Green Room

When I went to college, good old Slippery Rock University, I didn't know anyone there except for my brother Karl. We commuted that first frosty semester (we began in January). Commuting makes it hard to get to know anyone. One good accident (thank you Karl, for the black eyes and the scar.) and I knew I had to live there in the future. I would make friends one way or another. So I got a loan and lived in the dorms for one year. Not too bad, really.

One class I took was a theatre stagecraft PITA (pain-in-the-*$$) where I met a young man I will always consider my best friend, Lane. He even lived in the same dorm, but on a lower floor. Lane was smart, charming, talented and handsome. We became friends anyway. Lane stayed only a couple years, then dropped out of college and my life. I graduated in 1986 and became a teacher. I never stopped wondering what happened to my friend.

And then along came the internet. And Facebook. We reconnected. We saw each other for the first time in decades (!) this past summer. He is still the best friend I always wanted. 

And to think we met in the green room at the theatre; this is the place where actors practice and get ready for 'the show.' That's where our freindship grew in preparation for life.

(He's not marriage material, so don't even suggest it.)

Once upon a time

I have worked in far too many jobs to try and remember them all now. Teaching is the best one; it's the only one I didn't enjoy in Pennsylvania. I got to sub which is a step above begging. I've said I'll never sub again as long as there is Unemployment and people to scam. (Not that I'm good at that. ;))
But one job that stands out is working at the movie theatre. I began at the drive-in as a summer worker, then manager, then part-time at this two screen indoor theatre. It was built back in the 30s I believe. After decades of showing great and sometimes weird movies, it has closed. I wish I could say I miss it, but I don't.
(It is located on Main Street and pretty much looks like this right now. I got the picture from a Google search.)

Shrek

 

My brother Karl had never been to New York City. I have gone almost every year since 2000. This year my mother allowed Karl to go in her place. This is the trip: a 6am bus trip with two rest stops and a lunch break at Perkin’s Restaurant; 3pm check-in; show at 7pm; next day show at 8pm; day after leave at 11am for home with two rest stops and dinner with shopping in Lewisburg. Most of our time is unplanned.

After unpacking, we joined a friend of his who had taken the trip the year before and explored Times Square and that area. Then back to the hotel for a change of clothes and off to dinner with Mary (the friend) and her husband. Cool little Asian restaurant called ‘The Blue Chili Bowl.’

And then we saw SHREK! This is my brother’s first Broadway show and I must say we were all impressed! Marvelous set! Great performances! Rousing show!

Am I in my own bad movie?

Of course, I knew one day it would happen. My quiet boring life would meet with the ghosts of my past. Namely, my college days would return and remind me of who I used to be.

Friends and students have heard me allude to my 'idiot college boyfriend.' He has not returned (and I'm not asking him to. Stay away Mikey, please.) But I have not talked about college in a very detailed way. It's much like the motto of FIGHT CLUB- the first rule of college theatre is 'don't talk about college theatre.' So I have rarely said much.

Now, as in yesterday, I joined a Facebook page for SRU theatre alumni. Oh, the stories! Oh, the memories!

What happened to the me who attended college? The girl who laughed with friends and had a boyfriend (boyfriend is a juvenile term when one is my age.) Where is the girl I used to be? Why and when did I get old? Is 48 really old?

And of course, this all comes back to changing my life. The small town near nothing and nowhere is ageing me. It has taken 15 years of my adulthood and left me with actual scars.

So goodbye to the grey hairs, the extra pounds, the non-life.

Thank you Miller Aud. (and it was odd) for reminding me that life is not a dress rehearsal. Time to live. (Don't worry. I'm not going to do something crazy like quit my job or hook up with a stranger. I am going to take control and make things happen.)

Theaterfest

I'm in Houston for Theatrefest 2009! This is 3-4 days of plays, classes and discussions all based on educational theatre. Our special guest for today was Angela Lansbury! What a great lady!

They showed a dvd of her characters over the years and she spoke about her life. Her big lesson for the students was 'observe others.'

I am staying in the Hyatt Regency (at quite a high -discount- rate.) This is where the event is being held.

Of course, I hope this is my last Theatrefest because I will be in Paris by the next school year.

It is nice to be out of TinyTown!