Final Thoughts on HSOW

I just finished going through customs at the Halifax airport and am waiting for my flight to Chicago and then I'll fly from Chicago to Dayton.  Yesterday was a wonderful show and I'm so proud of how the trio went (and glad that it was being recorded!).

During the school year you are constantly multitasking, working on classes, working a job, AND being in an opera.  The joy of a summer program is that it is your only focus, you are just doing an opera so you can put all of your time and energy into it. 

What was wonderful about HSOW was that from the very start everything was seen as a positive learning experience.  Even though I was one of the youngest female voices at the program, I never felt unwelcome or like I wasn't as good as other people there.  There was never an ounce of caddiness or malice within the casts or between anyone in the program (that I saw).  There was also a sense that this was your show and your role, the two Antonia's were completely different, even though the blocking and costumes were the same, it was nice that the director did not have a vision for how everything had to be, you were allowed to be an artist and make your own choices.

If you asked me two weeks ago if I want to come back to HSOW, I would have said, "sure".  But now after going through the entire program and seeing the final product (which is a wonderful show), I would not hesitate to come back.  While I am looking at different programs for next year, if I ended up going back to HSOW it would be great and I would not have any regrets (plus the rep they are thinking about doing next year is pretty awesome).

The other great thing about HSOW is the price, it is by far one of the most affordable opera programs that I've come across.  While there are companies that pay you (which is awesome) sometimes you aren't ready for those companies and need more experience.  Out of all the programs I was accepted to, HSOW was the most affordable PLUS you get to spend the end of summer in Nova Scotia...which is absolutely beautiful and a LOT LOT LOT less hot than Ohio.  The other costs you have to keep in mind are flying, housing, and buying food in canadian dollars with canadian sales tax.  But in comparing prices, the difference really isn't much, and it probably is still a better deal to be here.

So between the casts, directors, costs, sets, lighting, costumes, artistry, and so much more I would recommend HSOW to anyone looking for a summer program.

Leaving this program is bittersweet, I'm excited to start rehearsals for Le Nozze di Figaro in a week, and to see my friends and family, but I will miss this.

.....this blog took less time than I thought....bleh, I'm ready to just get on my plane, I'm hungry.

Day 30: A picture of someone you miss.

I'm going to recycle a picture, because I still miss these same people!!  (But I'm guessing while I'm on the flight I'm going to start missing people @ HSOW).

Lobster!

Yesterday was basically the last day I got to explore Halifax, the big thing Tamara and I planned to do was finally got out for lobster.  There is this restaurant called Salty's which is right on the water that Maureen had recommended to us.  (picture is the view from our table)

There were two choices that we were debating, one was the full lobster, and the other was the surf and turf which was half a lobster and a steak (and potatoes, veggies, etc.) so since neither of us had ever had lobster we decided to go with the surf and turf.  OMG it was BEYOND delicious. 

The meat was like cooked perfectly and the lobster tasted so good.  It was good though that we just got the little one, because neither of us would have known how to get the meat out of a full lobster.  The entire meal was just like literally perfect.  And considering the quality of the food and service it wasn't THAT expensive.  I'd love for my parents and uncle and aunt to be able to come up here sometime.  Nothing quite like lobster that is caught in the harbour right outside.

After dinner we did a little bit of shopping, since the restaurant was on the other side of town we ended up missing The Magic Flute (sorry guys!).  So I had to get some cards for the stage director and music director.  We also went to an ice cream place called COWS which I literally couldn't eat because it was SO good and I was SO full haha.  But the COWS location on Prince Edward Island is considered the best ice cream in the world.

Next time I'm in Nova Scotia I think I'm going to try and schedule a flight or roadtrip with other people to go to Prince Edward Island (the home of Anne of Green Gables).  Its not THAT far it's mainly that I don't have access to a vehicle.  Maybe next year other people will want to band together and take a trip! I mean who doesn't want to see a bunch of touristy stuff related to this little girl...

Today is the final performance of both The Tales of Hoffmann and The Magic Flute.  It's so bittersweet, I'm excited to come back to the states and see my friends and family (and stop paying these RIDICULOUS sales taxes), but I am sad to leave the new friends that I've made and to close this wonderful show. 

Day 29: A picture of something that can always make you smile. (I'm a nerd and you'll probably have to click it to actually be able to read it).

Closing of the Port Cast

After I woke up I went to the gym, now when I got here I bought a gym pass for a month, that wasn't expensive...until you add in the 15% sales tax that's required in Halifax...so I'm now trying to get the most out of my gym pass.  So yesterday I went to the gym around 11:00am and did my usual workout and then went to a spinning class...and I feel it...in a good way.  But yea it was fun, wish that group fitness classes didn't cost extra fees at BG and Miami.

Then I basically just relaxed until I went to head over to Dalhousie to do the show.  I got there around 5:30 (so basically way too early) and just hung out with Nick, Darrell, Max, and Maureen until about 6:15 when I finally went in and began to get ready.  It really doesn't take that long to get ready, especially because I have a handy hairagami (I sound like an infomercial).  But after I did my hair and makeup I turned around and realized that part of my costume was missing because it had ripped (it got stepped on) so I had to wait a little longer to get dressed...but for the girls it almost doesn't matter when we get ready, because none of us go on until Act 1, so we have the entire hour before the show starts, plus another...20 minutes? 30?  Something like that.

So the show began and everything went pretty well, the adrenaline was a little high I think which was causing a few mistakes, but nothing terrible.  After the first 2 acts were over I went over to stage left so that I could help Sarah (Antonia's Mother for the Port Cast) put on her 15 foot train.  After we did this she realized she had left the belt in the dressing room, so I had about 2 minutes to run behind the stage (as quietly as possible...in character shoes) to grab the belt, because without it you would see all of the ties we have to use to put on the train.  But I got back in time for her to put on the belt and for us all to calm down a bit.

The whole show went really well, I think the adrenaline rush made people make mistakes they don't usually make..BUT I think that only people who know the show incredibly well would notice the mistakes, like since I've been doing the show for nearly a month, I know it pretty well (because it plays through my head...all the damn time).  All and all it was wonderful and very well received by a pretty big audience.

Today we have off, so Tamara and I are going to go and finally get lobster and then go see The Magic Flute's final port performance.  Then on Saturday is my last performance as Antonia's Mother as well as the closing night for Magic Flute.  Very bittersweet.

EDIT: THERE ARE NOW VIDEOS UP FROM LAST NIGHT'S PERFORMANCE!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/halifaxoperaworkshop
Day 28: A picture of something you are afraid of.

Cabaret Night

We had our cabaret night yesterday which was basically the highlight of the day, my days when we don't do anything are pretty much just practicing, exercising, and napping.  But I did take a picture of Canadian Peanut Butter because its SO adorable!!

I decided to walk over to practice and get ready for the cabaret night then mapquest said it was just under 2 miles to the location so I was like, "Oh no problem I can totally walk that" so I wrote down the directions and after I warmed up I decided to head over....

Okay biggest problem with Halifax is that not all the streets are labeled.  So I got about halfway there and had NO idea where I was...while I've been here I basically haven't traveled north of Spring Garden because...I didn't have to, the basilica is on spring garden, all the good shops are on spring garden, same with restaurants, and the ocean harbour is just further down the road.  Also when I realized I had no idea where I was and NO idea where my next turn was (pretty sure I missed it) I was in a shitttttttttttty neighborhood (also it was raining...greaaaaat).  So finally I walked and walked and got to Gottingen Street...and was like "Oh...well that's the street that the bar is on" and there was a staples so I went in and asked how to get to this bar and they told me it was just a few more blocks down the street on the other side AND that there was a green light outside (PERFECT! A landmark!!).  So about five minutes later I got there.

The bar was actually really nice inside, there were like little lounges everywhere and a nice little stage, and the NICEST employees.  Bunnie (Andrew) was the host for the cabaret which was a lot of fun since he kept doing costume changes and being a hilarious M.C.

I'm going to see if I remember everything people sang...it won't be in order, and I may forget some! But here's my attempt (this will be interesting):

ME singing "Va! Laisse Couler Mes Larmes"
Katy: Mozart's "Alleluia"
Kelsey: something about laying your head down
Will: something from Parade about red hills...
Carl: Pourquoi me reveiller
Andrew (as Bunnie): When You're Good to Mama
Sarah: Violin Aria
Jen: something in spanish...i think
Sharon: Lucy's Aria
Tracy: I love a piano
Tracey: Summer
Shilpa: Hotel (Poulenc)
Daniel: Oh is there not one maiden breast
Max: Shiksa Goddess
Victoria B: something in spanish (i can't keep up with the spanish...)
Victoria M: something by a canadian composer
Nina: Alto's Lament
GaRRy: something from a musical
David: something hilarious that I didn't catch the name of

I think that was it! Anyway it was a really fun little concert and we got some donations which was great!  After that there was music (but it kept skipping so it stopped being fun when the music stopped).  But we all had a good time I think :) 

I decided to cab back afterward because it was still sort of raining...and I didn't want to walk back at night and attempt to find my dorm, plus a cab was only like 8 bucks so may as well splurge.

Today is our show! Tonight I'm in the chorus but it should be so fun and exciting to get back into it.

Day 27: A picture of you and a family member.  HAHAHAHA Katie....

Spinning

I started off yesterday as usual getting some Tim Horton's and going to the gym for a little bit, I'm trying to get in really good habits while I'm here so that I go more during the year.  So that was fun and then afterward I showered.  Usually in the morning I also facebook chat with some of my friends...but facebook chat is officially the WORST thing in the world.  Seriously, it told me that no one was online ALL day, but I'm sure that was false.  Finally I messaged Chelsea and just assumed she was online and was CORRECT but it was still really slow, so we just used skype instead.

After my shower I headed over to the university to practice and have a session with the pianist for the cabaret night.  I'm singing "Va! Laisse Couler Mes Larmes" and its pretty hard to screw up that piece, and she played it really well, so we didn't really have that much to do, and I'm excited to perform it today!

Then I headed back to my dorm, my voice was feeling a little funny so I wanted to try and take it easy for a while.  So I tried to nap but didn't succeed so at 5:30 I went to a spinning class...and I am STILL feeling it.  Man I always forget how good of a workout those classes are, I'll probably start going during the school year just to make myself work harder (because it is always a little too tempting to turn the elliptical resistance down).

Basically...my days are still pretty boring haha, since we don't have rehearsal we are really on our own and I think most of us are just taking a good break, which is important, so Thursday/Saturday's shows will feel fresh.

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

ugh these questions get too big sometimes...I'll go with literacy and family

Rain rain go away...

Yesterday after I woke up I ate breakfast and went to the gym and it wasn't raining...but by the time I showered and was about to walk over to the university to practice it was.  Then I walked over and it was just like...kind of raining.  Like enough that an umbrella is good enough.  So I went and practiced the stuff for Cherubino a little bit more, about 2 hours later I was getting a little tired so I decided to head out.  When I walked out the door it was pouring rain.  So I went and grabbed food because I wasn't about to walk through a huge storm and not eat at the end of it. 

By the time I got back to St. Mary's I was completely soaked...I'm pretty sure my shoes are still soaked too.  Umbrellas were of almost zero help....actually most people I saw on the street weren't even bothering with any umbrella. 

Basically when its raining that much...all you can do is sleep haha.

In a nutshell....yesterday was incredibly boring because I was soaked and sleepy.

Today I'll probably eat and work out soon then head over to the university because I still have lots of work to do on Cherubino and I have a practice session with the accompanist for the cabaret night on Wednesday.

Day 25: A picture of  your day. (well I'm making this yesterday seeing as I just woke up)

my lunch and dinner...most exciting part of my day.

Sunday Sunday

As I said in yesterdays blog I was rudely interrupted by a fire alarm in my building at 7:30 in the morning.  Now...I live on the 19th floor so fire alarms are beyond terrible because you have to climb down 19 flights of stairs to get outside.  Turns out that two other castmates live down the hall by this guy who was using a ricemaker and fell asleep while making it and so it starting smoking and nearly caught fire (because he ALSO has a propane mini grill in his room!!!).  So the people at St. Mary's go up there and basically just told him "Well...make sure you open the window next time honey.  Thanks"  I'm like....SERIOUSLY!! Ugh...madness I say!

Well after that I could not fall asleep so I went and showered and walked downtown to go to church at the St. Mary's Catholic Basilica which is gorgeous.  I mean....beyond beautiful and huge.  And on the way I ran into Daniel who plays Monostatos in Magic Flute so we went to church together which was nice. I'll have to go back at some point this week to take pictures of the inside...I can't even describe it.  After church he and I went to lunch at Gatsby's which is a pretty good pizza/burger place downtown, and then he ran off because it was almost call time for Flute.

Now by this time, I was tired.  While I was awake at 7:30...I wasn't REALLY awake, I slowly wake up so being rudely moved outside did not go well.  So I went back to the dorm to get a few hours of sleep before the party that evening.  Around 7:15 Tamara and I headed over to a house where 4 people in the program live.  The party was a lot of fun, a lot of people were there and having a good time, don't know if we'll have another party before I fly back, the cast party is the night I'm flying back so I won't be there for it. (Picture: Tara and I at the party, she is Pamina in The Magic Flute).

Today I don't have any for sure plans, I'm planning to go over to the university to get a bit of work done in the late morning/early afternoon.  And then basically just chill out.  Then I think Tuesday we're having a cast picnic in the park which will be nice.

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change.

How shy I am before I get to know people/when I'm in a large group.

My opening night!

Yesterday I went to go see The Magic Flute which was really enjoyable.  The three ladies sounded so good!!! And the queen of the night was so stunning in both of her arias (and she's so nice in person!).  I don't think it's possible to have a more creepy Monostatos, and Sarastro's low notes were beyond impressive.  Then (of course) Pamina and Tamino were wonderful.  The show stealer (as with most productions) was Papageno, his acting was superb and so hilarious through the entire show. 

Then after a quick dinner I went to go keep warming up and get ready for the opening night for the starboard cast where I sing Antonia's Mother.  I felt pretty good about it but then we heard that the magazine Opera Canada was going to be there, that's when the nerves started to hit a little bit more.  Opera Canada is sort of a mix between the american magazines Classical Singer and Opera News...so while no one I know would actually be reading the review...I still want the review to be good.

The biggest problem with the role of Antonia and Antonia's Mother is that you are waiting for so long.  It takes me literally an hour TOPS to get ready, so the rest of the time I'm sitting there.  I snuck out during the 2nd act to sing a little bit more just to remind myself that "Oh yea...you have a voice...it's still there" and then finally act 3 arrived.  Beth delivered a PERFECT "Elle a fui" and before I knew it, it was time for the trio.  Now...the trio itself (for me) is not that hard...BUT the first note of the trio is.  You have to pull a D# out of thin air which sits ever so nicely on the passagio (sarcasm).  But last night David sang "Ecoute" and I walked out and those D#'s calling Antonia's name came out so wonderfully, probably (for me) the best they've sounded since I've been here.  After those D#'s its all a downhill ride where you can really just sing.  And by the end of the trio when Antonia is actually dying because of myself and Dr. Miracle, and then we walk off stage in triumph, the entire front row was in tears.  Really amazing.

I really do love that after the shows a lot of The Magic Flute cast is waiting outside to congratulate everyone.  Literally as soon as you open the door from the backstage area there is a burst of applause and hugs, it's really been a great environment to work in.  It's not with every show that you have this kind of support from fellow musicians.

After such a great performance by the entire cast (really...it was phenomenal) I am VERY excited to see the review from Opera Canada.  While I'm not anticipating being praised, I really do think that they had to have liked the show.  The other reviewer came to the first nights show and if you are interested in reading his review here is the link: http://thechronicleherald.ca/ArtsLife/1257145.html

P.S. My blogging was just RUDELY interrupted by a fire alarm in my building where I had to walk down 19 flights of stairs because some jerk on my floor burnt his toast.

Day 23: A picture of your favorite book.

(as IF I can pick just one)

As well as (but not limited to): Fight Club, Choke, Water for Elephants, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, The Hunger Games, Looking for Alaska, Angels and Demons, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress...the list goes on.

Opening Night!

Yesterday I made sure to sleep a good bit before the opening of our show, this show is 3 acts PLUS a prologue and epilogue so it can get really tiring and it's easy to lose your energy midway.  So after I woke up I did some work, ate breakfast, and then slept some more (until about 2).  Then I talked to my parents for a little bit, but I wanted to head over the arts center before it got too close to the show.  I got some beef and broccoli for dinner (its so good...I"m going to miss Jean's Restaurant so much) then I went over to warm up for a while and do my hair before the call time.  Those that don't know me probably don't know how HORRIBLE I am at doing my own hair...its really awful.  So I try to do it while I'm practicing so that no one sees me struggle through the attempts to finally get my hair up.  But I will say...hairagamis are lifesavers in this show...just wish I had a bump it.

Anyway we were called at 6:30 (house opens at 7:00, show starts at 7:30) and so I got there with my hair done and just had to do my makeup.  I always like being a bit ahead of schedule that way I can get out of the way and just go take some pictures.  Some of the other girls also have a LOT more work to do.  The Antonia's are curling their hair, it takes Andrea until the end of the 1st act to get hers finished and it takes Beth almost until the middle of act 2, good thing they have until Act 3.  Then Olympia has a ton of makeup to make her look like a doll, but luckily she gets her makeup done for her before the show, so then she just gets to sit around until the first act with glittery lips. (picture below is of Alyssa (Olympia) getting ready with help from Andrew)

The show went SO well, I was really pleased, and there was a decent sized audience.  All of the big roles are so difficult, but Hoffmann and Nicklausse really did well with pacing, the girls are each only on for an act so their pacing is a little easier (even though the music is still beastly).  But I can't imagine being Hoffmann and getting through that last aria, you have to really pace yourself through the entire show, if you go to hard at once then you won't be able to get it back.  (picture below is of myself and Jessica as Nicklausse)

Also almost all of the people in The Magic Flute came to our show and congratulated us afterward.  It's really nice that both casts are supporting each other so much, since a few of us are from the states our parents can't come and cheer us on, so that support from the other cast is really great.  And of course I'm excited to see their show tomorrow! (Picture below Andrea, Kelsey, and Beth; Starboard leading ladies).

Tonight the starboard cast opens!!! Hopefully it is just as much of a success as last night =)

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Doing my own hair!

Dress #2

Unfortunately the pictures taken at yesterdays rehearsal (where I am in the third act and epilogue) are not yet available, so those will be posted when they are, but for those interested, here is the rest of the summary.

Act 3 begins with Hoffmann's third great love, Antonia, singing an aria.  She is very sick from an unknown disease where singing will kill her (as it killed her mother).  Her father, Crespel, enters and tries to help her and convince her to stop singing.  Later Hoffmann enters and proposes to her and she accepts.  Dr. Miracle then arrives to talk to Crespel about Antonia's health, Dr. Miracle is the villain in this act, after he leaves the house he comes back to convince Antonia to keep singing (to kill her).  In order to do this he conjures the ghost of Antonia's Mother to help him convince her to sing.  At the end of their trio Antonia falls to the floor and dies.

(Dr. Miracle, Antonia, and Antonia's Mother)

In the epilogue we are back in the pub that was in the prologue where the students have been listening to Hoffmann's stories of Olympia, Giulietta, and Antonia.  Luther comes in to tell that Stella has just had a wonderful performance, and Nicklausse reveals that Olympia, Giulietta, and Antonia were all just one person, Stella.  After the students leave, Nicklausse reveals that she is in love with Hoffmann.  After singing a love song and almost kissing Hoffmann passes out drunk on the table.  Stella then enters enraged that Hoffmann did not show up (because Lindorf had intercepted her note) and instead Lindorf goes with her.

(the students, Nicklausse, and Hoffmann)

So yesterday was the dress rehearsal where I sing Antonia's Mother, and I literally can't imagine it having gone better.  My costume is fantastic and the trio went so well! Afterward the director told me how well it went and how gorgeous I looked on stage and how expressive it was, and when I thanked her, she was just like, "you don't even know do you" which was so true.  I'm really looking forward to seeing pictures and maybe seeing a recording of it. 

After the rehearsal I was so full of adrenaline that I went to dinner with some other castmates to Your Father's Moustache which is always delish.  Then I went to drop of music for the cabaret night and watch a little bit of The Magic Flute dress rehearsal, I'm really excited to see their entire show...it's a modern concept taking place as a fued between to cooperate firms...I'll need to see the entire show to fully understand it I think, and I've never seen flute before.  BUT the singing was amazing, Ach ich fuhls was beautiful, and both of Zarastro's arias were amazing, and Monostatos was beyond creepy.  Wonderful!

Today is opening night!!! I sing in the chorus tonight and then Saturday I'll sing Antonia's Mother and Stella.  Such excitement =)

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

High School!

Our first dress rehearsal

Yesterday after I woke up and ate breakfast I went to the gym for a little bit and then showered and got ready to go to the dress rehearsal.  All of our makeup is supposed to be fairly normal, but our hair needs to be victorian...which anyone who has seen me attempt to do hair...knows that this is difficult for me.  Anyway, today I'll just have to make it higher, luckily my hairagami did the trick!!  This rehearsal had me in the chorus and today I'll get to sing Antonia's Mother/Stella.

I'll try in this blog to give a VERY basic summary of the opera.  It begins with the prologue which has Hoffmann and his best friend Nicklausse at a pub with his students.  Lindorf is also sitting there, and before Hoffmann arrives he intercepts and a letter from Stella who asks Hoffmann to meet her after the performance.  When Hoffmann arrives he usually tells funny stories to the students and the students love to listen to him, but tonight there is a performance of Don Giovanni starring Stella.  Hoffmann is in love with Stella and so he begins to tell the stories of his three past loves, Olympia, Giulietta, and Antonia.

(characters in photo left to right: Luther the bartender, Lindorf, Nicklausse, the students, and Hoffmann)

Then Act 1 begins to tell the story of Olympia.  Her creator was Spalanzani who wanted to create a doll that looks and acts like a real person (or an ideal woman).  Then Coppelius enters and sells Hoffmann googles that make Olypmia look even more like a real person (to him).  The chorus enters and they watch the newest invention, Olympia, sing her aria and occasional need to be rewound, they then exit for supper and Hoffmann and Olympia are left alone.  After he kisses her she begins to break down and at the same time Coppelius realizes that Spalanzani has given him a bad check and wants revenge.  The chorus re-enters and waltzes and watch Olympia and Hoffmann waltz and go faster and faster and finally she goes off stage and Hoffmann falls to the ground.  A few moments later Coppelius enters with the severed head of Olympia (in revenge for Spalanzani's bad check) and Hoffmann realizes that he has been in love with a doll (even though Nicklausse had tried to warn him) and the chorus laughs at him.

(characters in photo left to right: Nicklausse, Hoffmann, Spalanzani, Cochenille, Olympia, and chorus)

Act 2 begins in a brothel in which Dappertutto is the pimp and Giulietta is the highest ranked prostitute.  Hoffmann enters and is falling in love with Giulietta.  Then Schlemil enters who has been with Giulietta longer and has recently lost his shadow, he has a violent temper, and does not like Hoffmann.  After everyone exits but Dappertutto who is plotting what to do with Hoffmann, then Giulietta enters, and he tells her to steal Hoffmann's reflection.  Hoffmann enters and he and Giulietta sing a love duet (but really she is seducing him to steal his reflection) and at the end Schlemil enters to see them together.  Dappertutto shows Hoffmann a mirror and then Hoffmann he realizes that he has had his reflection stolen.  Then Schlemil challenges Hoffmann to a duel in which Schlemil is killed (in our production Pitichinaccio, the drag queen, gives him a gun that jams...on purpose).  While Schlemil is lying dead, Giulietta and Pitichinaccio leave together, and Nicklausse runs in to warn Hoffmann that the police are coming, at the end of the act Dappertutto is standing alone behind Schlemil's body.

(1st picture: David and I in the chorus; 2nd picture: Giulietta and Pit entering, Schlemil is center, Dappertutto far right, chorus in background)

I'll talk about Act 3 and the epilogue tomorrow when there are pictures of me haha!  The only things I did yesterday were sleep, I've been so exhausted lately, I took a nap and then went to bed!

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

I probably will go here at some point this year!!  But I'd also like to visit Europe, and like various cities there....preferably soon...and when the american dollar gets to be worth something.

Titanic and Lightning

Well yesterday when I woke up I just went ahead and got ready to go to the museum with Tamara.  It was the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, it took about twenty minutes to walk over there and then we went to the 3D movie made from footage of a dive...it was TERRIBLE.  The attendant said "just so you know this is exclusive footage that only we have"...I think I saw better pictures of the titanic dives in the movie Titanic.  1) I hate 3D it gives me terrible headaches.  2) there was no reason for this to be in 3D. 

Anyways after the movie we went through the titanic exhibit and got to see some cool stuff, a lot of the pictures are on my facebook, but some of the exclusive things they have were parts of the ships grand staircase and a deck chair that they found from the titanic.

The rest of the museum was pretty boring, it was actually kind of a depressing museum so we didn't stay too long.  A lot of the exhibits were like "the story of captain so and so who tried to tame the sea and failed" or stuff like that.  Or like lists of the people that died in various ships.  But another exhibit they had was about gay life on the ocean and it was just kind of a weird exhibit, like it didn't really tell you much except during the 50's and 60's there were gay people on boats, and I'm like...okay? 

But all and all it was worth the trip but I wouldn't go again unless my family came up here or something, I"m sure my sister would have liked it since she sails boats and stuff.

Then after we got lunch I headed back and literally right before I entered the building where I'm living it started pouring buckets of rain, out of nowhere, like it was sunny and nice on my walk back and then suddenly it was a crazy storm.  So I went inside and tried to turn on my computer and it wouldn't turn out.  Then I realized the power was out so I took a nap instead.  After a few hours the power came back and I checked my email and Nick was having a 19th birthday party (that makes it legal to drink in Canada) so people would meet at a pub called Henry House which is like less than 2 kilometers away.  So Tamara and I go downstairs and realize it is REALLY raining, like worse than before, and so we got into a cab (because we would have drowned otherwise) and the driver said it had only started raining less than 10 minutes ago and already streets were flooded.  So we got to the bar and luckily two other people were there so we waited and then Nick got there, it was good that he didn't have to drink alone so I'm glad we were able to show up.

But now the adventure of being at Henry House.  About ten minutes after we got there lightning struck and the entire block lost power for the rest of the time we were there (at least an hour) so it became cash only and you couldn't order food.  So after we finished the drinks then Nick got a cab to take us to his house where we just chilled for a little bit and then Tamara and I had to take a cab back to the building where we stay.  It was ridiculous, I don't think I've ever seen that much rain in that little time.  But luckily St. Mary's was not out of power when we got back so we didn't have to climb up 19 flights of stairs.

Today is our first dress rehearsal!! I'm excited to finally do the production with costumes and all of the lighting.  Afterward I may stay to watch The Magic Flute dress rehearsal but it will depend on if I'm super exhausted haha.

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

This is still how I study.

Natal Day

Yesterday was a holiday called Natal Day in Nova Scotia...it's sort of like the 4th of July...but for Nova Scotia (not to be confused with Canada Day).  Anyways, it's a long weekend in August.  So we all got a day off because everyone will get time and a half on that day so most businesses just close, which also meant that yesterday I was starving. 

But it had been a really long week, 7 days straight of rehearsals going from around 11 or 1 until about 9 at night.  So my goal was to spend as much of yesterday asleep as possible.

I succeeded.

I also talked to my sister and mom for a little bit which was nice and then got to talk to Chelsea while she was in an airport waiting for her flight from Salt Lake to Ohio because her dad had just competed in the Crossfit Games in L.A. which is pretty awesome.

Afterward I was just about to go to bed when Tamara knocked on my door (it was fine I wasn't asleep yet) and asked if I wanted to go to the Maritime Museum tomorrow (today).  So today we'll go do that around noon, it has a whole Titanic exhibit because when the titanic sank it was actually closer to Nova Scotia than to New York so this museum has a deck chair that was found and pieces of the ship.   The reason that the survivors weren't actually brought to Nova Scotia (since it was a lot closer) was that there was still a big threat of icebergs being near Nova Scotia so they thought it would be safer to just keep heading toward New York.  I'll definately be taking as many pictures as I can, and then I think we're going to go out for lobster, I mean...when you're in the maritimes you have to get lobster (but not a mclobster or a subway lobster sandwich...yuck).  I've never had lobster before so we'll see how it goes! 

Oh and for those who are interested THIS is what a mclobster looks like

Which is obviously NOT this

Today we have off as well because The Magic Flute has their tech rehearsal (cue to cue) all day so we wouldn't be able to use the theater so they are just giving us another day off which is wonderful because I am still pretty sleepy.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Cue to cue to cue to cue to cue....

Yesterday was the cue to cue rehearsal for the show.  Basically it isn’t a rehearsal for the performers; it is a rehearsal that makes sure that all the set changes are being done quickly and correctly and that all of the light changes will work properly.  It actually went pretty smoothly in general.  Each cast had to go through it so the starboard (my as Antonia’s mother) went first and it took from 2:00 until about 4:30 (and that included blocking a curtain call).  The lights in the hall are actually really nice, this is a low budget production (nothing new to me…I did go to a public high school) so on stage there is a white screen that you can make different colors and shift the colors through the act.  So instead of painting an entire set you just change the light cues and it really looks great from the audience.  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of lighting I wish I could actually sit in the audience for an entire show to see it.

Then we had a dinner break from 4:30 until 6:00 and in Canada today is Natal Day…but really it’s like Natal weekend because every damn place was closed.  Every place either was already closed or was going to be closing at 5…so frustrating.  So we walked around Spring Garden and finally decided to just get chinese food.  It was the same that I had the other day and it really is good, I still like my rice to be a bit stickier, it was too fluffy for me, but whatever, it kept me full for the next rehearsal.

The next rehearsal was for the port cast (me in the chorus) and it was basically the same thing, no big problems coming up and the light cues that needed to be built during the first rehearsal were ready to be rehearsed.  It took us til about 8:30 and then we did the curtain call for that cast.   All and all while the cue to cue rehearsals are boring because they are so long and don’t include much singing they are very necessary for the show to look good, but I did leave pretty tired.  There was a party afterward at Taylor’s house, but Tamara and I decided not to go because we were so exhausted.  We’re lame.

Today I’m planning to go back to sleep as soon as I possibly can and sleep for as long as I can.  I’m really not sure if I’ll even do anything else today other than sleep and probably look at my Figaro score some more.  We’ve had all day rehearsals for the last 7 days in a row so having today and tomorrow off will be really nice to help us be prepared and well rested for the show to open this weekend.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Jacques Offenbach, seeing as I've just done an immersion into his opera and loved it so much more than I ever thought I would...though that doll song sure can get annoying.

Purple Shoe Sadness

Well the purple shoes I bought the other day seemed to fit comfortable but on my right foot I now have three blisters, one on top of my foot, one on my little toe, and one on my heel…so much for cute shoes…sigh.

But when I woke up I checked my email and one of the girls had to cancel her lesson with Tony because she was called into a music rehearsal, so I snatched her time.  So I went in at 12:30 to do a lesson with him and it went SO well.  He gave me some exercises to do to help keep strengthening my head voice because the chest voice can so easily take over.  It’s particularly hard at the beginning of the trio I’m in because it centers around a B for the beginning so it’s easy to just let the chest voice take over, but if I do that then by the time I get to the F’s it won’t be in tune.  So I think the exercises he gave me will really help me out.  And if anything requires me to have a strong head voice it is Cherubino.

Anyways yesterday we had two run throughs of the show which both went really well.  It’s still a challenge to keep the energy up for the entire show; it is about 2 and a half hours so it’s easy to get worn out or begin to lose focus.  So the run throughs really help to gage how much energy you need for the actual show.  I think actually doing the show will be easier, because the first run wasn’t too bad, the second one was harder, so I think when we are just doing one show it will be easier to remain focused.

The cast where I’m in the chorus went first and it’s nice to be figuring out where everything is and remembering to grab the right props.  Next step will be to add the lights and costumes which will be a whole new (fun) challenge.  Everything is sounding really great and the interjections from the chorus are becoming a LOT more solid.

After that run we had a dinner break from 4:45 until 6:00 and I learned a valuable lesson.  Soup does not equal dinner.  I was so hungry the rest of the night and went home and ate a kraft dinner (easy mac).  But anyways we then had the run of the show where I’m Antonia’s Mother.  I think during the show I will warm up more during the first act and come back right before intermission.  Something about not singing for two hours then going on stage to sing makes me uncertain, so just going down to the practice room and singing will probably ease my nerves a little bit.  But as the director said, “That was pretty fucking good” so the run went really well. 

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

I'm going to make this more of a "someone who I look up to" inspiration is too big of a word.

Beef and Broccoli

Yesterday we had an auditioning masterclass where four people got to sing in different scenarios: nice panel, rushed panel, rude panel, and bored panel.  The singers handled the different scenarios pretty well and then afterward we talked about resumes and audition attire.  The big thing I learned about resumes (in the real world) is to not list “chorus” on your resume.  Mainly because chorus is a different job than roles and that you don’t really move into roles from chorus (usually, I’m sure there are exceptions to every rule).  So while I’ll keep my chorus stuff on my resume for now (because it would be basically empty without it) I’ll be looking to take it off as soon as I possibly can.    Then with audition attire it was nothing new to me, nothing too short, and nothing too high.  The usual.

Afterwards I went to this little Chinese restaurant to grab some lunch and I had the BEST beef and broccoli with steamed rice.  My only complaint was that I like my rice a little stickier (it was a little bit dry) but the beef and broccoli was soooooo good. 

Then we had our two run throughs of The Tales of Hoffmann.  The cast where I sing Antonia’s Mother and Stella went first and it went really well considering it was our first run thru.  It really didn’t crash or need to stop except for scene changes.  My scene went well, not as phenomenal as yesterday, but for the first time being in a totally new space it went well.  The hall is nice, a little bigger than Bryan Recital Hall (in regards to seats) and a smaller stage than Kobacker, but still a decent size stage with a lot of wing space.  It’s a little strange to sing in, and I’m glad that we had a day to get used to how it feels to sing up there.  People say the hall is a bit dry (and I disagree!!! But then again…I’m used to Bryan and Kobacker…) but you really feel like your voice isn’t projecting, like you can’t hear yourself at all on stage and it feels like you aren’t resonating at all.  So it’s really important to trust the hall and your voice to work together.  And from the audience it sounds GREAT it’s just very strange to those on stage, and I had trouble hearing the other people on stage during my trio, but I think it’s just going to take getting used to on how the trio will sound to us, and how it will sound in the audience.

The other cast got a chance to run theirs afterwards (and for this I sing in the chorus) and it was sort of the same thing, it didn’t crash and burn at all, just minor set changing things and people getting used to a new environment.  But all and all both casts did REALLY well considering that these were our first full run throughs of the entire show and they were in a different space than where we’ve been rehearsing.

Afterwards I walked home and then talked to my parents for a little bit and went to bed.  My evenings tend to be pretty boring because I was doing stuff from 11am until 9pm so I’m pretty exhausted.  We have two more run throughs today and then two more on Sunday and then a day off!!! We have to go in on Sunday because I guess there is a mandatory holiday in Canada on Monday so we’ll get that day off and will be incredibly tired from going 7 days in a row.  But even though I’m tired I am having a great time and while I’m at rehearsals I usually forget that I’m tired because I’m having such a great time, and I can’t say that I’m tired, because I can only imagine how tired the two Hoffmann’s are getting.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

This is how I plan to die

McLobster?

Well yesterday after I went to the gym I got to chat with my sister and Sara for a little bit which was really nice, thought I always do forget that I should shower BEFORE I get on facebook because otherwise I end up being in a bit of a rush to get ready.  But anyways after that I went to McDonalds for the first time in a few weeks and I have to say….I don’t think I’m going to eat McDonalds like…at all next year.  First of all I got McDonalds then an hour later went to warm up and was feeling like a little not great, then we had a music rehearsal and I didn’t sing my best.  Literally it wasn’t until the evening rehearsal that I was doing better, I felt so sick, I’m guessing all of the salt and grease just killlllled my stomach and throat for the morning/afternoon.  But I’ve learned my lesson, McDonalds = gross.  Also up here they have something called a McLobster Sandwich….excuse me while I barf, that sounds absolutely disgusting.  I’m willing to try lobster, I’m sure it’s really good, BUT McDonalds selling lobster???? Disgusting.

Anyways after the music rehearsal we had to go over the Act 3 trios we had a few more hours of work throughs for Act 1 and Act 2.  Then I had a few hours off to practice (and continue recovering from gross food) then I came back so we could finish working through Act 3.  My cast went first and my advice for any guys who want to sing a BADASS trio you should sing “Pour Conjurer Le Danger” it is so awesome.  Actually if I had to pick my three favorite songs from this show they would be, “Tu ne chanteras plus?” (My trio…of course), “Helas mon coeur s’egare encore” (the septet from Act 2), and “Pour conjurer le danger”.  Though I should put as a disclaimer, I really love Nicklausse’s arias…they just aren’t in the version I’m doing so I’m not counting those.

Moving on, my cast went first…and it went SO WELL.  I have to say I’ve NEVER felt so good about that scene and it just felt so good to really get up there and sing really well and just rock out the scene.  Made me feel very good and like I deserve to be here.  The other group did really well too, I just have to toot my own horn and say that I really sounded great and my group really worked well together.  Now that we are starting runs of the show I feel really prepared, I think that’s what everyone needs before they perform the show, a really perfect rehearsal of the number that makes you nervous.  Because now that we’ve done it so well it feels like there isn’t really anything to be nervous about because we know that we can do it really well.

Afterward Beth, Darrell, and I went to the thrift store to look for costume pieces (luckily I didn’t need anything, but I wasn’t about to pass up a trip to the thrift store) and I found an adorable polka dot pencil skirt, purple shoes, and gym shorts (gym shorts may sound boring, but I’d rather pay 4 dollars than 30 dollars…honestly, I’m not going to pay a ton of money for clothes I’m going to sweat in).  Then I went back to the dorm where I got some bad news that a close family friend passed away unexpectedly the night before.  Makes me feel a little homesick and that I wish I could be with my family right now, but luckily my sister is there and everyone seems fine for right now, just shocking news, and I’m definitely sending thoughts to his family.

Today we have an auditioning masterclass where 4 people will do their audition for a panel to get used to doing real auditions.  Also Tony Radford is on the panel and, while I’m not doing the masterclass, I am going to bring in my resume so that he can give me some pointers and let me know what he thinks about it.  Then we are going to have our first two run throughs of the show!!!  Crazy that we open in a week.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

I'll be corny and say my family.