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.

Hello Theatre Kids

I am back on campus for my Jan term! We are discussing Meet & Greet plans. We are taking our class and discussing head shots and monologues and festival. We are going to the gym together. We are making face masks so we look nice for our headshots tomorrow. I've missed these people who make every day wonderful :)

Day 4: Colorful

The lovely album that is Communion by Years & Years

Bless

10/1/15

We got ready for the show today. Thursday nights are usually pretty slow in terms of energy and crowds. Turns out the crowd was not too shabby! Right before places was called, we did our greenroom routine. We stand in a circle. We say encouraging words. We pass energy around the group and pray to Dionysus for a good show. Today was senior circle. Elizabeth, our director, pulls the seniors from the big circle and has us form our own smaller circle. She did that tonight. And none of us were really ready. We've all spent four magical years together. And she told the cast that tonight, they did this show for us. And it was kind of surreal. That I watched it happen three years in a row. And now I'm in the circle. Looking at the faces of the people I love and trust with all my heart. And we are telling one of the most important stories we will ever tell. It feels heartbreaking and scary and humbling and magical.

MAY FIRST IS EVERYTHING

Harvey's happened. The big culminating theatre event of the year happened. And everyone looked SO GOOD! UGH! I love when people dress up. And now we can all kinda chill out. We still have Children's Show & Voting, but this is a celebration of how far we have come in a year as well as all the new things to come for next year. I'm so happy. The Littles did an AMAZING job. I knew the script and I was still rolling in laughter. I am so glad the cast liked it. And paper plates were as fun to present as they were to make. Mine almost made me cry cause it was beautiful. But I digress. I had a blast and could not ask for a better job. I love every single one of these babies and nothing makes me happier than seeing them up on that stage. They earned every bit of their applause.

Also. JESS & I GOT INTO CHOICES! Look for the truest of true soul mates on your McDaniel stage this August. We're gonna have the best freaking time EVER.

Alpha Psi Apartment

Tonight's Housing Lottery was successful! I am living with Jess A., Jen L., and Mariah next year! Mariah will be my roommate. We will live in a lovely 4 bed Gardens Apartment with a kitchen. I cannot wait. We will probably drive each other crazy. But we will certainly be good to one another and be respectful. The place will look nice. It will be a safe area for theatre kids. And, above all, no one has to walk home alone at night or worry about coming late from rehearsal. 'Cause we all there. Yay!

Sidenote: My Little made me the most absolutely flipping amazing family trees last night. I will send you pictures soon because they are beautiful. You know what else is beautiful? The guardian angel bracelet she bought me. You already know how much that means to me. I was successful in holding back tears but yo I was close. Also, my Little is beautiful. In every sense of the word.

Children Are Our Future

Just got a text from miss Amanda G (currently a junior at AEHS, and a good friend of mine from the theatre department).

Amanda: Hey Sammy. This is Amanda Gamage. This probably seems really out of the blue, but I just wanted to thank you for being so passionate about theatre. Most especially Einstein theatre. Just thank you for being my friend, and for all the advice and memories I got to share with you. Now that I've had two years to reflect - it was so significant. So just thank you so much.

Me: BABYDOLL. lol I love that you introduced yourself as if your number ever left my phone. I adore you. And you will so many amazing things in your life. Thank you for you kind words. And thank you for making my high school experience as amazing as it was. I met kids at McDaniel who hate their HS theatre programs because everyone was rude and stuck up and the program wasn't good enough to earn respect. And that's so not our story. Never forget, STAGE is love, always.

Amanda: SAMMY!!! I just got back from the end of the year party. And I was crying when they were showing clips from Drood and Drowsy. It's so hard to comprehend that my stage career is almost over, and just - WAAAAAH. HOLY CRAP HOW DOES ONE EVEN BEGIN TO HANDLE THIS???

Me: Hahaha I know dear. It shattered me. Both those shows mean more to me than most people will ever understand. But you just gotta move forward and make them proud by being an even better version of yourself and succeeding in what you love. Also, visiting often helps. Plus, someone like you can find friends and a home wherever you go, so there's more love to spread!


A much needed amazing way to end today. Sometimes I don't mind being the clingy one who lives in the past. 'Cause some people are totally worth it.

Little Blessings

Giovanni Lorenzo was born into our family yesterday. (My cousin's baby). He came early! Only a week after his baby shower! But I love having all these little ones around. They're so wonderful.

We finished our Children's Show, Spooky House. It was a hit! Small audiences, to be expected, but the kiddies loved it! Greeting them all in character was my favorite part. I never broke! I could totally work at Disney World. Boo height requirements! But seriously. I had crazy fun.

Our Musical Theatre/Opera recital had a few snags. Definitely. We weren't perfect. I don't know how Kyle (our beautiful, wonderful, insane, CRAZY TALENTED teacher) felt about the whole thing. Rough parts were rough. But we did it. And we had so much fun. Wheels of a Dream was fantastic and I'm sure the audience was feeling all kinds of feels. And, after we performed, not only did Kyle thank me for being so helpful with props & costumes, but she told me I had a really nice voice. She actually said that, and I'm like reeling haha. I respect her so much, so for her to tell me that after only having worked with me a semester meant so much. She recommended I go forward with some singing lessons, and I told her how nervous I got about juries. She said "you'll have no problem with those". I'm beaming. AHH. Maybe no more opera. I dunno. Opera is hard and not my strength haha but I had fun slaying a serpent in a Supergirl costume (we did a song from Magic Flute, don't worry about the details).

I may or may not be Stage Mom again next year. I was nominated. Elections are next week. I dunno if I'll get it. But I want it documented that this has been one of the best parts of my whole college experience. Getting to know these new members has been so fulfilling. I love them so much and have such faith in their abilities and the amazing things they'll accomplish. I hope I was able to play some kind of part and help them in some way. I know they've helped me. They are my babies, all of them, and I want to thank them for letting me spend this time with them. It's been an honor and a blessing.

Babies Growing Up

We have stressed for months over Harveys. Awards. Skits. Songs. Attire. Attendance. All of it. It's been a hassle. But tonight, WITH EMILY IN TOW (YAY VISITING EMILY!), was absolutely amazing.

We had a good bit of alumni visit us today. And they had lots of fun at our little event, filled with delicious food, fun song, and lots of meeting within families. It was cute. And it was AWESOME to see all my favorite people looking so classy! And then, moment of truth. Jess & I had to host Harveys.

The babies KILLED it. Oh my gosh. We had people rolling with our skit. The parodies were actually really cute. And that song?! Ugh they parodied a Disney medley and I could've cried at how well it went. The audience loved them. And it gave the professors hope for all the potential in the coming years. Also, for the first time in way too long, I made paper plates. Ugh. It had been too long. But they made people happy. And I got one, too! It was really cute. Especially for Jess' first time making them! Honestly, I'm just so happy about how well tonight went. Feels were felt. And they were among family. Speaking of family. I SAW MY BIG. For the first time in ages. I didn't get to talk to her much because I was literally stressing about the babies all night. But I saw her and shared my love with her.

We as Stage Moms have ended our meetings with the little ones. They are now fully a part of the new cast. I am, for some reason, super emotional. And so beyond proud. Seek a life, useful, kids!

Fall in love with Will oh my goodness

Alpha Psi Babies!

Last night was the most fun meeting ever. We got together and, one by one, reviewed the letters submitted by our Potential New Members, all AMAZING by the way. So much fun. We have 10 new members, all assigned to Bigs last night. We made pretty cards for the lovely PNMs! The acceptance letters are now in the mail along with their first clue. For the next 2 weeks, they will have fun guessing their Bigs! Our little family is growing! I'm thrilled. Truly thrilled. As a heads up, Joshy and I are no longer the only set of twins. But it's all good, we're still the cutest :3

ALPHA. PSI. OMEGA

Also this song is just. On replay. All the time.

 

Almost, Maine

So I went to see Almost, Maine tonight. This is an advertisement for anyone in the 301 that reads my blog. Go. Albert Einstein High School. 7pm. The show itself, the writing, is SO GOOD. Like, its sad and funny and all kinds of awkward. But the reason it's so awkward is because all of it is so intimate. And we've all been in every story. We can relate to all of it. It's exaggerated and it's just a bunch of metaphors taken way too literally. But it's the most honest love story I've seen on a stage in a long time.

Not all the acting is great, admittedly. But the ones who are good? Absolute gems. Kyle Smeallie & Noah Habenstreit get honorable mention, as expected by anyone who knows this group. Declan Enright & Zachary Norris have THE best chemistry. Christian Moreno & Erin Gallagher are both fantastic and work really well off each other. Mae Keller, completely new to me, really owned her scene. And the whole thing just gives me feelings. Go watch. Go. Watch.

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

So rehearsal today was dancing. First we did the maypole dance. Which was exhausting and oh so fun. Then we did a dance to The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars, which will be adorable. And then Ira called rehearsal. So, instead of leave, we all had a dance party. Crazy techno hits and ALL the fun to be had. Seriously, theatre kids are your go-to for a real dance party. A stage. Lights. And the best sound system around. <3

Take That Society!!

HAH! THIS LIST! HAH! I am completely okay with this confidence boost.

Sidenote: We tried on Cristina's Halloween costume today. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. I can't wait to bombard the world with pictures. I'm THAT aunt. EVERYONE LOOK AT MY BEAUTIFUL NIECE.

"I Love Theatre People"

First off. EMILY IS HERE. OH MY GOSH MY ROOMMATE IS BACK AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH AND I'M SO GLAD I FINALLY GET TO SPEND THIS WEEKEND WITH EHR AFTER A CRAZY 5 MONTHS OF MISSING HER! AHHH

After tonight's show of Pygmalion (huge crowd, by the way, and everything went beautifully!), I got out of my dress, grabbed my wrapped gift, and headed to the theatre with my girls. I was so happy they'd participate in an Alpha Psi event with me. We were having another dog party. For the event I BOUGHT A LIGHT SABER. And I wrapped it in One Direction paper so that no one would want it. It was the first thing someone grabbed. And after much fighting and yelling and struggle. I WON. I GOT IT. I GOT IT BACK AND IT IS MINE AND I HAVE A LIGHT SABER AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL. The lot of us are so crazy. Seriously. And I was so glad to see that the girls were enjoying themselves and had fun with everyone. Afterwards we played Sardines. Lauren and I teamed up and had a blast running through that theater in the dark. Afterwards we sat and conversed and laughed outside the theater with some wonderful people. I am just now getting back, and my roommate isn't here so I can take my time writing this and getting into my PJs without disturbing anyone. It's a lovely feeling. Ugh. Being surrounded by wonderful people. It's all a girl can ask for.

S'more Alpha Psi Omega Please!

Last night, Alpha Psi Omega held their first meet and greet of the year. We went into Harvey Stone park, made s'mores, and told some freaking crazy ghost stories. I can't begin to tell you the amount of fun I have with this family. I laugh so hard and feel so loved among this group who understands my passion for what I do. And WHAT. A. TURNOUT! Obviously, some people just went for fun. But the idea of having so many potential new members this year is amazing. Seriously, I'm so glad that the event was a success. And here's to the awesome new freshmen who are getting involved!

Afterwards, I couldn't sleep. I don't exactly have a fear of ghosts, but more so a fear of my own brain. I overthink and dwell until I psych myself out. So Jonathan was kind enough to skype with me and distract me so I'd be okay going to sleep :)

Now I am home. And my door is blue. Along with our shutters. It reminds me of happy things <3

Inside Man

As if getting texts from Spencer didn't make me happy enough. I now know what all the shows will be for this year. It's always so good to be included. I will be here, rooting for my babies. MEANWHILE, we're doing three shows?! WHAT?!?!?! I love that I still say we. Whoops. Anyway, one of them is Almost Maine, a romantic show that McDaniel actually did the year before I attended. I've heard a lot about it and always been curious. Now I finally get to see it!

Harvey's!

Reason 287: We had Harvey's tonight. It's like a wrap up of the theatre season for McDaniel. THe pledge class of Alpha Psi Omega presented their song and skit, and we had the rest of Alpha Psi improv their way through some scenes. They were chaotic and ridiculous. Then we presented awards to the teachers (similar to paper plates, where each award is an inside joke). And the the seniors did their skit! And the whole night was a mess. And we laughed hysterically as a family <3

Also. MERIDA GOT INDUCTED TODAY. And since she has no prince, her Mommy escorted her to the coronation :)

Devised Theatre

Reason 265: So I went to see a show at my school tonight called Intimate Portraits. Which was amazing. Everyone was fantastic. And the whole thing was REALLY cool. The best part was that the whole thing was made up by the students who took the class and then performed in it. Ah! Harmonies! Stories! Tears! Lots of laughing! And all the love for these kids.

Also it's raining, so I went puddle jumping in my coat & boots

Hence this song (given to me by Harrison)

Lastly, WHO has only 6 more episodes before she has FINALLY caught up with the Naruto Shippuden anime series?! THIS GIRL!!

Grease Is the Word!

Original title is original.

NOT!

Reason 231: Grease at Albert Einstein High School. After months of looking forward to this, I got to go to my babies' last show. Oh the cuteness, I can't. Congrats to all, especially 2013. Also, whoever doesn't want to go to the dance with Noah Habenstreit is demented. That is all.

Job Well Done

Reason 223: Being told that you did well by some of the people you admire most? It's such a good feeling. Even if they don't fully understand the play you're in hehe. Also, bonding with people you admire. That's pretty amazing, too.

Merp. Stage crush.

ALSO

Someone teach me to get a Yoshi. I'm addicted and can't solve my problems. SECRET LEVELS ARE SO DIFFICULT. Merp, gamer who is really bad at video games. Help.

Alex's Favorite Number

This number lol every time! I would be the one to make a title about it.

Reason 222: OPENING NIGHT! That actually felt so good. I seriously felt so in it. And the audience liked it! I'm sure they were confused as all get out. But that's okay. We put on one heck of a show!