Unique in New York (The Sequel to Sex in the City)

Well hi folks! Back for some more nuggets of wisdom? Awesome- but I figured this week I might just try to start with more normal stuff about me, for those of you who might be feeling out of place reading a blog that is currently dwelling on theatre quite a bit. I know I started this blog off by telling you I am at the very beginning of the process of figuring out who I am, but here is what I can tell you so far. I love my friends- they are my home away from home and a huge support base for me. 

We are all actors, so we all have eccentric personalities, and it is always a barrel of laughs every time we all get together.

Then there is my family- they are amazing and I love them more than words can describe.

What a good looking group!!

A huge part of my life, that always gets me through when nothing else can....

I am so serious.

A Doritos Locos Taco and Chicken Burrito- can make my life any day of the week. Look- I never promoted this as a healthy blog!

Ok- so now on to what I suspect  you are actually here for: Words of Wisdom with Susan Stroman.

Now, for those of you who don't know who Susan is, here are some of her credentials: 

Five time tony winning Director Choreographer of many shows, including: The Producers, Contact, Crazy for You, Show Boat, Oklahoma!, Young Frankenstein, The Frogs, Music Man, and many many more. An unbelievably talented and passionate woman who has dedicated her life to theatre, and has inspired many other people to do the same.

Now on to what I learned from her: 

• If there is something you want... ASK! The worst they can say is "No." Disclosure: This is how Susan got her first professional directing job with the musical "Contact." It was a show that didn't do so well its first run, and Susan decided to ask the writers if she could re-do the show, and they let her! And it is all history from there!

It's an amazing show- If you like Jazz music- definitely look into it.

• Remember: ALL forms of art are about storytelling.
• You must be PREPARED for that lucky break. If you haven't taken the necessary classes, if you haven't dedicated your time- then that big break, won't be lucky- and who knows when another one will come along?!
• When you are low, (after a break up, didn't get the callback, just one of those days) those are the times when you should always be challenging yourself.
• Always think forward- don't dwell in the past, because you will never progress.
• Helpful Hint: Susan Stroman most values fearlessness from auditioners. 
• In Dance Auditions: Do a CLEAN SINGLE over a DIRTY DOUBLE!!! (Speaking in terms of turns or spins or whatever they are called... I'm one of those people who need to practice dance)

• Being an understander and observer of people will help you the most, not only in art, but in life.
• The more you know about every department in any career you choose, the better your work will be, because you will know and value what is required everyone around you.
• In New York, you cannot be a Jack of all trades- you must be a King of one. As a general rule, you will not be successful if you try to direct, and act, and design costumes. All of these are awesome things to want to do, but to really be successful, you should only be one.
• In terms of being happy during a performance: only read a review once and move on. Don't study it and dwell on it.
• But you must always remember: the audience is the last element you add to any performance. They are a necessary part of art- and you must listen to what they have to say- you can't ignore them! Read the review and take what you can from it- but don't let it rule your performance, but let it influence it. (Super deep right?)

She left us with the the advice to always try and learn as much as possible!!

Next week I will be sharing: Vocal Performance Tips with Stacia Fernandez, and I will share some of the song choices my talented friends made, and maybe you'll decide to try some of them. I will also give a stab at reviewing the performance we saw: Evita. Hope to see you there!!!