Chicago Rehearsal Update!

Today I had rehearsal for Chicago!!!! Today was the first day I had lines and solos in the show! I have a sinus infection, which was a minor setback, but I was just so excited to prove to the directors that I was a good choice for my role! The role I have is different from anything I have ever played! She is a soprano and has a wild personality! I was so excited to sing and act for my cast. When it was time to sing the song I have lines in, I was so ready. I sang my part for the class and I got great feedback from the music director. He gave me great tips on how to combine my action and singing. When we staged the song I sing in, I got to do my lines in front of the directors for the first time. It was so fun to act as someone that is so different from me and just have fun with it.

I feel that this aligns with CAS Learning Outcome 1, identify own strengths and develop areas for growth. I got so much great and helpful tips and constructive criticism that I think I will be able to portraythis role very well! I am excited to see how the show turns out and I am excited to have fun with this role!

First Day at Clemente Martinez!!!

Last week I received an email that Hope Stone, the organization I intern with, is no longer teaching at Browning Elementary. I was devastated because I had bonded so much with the kids there and wanted to return and see how much my students have grown over the summer. I was informed that Hope Stone's program was being moved to Clemente Martinez Elementary School, just down the road from Browning. Instead of teaching 4th grade ukulele and 5th grade guitar, I was told I was teaching a mixed 4th and 5th grade guitar. It was going to be shift, but I was excited for a new experience and the opportunity to impact more children.

The first day went very well! The group of kids I have is amazing! They all seem interested and willing to learn! To me this whole shift aligns with Learning Outcome #4, demonstrating that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I will admit that shifting schools in such a short period of time was challenging, but I learned how to adapt and think on my feet!

I am excited to see these new students grow!!!!

Dancing at Chicago Rehearsal

Today was our third rehearsal for Chicago. We finished the opening number and started learning the dances to the next two songs in the show. Dancing has never been my strongest suit. Out of the three components of musical theatre, singing, acting and dancing, dancing is my weakest. Chicago has really broadened my horizons in recognizing my dance skill. It has also allowed me to practice, grow and improve my dance skills in a safe and supportive environment. The dance style for Chicago, fosse, is very style specific and pretty technical. Although it is difficult, I am enjoying the process of learning and practicing this new style that I have never experienced. This connects to Learning Outcome #2, Demonstrating that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I have struggled the past few weeks with learning the dance steps and keeping up with the choreographer, but I am learning and improving with time. I love learning new skills in an environment where I know I am supported and encouraged to step out of my comfort zone.