Stage actors tend to be defined but what show they are currently working on. The most commonly asked question when running into a colleague is "what are you working on now?" It may be couched in the less general "what are you up to?" which of course can be answered with a long list of the other things that make up a person's life, but a list of other activities is, clearly, an answer in and of itself. If another theatre person asks what you are doing and you don't have a theatre related answer... you're not doing anything. Even theatre-going friends will ask what show is up next.
Which isn't to say that theatre people don't value other areas of life. Vacations and families and work and hobbies are all fascinating topics of conversation and worthy endeavors. But it's hard, at least for me, to feel like these things adequately replace the answer I long to give, which is to tell them what show I'm working on now. I feel as if I'm giving excuses for an absence from the stage when I list all the other things.
Since becoming a mother I no longer want to go from one show to the next nonstop. Truly. I know the importance of tucking The May Queen into bed on occasion. I'm better at planning vacations and just saying "well, that may mean I miss the chance to do a show." (Like the Shakespeare festival this summer. And last. And the summer before. Dagger to my heart....) However, it's true that not only does the stage bug bite again after an absence, but answering that dratted question becomes painful.
So now, I suppose, I am really in my element. Because I'm currently IN a show, rehearsing a show, have two upcoming shows slated (You know, this one as well as a classic Christmas story with the same director I worked with last December), AND have been called back for yet another.
It's a rather lengthy answer to the question, but I'll take it.
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16 comments:
Wow...busy Mamma!! Cool about that Christmas show, I'd love to see it. Actually, I'd love to see any of them, it's been ages since I saw you on stage! *sigh* One of these days. (actually, just to see you at all again would be super-duper...)
;)
Yes, a question with strings like that becomes painful even for the non-theatre-person after some time.
I'm so happy for you that you have a pleasing answer.
(cool spider, too. I have not seen that one.)
That's wonderful... you are going to be busy. What a lineup.
As for the question, I think only the one about pregnancy is worse.
And yeah, way cool spider pic.
I know exactly how you feel. I am very excited to finally have an answer to this question after a long absence. I am also stressing about all that I'm going to miss at home.
I think you have it right. The May Queen won't be little for long and then you can take on as many shows as you want.
It sounds like fun to me, busy Mama!
I LOVE theater people. Non stop entertainment and usually quite positive about life.
glad to hear you are busy.
Wow, I am envious of the life you're leading. What a blessing to follow your heart and your passion. It really does seem like this is your time-- and you have equal blessings at home. Carpe Diem!
I think this is a common question among writers, too.
I'm so glad you have a full plate!
I feel like I get questions like that about being a SAHM. "What are you up to" seems to usually translate to "When are you going back to work?"
You are crazy busy, babe!
It sounds a lot like research. "What grants are you on now...?"
The only answer that doesn't make eyes glaze over? "A lot."
Hey, you are an actress and you have work. That is a very rare breed.
I envy that passion! And the opportunities you create for yourself. Go you!
Wow. Just wow.
That's good! I know it has to be stressful at times in your personal life (just like any job), but it's what you do, and you're doing it, so it's wonderful.
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