Filed under: A Little Me, Music, On Stage, Plays/Musicals, Try | Tags: 9 to 5, addiction, audition, legally blonde, perform, performaholic, performer, rent
So… you know how I was going to take a break from doing a show for a while so I could work on some professional development stuff?
That promise may not last long.
Reason being: three shows that I would love to be in and have some of my dream roles in have auditions coming up in the next couple of weeks. The shows?
- RENT – Maureen is a dream role of mine. Even ensemble would be awesome in this show though. If all else fails, I want this one.
- 9 to 5 – Doralee has my name written all over it. Blonde-check. Country girl-check. Double D’s-check, check.
- Legally Blonde – Do I really need to elaborate again?
9 to 5 auditions up first on April 30/May 1. RENT on May 5. And Legally Blonde on May 20. So technically if one of the first two doesn’t work out, I can hope for Legally Blonde. And if none of them work out, I may fall into a hysteric depression and think that I’m not good enough.
Haha, that won’t happen. The hysteric depression might, but not the negative thoughts part. But it would still be disappointing. If I don’t get cast in RENT I may do the lip thing. You know… that lip thing.
But gah… why must I have all these things that I want to do and then a show I want to be in comes up and I’m just like, “I want it all!” It’s a problem and I have a feeling I have major ADD.
I want to be in all the shows all the time but I simply haven’t the time! (Alice in Wonderland, anyone?)
Well, we shall see what will unfold after I actually audition for the shows. Wish me luck!
Hello, my name is Mikael and I’m a performaholic. This meeting is now adjourned.
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Filed under: A Little Me, Friends, Magic, Try, Updates | Tags: Goals, hobbit, new adventure, new podcast, peter dewolf, podcast
After a show, it’s usually a harsh adjustment for a performer to get back in the swing of things (aka: a life that isn’t as good as it is when involved in a show). So what did I do?
Launched myself into a new project… a podcast!
One of the best gifs ever, btw…
Technically, it’s not mine–it’s my blogger buddy Peter‘s baby. I just happened to be the first guest and the resident audio engineer for the time being.
If you want to take a listen to what Pete and I discussed in his first podcast last week, you can find all the magic here. Pretty sure that making a podcast is super fun!
The second episode is up as of this morning too! Sarah from Metamorphocity was the second guest and, though I wasn’t present, it was fun to listen to the two Canadians banter about everything from what got them into blogging, to running for Miss Canada, chicken fingers and crop circles. Tell me if you can hear their Canadian accents too.
This is not to say I’m not pursuing my new goals, I’m just adventuring into new territory, getting new experience and having a good time.
For if you can’t get off the path ahead of you to check beneath that unexpected rock, you may not ever find the treasure.
… That’s a good one. I think I’ll keep it.
Peace out!
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Filed under: Guest Blogs, Stories, Try | Tags: ashley wilhite, ashleyd, guest blog, life change, life coach, prepare, reflect, take action, transition, your super awesome life
Today I’m giving the reins to a fellow BiSCuit, blogger, vlogger and all around awesome person. In fact, she’s the mind behind “Your Super Awesome Life“–her name is Ashley, and I can’t be more pleased that she’s going to share some insight with you from her newest adventure. Please enjoy, read and respond!
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If you were to compare my life today to my life three weeks ago, it would be nearly impossible to find any similarities, except for the hot pink jeans I’m wearing. Those are just too awesome to not be a constant. But besides the pants, not much else is the same.
Three weeks ago, I was living with my best friend in Texas, cleaning out my office, and walking away from my very first 9-5 job. I was running in tank tops and going to yoga classes at the gym. I was pouring a glass of wine and saying goodbye to my childhood best friends. I was selling my bed, donating unwanted clothes to charity, and packing a suitcase. I was filled with overwhelming stress, anxiety, and sadness, mixed with a bit of excitement and joy.
Today, I am living in Canada with my boyfriend, self-employed and building a business I love. I am running in three layers with gloves and practicing yoga in the living room. I am drinking a hot cup of coffee and leaning over to kiss my love one more time (because I can). I am learning to be content with only the belongings I brought in my two suitcases. I am filled with peace, love, ever-growing acceptance.
When I made the decision to choose love and move to Canada, I knew I was on the brink of a major life change. Besides the obvious factors of living in another country and the effects that moving in together has on a relationship, there are emotional challenges that come with any transition. Preparing over the past few months and the reality of the past three weeks has taught me that transitions don’t have to feel so overwhelming.
Here are three simple ways to navigate any transition with ease:
1. Reflect
It takes insane amounts of courage to take the leap and make a transition that will alter your life. The most effective way to feel more courageous is to set aside the time to reflect upon your life, your decisions, the present moment, and the future. Grab your favorite journal or your closest friend and explore your feelings, become comfortable with the idea of failure, and begin to recognize your inner critic. Use this time to map out your expectations, erase the idea of comparison from your mind, and discover your limits. And finally, develop a way to take care of your self. Self-care is such an over-done topic, but it really is essential to your sanity. Maybe it looks like closing your personal email after 8pm, maybe it’s going for walks on Saturday morning, or maybe it’s reading a good book before bed.
2. Prepare
Preparing for your transition will increase your confidence and erase your feelings of fear and self-doubt. You can do this by outlining The Necessities, or everything you need to do before you begin your transition. Grab a pen and begin making a list. This will immediately relieve stress and help you feel more relaxed and organized. A strong support system will also boost your confidence, so gather friends, family, and mentors you can turn to when you need a little extra support.
3. Take Action
The most difficult part of any transition is actually taking the steps to move forward with intentional effort. A few easy ways to do this is by creating a routine that works with your schedule, branching out and trying new activities and hobbies, becoming a “regular” at local hangouts, and creating an accountability system for yourself.
All transitions are challenging and accompanied by feelings of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, so remember to be patient. It takes time to adjust to new situations and create a stable, fulfilling life. Be kind to yourself and know that you are incredibly brave for taking this step forward and chasing your vision of a life you love.
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Ashley Wilhite is a Life Coach who helps courageous women break free from expectations, create radical change, and begin living a bigger, bolder, more radiant, super awesome life. Whether you want to move across the country, backpack through Thailand, become a yoga instructor, end that toxic relationship, or quit your soul-sucking job, Ashley will help you change your life, one daring adventure at a time!
You can find Ashley at Your Super Awesome Life.
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Filed under: A Little Me, Dating, Relationships, Try, Updates | Tags: aurora, dating, dating profile, disney princess, finding love, love, okcupid, online dating, relationship, relationships, social
You know how when you’re around the same kinds of people, you automatically run to them when you are “seeking” something.
Well, I’m trying to step out of that. The reason? Well, number one, my best friends told me I should. And number two, I tend to start both casual relationships with performers more than any other kind of person.
For some reason (likely because of familiarity and proximity), I tend to be attracted to guys that are performers. Just how it happens. A good voice, sultry dance moves, possibly good arms and a little mystery, and I’m putty. Both shows I’ve been in since high school have resulted in backstage romances. One was fun, short and sweet. The other just happened to be the most emotionally rewarding damaging experience of my life.
So clearly I’m not looking in the right places for love.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Whoever said I was even looking for love?
*inner-Disney princess prances around*
Damn you, Aurora…
Anyways, I think everyone wants to find love at some level. My problem is that I’ve found love in other places, so I don’t necessarily feel like I’m lacking anything.
I love my family more than anything. I love my job. I have friends that I’m totally enamored with. I love that I have an opportunity to perform and share my talents in different mediums. I love that I’m finally living on my own. I love who I’ve grown to be.
And yet… a part of me still wants to find love, to find someone who gets me and can be a best friend and lover all balled up into one. And I need proof that I’m not a complete pariah who can only last three months in a relationship. I’m craving a more long-term thing… it doesn’t have to be marriage. I’m not entirely sure I’m an advocate of marriage anyway; I’m one of those women who will have a kid on my own if I’m not with someone by the time I’m 30. We’ll see if someone changes my mind. Because you never know… it could happen.
So I’m breaking out of my norms. Enter the online dating world. And cue me gulping very audibly.
Yep, it’s just a little scary. How do you know if these guys are creepers? How do you know they are telling the truth? And what the hell is up with a “Hey, what’s up?” first message? It’s like, come on! Be a little more original!
This week, I’ve read many guys’ profiles and anytime I find a spelling/grammar mistake, I feel like I don’t want to respond to their messages because they can’t even get the communication thing right.
Some people think online dating can be shallow, and they are so right. If you’re not attracted to someone’s photo or profile, it’s so easy to write someone off. Until or unless you meet them in person, you actually don’t know if you’d actually like them. If I get any negative feelings though, you can bet your bottom that I will walk out of a first meeting fast.
So far I feel like I’m merely in a small puddle attached to a very large reservoir… with a lot more to see, and a lot more fish to snatch up, release, or take home with me to bake a nice filet. Or maybe I should stop that horrible and over-used metaphor now, and get onto my writing gig that actually pays me.
Anyone else ventured into the world of online dating? What’s your experience been like? Any pointers for a newbie?
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Filed under: A Little Me, Blips, Dreams, Imagine, Music, NaNoWriMo, On Stage, Plays/Musicals, Remembering, Singing, Song Writing, Try, Writing | Tags: 2012, audition, fiction, hes not there, mikael short, music, nanowrimo, performing, recap, reflecting, Singing, single release, Song Writing, theatre, writing
Can you believe 2012 is almost over? I know for sure that I can barely believe it. Each year passes and I feel like more and more happens each time a New Year comes around.
Memo to Father Time: SLOW DOWN! A girl needs a chance to figure out what’s going on before she can go forward!
For me, 2012 turned out to be the year of picking passions, finding what those passions truly are and getting out of my shell to go after them. Inspired by one of my blog crushes, here is my “Eff Yeah!” list for 2012 in a reflection of what’s happened:
I started the year with four part-time jobs: Production/Social Media Intern at PCTV, Production Assistant at ABC 4 News, Communications Intern at the Salt Lake Chamber and I held down my monthly newsletter gig at Sinclair Oil Corporation. It’s okay my romantic life was in complete shambles because I had all of these to keep me completely occupied and distracted for nearly 70 hours a week in five days. And then spending every available moment with friends. And I effing owned all of my part-time jobs–to the point where PCTV and ABC 4 were both sad to lose me. One to the end of the internship, the other because I felt restricted in following my performing passions.
Performing totally trumps TV aspirations. They came first and I love it more, just saying. There are other ways I can do what I love without working in the news biz.
So I started auditioning at Hale Centre Theatre for every single show after I quit at the news station. It’s my “big fish” theatre. I will perform there one day. My time just hasn’t come yet.
In July, I was promoted to Communications Coordinator at the Chamber, and I’m still thrilled about it. My job is so much fun! It’s all writing, editing, research, social media, building websites and emails, and–get this–a magazine. Cool, right? Plus, it’s all deadlines and we all know how much I heart those. I work with some incredible people, and that never hurts either. It’s just a good gig all around.
Thanks to that promotion, and the kick-in-the-pants motivation that participating in VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August) gave me, I knuckled down in finding my own place. As luck would have it, I managed to rent the second master suite in a gorgeous town home from a super chill girl for six months (in my third currently). Moving out of my parents house is most definitely an “eff yeah” moment! Now I’m looking forward to having my own place in 2013!
As far as virtual life goes, I’m nearly done with my 365 days over at Something Write (will wrap up just after the New Year, but will likely continue to post something on there every day–I like it), I completed VEDA in August, and finished over 51,000 words of my dragon novel for NaNoWriMo. I’m a winner! :)
And then music? It’s gone better than getting into a show… I’ve been working more on the music aspect rather than lyrics, so I’ve laid down or composed more music for a handful of songs in the works. Just a couple of weeks ago, my single “He’s Not There” was released on practically all of the music distribution sites you can think of, like iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon MP3, Spotify, etc. It’s pretty rad. Go have a listen! :D
Along the lines of that, I also started a new “performing” website for myself. It’s going to be one of a couple that I will go into more detail on in my next post. ;)
To cap off several auditions at Hale, I finally decided to start auditioning for other theaters back in October. Figured it would be good experience and odds weren’t bad that I could get cast in other theaters (breaking into Hale is a bee-yotch even when you know someone in management)–because hey! I’m pretty talented and I know it (cue LMFAO dance). And now I’ve been cast in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, to show in March! Auditions can pay off if you stick with it and keep trying!
Even though things got rough when my step-sister passed away last month, that encouraged me to do everything I want to do as soon as I can do it, and also to give and share as much as possible… because you really never know when your time will be up. It was hard on Christmas Day when I realized I wouldn’t hear her voice again. Though we did have our differences, she was an incredible, intelligent and very caring woman.
Other “Eff Yeah!” moments:
- Having the most awesome friends a girl could ask for. The Amazeballs Trio–any moment with them qualifies as an “Eff Yeah!” moment.
- Reaching 500 subscribers on YouTube.
- Nabbing the Booty Shaking title at the Flamingo Pool in Las Vegas over BiSC.
- Participating in The Middle Finger Project‘s Copywriting Workshop over the summer and learned a ton.
- Watching all three seasons of Vampire Diaries in less than one month. Yes, that is so an accomplishment.
- Surviving a potential bomb situation.
- Getting over my unicorn.
- Conquering the Adventure Rope Courses at the Utah Olympic Park.
- Our CEO liking the speech script I wrote, and also immediately signing off on my text for our holiday card–aka: rocking my job. Booyah!
- Learning to cook!
- Managing to leave an imprint of my sweaty boobs on my friend’s TV. It was epic.
- Trying new restaurants, foods and flavors and enjoying it. For someone who used to only eat ramen and mac & cheese as a kid, this has been quite the endeavor.
- Learning how to properly uncork a wine bottle.
- Reading over 20 books this entire year.
And I kind of feel like I’m a master now. Can I have a badge?
Up next: I’m mapping out my goals for 2013. And I have plenty! You should join me for some. ;)
Who’s ready for an amazing 2013? And what was your favorite thing about 2012?
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Filed under: A Little Me, Health, On Stage, Plays/Musicals, Try | Tags: audition, christmas carol, hale, hale centre theatre, sick
Today a coworker asked me, “Are you sick?”
No, I’m just hacking up a lung because I think it’s fun!
Seriously, I don’t know how everyone in my office hasn’t heard my incessant coughing attacks over the past few days.
It better stop by Saturday though. Girl’s got an audition!
Yep, it’s the time for A Christmas Carol auditions. Again. And up until last week, I thought this was going to be my big shot–my time to finally get cast in a Hale production. Not only that, but it would turn my yearly tradition of seeing it into a dream come true for actually being in my tradition (if that makes sense).
And then I got sick.
What kind of sick cosmos is this???
At the very least, I’m glad I can carry a tune that sounds decent right now despite the coughing. Last week, that was not the case.
Least to say, I need my voice this weekend. My audition is counting on it.
If I don’t get in this show… I may just keel over and die a very slow, agonizing death. It will be the upteenth seventh or eighth Hale production I’ve auditioned for in the last two years. I need to freakin’ get into a show there! It’s my Utah Hollywood!
On an up note, the director likes me thinks I’m really talented and that I need to keep auditioning at Hale. He told me this at a concert at which I bumped into him. That’s why my fingers are crossed so tightly, I may need an orthopedic surgeon to detach them.
I’m scared I’m not going to be able to do my best because of this illness, and that kills me.
So will this be my chance at a dream come true? Or my chance to embarrass myself by coughing through my audition?
Let’s hope it’s not the latter…
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Filed under: A Little Me, Friends, On Stage, Plays/Musicals, Try, Venting | Tags: anxiety, audition, call back, callback, casting, musical, play, theatre
Ever feel like you climb, you struggle and work your way to the top of the mountain? At first you admire the view. It’s beautiful. It’s awe-inspiring. It’s all you wanted and expected.
And then you look down and there’s the highest and steepest cliff you’ve ever seen. The realization hits that’s the only way down aside from going back the way you came… but you don’t want to suffer up that steep slope again. So the only way down is to jump… or fall.
The struggles in this case: endless anxiety, a bruised finger, a body beaten to a pulp, having an ego smashed not to mention an off-topic vulture that still circles overhead, still drawing my attention.
The clincher here is that I had an accomplice on my way up the mountain. The only difference is that he was rescued by helicopter that left me behind since it apparently had room only for one passenger. That made the precipice much more daunting. I can’t know how my journey ends, but I have a good feeling that my accomplice will make it back safely.
I can be happy for him all I want–which I am. I’m so glad he got off the mountain and is heading likely to something wonderful. He’s one of the most talented people that I’ve ever met; he deserves to make it. That doesn’t mean I’m not scared for what will happen to me though.
Should I stop with the metaphor now and just tell you what’s up?
Last week, I auditioned for two shows — Aida at Sandy Amphitheater and 9 to 5: The Musical at Hale. It was my fifth audition at Hale (usually takes a few tries) and Sandy is a familiar spot. Both initial auditions went extremely well–like at my Aida audition, I haven’t felt that good about an audition in a long time. Got called back for both shows, which coincidentally took place back-to-back on Saturday. My odds for getting a decent role seemed pretty high.
Callbacks even went well too. The dance audition for Aida was amazingly fun, but left me agonizingly sore since I put everything I had into the combos (all about the passion, ya’ll). The ones for 9 to 5 even seemed promising. My singing trio was easily one of the stronger ones and I thought I did my mini-monologue really authentically.
Now the uncertainty is wracking me and it’s driving me wild with knowing whether I’m cast or not, either ensemble or otherwise for either Aida or 9 to 5. My buddy got past the initial callbacks for both shows, and it doing more callbacks tonight (Tuesday).
Meanwhile, I’m sitting home with a 2-inch-bottle of Blood Orange Skyy leftover from BiSC (making me feel even more nostalgic), 7 Up and a box of kleenex, and recording masterpieces like this:
while waiting for my buddy to call and tell me how his callbacks have gone. Oh, and listening to that song on repeat to remind myself that I’m talented enough to be cast in something.
We are still together in the journey… he’s just getting off the ledge sooner than I am (he got second callbacks to both shows, whereas I didn’t) and is on his way. But he will have to dangle for a while too. In a way, we are both at some kind of a precipice, but at least he can do something about it for now. I’m left to wait and wonder. I can’t wait until we are both in that place again. In fact, I can’t wait to not wait anymore.
It doesn’t help that my last day at ABC 4 is on Thursday, and one of my main reasons for quitting was so I could participate in a show. The things we’ll do for our passions…
Now this anxiety will surely kill me. I hope a helicopter comes really soon or I may jump or beckon the vulture to come take another swipe at me since clearly I can’t do enough damage myself.
AM I CAST OR NOT?
(deja vu much?)
—
PS: I know I’m overreacting and that I’m being melodramatic… just please let me be melodramatic. Friday seriously cannot come fast enough at this rate.
Buddy Update: I wrote this before he called, and he called much later last night. His callbacks went really well, it sounds like. I can’t imagine how torn he must feel especially if he were to get offered good roles in both shows… He may be in a harder spot than me at this point. Keeping my fingers crossed for him to have to make an easier decision rather than a hard one.
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Filed under: A Little Me, Good Things, On Stage, Plays/Musicals, Try, Updates | Tags: audition, connections, networking
Let me say this to start … having connections is the key to getting just about anything.
Seriously. Get to know many different people, say hi, care and be genuinely interested, follow up–then get them to introduce you to more people. You never know what kind of opportunities those connections can give you. It’s called networking.
Exhibit A: Thanks to my fabulous Sports Information internship during college, I met a producer from ABC 4 where I interned last summer… and now currently have a job.
Exhibit B: Thanks to my part-time assistant job I held through the winter, I was able to tell my friend (who was looking for another day care-like job) that my employer was looking for someone in just that field. She was hired.
Exhibit C: Thanks to my mom’s birthday party, I met this man who started his own company and I put him in contact with the people at PCTV. They featured him today to promote his business on the Mountain Morning Show.
Now I know those are job-like examples, but there are plenty other things you can get simply by knowing someone. Mind boggling, right?
So today, I’m at one of my jobs and I run into the contact my aunt introduced me to. He’s near the top of the food chain at Hale Centre Theatre so he knows about auditions and such. He’s the one who told my aunt that I nearly made the cut for The Christmas Carol last fall. Today, he informed me that they grade initial auditions and only those at the top get called back. I was in that group for both TCC and The Sound of Music. He said they thought I did really well this time around too…
And that’s why I’m not giving up on Hale. I’m pretty sure I didn’t get cast in TSoM, but I have a feeling my work schedule could be a turn-off since I work Wednesday-Friday evenings (but I did say that it could be flexible on my availability). I think next time, I just won’t mention my work schedule (hopefully it will change by then) and see what happens. ;)
The next audition at Hale is Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 Musical in June. I’m so down I’m like a puddle! You can bet I will be there. I’m already figuring out what could be a good audition piece.
So knowing people can be a good thing in gaining opportunities and also getting the inside scoop. You’re part of the “A” team/list/group so why not use that to both help yourself and others? Nothing wrong with that!
How do you feel about networking to get what you want?
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That’s IT! The bug is killing me. You know… that bug that I completely failed to scratch out of my skin in January. And I just can’t take it anymore! So, I’ve made up my mind.
I’m going to audition for Hale Center Theatre’s Sound of Music next weekend. You can’t talk me out of it now!
Remember when I auditioned for A Christmas Carol at Hale last fall and barely missed the cut? Well, my new job at the Salt Lake Chamber introduced me to that insider that told me aunt who told me that the casting directors thought I did really well. He said I should most definitely audition. So I’m doing it!
Never mind the fact that I work 60 hours a week. Never mind the fact that I work Wednesday – Friday nights (I’m going to see if that’s negotiable). Never mind the fact that I’d like to have a decent social life as well as time to workout.
I need to be performing!
I’m meeting with my university vocal coach on Tuesday for a quick lesson so I’ll be all top-notch ready and everything. Gotta pick a song first though… Can’t decide between “Hello, Young Lovers” from The King and I or “It Might As Well Be Spring” from State Fair. I’m leaning towards the latter, but we’ll see.
So I’m auditioning. And that’s that.
BYE!
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I’ve decided to join in the “tribe”–as one of my bosses called it–taking part in Lent.
What I’m giving up? Those sweets that I eat too much of. You know… those processed sugars and soda. Granted, I don’t drink that much soda but I need to just stop all-together and these 40 days would be a good time to cut it out again. Basically, no more snacks from the vending machine at work unless it’s pretzels (I usually get Twix or KitKats).
The biggest challenge with this will be all the treats that my family tends to buy though. For example, right now a delicious lemon cake that I happen to love (and have a haunting past with) along with mini-cupcakes are sitting on our kitchen counter. MUST RESIST!
With how much I am working, my workouts are much more limited than before so I think this modification for the next 40 days will help train me to eat better anyways so my body doesn’t go away. I love it too much to have it leave me “hanging out”.
Meghan left a great comment yesterday, adding insight to Lent and also talking about how she adds in positive behaviors during those 40 days… I may take a leaf out of her book once I decide which positive behavior I have the capacity to add. :D
MikShorty 
