All the clothes, all the resumes, all the hopes and dreams.

What a couple of weeks it has been since I last wrote.  My life has been filled with many last and even more first.  I finished up my internship in Florida on September 2, 2012 and moved to NYC the same morning.  I am currently staying with a beautiful friend from college and will with another great college friend soon.  In only a few days in the city I have tried to gather myself in hopes that starting to look for work would go smooth and easy.  After all I don’t really feel safe looking for a place to live without a paycheck coming in.  I mean, I have a little savings but only a less than two months rent worth depending on the type and location of a place.

On Sunday my lovely hostess picked me up from JFK and took me to a wonderful brunch at the Uptown Kitchenette.  Check out their website if you are ever planning to be in the area and want decedent foods. 
Uptown kitchenette
After eating and waddling home we napped and chilled at home for the evening with roomies.
  

Roof top view 7 stories up in Harlem looking toward downtown.



A little shot from the apartment window.  If you can see the leaves on some of the pants are starting to change!  I get seasons again this year!



The next morning we woke and I was cooked breath taking Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancakes and Eggs and three of us were off to Brooklyn for their take at Carnival.  We arrived late we knew but figured we could catch some fun and eat great food.  We did and in fact, when we left around 4pm the parade was still going and people were still out in mass.  So much culture in one place!  It was great to see and fun to be a part of.  Once again we ate more delicious a food... seems to be the normal I'm learning.

This morning was unlike any morning I have ever had.  I woke, packed my backpack with resumes and letters, and headed down town to paper the Broadway with my information, smile, and personality.  In roughly 5 1/2 hours I walked from and all around 42-65th street handing out 18 resume packets to stage doors for Wardrobe Supervisors.  I also dropped by the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 offices and submitted my application in person.  The Union reps I met seemed very nice and welcomed me to the city.  I was told I should have no problem with my application as, "I looked highly qualified and seemed to have wonderful references,".  A couple people and I discussed waving my living standards on my application as I move here 2 days ago instead of having lived here already for the asked 18 months.  The application committee will me like always at the end of the month and I was told I would hear from them soon.  They also encouraged me to paper the city and gave me a few pointers and words of encouragement and sent me on my merry way.

Union Lobby.

A shot of the city.

Now, I sit at a Starbucks just off Columbus Circle where I once performed a street happening my sophomore year of college on a Jan term study trip.  I remember sitting in this very coffee shop with my team trying to warm up from the January freeze and discussing what our skit would in tale.  Oh the memories.

The city is so fast paced and people come and go in a flash as I glance out the window overlooking the circle.  People don't smile very often and I am trying to learn the no eye contact rules that most live by.  It truly makes me sad though that there is little interacting with so many people always around.  Maybe my small town smile will brighten someone’s day.

So, today’s recap, over 18 resumes delivered, I had a bucket of water tossed at me from an above apartment while walking in the city(not going to think about what its contents was), had the Naked Cowboy physically run into me while I stood at a street corner waiting for the crossing sign to change, so Elmo headless(childhood memories and beliefs shattered), and had a man ask me if I had any spare change to help him buy weed(at least he was honest).  All in all, not a bad first day looking for dressing work in NYC.

You're welcome ladies.



Wrong on so many levels.

Thanks you again for all the love and support from the very special people in my life.

P.S.  A wonderful shout out to two of my favorite people Taylor and Courtney on there engagement last night in Hawaii after 6 1/2 years together.  They will be married on Saturday there and our friends and family will be able to join in the celebration via live video feed.  A couple that I know will last forever.  Love you guys!

The happy couple!

Preping for Final Alterations and Stitches

I know, it's been far to long and I hate it too.  I do very often think about you still reading and even those that I have lost touch with this year.  Yep, almost a year.  I have been living in the sun, sand, and threads of Florida and about finished what I've come to concur...here is the rough part...I am not yet ready to let this all go and wrote this post.  Instead I wanted to briefly catch you up on life since my last post.

As much fun as pointing everything I have done is, long story short, and really what most people seem to want to know at this point, I am moving!  Mid July I finally was able to come home to Washington and Idaho for just under 2 weeks.  I attended and joined in the marriage of my best friend Cait and her hubby Ben's wedding in beautiful Downtown Seattle on the Rooftop Terrace of the Red Lion Resort.  I then spent a couple nights at home home with Mom and then back to Spokane to see the guys, family, friends, and meet my 2nd Nephew Cannon for the first time in person.  Just as cute and then some in person vs. Skype.  Where my trip was a total blast, I didn't get to see everyone and do everything like I could when I was still living there.  I left feeling rejuvenated but also, a bit cut again forced to leave the ones and area I love so much.  I can't wait for the day to finally end up in the Inland North West working.

I came back and jumped right back into the last of the summer season show.  It opened last Friday and is a beautiful and hilarious show in our newly renovated theatre.  My supervisor hit here summer vacation after opening and for my last 3 weeks I'm flying solo manning the costume shop and any needs from the two currently running productions.  Lots of cleaning, filing, personal projects, and prepping for the new intern to take my place....Although the girl that was supposed to take my position just backed out and my position is again open for applications.....I'm not staying that's for sure!

And now the news,  I will be packing my bags and shipping boxes home come September 2, 2012 and moving to New York City, New York!!!  I am just going to do it!!!  My plan that really can't be planned is to go, couch hop, find a friends place to sublet, make a couple appointments and knock on doors with my portfolio and resume and see if I can find a place that will let me dress.  I figure I will give it a couple months and then reassess when all my money is gone....lets hope I don't get to that point.

Pray please!  I have learned not everything can always be planned in black and white.  I am going to trust the Lord will help and provide in small ways for me. 

That's the news!  It's official!  The hardest part is the actually saying and sharing it all!  I want you all to be proud because I am finally feeling it myself.  Here is to my last 3 weeks....

Managing the shop and my life.

Hello all still with me.  Yes, it has been over two months since my last post and I am sorry.  My hiatus is not because I had nothing to write about but because I haven’t had much time to write.  I have been thinking of you all though....honest.  I feel like it would be rough to try and highlight my entire 2 months away, but I will try and give a couple things to catch you up on my life.

Since my last couple posts I have seem many shows come across my work table, machine, and desk.  Remember 2 months ago we had three operating theatres on any given night.  The last two months of shows consisted of...

·  Keating Theatre:

o Next Fall was running at nights and Closed.

o Under Six and 7Up (Children’s Write a Play piece) were Teched and currently running in the mornings for local schools.

o Jericho (World Premier) was Teched after Next Fall and Currently running at nights.

·  The Goldstein Cabaret Theatre:

o Shake Rattle and Roll was Running and Closed in this space.

o Reel Music Teched and is Currently running 10 shows a week.

·  The Gompertz Theatre:

o The Last Romance was Playing at nights and Closed.

o Sophie Tucker Last of the Red Hot Mammas Teched and opened as a Special Event running 4 weeks (This is the show I recently dressed).

o Shake Rattle and Roll moved to this theatre for a 2 week extension due to its popularity and Closed.

o The Gompertz Theatre went and is currently under renovation and the new theatre wing that will hold one more Cabaret Theatre, a Lab Theatre, a new full time bar and restaurant, new bathrooms, new dressing rooms, etc. is being constructed and set for a soft opening In late July.  The Renovated Gompertz Theatre will hold our Summer # 3 show.

·  Extra shows:

o Our associate director is taking her one women show previously done here at FST on the road to a theatre in New Hampshire for a short special event run.  We prepped all things needed and sent them on a plain with her.

Mind you, as a part of the production team, besides my stitching and dressing duties, I am responsible for helping strike, load in/set, hang/focus lights, etc. to get all these shows up and running.  I have been a busy boy!

Besides that I have been working on my own designed dresses again, managed the costume shop by myself for a week when my supervisor was out of town for conference, booked my trip home to Seattle, Kellogg, and Spokane in the middle-end of July, and turned down FST's offer to stay another year with them.  Yep, that means come September 2, 2012 I am jobless and without a place to live.  Now, the current thought in your head is, "What are you doing after that and where will you be going?".  Correct?  Well, plain and simple....I don't know and nothing is planned.  Yes, am quietly freaking out inside!  AND, YES, that means I will be home soon!!!!!!! July can not come fast enough!!!!!!

Other happenings since my last post:

·  My arm has healed and I have a huge scar on my favorite shoulder (yes I have....had a favorite).

·  I went to the New York Yankees Spring training game against the .

·  I got a gig bartending at the Keating theatre before shows and am making tips on top of my current stipend.

·  Met multiple new casts, designers, directors, etc. and have made more contacts and friends.

·  Been to the beach and a couple pools in town that we break into.

· Have been working on my tan as things continue to warm up here.

·  Am planning my FIRST EVER trip to Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

·  And have been to Joyland Country Dance Hall and am working on my status as a regular.

Also recently I have been missing home and the good old days more.  A year ago this weekend I was sitting with my fellow theatre majors and walking across the stage getting my college degree after 4 years or tests, trials, and hours of hard work and play.  I see how much I miss those people in my life and those moments of exploration.  Don't get me wrong though... I have loved my current times spent and what I have been doing and learning.  I am proud to be a Whitworth Theatre Alum and I am proud of those that have come before me, with me, and after me.  I am honored to be a part of this family.

Well, that’s life.  Nothing wild and crazy, but defiantly a lot of hard work, some play, and memories to boot.  I am currently working on trying to figure out my life come three months from now.  Who knows where I will be and where my boxes will be shipped but I am excited.  I am learning to trust more and just jump.  As I was just finishing up my thoughts here Pandora chose to play this song.  Dream Big by Ryan Shupe & The Rubber Band.  Its words remind me to go for my dream and to see what happens.

I miss you all and hope the start of your summers off well.  I will be better about posting more as my next years plans arrive.  Love you all and blessings!

 P.S. Here are some random pictures from the past 2 months.

Hospital waiting room to get my stitches out.



Kathy and I after closing night.



Orioles team at Spring Training Practice.

 

Yankees warm up for Spring Training Game in Sarasota, FL.



My game view from a $10.00 standing room seat.



Yankees dugout.




As night falls on the game.  Felt like summer in Spokane!

 

Final Score :(  But an amazing time still.



Only in Sarasota do people drive to Super Target like this.



My designers hard at work shopping aStein Mart.



NO ONE should EVER even try to eat this candy bar!

One of my favorite customers to visit my bar. Yes, thats her own over 70 year old hair. Note this is a classy creeper photo.

Lets leave this one at, I motorboated those cougar boobs(Pink top). I didn't even ask, I was just grabbed and pushed into them.  "Totally real" if there was any question!

Anna Marie Island City Pier.

Foundation set for the new Gompertz Wing.

Stitches...no really.

Warning: This post contains a picture of a body wound!!!

For those of you that haven't heard, last night I was able to view the inside of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER.  I went for a little visit!  As Sophie Tucker - The Last of The Red Hot Mammas was closing, I was walking Kathy back to the dressing room and that's when it all happened.  I looked back to make eye contact with her mid conversation when I ran my left shoulder into an old fashion wall sconce that lights "Actors Alley" (the hidden walkway to and from the dressing rooms to the stage in the Gompertz Theatre).  I shook it all off and went on with getting Kathy undressed.  I soon found a good sized hole in my arm....this is the point if you don't like cuts you will want to sconce down quickly...

After getting her settled I cleaned  the gash out and continued with a scheduled photo shoot with the actors.  After the photo shoot I texted a couple wound pictures to my two nursing friends asking if they thought I needed stitches.  After they and my mom talked me into it, in fear of a bad scar, I was off to the ER at 12:30 AM.  I was checked into the waiting room and given my name tag....so I wouldn't get lost I was told.

After finally making it back to the hospital room all my info was taken and I was given an updated tetanus shot just to be safe since the lantern I hit was so old.  I was asked to get into a gown (I was so stoked!) and then they saw I was in a sleeveless tee and told me never mind.  So much for for finally getting to live out my dream of walking around the hospital bare assed.  The doctor soon came in to see me and work was started on my arm.  He was super cool and had a great sense of humor...and let me tell you, he had to with all the shit I was giving him trying to be extra happy since some of the nurses weren't.  Yes, I'm that guy that tries to make people happy when they are down....even at 2:30 AM.  I told the doctor,
"I have a weird question."
"Okay, what you got?"
"Well, I work at Florida Studio Theatre and I am the costume intern there.  I sew and stuff for a living and on a regular basis use all sorts of stitches in my work.  Will you be using a certain type of stitch on my arm today?  I mean, are there different kinds of stitches?"
Doctor laughing a bit, "Yeah there are I guess.  There are running stitches, cross stitches and others.  Lets take a look and see what we got here."

After cleaning me up, and numbing the area on my arm,
"Well, on you I am doing a simple interrupted stitch.  I wouldn't try and use this stitch on your wardrobe stuff unless you want things to fall apart."
Me laughing, "Sounds good."

I also decided to be that guy again asking,
"So does this mean I get a sticker for getting my tetanus shot?"
Laughing he said, "Sure."
"LAGIT!"

We both talked about productions showing at FST and what I wanted to be.  We also talked about shows he has seen on Broadway.  He was a great time!  I was coached on my stitch care for the next week and he was off wishing me the best of luck on my career and life.

After being discharged I was walking out and realized I never got my sticker!  I asked the front desk people for one and they looked at me like I was crazy.  Not a thing in the ER huh?  I even asked the valet guy outside if he had any kind of sticker and he laughed at me.  You cant blame a guy for trying right?

‎Long story short: 3 hours in the ER, 1 almost worn hospital gown, 1 updated tetanus shot, 4 stitches (yes I asked the Doc what type of stitch he would be using on me), multiple askings to the nurses/Doc if I was going to get a sticker for being a big boy with my shot, and one self taken photo shoot in the hospital room later I was finally sent home.

Workman's Comp. claims were filed today and FST will be covering my bills I guess. I will make another visit back to the ER in a week when it is time to take out the stitches.  Well, I guess now I can say I have been sent to a ER and Sarasota/Sophie Tucker has left its mark on me forever.

All the buttons and threads that make up my life to date.

Once again, another fail at trying to be good about keep you all up to date.  I have been plenty busy though and have lots to talk about.  January was rounded off well and February came and went with in a flash.  It is amazing to think this week will mark 6 months of living and working here in Florida.  Yep, you better believe that I will be in the office bright and early asking for my 6 month raise come Tuesday. 

Toward the end of January I was finally able to cash in my first ever NHL game experience and watched the Tampa Bay Lighting beat the Washington capitals in over time.  It was great to finally be back ice side since Brett Sports and Spokane Chiefs hockey was such a large part of my life these past 4 winters.  The game was a much faster game and the skating was much cleaner but I will say I still love the rawness of Jr. Hockey.  My first NHL game was a success and hopefully someday I will be able to make another game.  Maybe a trip and a Devils game with my Big Brother…Beers, Bros, and Ice!

 
 

 

In February some of us interns decided that we were tired of going to the same bars time after time and created “Adventure Fridays”.  I will report my favorite thus far was finally going “Joyland Country Club”.  Not quite a “Big Al’s Country Club” like at home but all in all a good time.  Joyland is much more of a line dancing hall as apposed to a country swing hall like Big Al’s.  Since that first visit I have been back for line dance classes.  Talk about a good time. Old people getting down right next to hot girls in short shorts….oh and cheap beer too ($1.00 Red Solo Cup Night anyone)!

I also found the Florida State Fair this past February….yes it was weird to be at the fair in February.  It was not only my first Florida fair but also my first ever state fair.  I didn’t find any Fair Scones like I know from the Washington State Fair but I did find anything and everything possible fried.  Pickles (SO GOOD), every candy bar you could imagine, sticks of butter, and even Kool-Aid (don’t ask me how).  I saw an alligator show and met Landon (small boy that got to go up on stage and play with the gators, watched a lumberjack competition with floating log running, watched the National Elvis Impersonator Competition semifinals,  saw and fed a huge giraffe, saw the bears sponsered by the owner of the Yankees, visited an old fashion town called “Cracker County”, and ate so many fair foods.  It was s full day of people watching and good laughs.  I even got a little sun burnt too.  Talks about “Pauly D. Problems” when I used my apricot face scrub the next morning and my face peeled like crazy (yes that was a season 5 Jersey Shore reference). 

 
 
 
 

  

 

  

 

 

Valentines Day also came and went and I really felt the love this year.  I usually am against forced actions of love on this day each year because I feel like love and special actions should be shown all the time and year round, but this year I gave in.  I sent out a couple small care packages and I was sent special gifts each day of the week until Valentines Day.  Thank you all for your special gifts! 

Weeks ago I went over to

Saint Amends Circle

and visited the 2012 Ferrari Car Show. 

 

Talk about a ton of money parked in one area!  There I even found a car that I wanted to get my nephew Cannon.  I also wanted to share this fun picture set.  This is a car that I really liked and wanted to drive off in.

This was the owner of that car (yes I creepered this picture from a distance).  One, how does she own this car, and can I also own it?

 

At work I have been extremely busy.  In the past month I have helped in the organization and move of FST’s entire costume storage in preparation for our 6.4 million dollar renovation and expansion of the Gompertz’s theatre on campus, I over saw the pull and remount of Sophie Tucker – The Last of the Red Hot Mammas, prepped the next three shows that will be starting/opening in the next 6 weeks, and I have been spending lots of time do my own pattern making with a new system.  I have been working tons of hours and sadly been missing my time spent on the beach, but I really feel like the higher ups here are seeing my work and successes.  Even just this week I was invited to take part in a director/designer concept meeting.  I feel like I was able to give some good ideas and thoughts on the upcoming show.  After the conference call the director asked me if I had any questions or thoughts and I did.  She kept using the word “Iconic” and I brought up that that really stuck with me.  After a good talk about how that could help in the build of this show, and some looking at some of Hoppers paintings the director was really seeing some good things for the show that she didn’t even think of when just on the phone.  I HELPED!!!!!  She was very pleased with me and even asked me to come up with some more ideas and research on iconic looks and we would meet again soon.  HOLY SHIT!!!!

Besides work I have been busy in my personal life too.  I recently have jumped back on the workout world trying to lose some pounds and shape up for Caitlynn and Ben’s wedding in July.  I hope to be under 200 at that point and super tan come that late July weekend.  I have also continued looking into options I have come September when my internship is over.  I hope to be able to go up to New York City come summer and set up a couple meetings with connections of some friends already working on stages there.  All that off work excitement aside, my biggest news to report is the purchase of my New York Yankees Spring Training game against the Baltimore Oriels here in town. 

Last weekend I spent all morning at the Oriels Training Practice and felt right at home like working my last 5 summers at the Avista Stadium with Indians Baseball.  My game is on the 18^th this month and you can bet there will be a post show review. 

Things have been warming up here which is great form my soon to be tan skin.  It has been getting a bit muggy which I am daily assured that will be the usual…in all honestly, I know it will be humid.  I will get use to it already!


What I come home to everyday after work. View from my front yard



My life the next three weeks will consist of work in the shop in the mornings and dressing Miss Kathy Halenda (plays Sophie Tucker) each evening.  The show opened Monday and was paired with FST’s annual fundraising event.  This year the theme was “Hard Hats and Tails” in collaboration with the New Gompertz Theatre construction (one of our two Main Stage theatres).  The donors paid $150.00 a ticket for dinner and the show and then FST hoped to get more out of them.  The night was full of formals and tuxes and was a good time.  

Taken by Sarasota Magazine at Hard Hat and Tails - FST

Everyday here is different in ways and I miss my family at home and on stage but I am doing well.  No worries for this small town kid with big city dreams.  I was even able to watch the DVD of Next to Normal last week and also watched the behind the scenes DVD that was made by Ashley Picciallo (played Natalie).  It was rough and makes me miss them even more but I am glad to here they are all doing well back at home.  Hopefully I can meet up with a couple of them if I make it up to the city this summer.  You have to love how money will be the factor in that.  I am doing well but things are always on the watch you know.  Just days ago I was able to pay off my Whitworth due student loans in full leaving only my one set of federal loans.  It feels so freeing to be finished with one set of loans.  I am grateful for my education and where it is taking me these days.  Today I formally asked for a small stipend raise and was quickly reassured that it was being taken care of and I should soon see my negotiated amount.  Every little bit extra helps.

This all seems a bit of a hog-pog of thoughts but I wanted to catch you all up.  I miss you all!  From the stage left wing of Sophie Tucker, as Paul Harvey would say, “Until next time.”