Long Days and Longer Nights

As the title suggests, we are getting closer to the show and therefore have to withstand longer hours to be ready in time for the show. Things seem to be finally coming together, however, we continue to have hiccups just about every time things seem to be going properly. At the moment we have an hour delay until we can get some equipment working again. It appears as this week will be a very long one with regards to work hours.

On the plus side, I did manage to get a couple of hours off work yesterday and spent it at String Lake with Clint and Rachel where I got some phenomenal photos. I also had the opportunity to bake some more in order to cut my stress levels at the end of the day.

The water was crystal clear...

...and ICE COLD!

The Grand Teton

I find that lately my temper is short and I tire quickly. I am trying to keep up my energy and drink lots of water, but I think that there is a mutual dread of the show starting and ending. I don't want the show to end because I have met so many wonderful people who I will probably not see again unless the show runs again next year. I am dreading the opening as I don't feel as prepared as I would like to be. 

Does it make sense that sometimes I wish I weren't competent in what I do? Sometimes I would like to be able to just sit and let some things slide. I am just not programmed that way. 

I feel detached-- similar to how I felt my first week here. I wish it would change but at the same time maybe it will help me learn to separate myself from the others in order to smooth the transition between my work here and starting school again. 

I didn't really mean for this post to be such a downer, but I guess it just reiterates the emotions that have existed over the last few days. 

Until next time... 

Wyoming Part 2

Hello all! I know you have been waiting on bated breath to hear what has been going on in my life. I have been very busy working with South Pass preparing to get this show off the ground. I work on average 10 hour days then spend time winding down by either cooking or watching a movie. My friend Clint (who's crab puff awesomeness made a guest appearance in my previous post) and I have managed to perfect a banana bread recipe, which will be shared at a later date. Chances are it will be made more this summer and maybe I will manage to capture a photo before everyone eats it all.

I have been working closely with Bonnie (our stage manager) and Earl (our director). They are super awesome and wonderful people. Early this month I noticed a couple of discrepencies in the work by way of the reactions of the characters and asked Earl if he would mind me researching it a bit to make sure everything was correct. He let me go research and was very impressed with what I could provide. Now any time he is looking for accuracy in the time period he goes to me for research. He has mentioned multiple times that he thinks I have a career in dramaturgy. I will admit that while this appeared daunting at first, I am warming up more and more to the idea of putting my focus there during my studies with my second master's degree. I knew I enjoyed social and historical context, but I never really realized the importance of those studies when looking at theatre programs. I have decided to take some classes that emphasize dramaturgic elements for the first semester to see if it is something I know for sure I want to work on for the rest of my life. I know my biggest encouragement was hearing from the director that he knew people who would be looking for a dramaturg in the future and would be willing to refer me (after I have my degree of course).

I am really excited to be working with such a talented group of people! I have had the pleasure of reading new books and learning new skills that will help me in my growth as a person and in the workforce. I am already not looking forward to the end run of the show when I will have to say goodbye to all of these awesome people.

Here are some pictures that I promised to share with you all:

The Elk antler arch (One of four in the square)

My view from the church (don't mind the dumpster)

Nate excited to go into town. 

Clint taking a break

Rodeo night!

Almost a selfie. 

Author Mike Evans treated us to lunch! 

Me and dad outside of the restaurant 

I could seriously get used to the view around here... 

CRAB PUFFS

My friend Clint showed me how he makes super awesome crab puffs of yumminess. He allowed me to share this tastiness with you.

CRAB PUFFS
3 rolls of crescent biscuits
1 package of 8 oz imitation crab meat
2-3 green onions, chopped
1 package of cream cheese (8 oz)

Chop crab and onions and add to cream cheese. Mix all in a bowl. Lay out two triangles of crescent roll dough in a muffin tin. Place a spoonful of mixture in the center and wrap in a rose shape. Cook at 425 for 20 minutes-ish. Enjoy awesomeness.

Wyoming

Hello all!

I know it has been awhile since my last post but alas, grad school papers, exams, and graduation have taken precedence. I am currently working in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with Sight & Sound Productions on South Pass the Musical. This week begins my second week working as an Assistant Stage Manager which is exciting for me as I have never officially been on this side of the fence before. I have greatly enjoyed working with this group of people and am very excited for our show to open in July. Because of copyrights and the like, you will never see me post about anything specific regarding rehearsals or the script.

I did however, get to try my hand at writing down blocking today which allowed me to take the opportunity to see more of what a stage manager does with regards to preparing for the show. I am excited to see how well this show is being put together within a short period of time. I am working with so many wonderful people who will provide with me with opportunities to work with professionals later in life. It makes me wonder what I will be doing in the next few years and what opportunities lie ahead of me; whether they include working with a professional company or if I would be better in an academic environment. I suppose I have a couple of years to think about these things.

I hope everyone is doing well back home. I am find that if I don't keep myself busy, I am homesick, but I know that is to be expected. I do enjoy what I am doing, but I think I will be most happy when I come home. That still remains to be seen.