Bliss comes from a modem...

This is my Dino-Dell, the laptop I got when I went away to university and have had ever since. It's old, it's slow, it has a broken key (but no dead pixels) and until I can afford to purchase a replacement, it is my faithful connection to the internet world.

This is my new modem. It's small and rented. I paid some man $50 to come to my apartment to plug it in (that was literally all he did) because Rogers said I had to in order to get online. But I can say, as I sit here with unlimited internet hours at my disposal, it was worth it. No longer will I have to endure the waiting and weirdos of the Toronto Public Library. Priceless.

This is all to say, I am back, my friends. Apologies for my blogging hiatus. It was really a result of the lack of internet connection. Anyway, enough about that. Now that I have the www back, I can do all kinds of important life things like blogging, banking, and pre-ordering the new Tragically Hip album to be released April 7 (I'm soooo very excited). But first, we have some catching up to do...

One of my Twelfth Night castmates commented at our first read through that February really has no redeeming qualities. I disagree. It has one: it's short. Enough said.

March is here now, though, and I am, indeed, rehearsing for an April production of Twelfth Night. I originally expressed some hesitation about this show: the last show I was in with actors still in school and a young director was nightmarish (and is a blog story for another day). Also, Maria is usually played about in her forties. But I figured I should go for it and I'm glad I did. Me as Maria makes more sense within the context of this particular production and cast. And my fellow actors are very cool (and smart...and funny...and, above all, professional) so far. And our director really does seem to know what she is doing. Look, I've been in shows where that hasn't been the case. It's unpleasant, if not damaging. But maybe this experience will redeem the last one. I will keep you posted.

This show is also an excellent exercise in how to produce theatre when you have no money. I'm learning.

Also of interest, I am playing March Break Camp Counsellor for Harbourfront Centre's TheatreKIDS camp this coming week. It should be a lot of fun. It's just me and a teaching artist/director and it's all about collaboration. The kids are going to create a theatre piece to present to their parents at the end of the week. It's quite the challenge but I think they'll come up with something really amazing. And I can't wait. This is something I know I can do well, given that I've been a sleepaway summer camp counsellor for 7 years and I have a BFA in Theatre. Although I was once told that I don't have enough experience to teach drama to kids (which is one of the most infuriating things you can hear when looking for a job). Anyway, I'm sure this will be a step in the right direction. Or at least the source of some fun (and funny) stories.

Finally (sorry this post is a series of unrelated things and a bit all over the place), the lovely Lois posted this on her blog last week about theatre communities and artists trying to break in. I think she makes some really interesting points. The best way in is, indeed, to go see things and to talk to the people doing them. This being said, I think some communities are more resistant to outsiders. When you don't know anyone, this can be frustrating. And I do think it is probably different for actors than it is for stage managers. But you have to start somewhere. And Lois's idea is a good one. So go see a show. And make a friend.

The end.