Baby, I Can Coach

Coaching Bound

Over Spring Break, I found a job directing a kids' theatre camp. Working with ages 6-13, my personality was gentle enough for the little ones, my undercut was cool enough for the older ones and my yell overwhelming enough for the rowdy ones. It was a bizarre experience getting back into a classroom setting. Directing alongside another girl who'd "graduated" from the camp in previous years, she made me aware that yes, we're putting in "ALL" lines so that everyone had something to say; yes, we have a set schedule to stick to for rehearsals and activities; and yes, we are meant to join the kids during pool time. It was nice to have her handle the organisation as I threw myself at the creative process. The week was enlightening in so many ways, and I also didn't mind being bombarded by the young ones in the pool. 

This experience is one of many this year when I realised I quite enjoy coaching and directing. This doesn't come as a surprise, but it is welcome amidst the auditions and structureless days that I'm experiencing at the moment. As I've said before and I'll say it again: directing, teaching, performing, whatever it is to be creative in theatre, I will throw my heart at it (it's time to get back into writing).

Lucky me, I picked up an exceptional student for private lessons. In her first session, I really pushed her comfort zone, throwing new techniques at her both in singing and acting. By the end of it, I was satisfied with her improvements and glad with our achievements, but she was so uncertain about the experience that she didn't sing for the audition we had prepared her for. Her mother encouraged her to come back as another audition was around the corner. Despite her reserve, when she came back she had a better understanding of what to expect. We workshopped one song, and then one more, both of which I would happily receive if I were on the panel. She got a callback and so came for another session. Again, I was floored by her progress and talent, and she made it to the final round of cuts (we are still waiting to hear the decision; and yes, it's a professional production).

Through these teaching experiences, some life has been jolted back into me. I've really enjoyed mentoring these kids, giving them the instruction I wish I'd had at their age, having full trust in the training I received at RWCMD. We don't cultivate theatregoers, we cultivate theatre makers. The difference is astounding, and I want to impart this difference to every student I teach. 

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Other Things

I'm sorry for not writing in a while; in posts past, I've definitely felt impetus to write, a jolt of passion that helps me formulate the idea into words. Until today, I haven't forced myself to sit and write, hoping that the inspiration might come to me in time. The duration became long enough that I realised I must force myself to sit down and write. It's a bizarre place to be in, as writing seems such a true and easy extension of myself. Well, writing about not being able to write is at least productive. I'm sorry that was longwinded.

Rick is coming to visit in June. A lot of our conversations are gearing up to the big day when he arrives, when I'll pick him up from the airport in a bit of a summer daze. I wonder whether this is the stupidest thing I've done, investing in a long distance relationship. Of course, there's no one in the world quite like Rick, but I am also weary of having my family spread too thinly across continents, and I don't want that outcome for him. For now, let's throw caution to the wind and just go with it. Life takes us to the unexpected and these risks may very well be worth it, especially when this relationship, where R&I are right now, is intended. We've passed the one-year milestone, and I love him. Go us!

Lead Us Where We Need to Go

One last thing? I'm still performing, still auditioning, still trying (and failing) to find some semblance of a sense of style. Are Tevas ever going to be in? Here's an exception to the rule, when +Grace Tatlonghari dresses me.

Oakrest Gala Night, 2017