. They are the two most loving people I know, and no matter what mood I am, their joy and light bring me so much joy!
6- Dreams
7- Applause for my students, I feel like a proud parent. Nothing, NOTHING beats the looks on their faces as they take their bows.
8- Watching the audience laugh at my show. The laughter where you are literally slapping your knee!
9- Second chances.
10- Forgiveness and letting go.
So, on this the eve where we celebrate love. I have so many people I love and so many who love me. LOVE IT!!!
Love to you ALL!!!

Things I Gotta Do!

In preparation for this upcoming week of madness, I have compiled a list of things that I must do right now that are annoying but neccessary...

1-Packing and Moving- Ugh, but it's nice to get rid of some stuff. I am planning my big move for Friday (with some assistance from my students, nothing like free labor! Well, not entirely free, I did promise them pizza.)
2-Parent/Teacher Conferences- This week on Wednesday & Thursday I will be at the school until 8 pm talking with parents all while I have a permagrin on my face. My jaw really hursts after these things.
3- Grading Papers...
4-Dieting... sometimes... sometimes...
5- Unpacking
6- Having to buy furniture. Some people have asked when I will have a little housewarming, well I can't afford living room furniture yet, so... it might be awhile.
7- Calling the utilities, water, HOA, etc... Even though I am a social person, I hate making these phone calls. At times like this I wish I had a spouse to make him do it... Sigh... Independence...

But, in a week, I will be in MY new place, YAY!

Under Pressure

I don't cry much publicly. I do cry, but it's usually privately when I allow myself to fully feel emotions and deal with whatever is bothering me.
I try hard to never lose my cool with my students. I show them respect and expect it in return. I never yell... but I have been known to over-enunciate a few times when I am especially angry. But even then I could count on one hand the number of times I have done that in the past 6 years with my students.
Teaching High School Theatre is an insane amount of stress... which leads me to today.
Tonight my show opened, last weekend I took 30 kids to an overnight theatre conference where 3 kids were totally irresponsible and caused me a lot of grief, I am working with kids to get them ready for scholarship auditions, I was in charge of a registration video that was shown at the registration night last night, I am in the midst of buying a condo and moving, I am planning a tour for the entire performing arts department to go to Disneyland over Spring Break, I am preparing kids for region and state drama competitions... and oh yeah, I am trying REALLY hard to be healthy when my gut reaction when I feel stress is to eat ice cream...
When I was gone to the conference, I left instructions for a student to finish some work on the show. When I returned nothing had been done. (Three days before opening night) I had talked to this student three weeks prior and gave them instructions what to do. I was disappointed that it wasn't finished this past Monday, so I talked to the student and they said they would do it that day. Well, they never showed up. The next morning I saw this student in the hall and asked about where they had been. They had a good excuse, but the task still needed to be done. I expressed my disappointment in the actions and by this time was pretty stressed (oh also on that day, the district server was down so I could not access any of my documents for two days, so I was making up lesson plans on the spot.) Later that day this student sent another student to my classroom to do the task... someone who had no idea what to do... all while I was trying to finish the video, teach a class and get things ready for my dress rehearsal, program lights and make up a lesson plan on the spot because I couldn't access my documents...
I literally started shaking with stress and anger. I went and talked to the kid where I over-enunciated my feelings in front of two other teachers, so they can vouch for my behavior. I never blamed the kid personally, attacking the kid's character, but I did express how the lack of communication and follow through had affected everything that had gone on. Then I left and asked two of my students to help me finish the task.
I felt a little remorse for being so upset with the student (even though they deserved the reprimand, I should've perhaps been more calm.) So, I vowed if I saw the student I would apologize.
Cut to this morning. The vice principal comes in my room at the beginning of the day and asks if I can come down during my consultation, I say sure and ask what it's about. He said he talk to me later. So immediately I start having anxiety and I am racking my brain about what it could possibly be.
I go down to the office and go into the Principal's office to meet with him and the Vice Principal and they proceed to tell me that the student had been in with their parents to discuss the incident. I was floored. And the most ridiculous thing was that the student went in before the incident where I chewed him out (in a stressed, over-enunciated manner), and then came back after that had happened... Now, I'm not going to go into explicit detail, but, seriously? Seriously????
The worst part was, when I explained my perspective, I started talking about all the stress I was under, I started crying in front of these two men. I don't really do that. I felt overwhelmed and bogged down by everything I do and am expected to do. And I just felt attacked, not by the administration, but by this student who was acting like a selfish kid... oh wait ...
And so I cried some more.
And then I went and taught a delightful class, and tearfully told them how much I appreciate their positive attitudes and willingness to learn.
Then I saw the student in the hall and apologized for getting upset, asked them if they understood why I was upset and then had them repeat back to me why I was upset so I knew they understood. Then I asked the student if they we were cool and they said yes. And I said, ok. And I silently vowed to NEVER give this student any responsibilities and NEVER work with them again.
Then there was a crazy fire drill and I stood outside in the cold.
Then I drove home and cried some more and just longed for someone to be there for me. Someone to physically hold me and tell me I would be able to do it. That I got this.
Then I paid my rent and talked to the management about what they expect as far as cleanliness when I move.
Then I went and bought some last minute items for the show tonight.
Then I went to Cafe Rio and ate a salad... and didn't count the calories.
Then I went to the school and aged my students and gave them a rousing pep talk for opening night about cherishing the moment.
Then I sat in the hall by myself and listened to the uproarious laughter from the audience.
Then I drove home, and cried some more.
Then I blogged.
I guess the biggest thing that is hard for me is the reality that some parents do not make their kids accountable for their actions. I fear for this student's future when Mommy and Daddy can't save the day.
I guess I feel better. The show went really well.
I need a vacation... and a hug. Well, more a hug than anything. At times like this, it really sucks to be alone.

My Inspiration

This year I want to make my life into something I would be envious of right now.
This was my face book status at the beginning of the year.
My favorite response to this post was from my friend Philip, "that reminds me of a comment one judge made on Project Accessory about a girl who was her own muse: "She designs pieces for the woman she aspires to be." I love that idea of goals related to our best selves instead of someone else."
This year is about progression. 
And here I am at the end of January... so how is it all going?
I am buying my own place! It is so surreal! I never realized how much paperwork becoming a homeowner would entail, it just doesn't seem real. But I am excited, it is less than 10 minutes to work and I feel great about my decision.

I also have become a bit of a calorie nazi... I have an app on my phone called Lose It and it is so cool! You can scan the barcode of food items and it will upload all the nutritional information. You can input a recipe and it will figure out the calories per serving. If you have a smartphone, I highly recommend it!

I also have a little tool called a fitbit, it's like a pedometer on steroids! I absolutely love it! And unlike the bodybugg, no one can tell I am wearing it. If you are interested... head over to www.fitbit.com


So... I have lost 8 lbs! And starting to work on my training for the half marathon next year!

I was also thinking about myself as a child- what dreams did she have? Would she be happy with how things are now? I look at her innocence, her smile, her future full of possibilities... What would she become?

I think she'd be pretty happy. I know I am.

All this hype?

So, I like to watch shows on TV. My new favorite show this season is "Once Upon a Time" on ABC. It is interesting, pretty clean and engaging.

It takes elements of storytelling that I love. It is based on familiar fairy tales with a new twist and I am very interested to see where the story will lead.

Another show I have been very excited about is the upcoming NBC show, "Smash".

It tells the story of what goes on behind the scenes to get a show to Broadway. Being a Theatre buff and a person who is keenly interested in the whole production process, I have been greatly anticipating its' debut. And NBC is betting a lot on this show. Promos for it have been everywhere for months and months, with the official TV debut being the day after the Superbowl. (Ironic?) Also, they have pre-released the pilot online and through Comcast on demand starting... Today!
So this morning, still in my pajamas, I watched it...

Eh?

Pretty disappointed...

I hope it gets better.

And I like the idea of Katherine McPhee as a Pop singer, but Broadway?? C'mon...

Eh...

At least I still have "Once Upon a Time".

Forgiveness

 I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins and worse remains behind. 

-Hamlet Act III Scene IV

In my intermediate Theatre class we have been studying Shakespeare and most recently, Hamlet. A big portion of our study was the theme of revenge and the effects of revenge throughout the story. Also, we discussed the opposite scenario dealing with forgiveness. As I was grading their final quiz, I found these questions to be particularly thought-provoking- (I am summarizing here)-
Put yourself in Hamlet's shoes... do you think he was justified in his actions?... Do you think Hamlet should have forgiven his Uncle?... What do you think the outcome would have been in Hamlet focused on forgiveness rather than revenge?...
Their responses were fascinating. Some people felt like Hamlet was justified and they too would have resorted to the same actions if put in the same situation. Some felt like Hamlet should have found a way to forgive his Uncle. Some felt mixed feelings about Hamlet's situation. Another interesting observation was that those students who are openly religious were more likely to express the need for Hamlet to forgive the situation...
Yes, Hamlet's case is extreme (I mean how many of us have an Uncle who murders our Father and marries our Mother?...) But, studying the play brought about an interesting discussion on the power of forgiveness and the poison of revenge. And yet sometimes, we as human beings spend so much time holding onto grudges and negative feelings, when it is much sweeter to forgive.
One of my favorite songs is from the Broadway musical, Jane Eyre, entitled, "Forgiveness"

You mustn't be revengeful
You have to be strong
To offer good for evil
Return right for wrong
We must not hold a grudge
And we must learn to endure
Then as God is your judge
At least your heart will be pure
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you hate
Will be your highest reward
When they bruise you with words
When they make you feel small
When it's hardest to bear
You must do nothing at all
Forgiveness
Is the simplest vow
Forgiveness
Of all their crimes
Is your deliverance now
Bless those souls
Who would curse your name
When the last bell tolls
You'll be free of blame
You can continue to grieve
But know the Gospel is true
You must forgive those who lie
And bless them that curse you
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you hate
Will be your highest reward
The time will come when we will leave this world,
and then the injustice and the pain and the sin will fall away from us,
and only the spark of the spirit will remain - returning to God who created it
You must never lose faith
You must never lose heart
God will restore your trust
And I know you're afraid
I'm as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love 

Forgiveness is probably the most powerful thing we can ever do in this life. Just my random thought for the evening. By the way, the new David Tennant version  of Hamlet is awesome and probably my favorite film adaptation of the work. Even my students found it interesting and engaging! YAY!

My Mom is Awesome!

My Mom is amazing for many, many reasons...

Here are two- the gifts she gave me for my birthday...

Happy 33rd!

Today is my 33rd birthday. If you would've asked me 10 years ago where I would be now- I don't think I would've imagined where I would end up today.
I've has lots of disappointments, multiple heartbreaks, many wonderful moments and endless joy!
What have I learned in my 33 years?
You really do determine your own happiness and it truly is a choice to be happy. Life is craptacular. (It's so spectacularly crappy!) And at any given moment, there are good and bad sides to every situation. Where do we place our focus? We may not be able to control what happens in life, but we can control how we look at things. And, yes, I am far from perfect at doing this, but I try. I try to learn from every situation, to forgive, and to see things from a perspective other than my own.
I've learned to let go. When I was younger I lived with a lot of fear. A fear of adandoment, of failure, of loneliness, of having a broken heart, of missed opportunities, of shattered dreams... And guess what- I've experienced most of those things and I am still alive. The sun still shines, and a new day always dawns. Holding onto things always seems to suffocate the thing you hold most dear. So, learn to let go and forgive.
I've learned that I need my faith and the gospel now more than ever. There have been times when I've felt like there was no way I would receive the promised blessings... so why even try anymore. Then, in His loving way, I am reminded of what is really important. That no matter how much I learn and how old I become, I will never outgrow my need for the gospel and my place as a daughter of God.
I've learned to be grateful for what I have.
I've learned that no matter how many times you are hurt, you must NEVER stop loving others.
Because, without love, what's the purpose?

Happy 33rd birthday to me!