To Act Again

It’s safe to say that 85% of my life in China is lived incompetently.  I don’t really speak Chinese, beyond shopping and food and “the pen is on the desk”.  I still get lost a lot, I never was really trained how to teach, and I feel like I kind of fake my way through life, always on the struggle bus.  So it was really good to get back to something familiar—acting.

I had heard about Beijing Playhouse from Liz Korkosz, but I didn’t think I’d be able to dedicate three months of rehearsals to this English Theatre Company when I lived so far away.  And then came Charity Readers Theatre.  The play: Our Town.  The concept: Beijing Playhouse would do a play in a week, keeping costumes, blocking, and lighting to a bare minimum, and then give all the ticket sales to an awesome charity that teaches rural woman in China how to read and write.  This was just the type of commitment I was looking for—only a week of rehearsals and a chance to sharpen my skills before I lost all my nerve to audition for anything ever again.  ;)

After a few failed attempts to recruit my students and friends to audition with me, I went to auditions with my drama student, Anny, an aspiring journalist who loves asking good questions and learning through challenges.  Long story short, we both got cast—she as Si Crowell and me as Mrs. Myrtle Webb.  (Myrtle happens to be the funniest name in the world to me, so I was quite pleased.)  After auditions, callbacks and running the show twice, our twelve hour day was finally over, and we headed back on Sunday pooped but excited.   

Let me explain why I love readers theatre…it’s challenging.  A dead sprint, if you will.  And it wasn’t just talking about our feelings, sitting on stools and reading with expression. We were on our feet the whole time, and I was really stretched as I pantomimed making breakfast while listening for my cues while reading my lines without looking like I was reading my lines while, oh yeah, actually trying to act a little bit.  I really had to pour over my script, understand my character, research the kitchen appliances of 1901, and find some kind of matronly attire in a matter of days.  Acting is hard work, but I absolutely love working hard to make something worthwhile. 

Getting to work hard with a lot of talented, diverse artists made the experience that much better.  Nine countries were represented in the cast, and my family resembled the Brandi version of “Cinderella” since my husband was from Uganda and my two children were Chinese.  The experienced assistant directors also warmed my heart, one reminding me of Don and the other one resembling Michael Cane and Mr. C.  The first time we met, he complimented me on my read and I said, “Thanks!  I could listen to your voice all day!”  I don’t recommend this response.  But we still managed to become friends.  :)  When do you not bond with the people you’re crammed backstage with?  This is the main reason I love theatre.

My favorite outcome from this experience was my friendship with Anny.  We definitely bonded, traveling to and from rehearsal over an hour each way, and it was so cool seeing her grow and get excited about theatre.  She even wrote a whole list of what she had learned—what teacher doesn’t love that?  ;)  But maybe I’ll just leave you with what she posted on China’s version of facebook… 

“I can’t express how happy I am at this moment.  A week before, I knew nothing about the actual theatre; now at least I got a taste.  Challening myself to try new things once seemed to be scary.  I tried super hard to get used to this American culture theatre, to learn about acting and to pursue those things I’ve always been passionate about.  I made it.  WE made it.  New friends!  New experience!  New start!  This show has made my whole year, even whole life, DIFFERENT.  I LOVE these people and I would never forget my first theatre experience, ever.  Thanks Miss Anderson!  Thank you ALL.”

Warm fuzzies.  And I echo that—thank you for all who came, supported me from afar, or prepared me for this experience long ago.  He is good.  :)

David Peck, our fabulous "Stage Manager" and Assistant Director.  His voice is like your grandpa telling you it's Christmas.

Francisco from Venezuela was a fantastic Simon, the drunk choir director.  In all my days, I've never had such a hard time NOT laughing. 









Pretty theatre!!

Anny and on on the subway.  :)