Givin it Back --

Today was one of those days I'm grateful for.

No auditions today - so I decided that I wanted to volunteer some of my time this week. I've been incredibly fortunate lately, I've been able to meet and work with great people - so, I have been feeling the need to "give back." And I think its important. Actors are often "takers" by nature. We are out there hustling, meeting people, trying to make strides in our careers, and sometimes we get so caught up in that that we forget to ask the person in front of us: "so how are YOU doing

lately?"

I heard a funny quote once that said: "if you want to spot an actor, start talking to the person about something other than themselves. If their eyes glaze over and they lose interest - bingo! You are talking to an actor."

Ha ha.

So, I do try to be very conscious of this and not get too caught up. Just like anyone else, sure, sometimes I do. In an attempt to try to balance myself out - I try to give when I can. Today I helped a friend with her rehearsal and I volunteered my afternoon at a local theater. It was terrific. The rehearsal was me, my friend and her director. She's doing a one woman piece (she did not write) and I served in the rehearsal as the imaginary person she's talking to. What fun! It reminded me of how much I LOVE the theater. I love being on a stage - I feel like I could die right there on stage and I'd be very very happy! I'd have a big smile on my face, I'm sure of it. I love working on, creating, understanding characters. What fun! Oh! To be on a stage! And the story she told was based on a real woman's life - so touching, so sweet.

At the theater I volunteered at today, there wasnt much going on. I ran a couple of errands for them. Helped tidy up. Then most of the time we gabbed. I met a couple of playwrights. It's nice to be in that energy - that hub of theatrical creativity and I think it will be good for me - to come there and give back from time to time and be around positive, like-minded peeps.

It felt so good, that I want to find more ways to help my fellow artists and volunteer more of my time.

I also want to do a play at a reputable theater or in a reputable festival this year......