Journey to the Final Lair

- OR How I Became a Theatre Major instead of a Scientist

Way back when I was in elementary school I was part of the Girl Scouts. For one of our "outings" we got to go up to Georgia Tech for a day of activities, spending the day in the city, and taking over the classrooms. Sitting in a college classroom was exciting. The room was huge! And the chairs swiveled around while you sat on them - best part of college life!

I know - basing a whole career on how much fun a swivel chair is isn't the best method of life decisions. Though in retrospect, I did far better in math and science after that. They were fun classes for me - exciting and engaging.

But somehow along the way, things sort did the one-two-switch-a-roo. The right side of my brain became more prominent. I became a far better writer (sometimes you can't tell), slightly better with my drawing, and far more prominent in singing and what-not.

Then came "The Phantom of the Opera".

Now, I had seen the book before, I owed a few copies, done a couple projects on the musical for French class. When the movie came out December '04, it took me until the following February to finally see it. And the day after to begin reading the novel for the first time.

Theatre became an intregal part of my life since then. It is my place to go when things are down and depressing. I got my Associate's in Fine Arts, loving every single moment of it. Though it is difficult to "break into the business", I kept up with it by working on community productions. Mostly I keep backstage, far more comfortable there. Although I did try my hand at acting a few times (utterly terrifying, but kinda sasfictory after the fact).

Now I Volunteer Usher at the local theatre while working online from home.

It's been a long time coming to this point in life, but I feel grateful for all the many people I've had the opportunity to work with. I think it's good for people to try theatre at least once. It's a good way to test yourself, to make new friends, to learn how to be an electricial (okay, a super amature one), work with sound, among other things. It's a great learning process that can improve how you come at problems.

If you want to learn about the bounds and leaps you can take, go volunteer at your local theatre. Ask to tackle any task that comes your way - you will not only learn so many new things, but you will have a blast!

(Oh, and if you volunteer at your local theatre, you can see the show for free! Pratically, you have to pay for parking and gas, but still a $100 plus show ticket for nothing! GO! GO NOW AND DO IT!)

Have a wonderful week.

I'm going to usher "The Phantom of the Opera" a few times this week before it leaves. Because I am a Phan and darn proud of it.

Reading - Make It a Hobbt

While I would love to stake claim to that marvelous quote - I cannot.

Back in high school a trilogy of epic fantasy movies came out over the space of three years. While I had never read the novels (yet), I set a goal to read them before going to see the movies.

Reading a trilogy, especially one such as The Lord of the Rings is no easy feat. The novels were written is such a way that the words flow, how it was written, the context. For some it's an intimidating factor. For me - it was downright terrifying! But I made it through .... six times. (Still haven't gotten around to the Silmarillion, tried it, but it scares the crap out of me!)

In honor of books in general - here are a few that I have a particular fondness of. No particular order.

1. The Shadow Revolution by: Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

           

     This is the first in a trilogy. The Crown and Key series is what happens when you mix Victorian England, magicians, and a slash of steampunk. Each book is wonderful, telling the story through a band of adventurers. Join Scribe Simon Archer, alchemist Kate Anstruther, hunter Malcom MacFarlane, and the inventor of their gadgets Penny Carter as they fight to save London, and England at large from supernatural threats.

2. Confessions of a Part-time Sorceress: A Girls Guide to the D&D Game (Dungeons and Dragons) by: Shelly Massanoble

          

        As a recent convert to the great game (began roughly over a year ago, though only been to about 10 sit-ins), I can attest that this is a great read for new beginners. It definitely helped me while I was learning the ropes of the game. If you need an intro to the world of the game I would highly recommend this.

3. Eyes Like the Stars by: Lisa Mantchev

         

        Okay. This entire book is based on theatre. Yes, with an "re". Take the wonderful works of Shakespeare and other plays, place them in a live theatre where they are actual people, and mix in a rambunctious girl who can call in any scene piece and make it real. When someone inadvertently unleashes Ursula, who kidnaps her best friend Nate (who happens to be a pirate from Neverland), Bertie Shakespeare Smith will do everything in her power, and the Book, to help rescue him. (Oh, it's the first of a trilogy.)

4. Northanger Abbey by: Jane Austen

       

      I had to add at least one Austen novel on this list. While there are many wonderful tales to choose from, I prefer a lesser known. This follows the life of Catherine Moreland in her quest to find love. Although, when she continues to see art in normal life, it's hard to tell what is real and what is pure imagination.

5. The Chocolate Cat Caper by: JoAnna Carl

     

      With Cozy Mysteries on the rise - well, at least for me - this is one of my favorites. When Lee McKinney divorces her husband, she moves up to Michigan to heel her aunt Nettie in her chocolate shop. Things are looking up, until a big client winds up dead with one of Nettie's chocolate's to blame! Lee goes undercover (ish) to find the culprit to clear her Aunt's chocolates. This one comes with recipes included!

I'll end it at five - but be aware there will be follow-up posts in regards to novel ideas!

Note: I am not paid for name dropping. I am not paid for anything said on this blog. Please don't sue me.

Love - Love - Love

Since it is Valentine's Day, I suppose that I should do something revolving around love and all that jazz. Here is a little profile based around the first lovey couple that graced the world in animation for the first time. Let's take a little trip back to the 1930's, shall we?

Snow White and Prince Charming are Disney royalty - the first couple that started a massive princess themed franchise. Honestly, we wouldn't have themed blankets, towels, shoes, socks, underware, etc. etc. etc, if not for these two.

Based on the German fairy tale by the Brother's Grimm this was the first campaign that Walt Disney used to cement himself in the Animation world, and as a studio. It was a rather bold move, using a fairy tale to make a motion picture.

However through the years it has proved to be one of the best movies to date. Still standing up through time, it is still a classic movie to watch.

With a few reprises in varying Disney flicks - and other mediums - it's not hard to see why this particular motion picture stands the test of time.


And to leave it off - here is a video of the original Prince Charming wooing his princess, after she wishes her life better.

Happy Valentine's Day!


(I am not paid for any name dropping or anything like that. This is purely for fun and free. That said, if anyone who works with any of these companies or studios finds this, please don't sue me. It's free publicity!)

Music Beats All

I find that music is rather soothing. It's calm, relaxing, meaningful . . . if you find the peaceful music for study time or while at work.

Or it can be quick, fast, scary, and overwhelming . . . perfect for a scary movie or horror flick.

Due to an awesome job where I can work from home, I have had plenty of time to scour youtube (okay not "plenty", I've barely scratched the surface) for some awesome music.

So - here are a few songs that I would like to share with you. Some of them are hour+ long, being compiled from various places.

Let's start out with some Gibli - this is a wonderful mix list that can send you back to awesome childhood memories.

Video Game music is rather awesome. Even if you don't play games the music can be rather catchy.

Movie Soundtracks will not be left out. There are some rather epic scores out there right now - I will try to add a few of my favorites. Dracula: Untold is one of my favorite movies and the music did not disappoint.

I couldn't not add this. I mean - just watch and you'll understand. *sigh*

Pretty - right?

You wouldn't believe how many concerts these guys have on youtube! This one in particular celebrates the early pioneers of the world.

I would be a sore musician if I didn't add some Jazz. I love this style of music. It's so classy, and soft, and awesome.

And I leave you with a man who does Rock covers of various songs. His phantom ones are my personal favorite. (All I Ask Of You)


What are some of your favorite songs to listen to?

What is the Go-To song for when you have a fantastic day?

Leave a comment below and I will answer!

(Note: I am NOT paid for any name dropping, or anything like that.)