"People just don't like me."

I feel a really deep connection with Rachel Berry from "Glee."

One day I hope someone will be willing to love me.

"... That edge of bitterness and disappointment.

 How it hurts to hope, but she can't stop herself

from still hoping anyway."

Some Pictures...

In no particular order.

Some of these are edited.

Some of these are not.

Maybe Someone Will See How Much I Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kSFZYM6kLM

"Get It Right"

Parade!... Followed By A Song.... Followed By Blisters.

So Wizard of Oz had the opportunity to walk in the 4th of July parade. I, in my ruby red slippers, walked the entire two miles, which I know doesn't sound like much but I'm really lazy and fat so this was the most exercise I've done in a bajillion and three months. Anyway, today I realized that I had pretty bad blisters under my toes and the muscles in my feet are EXTREMELY sore... SO weird! It was a really cool experience to walk in the parade. A lot of the little kids wanted pictures. Kids are my favorite audience members because their imagination is so vivid and their innocence allows them to see things in shows that most of us cannot see. I also love planting that little theatre seed in their hearts to help them say "I really want to do that one day!" Its my favorite part. Also I had to have some one follow me at all times because the material for my dress was very expensive and if it got wet at all it would stain. Since it would on and off sprinkle I had to have a person by me with an umbrella. There were water guns going off too so all of the stage managers and stuff had to tell them to stop while I walked by. It was crazy! 

After that I had a while to eat and then the dreaded moment of my song. I haven't sung publicly for 3 years and so this was a big moment for me. During the scarecrow's song (I have like... three lines) I forgot one of them. Awesome. It still bugs me. I have to really think tell myself to stop because I criticize myself so harshly. Anyway, when it came to my song I asked all the kids to come sit by me. I knew I would be more comfortable if they were there. Suddenly, everyone at the fair seemed to flock to where I was singing. My director then said that it was an amazing moment for him to witness. He continued to say that one of the reason's why I am such a good actor is because I have such stage presence that the audience can't help but be drawn in and that I have such natural instincts that I can sense what the audience needs from me and then I can adjust myself accordingly.

It was one of the best compliments anyone has ever given me, especially coming from someone who works so much in the theatre world and who I admire very much. It was a little pitchy at places because I wasn't used to the minus track but for the most part I couldn't believe how healthy my voice sounded. It didn't seemed strained or pushed at all. I have NEVER gotten that in a performance. Sure by myself, but never in front of people. Over all it was a great experience. Scarier than heck, but I did it. And I pulled through.

PICTURE TIME!

Ruffff!

So as you might know, I was cast in as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. And honestly its taken up a lot of my time and emotions. I'll go from being terrified to excited. Nervous and then thrilled. Its been a roller coaster, but I am so glad I have this show. I think its really helped me have something positive to focus on. My directors are amazing. Its so good to work with Schmid again. I forgot how great an influence he was in my life and I think he's enjoying working with me again too. And our vocal coach, Sue, is such a blessing. She is always giving me the strength and confidence to believe in myself again. Not to mention how my singing is getting better! She's turning into a talent psychologist for me because she listened to my fears and helps me embrace who I am and improve myself. I really am so blessed. 

The cast is amazing as well. At first I was kind of disappointed because there are a ton of high school kids and children and then there are all older adults. No one my age at all! I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb, not physically because I look like I'm 16, but mentally and emotionally. But now that I've spent some time and gotten to know them, we all really do work so well together. (Schmid is great at casting) I have learned a lot from the high schoolers, they have so much passion and drive. I forgot how easily it is to just fall into the theatre world in high school. Few distractions and awesome opportunities. And many of them actually have quite impressive resumes! I laugh so much with them and have so much fun. Here are some pictures of rehearsal: (I know I don't look very happy in these, apparently I looked like I was very focused :P But I really did laugh incredibly hard most of the time)

Myself, CJ (Scarecrow), Trevor (Lion), and 

Merrick (understudy for Tin Man)

This was after a super funny moment so CJ started

laughing.... I was trying not to...

My absolute favorite person in the entire world,

Trevor Blair everyone.

The man in the bottom left of this picture is my director,

Schmid. I added this picture because his face is the

true expression of our laughter that night.