Jessica's Blog

The weather outside is amazing! The sun is shining, it’s not even noon and the temperature is already high enough for people to be running around in shorts! But Buffalo is funny because not too long ago we were still in wintercoats and scarves praying it wouldn’t snow again. It still might, who knows. This is a tricky time for me, trying desperately not to get sick, because I’m working on another show.

Only four more weeks of school… It’s so odd, where did the semester go? Looking down the syllabi of various classes it’s so refreshing to find out there’s only one more test left or only two more projects due…

Although I didn’t do any schoolwork during spring break it was beneficial for regaining focus. Something we learn for acting, that applies to every scene we do, is to ask ourselves: What do I want? It’s a good reminder in life, too. When I find myself getting carried away with the petty problems of/with silly people at school, I take a step back and ask myself: What do I want? It usually helps. I have big dreams and aspirations and I can’t afford to let myself be dragged down by a few people (who I may never see again!)

That’s the beauty of life and especially youth: the endless choices and possibilites that are constantly spread out before us. At the same time though it is a scary, at times overwhelming realization too. I can’t blame anyone anymore for the things that happen in my life. It’s all up to me. I was complaining about school to a friend the other day and he told me I was learning things I won’t appreciate till possibly much later in life. I guess that realization of independence and choice is one of them.

Can’t wait to have time to do some travelling soon! See some new faces, get some new impressions, get out of my lttile life that has become so narrow!
Watch out world, here I come! :)

Posted by Jessica at 12:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Well, I guess it’s a break from the routine of classes. Other than that, still pretty busy. Working full time this week and I should be catching up on schoolwork. There’s this ten page paper I should write but somehow after eight hours of work that’s the last thing you want to do. Am I being lazy? I do need to take at least a day or two of this week and just do nothing… been going full speed for some time now.

Went to a reading/workshop of some new one act plays yesterday. They were written by a guy who I auditioned for a little while back but whose other play I could unfortunately not do. I would like to work with him and at that space though. I really like to do plays off-campus, just to get a different perspective, different energy and also just for the experience.

I have two projects coming up. A guy from Buff State wrote a play that we already performed here but we’ll be doing it at a different venue in the “Right to be Heard” Festival downtown at Shea’s Smith theatre. We haven’t gone into rehearsal again for it yet but they’re a fun bunch of people to work with,so I’m looking forward. And tomorrow I have my first readthrough of an upcoming play I have a little part in at Tornspace theatre (also off-campus). I don’t know if I’m physically ready to jump into the next projects yet but it’s almost like I’m addicted to acting and the whole process.

I worry that I may be spreading myself a little thin, but I’m doing what I love to do. What people who made a difference with their lives got everything they wanted? To have a chance at being the best you can be, sacrifices must be made. My only problem is making sure I am sacrificing the right things. For example: my social life is close to non-exsistent outside of the cast of the particular show I’m working on or the occasional cup of coffee with someone from a former show you want to catch up with. Of course there are shows and events which are always a good way to combine work and pleasure. But I need to choose what’s best for the big picture and I feel like I am on the right track!
Off to clean my apartment now….

Posted by Jessica at 06:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

So I decided I need to slow down. Doing so much is starting to really exhaust me… I know I need to prioritize and I’m the type of person who needs to keep busy, but the thing I keep forgetting about is finding a balance and taking care of myself. All of this hard work won’t do me any good when I break down or burn out.

Ran into a girl who has read my blog (she’s visiting the school today, thinking about coming here). She seems very nice. And my little sister posted something from Germany… she works in the costume shop at the State Theatre in Wiesbaden Germany. So that’s two people reading this… :) just kidding. I’m always surprised when people tell me they read this- I always forget I am writing this for tons of people to read.

Running to work now…

Posted by Jessica at 12:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

So our show is already over. It went by so fast. I’m sad. I had a really good time. My character was so much fun. It was so interesting to explore that part of me that could just be energetic, happy, intense and naive. People look at being naive as something bad. But with this character I found out how much fun she had because of her ignorance and inexperience.

Not only did the play go by but the semester with it. Not too much time is left to catch up on the work I have been neglecting. I am happy when teachers have a policy that you can throw away one test grade or homework assignment because I can definitely use it in more than one subject. I’m not doing bad but I will be prepared to not have a 3.8 this semester. That’s ok. I did a fun show which I got good feedback for and grew as a person and an artist. Who cares about perfect grades when you have that?

Tonight is strike (taking down the set,etc). Although not a “techie” I do enjoy. First off I do love using tools even if I’m not exactly the best with them- I’m still such a tomboy… and secondly it’s a good way to say goodbye to the show. I know that sounds corny but when you invest three months of your life so fully to a project and then all of a sudden, you bow and the lights go off it can be tough. It will always be a part of me now. The short run of college shows is so unsatisfying to me. Just when the show is getting good and everyone gets on the same page its over!

I’m going to go grab some pizza, been trying to stay healthy during the show but I can feel my body letting go. I am already feeling a sore throat and stuffy nose and an icredible craving for junk food. I think I will indulge. Take a little break. And then it’s back to the game.

Posted by Jessica at 04:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tonight is opening night and I am very excited. Everyone is rather tired and some are getting over colds, but the show is in good shape. Of course we will be working on making it more precise every night but I feel confident and ready for an audience.
Actually, we had an audience last night. It was a preview and we had about 80 people there. Tickets are half price and that is enticing to some who just have to see it for a class. Unfortunately some didn’t know the difference between theatre and watching court-tv in their living room. For example, my character is supposed to kiss the male lead and someone shouted out ” Don’t do it! Don’t kiss him!” Or when another girl has to slap him someone said ” Slap him harder!” It can throw you off at first, but really if you just stay focused and “in character” and tune it out you’re ok. It actually made me listen to my scene partner more and really commit to where I was in the scene and not as an actor (in a room full of loud people). It was disrespectful after all the hard work we put into it but on the other hand I give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was their first time seeing a play. At least they weren’t falling asleep and they were responding even if in an unconventional manner.
We have a little party with food after the show and we give the director, stage manager (my fellow blogger emily) and a bunch of other people who worked on the design and technical side of the show presents. I volunteered to take care of that which is kind of silly without a car in this late Buffalo winter. Oh well, I am happy to do it. They deserve a thank you. They have set up a beautiful world for us to play in. On that note I will put on my hat, scarf and mittens and be on my way for my shopping trip!

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