This is definitely going to be the hardest posting I have made… it is just so difficult to put into words what a great friend Chris is.  What he and Lisa thought would be a real downer on my birthday was the greatest present he could give me.  I have always known that you don’t always “get the part”, but to have him tell me what he did just floored me.  I really was touched and wanted to break down not because I was disappointed but because of everything he did when he told me.  He asked me if I was upset by not being cast in the show and if I was he would step down.  He also mentioned that he asked the director to consider double casting the part.  That would be very difficult as she is a first time director.  My Lord what have I done to deserve such an awesome friend.  I was not even tempted to take him up on his offer.  It sounds cliche but I really do mean that if I did not get the role, there is no one else I would rather watch in it.  Plus, I was asked to be the stage manager so I will be a huge part of the show as well.  Just still hoping for that time we get to share the stage in a show as actors only.  Thank you my friend… You have made my 35th birthday one I will never forget.

I received this email today from a friend. I always enjoy reading Andy Rooney’s column periodically in the paper and caught him from time to time on 60 Minutes…. even if he seemed hypercritical I thought this was at times touching, humorous, but oh so true. A great thing to pass on today since a great friend is having a birthday today. I hope you have a great one, L and we will call it 29 and holding if you like 😀 !

In order to save on space, I am going to reprint my favorites:

I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes MY day. (Go ahead, make my day).

I’ve learned…. That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world (very true especially if you can get one to do it… a miracle in itself at times, but when it happens… it is magic)

I’ve learned… That being kind is much more important than being right. (of course there are exceptions to every rule)

I’ve learned… That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act Goofy with. (Gawrsh… that is my favorite of the bunch… wonder why. hyuck, hyuck)

I’ve learned… That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. (That is beautiful and very true)

I’ve learned… That love, not time, heals all wounds. (Again, very profound)

I’ve learned… That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. (You may not like the person you meet, but a smile is nothing more than a frown turned upside down. I was also once told that you use more facial muscles when you frown. Myth or fact?  Going along with that….)

I’ve learned… That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks (not sure that I totally agree with that one, but never hurts).

Happy Birthday, Lis 😀 . You are my friend and I AM honored!

Following the run of any show I am involved in I go through a period of reflection and a bit of depression (just more so for certain shows). I have found that the best way to deal with this is to continue auditioning or until the next audition arrives by putting my thoughts into words. I am often asked by some people what draws me to the theatre so much and why it seem that I audition for EVERYTHING?! The best explanation I can come up with is the term play, itself. Being in plays allows us to play in new worlds. I find that the best actors and those I really enjoy working with tend to generate a playful persona, but at the same time be able to know when to work (if you want to call it that). The director is the playground monitor who tells his children (cast) what to do and when to do it… setting the rules for the game/play. When the performers are good they are rewarded and when they goof up and not do as well, they know that as well.

Each person involved in every show varies in experience. There are the more experienced who have been there and done that and can seem more comfortable in their surroundings. Then there are those who come along who may never have stepped foot on the stage who may seem shy and apprehensive but hopefully will be able to learn how to play along as well and make new friends. Of course there are those who venture to other play spaces and play in yet other’s backyards and once again become the new kid on the block. Even allowing past characters to reemerge in moments of flashback can bring laughter from some while driving others to distraction 😀 Right, Morat?  EVERYONE WINS!

So, I really do think that the world of theatre is best enjoyed to its fullest by those who refuse to completely grow up. And those who are willing to let their playful sides come out even in the most serious of tragedies there are moments of brevity.

The fun does not necessarily need to end when the curtain drops on the final call. Game nights, cast parties, and other activities can be enjoyed by those involved. As a wise old man once advised a certain android who wished to be more human: “Don’t forget… you have to have a little fun every day.” Well said.