Rest for the Weary

Exactly a week ago, I hadn't even started packing for my Wisconsin and Chicago trip, because I couldn't believe it was actually happening. Time was playing tricks on me, and there was no possible way I was about to get on a plane that would take me to some of my best friends, right? Many hours later I was frantically jumping in the shower while my parents graciously packed my suitcase so I could make it to the airport on time (I had everything laid out ahead of time, I'm not that helpless). 

Then I landed in Madison, WI and got to hang out with Olivia for two days. I can't really explain how wonderful it was not only to see her, but to be around theatre people again. It's not like we "talked shop", but I got to see a show and hang out with people who understand how I work. I've been surprised this summer by how easily I lose touch with my theatrical drive, ambition, creativity, etc. when I'm away from my fellow practitioners. It was the perfect rejuvenation period so I can actually start working on audition pieces for the fall. And of course I loved getting to see where Olivia works and getting to spend time with her!

Early Wednesday morning Olivia drove me back to Madison to catch a bus to Chicago. That whole bus situation was kind of sketchy for a bit there...I wasn't sure a bus was actually coming for me. But it all worked out, and I ended up in Chicago a few hours later. There I got to spend time with Emily, Megan, and Travis for four days. Emily, Megan, and I went to Taste of Chicago and saw fun., which was awesome! Afterwards we walked through Millennium Park and headed to Navy Pier for fireworks. Not that I'm an expert or anything, but those were the best fireworks I've ever seen. 

Thursday night I got to see Starkid's new musical, Twisted, which was fantastic. Beyond being a huge fan of anything that Starkid produces, Twisted was legitimately a good piece of theatre. I was super impressed with the score, and the crispness of everyone's performance. I was also surprised at how small the space was--my guess is around 180 seats. I think their playing space was probably 10'X10' at its widest points (the stage was a semi-circle). Even though Starkid is known for its parodies and off-color humor, I really admire everyone involved for their dedication to each other and to good work. It was amazing getting to see them live.

On Friday we spent most of the day at the beach, where I had this awesome moment to myself sitting on the sand. Travis was geocaching and Emily and Megan were in the water, and I just thought to myself, "How cool that I get to hang out with my friends in this amazing city (with beach access) that celebrates art and music and culture." That was the day I officially decided if I end up leaving Arizona, I'll go to Chicago. The idea has been mulling around for the last few years, but the trip solidified that.

That night we went and saw Improvised Shakespeare at the iO, and OH MY GOSH it was amazing! The troupe was so quick and spot-on to Shakespeare's language and style. One guy in particular was on fire with double-meanings and quips. It was awesome!

Again, Chicago was a rejuvenation for me. It felt so natural for me to be there, and I absolutely loved getting to spend time with my friends again. I felt very at home there.

I have two years until I graduate college...two years before I have to make big life decisions...two years to decide if I stay in Arizona and pursue teaching or if I go out on a limb in Chicago and pursue stage management. Teaching or theatre, AZ or Chi...

I want to come up with a clever way to conclude this long entry, but I can't because it's an open-ended question without an answer. So I guess I'll just take life as it comes and figure it out as I go...I'll improvise.