So I have spent my day knitting, cooking, looking up jobs, hanging with the ladies. I am about to get ready to leave for work. But I have a few things on my mind. Things I want to do. I figure I'll put them out there, into the world, work towards them and one day complete them (some sooner than others).
I want to...
Travel more-- Internationally, country wide, as many places as possible
Pick up cello again, I miss it
Learn German
Do theatre in Germany
Take art classes
Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Fest in Scotland
Live in Chicago for a bit
Go to Grad School
Live in Italy and REALLY learn Italian
Work with children again
Be a founding member of a theatre company
Direct!
That's all for now.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Adventures in Ushering and Then Some
So, a lot has been going on lately. MY Biggest news, sadly not as exciting as it sounds, is that starting tomorrow I am head usher at the theater for a week! This does mean some extra work and responsibility but it also means higher pay. And let's face it, I love getting more money (especially on rent week). The job title mainly entails that I schedule all the ushers and make sure everything runs smoothly, I am definitely up for the challenge!
A highlight of this week included seeing NON-BIRDIE theatre!! Exciting! First, I saw a 'scratch night' at The Barrow Group. Scratch night is when local artists get together a present works in progress to get an audience reaction and feedback. I am not going to lie, it really let me down. I was excited about upcoming works, new young artists, an accepting arts atmosphere. You'd expect edgy, raw, risky works right? WRONG! It seemed mostly to be popcorn entertainment. Most of the acts were comedians who did safe material. I did talk to some people and generally enjoyed the presenters but it wasn't what I was hoping to see. I wanted to see passionate, daring, driven theatre that would in turn motivate me to create passionate, daring, and driven theatre.
However, last night I saw Cymbeline by Fiasco Theater Company at the Access Theater. It was a very different experience. The piece was adventurous and passionate. The play was performed by 6 actors playing a variety of roles all except the actress playing Imogen. The concept culminated at the moment when King Cymbeline announces "everyone appears to be someone else," when not only had each character proved themselves and others false but also each actor had been playing multiple roles, all except Imogen. Imogen throughout the story holds true to her beliefs and to her moral character, since she never waivers neither did the actress. I also enjoyed the simplicity in the sets and costumes. Although they were not extravagant, they wowed the audience with their dynamic use and function. I was highly impressed and hope to find more theatre groups that inspire me like this one.
Lastly I have three crafty projects in mind. If I write them on this blog maybe I will actually complete them! First, I have been working to turn this sixties style go-go dress that barely fits around my hips into a cute tunic style night-on-the-town top. I have already made slits on the sides up to the hip, I still need to hem it and create a keyhole or V-neck (haven't decided which yet, but it definitely needs something). Second, I need a new purse! I have so much scrap fabric I can easily create a cute patchwork type purse. Third, I need to knit again! Winter in NY is bound to get cold so I am going to knit my first hat! The hat will be stripped with knit and purl stitches.
Lastly, I have been baking lately! My chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are easy and quick, not to mention delicious! I took a recipe and changed it a bit. Since we just moved in we don't have all the baking necessities yet, so I picked one that cut a few corners.
ingredients:
1 package of yellow cake mix (so flour, sugar, milk, salt, and baking powder aren't needed)
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of oats
3/4 cup chocolate chips
--I add cinnamon and a bit of cocoa powder
Bake for eight minutes and enjoy!!
:) Kosmo
PS hope you like the new layout!
A highlight of this week included seeing NON-BIRDIE theatre!! Exciting! First, I saw a 'scratch night' at The Barrow Group. Scratch night is when local artists get together a present works in progress to get an audience reaction and feedback. I am not going to lie, it really let me down. I was excited about upcoming works, new young artists, an accepting arts atmosphere. You'd expect edgy, raw, risky works right? WRONG! It seemed mostly to be popcorn entertainment. Most of the acts were comedians who did safe material. I did talk to some people and generally enjoyed the presenters but it wasn't what I was hoping to see. I wanted to see passionate, daring, driven theatre that would in turn motivate me to create passionate, daring, and driven theatre.
However, last night I saw Cymbeline by Fiasco Theater Company at the Access Theater. It was a very different experience. The piece was adventurous and passionate. The play was performed by 6 actors playing a variety of roles all except the actress playing Imogen. The concept culminated at the moment when King Cymbeline announces "everyone appears to be someone else," when not only had each character proved themselves and others false but also each actor had been playing multiple roles, all except Imogen. Imogen throughout the story holds true to her beliefs and to her moral character, since she never waivers neither did the actress. I also enjoyed the simplicity in the sets and costumes. Although they were not extravagant, they wowed the audience with their dynamic use and function. I was highly impressed and hope to find more theatre groups that inspire me like this one.
Lastly I have three crafty projects in mind. If I write them on this blog maybe I will actually complete them! First, I have been working to turn this sixties style go-go dress that barely fits around my hips into a cute tunic style night-on-the-town top. I have already made slits on the sides up to the hip, I still need to hem it and create a keyhole or V-neck (haven't decided which yet, but it definitely needs something). Second, I need a new purse! I have so much scrap fabric I can easily create a cute patchwork type purse. Third, I need to knit again! Winter in NY is bound to get cold so I am going to knit my first hat! The hat will be stripped with knit and purl stitches.
Lastly, I have been baking lately! My chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are easy and quick, not to mention delicious! I took a recipe and changed it a bit. Since we just moved in we don't have all the baking necessities yet, so I picked one that cut a few corners.
ingredients:
1 package of yellow cake mix (so flour, sugar, milk, salt, and baking powder aren't needed)
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of oats
3/4 cup chocolate chips
--I add cinnamon and a bit of cocoa powder
Bake for eight minutes and enjoy!!
:) Kosmo
PS hope you like the new layout!
Monday, September 14, 2009
So Many Famous People So Little Time
For the past week have worked with, flirted with, and encountered more famous people than the rest of my life combined. First my 'co-workers': John Stamos, Bill Irwin, Gina Gershone, and Noal Gerard Funk. I saw the sh
ow last Weds and it was sooo much fun! I highly recommend seeing it! Bye Bye Birdie at the Henry Miller's Theatre opening Oct 15. The first two months are pretty much sold out as of now but it goes until February. John is very personable and lovable as Albert, Bill knocks your socks off with his physical comedy, and the show is overall a highly fun spirited adventure. Plus if you come and see it you get to see me! Perk of the new job: I flirted with one of the understudy/swings on the show as he was warming up yesterday, it was really cute.
Finally New York is overflowing with celebs. My roommate constantly texts me with people she has seen just walking on the street. A couple of days ago we found a barricade of press hanging out on 5 av. We waited and out of the building comes Tony Blair! He was very nice: took pictures and signed autographs.
Last night my roommate and I camped outside the VMAs to catch the glimpse of stardom. I am not really up to date on pop culture, especially not MTV culture but it was a lot of fun! We saw everyone pull up to the red carpet and get their pictures taken. My fav was cobra starship who pulled up in a double-decker tour bus! And P!nk who came in a NY Firetruck because the announcer could say "You know t
his lady's hot because she is in a firetruck!" Other celebs included: Kanye West, Katie Perry, Jimmy Fallon, Perez Hilton, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, JLo, P. Diddy, Gerard Butler, Lady GaGa, and more. The night was supposed to end with a 'surprise' performance. Our cop friend said it was going to be Janet Jackson as a tribute to MJ but that was happening inside. Actually it turned out to be Taylor Swift who performed outside. I don't really care for her music but my roommate loves her so it was exciting none the less.
Life is fun and fast-paced here! Today is my day off and then back to Broadway.
Kosmo Out.
ow last Weds and it was sooo much fun! I highly recommend seeing it! Bye Bye Birdie at the Henry Miller's Theatre opening Oct 15. The first two months are pretty much sold out as of now but it goes until February. John is very personable and lovable as Albert, Bill knocks your socks off with his physical comedy, and the show is overall a highly fun spirited adventure. Plus if you come and see it you get to see me! Perk of the new job: I flirted with one of the understudy/swings on the show as he was warming up yesterday, it was really cute.
Finally New York is overflowing with celebs. My roommate constantly texts me with people she has seen just walking on the street. A couple of days ago we found a barricade of press hanging out on 5 av. We waited and out of the building comes Tony Blair! He was very nice: took pictures and signed autographs.
Last night my roommate and I camped outside the VMAs to catch the glimpse of stardom. I am not really up to date on pop culture, especially not MTV culture but it was a lot of fun! We saw everyone pull up to the red carpet and get their pictures taken. My fav was cobra starship who pulled up in a double-decker tour bus! And P!nk who came in a NY Firetruck because the announcer could say "You know t
his lady's hot because she is in a firetruck!" Other celebs included: Kanye West, Katie Perry, Jimmy Fallon, Perez Hilton, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, JLo, P. Diddy, Gerard Butler, Lady GaGa, and more. The night was supposed to end with a 'surprise' performance. Our cop friend said it was going to be Janet Jackson as a tribute to MJ but that was happening inside. Actually it turned out to be Taylor Swift who performed outside. I don't really care for her music but my roommate loves her so it was exciting none the less.Life is fun and fast-paced here! Today is my day off and then back to Broadway.
Kosmo Out.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Adventures in the City
As promised I will not only write about my projects but my adventures! I have been in NYC for 1.5 weeks and I thought it's about time you all heard about it:
The Casting Call:
My roommates are both primarily actors and have been looking at all these auditions and getting in touch with casting directors while I, the aspiring director, sit at my computer researching theatres and sending out resumes, cover letters, and proposals. I was feeling a bit of cabin fever so I approached my roommate, Angelyn, to see if she wouldn't mind if I tagged along to Central Casting.
I get all dolled up, even wear contacts (I know!), and head into the city. We get there with about 40 other women, information packets in hand ready to stand out, in a sea of women who are too trying to stand out. We sit for a while so that everyone has every bit of information from hair color to distance the between their toes, copied down. Finally the information session begins: who is Central Casting, how do they help you, how can you help them, etc. It sounds a little boring but it was rather exciting to hear that you might be on Law and Order, Gossip Girl, or Drew Barrymore's new movie!
Right before they take our picture a women walks in asking "Is anyone free tonight for a movie shoot? We are shooting a roof top party near Rockefeller Center and need model types." Of course my roommates and I jump all over that!! The shoot was supposed to start at 4pm and they would call us if we got a part as background. At 3pm we realized it wasn't going to happen. I blame it on one inch. See I am 5'7, runway models are 5'8+. That stupid one inch.
Well, I am now in Central Castings database and I call the hotline everyday abouts so I will see if anything comes of it. A rather exciting day if you ask me!
Exploring Brooklyn:
When taking a break from new apartment errands, theatre researching, and job searching we go out and explore. Manhattan is fun and filled with so much but as I have learned so is Brooklyn, not to mention it's a lot easier getting to (since I live there). The first times adventuring in Brooklyn we have explored WIlliamsburg. There are some really cute areas to walk around, cheap eats, and vintage stores to shop in, you can find a lot of hipsters which aren't bad but on occasion get a bit annoying.
However, I really liked the Fort Greene/Prospect Park area. We originally went there because I had a Target gift card with $10 on it. Then we started walking and really enjoyed the area. We passed a huge shopping complex complete with the Target, which was only a few blocks away from BAM: Brooklyn Academy of Music. We had lunch at this ecofriendly, highly spirited, cafe/bar/artist center called Habana Outpost. You walk in through the main entrance to see beautiful floor to ceiling murals, lively bar area, and brightly colored everything! I ordered my white cheese and
avocado sandwich from the counter and the women hands me a ticket and says "take this to the truck."
Being a little dumbfounded I walk outside. The patio is the main area filled with picnic tables, vendors, a DJ, and the truck. The kitchen is in this truck, powered by solar panels, and the cooks make the food right in front of you. It was charming and very exciting. We got our sandwiches and delighted in our choices of condiments! It was very good and a great atmosphere; I highly recommend it!
Working Hard:
Tonight I start my job at Henry Miller's Theatre. I will update probably at the end of the week to let you know how it went.
Over and Out
Kosmo
The Casting Call:
My roommates are both primarily actors and have been looking at all these auditions and getting in touch with casting directors while I, the aspiring director, sit at my computer researching theatres and sending out resumes, cover letters, and proposals. I was feeling a bit of cabin fever so I approached my roommate, Angelyn, to see if she wouldn't mind if I tagged along to Central Casting.
I get all dolled up, even wear contacts (I know!), and head into the city. We get there with about 40 other women, information packets in hand ready to stand out, in a sea of women who are too trying to stand out. We sit for a while so that everyone has every bit of information from hair color to distance the between their toes, copied down. Finally the information session begins: who is Central Casting, how do they help you, how can you help them, etc. It sounds a little boring but it was rather exciting to hear that you might be on Law and Order, Gossip Girl, or Drew Barrymore's new movie!
Right before they take our picture a women walks in asking "Is anyone free tonight for a movie shoot? We are shooting a roof top party near Rockefeller Center and need model types." Of course my roommates and I jump all over that!! The shoot was supposed to start at 4pm and they would call us if we got a part as background. At 3pm we realized it wasn't going to happen. I blame it on one inch. See I am 5'7, runway models are 5'8+. That stupid one inch.
Well, I am now in Central Castings database and I call the hotline everyday abouts so I will see if anything comes of it. A rather exciting day if you ask me!
Exploring Brooklyn:
When taking a break from new apartment errands, theatre researching, and job searching we go out and explore. Manhattan is fun and filled with so much but as I have learned so is Brooklyn, not to mention it's a lot easier getting to (since I live there). The first times adventuring in Brooklyn we have explored WIlliamsburg. There are some really cute areas to walk around, cheap eats, and vintage stores to shop in, you can find a lot of hipsters which aren't bad but on occasion get a bit annoying.
However, I really liked the Fort Greene/Prospect Park area. We originally went there because I had a Target gift card with $10 on it. Then we started walking and really enjoyed the area. We passed a huge shopping complex complete with the Target, which was only a few blocks away from BAM: Brooklyn Academy of Music. We had lunch at this ecofriendly, highly spirited, cafe/bar/artist center called Habana Outpost. You walk in through the main entrance to see beautiful floor to ceiling murals, lively bar area, and brightly colored everything! I ordered my white cheese and
avocado sandwich from the counter and the women hands me a ticket and says "take this to the truck."Being a little dumbfounded I walk outside. The patio is the main area filled with picnic tables, vendors, a DJ, and the truck. The kitchen is in this truck, powered by solar panels, and the cooks make the food right in front of you. It was charming and very exciting. We got our sandwiches and delighted in our choices of condiments! It was very good and a great atmosphere; I highly recommend it!
Working Hard:
Tonight I start my job at Henry Miller's Theatre. I will update probably at the end of the week to let you know how it went.
Over and Out
Kosmo
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