Day(s) 2 and 3: Monkeying Around

So, I am already falling behind. I missed last night. I apologize.

Moving on.

When asked, "What is the most favorite role you have played?"
I always tend to respond, "Kafka, from the one-act 'Words, words, words'...."

The reason that answer always is the first is most likely because the hard work that was put into it. My director, Tandace, was very specific on what she wanted me to do. It was my job to learn it and do it well. Kafka, as well as the other two characters in the one-act, are monkeys. the main plot, if monkeys are locked up with typewriters long enough, they will write Shakespeare.

So, I had to master typing on an old typewriter with my feet, while eating bananas. I take pride in saying that I not only mastered that task, but I could actually type whole words with my feet. And, I now have what are called, "Monkey Feet" I use my feet to whatever I can. (I once was so comfortable laying on the couch that I used my foot to grab a tissue from the table...I used the other end of the tissue to blow my nose, mind you.)

The other task I had to master was the actual physicality of a monkey. The walking/running on the fists, the way monkeys sit, etc. Not that I was the best human monkey ever, but of our small group I master this well enough to be the one to run around the stage in complete monkey form. It was also a reflection of my character....the stupid/blond monkey.

Rehearsals were loads of fun and we got pretty good by the time of the show. I, unfortunately, had to wrap my hands by showtime because my knuckles were raw...but it was worth it. The show was a complete success.

So, there you go. The reason that role always pops into my head. Don't get me wrong, I loved the role and the one-act (it is really great you should find it and read it). But the effort I gave to play this freaking monkey paid off and is what I can truly remember most.

I am now drawing to a real point: Actors do very obscure things. they work really hard and sometimes do not get the credit they deserve. However, it feels good as an artist to do it for the fun of it rather than the recognition. That is what separates the strong artists from the weak ones. There are actors who do it for the fame and there are actors who do it for the work. I plan on doing for the work.

My train of thought for this conversation:
I have no idea...the only correlation: I was asked that question in my Voice class today.

I was fitted (measured) today in the costume shop for the show I am in... Most of the questions I was familiar with (height, weight, shoe size...etc).... however bra size caught me off guard, "Welcome to the real world of theatre Emily, where everyone will soon know more about you than you know of yourself"

On that same note, if you ever want to buy me a leotard I can give you my measurements specifically for that article of clothing.

Other than that, not too much to report. Oh, Yay religion and education, the only two things I cannot be penalized for for missing rehearsal! Yay! lol. I was worried for a second because I get a credit for being in a show, and she was saying that so many tardies and absences will mark down my grade...I gave her my conflicts (a class on thurs that goes until 7:15...and church on sundays that goes until 2 ish)....I'm as safe as a Nunnery in the Swiss Alps. I don't know why I used that simile but it's all I got.

Bon Appetit