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!
