Making My Day

In a stressful and exhausting week, I want to give some shoutouts to the things that made me feel infinitely better.

• To Cheesecake Factory! To time with two of my favorite boys, good food, and the delicious new Cinnabon flavor
• To happy engagements! To the most adorable couple of all time. To receiving my Save the Date card from Evan & Ali
• To empowering women! To the amazing, informative, and soul healing Women in Theatre Conference at HCC and all the incredible ladies I met. To seeing people I love in such an important setting. To making the drive there and back
• To Mamma Mia 2! To seeing family, laughing, and singing together
• To accepting Christ. To watching your family heal and support one another in their walks of faith. To the beautiful lives that are sure to come

Maria Maria

Saw West Side Story at Summer Dinner Theatre in Montgomery College with my boo Charlotte. Always a pleasure with her around I swear we have the best time. Always so good to cheer on my girl Amanda along with all the other stunning people I know involved (this time tis Laura & Zack killing the game). Always so good to see such insane talent work so hard. I have a flood of great things to say about the performance and production tonight (especially the best Maria I've ever seen omg). But I just want to use this chance to say that I totally get why people don't like this show or are tired of it. I will never not love this show. It will never not touch my emotions. I will never not feel so insanely connected to the story and the message and the brilliance of it all. It's so so so important to me. I'm happy to have seen it for the millionth time tonight haha

2/17/18

I spent today with the lovely Jess Mies. I love her a lot. Anytime I see her it's always so refreshing. That's the great thing about best friends. I'm so blessed to have her. We exchanged gifts and ate some delicious sushi and I bought a concert ticket. And she made it home safe in the snow. Twas a successful day.

Oh yeah I BOUGHT A TICKET I'M GOING TO SEE TODRICK HALL AT THE FILLMORE IN DTSS IN APRIL I'M SO EXCITED

I went to see La Foto at GALA theatre. It was a brilliant show. Seeing shows about Latinos written by Latinos makes so much of a difference. 'Cause they just GET IT. And then having them perform it and seeing what is essentially your family on stage, ugh, it feels so great. Like you've never met these people but they're just like the people you know. And they play it so well because they have people they know who are just like that. It was great. And easily accessible. And a wonderful time. And I got to go with Jake - sort of an unintentional birthday present. I like seeing theatre with him because we get to actually talk about it and expand on it. I like seeing him in general honestly, he's always so great to talk to and he gets so passionate about whatever it is that comes up. I've always really enjoyed his energy and just getting to spend time with him. Merp. I'm a mess. Tonight was great.

On Your Feet

I am in love with this musical.

I think as an actor, I always liked stories. And I liked that I got to be a part of stories. I actually really enjoy character research. Plays are a motivation for me to learn about different people in different places at different times. I may have absolutely nothing in common with these characters, but that doesn't mean I can't portray them. For the little bit that I'm onstage, I can be them. I get to know all about them. I can play pretend (professionally! hehe). It's why I love theatre so much. Someone else has a story to tell. And they think it's so important that it isn't just something they talk about, but they dedicate years to writing and refining it and sharing it with everyone. And if I'm lucky, I get to help them tell their stories. Stories that a girl like me would never know about otherwise.

Tonight, I saw a room full of people watch a story about people like me. And that's why representation matters. Because the stories of the people who came from Cuba wanting a better life are normal for me. The fast talking, dancing, food loving, family centered life of a Latina is not new to me. It's a story I know. But so so so many people never get to hear or see that story because stories like that are rarely popular. But tonight it was. People stepped into that world and I didn't feel like I was learning something new but like I was watching something already so close to my heart.

On top of that, I LOVE Gloria Estefan. My mom adores her and we've been fans as long as I can remember. Gloria Estefan is my mom's age. Her daughter has the exact same birthday as me. I found that out in middle school when I decided to do a project on her and learn everything I could about her. So, once again, the story was just a bunch of historical facts that I already knew. But I felt so much pride knowing that other people cared enough to learn about her, too. I think she deserves for the world to know and love her. She made a difference for her community through her music, and I'm so happy that this will inspire people to see that side of her.

I knew all the songs. I wanted to dance through the whole show. My heart was overwhelmed with pride. It felt like a concert. I don't think I only want to tell stories about things that I relate to. I think, as an actor, I NEED to be challenged and play roles that are outside my demographics. But I can never express my gratitude for the people who believe that stories from my people are worth sharing.

I don't know what I'll do if I can't act. There's no feeling in the world like it. Nights like tonight remind me that this is the only thing I want to do with my life.

Falling Higher

My simple mind doesn't understand this crazy music but it's going to be stuck in my head for forever.

I was part of a show today. After rehearsing for a month with an awesome cast, I was a part of a staged reading of Jake Sheffer's Falling Higher. Seriously, I can't express my gratitude. I was just happy to be in rehearsals with a script in my hands. That feeling alone was something I longed for and this process helped me get that back. Jake was so incredibly passionate about this play, the cast was tons of fun, and Mama and Papa Sheffer were supportive as ever. Working with this cast was special because so many of them were part of my high school experience. Being around them all makes my heart happy. And spending time with them tonight after the show felt SO good. So unbelievably good. Because we did it! It was done. We brought something to life together and helped Jake achieve a goal. And we could spend the time catching up with good food and great memories. It's really hard for me to put these feelings into words. But being reunited with people I haven't had in my life for sometime and then hearing "please stay in touch" in an ACTUAL GENUINE TONE WITH A TRUE DESIRE TO REMAIN IN CONTACT is so heartwarming. You know me. I've got this thing about letting people go and not wanting to be forgotten. It's nice that these bonds have lasted and that we can still enjoy one another. I hope this is not the last I see of this beautiful motley crew.

My Get Away

While in Westminster, I:

• Hugged lots and lots and lots of my favorite people
• Enjoyed an uncomfy but oh so amazing choice that was designed and performed beautifully
• Went to a cast party and laughed a bunch
• Got lots of love and support from people who mean the world to me
• Had a dream about the boy which I haven't done in months (not necessarily a positive but hey I'm sharing)
• Ate a delicious breakfast in Jeannie Bird with darling Gabe and my Little
• Watched the first episode of Ouran High School Host Club with Mandy and Paul-athan
• Talked about important things and making good choices
• Fangirled over Howl's Moving Castle 'cause I wore my Calcifer shirt
• Rode home with Mariah and sang rather loudly

Trips to McDaniel bring me a brilliant amount of joy. I cherish them immensely.
Please send love my way. I'm good, just missing my best friend. I wish I could take you with me everywhere.

For Every Theatre Kid

I am in love with the opening of the Tonys this year. James Corden is brilliant. I only saw the clip today but I'm obsessed. Seriously, look it up on Youtube. Anyone who has ever been a theatre kid knows exactly what he's talking about. It made me tear up. I mean, it was fun and cute and we all love a good Broadway medley. But it's so real. Any time I watch a show I love, all I can do is cry because of how desperately my soul wants to be on a stage. There is no feeling like it in the whole world, and I'd give anything to perform for the rest of my life.

Day 14: Nostalgia

Story time.

When I was a junior in high school, I had a boyfriend. I may not have called him that because my parents didn't like him and didn't want me dating him, but let's be so honest that's what he was. He went to a different school than I did so I didn't get to see him all that often during the week. But I took the bus home and my stop was close to his friend's house. So every day, he would walk me home and then walk to his friend's place. On the days when we knew my dad would be home and being walked home would raise suspicion, we split up at this corner. I'd get a kiss and walk home, excited to do it all again the next day. It was far from perfect, and we both grew out of it in time. But in that time, we were happy enough saying goodbye on the corner.

Shows Are Fun

They're fun to do. Really. To work with cool people and put something together and make text come to life. They're also fun to watch! And it's really cool to see lots of passionate, talented, driven people put out new works that are funny or sweet or meaningful or whatever. You did a thing! That's freaking awesome! So many people never do the thing. And you did. And you got to watch it come to life. And so did a bunch of other people, and they loved it! I'm super glad I got the chance to be a part of NPP. Really and truly.

Day 15: Selfie

Not always a fan of these. But the prompt wants what it wants.

Relief

We did not move on in Irene Ryans

I feel kind of guilty for not being upset. But like, I'm so so so relieved that we don't have to worry about Irene Ryan nonsense anymore. Jen and John can stop being stressed literally 200% of their lives. And I can actually start to enjoy this festival. Do things for me. Dedicate time for what I want. And find some time to finally rest. Today I went to my first rehearsal. And I could not be happier. I'm thrilled to be working with a cool new director, a passionate new playwright, and a talented new cast. This is the part of theatre that I love.

Day 14: Patterned

New school, new tacky yet endearing furniture

1-13-16

You ever have a long day and think "eh I don't want to go to this thing that I already know, and I'm tired so I just won't bother", but you go anyway and it completely brightens your mood? Argonautika. We saw Argonautika. And OH MY GOODNESS I WAS ROLLING. I am very familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts, so unlike a surprising amount of the audience, I knew what was coming. But it was funny. It was visually stunning. It was brilliantly done honestly. Few complaints, but really it was just a fantastic show. I'm so so so glad I decided to go.

Day 13 (late): Black

Many black coats, and none of them techies!

1-12-16

Traveling once again. This time, it's Pennsylvania. I'm at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. It's full of fun and opportunities and important things for me to learn and experience. Thank God, we made it here safely, and everyone has been loving and welcoming. I look forward to these adventures.

Day 12 (late): Warm

A cold drink on a cold day. With my name spelled right! Which gives me warm & fuzzy feelings.

12-26-15

Last night was magical! I went to see Signature Theatre's prodution of West Side Story. Karla's friend from high school, Tom, had an extra ticket and invited Karla to go. Unfortunately, she was unable to go because her in laws were coming to town. So, he extended the invite to me! And I felt so humbled. His dad, stepmom, and mom were all so incredibly sweet to me, without even knowing anything about me. Of course they all sent Karla good wishes about baby David. Tom then treated his mom, his friend, and me to dinner at Capital City Brewing (I believe the name was), and it was soooo good. We went in to see the show after dinner and I cannot say enough good things about this production. Where do all these talented and attractive people even come from? Wow the lights were gorgeous and the effects were brilliant. It was ALIVE in that auditorium. The transition from the bridal shop to the gym was FLAWLESS. The actress who played Maria was MY HEIGHT and, though at first I'll admit she looked much younger than her costars, she KILLED her performance. It gave me hope haha. And of course, I couldn't take my eyes off Anita. If I ever want to be in this show I have to take a million and twelve dance classes so I can actually gain control of my body. But I'll do it. Because this story is so important and so moving, and I'd give so much to be a part of it. And, after having done extensive work on Anita and her story, the connection I felt to her character was immense. It's as if I felt proud to know her. And when I met the actresses who played Maria and Anita, they were beyond sweet and complimentary and told me to keep trying and I'd be up on that stage one day. I cannot thank Tom enough for his kindness and generosity. I will treasure this night always.

12-12-15

Happy Birthday Jessica! To celebrate the festivities, we went to the Carroll Arts Center and watched a production of A Christmas Carol, featuring our awesome professor and her beautiful family. I love them all so so much. And it was so cool to finally see her perform! It was really a magical time and a beautiful story. I'm so glad I went!

Closing Night but Not Really

Tonight was the last night for a while of Panto. We had two shows today. It was certainly incredibly busy, but we made so many little kids happy. Seeing them get excited for Snow White and the Prince made my day. And I loved all the parents complimenting Joshy and me on our Christmas Carol bit. It was so fun. And I'm so glad Emily came to visit! It warms my heart that she always plans her visits so that she can see my shows. She's seen more shows than my own family has, and I will forever be grateful to her as a friend for supporting me.

Also, between shows, the apartment was full! Not only were we all present, but Torreke, Moises, and Norman were all here. And Norman brought some homemade pupusas, so I was literally living. It felt just like home.

Take 2

Brandi and I performed our scene for Elizabeth today. Her response was funny. Long story short, she had us pick a different scene in the show and switch roles. Sounds like a lot BUT I know that she has great reasoning behind it. I am sure we are going to do well. It's the first time I get to work with Brandi in this class and we're doing a scene from my favorite Shakespearean show. So this will be fun :)

10-31-15

A lighting call! Early in the morning. A group of us went to help hang and pull lights for the panto. It really just felt nice to be helpful. Whenever tech stuff happens, I always feel so useless because there isn't much I know about or understand. So on days like today, when I'm needed and I'm actually able to come through on some things, it feels really nice. I'm glad. And I know Jess is gonna work super hard to make it look awesome.

10-22-15

I consider that the hours I spend in the theatre are golden. Today, after my yoga class, I went over to the theatre and sat in on the improv class. I felt so happy being a part of that awesome group of talented people. I'm sure they will do well when Gené gets to see them perform. Afterwards, I spent 40 minutes practicing for my Asian Approaches to Acting class with a six foot pole. I think I'm getting better?  Not sure. But I worked hard and had people who were willing to help me :)

10/3/15

Yay gay play. We put on a show. An incredibly important show that has changed my life. It was the last night. My sister got to see it :) And I got to share this beautiful memory with an insanely wonderful cast. And at the end, during strike, I got my magnet on a stick ^_^

We're Doing Snow White

And I'm in it! I was cast as Doc, one of the dwarves. This cast is crazy awesome. It's a lot of lovely familiar faces. As well as, I believe, two new ones. I look forward to this adventure, and to working with Ira again. And OF COURSE to making all the little kiddies smile :) I'm so so so excited for that part.

A Part of Something Special

I am honored. Absolutely honored. To work on such an important show with such a needed message. And I'm proud of my cast. Already. Because they understand the severity of our work and what a difference we can make.