Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha

I just wrapped up another successful semester of teaching. Ironically, my last semester at Montclair State was my best. I had challenges during my time there, but all in all, it was a positive experience. I feel I gained the respect of my students , I can only hope that they got something out of the class in return. Part of me will miss it there, but alas, tis time to move on.

My Theater Appreciation class is seeming to get more and more streamlined; covering most of the same material in a more engaging way. Students are more and more enthused. I received many compliments from students; feels good.

I will be teaching Acting at both Rider and Rutgers Universities in the fall. Nice to know that so many schools are eager to keep me around. Again, Montclair would've kept me if I chose to stay...good to move on on my own terms.

A few weeks ago I completed Improv 101 at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). What an exciting, terrifying experience. I am not good at improv, but acknowledge it is a skill I need to develop. The class was hard; I struggled. I feel I did better than I think I did. I start 201 at the end of the month.
I practically shit my pants every time I go up but, if you're not growing and learning - you're dying.
This is good for me.

I also recently joined the wonderful theatrical group, AMIOS (Art and Music in our Souls). This is a pretty great collective of artists; I am flattered to be a part of it. Among other things, they host an evening of theater every month called, Shotz. Every month, playwrights have two weeks to write a short play (based on a pre-determined theme), then the actors and directors have two weeks to rehearse and stage their assigned play. It's fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants theater but, fully produced. It's not half-assed; the work is quality stuff and I've been asked to return to participate in this month's Shotz, my 2nd; a true compliment.

I have several readings coming up:
One produced by Fundamental Theatre Project, directed by Shirley Knight
Perfect Weather by Eric Fallen
The Medicine Show by David Dannenfelser

Lotsa irons in fires.
Keeping busy as best I can, moving forward.

...till next time.

Two roads diverged...

I'm at an impasse, I feel.

The acting front has been slow...too slow!
I know its been slow for many however, it still drives me nuts.

On the other hand, my spring semester is underway and things are going well.
My Theater Appreciation class seems to be getting better and better; I'm constantly tweaking, making my lectures more efficient and concise, utilizing new and different media to make it more engaging. It's good, I think I'm succeeding on that front.

Stage Make-Up (both sections) are comprised of a solid group of students; participatory and engaged.
It's nice.
I'd like to think part of this is that my style of teaching is continuing to grow. Again, I say "part."

I'm prepping for the Annual auditions in Philly (I'd love to act in/near my hometown) next month.
...something to do.

Speaking at a symposium at Rider next week on "Acting in Comedy," so that'll be fun in addition to beefing up the CV.
I'm also fight choreographer and make-up designer for a small production in the city next month. The Choking Game written by Kaitlin Colombo, co-produced by my friend, Eric Michael Gillett
Again - fun.

I can't help but consider what the end-game is here...what am I doing?...really? I want to be further along. I used to think that the previous statement pertained to my "career;" now, I wonder if it is more about my life in general...finding happiness. Yes, I'm happiest when I'm working.
But, what is that about?
-some validation thing?
-true joy from doing what you love/meant to do?

What do I do when I'm not working? That is the big question.
Is there something else that can provide me as much joy when I do it?
How do I find/substitute that joy?
Is all this worth it?

No real answers; though I am working to find some....SOME.
It's not all about answers.
I know part of this struggle is that I started this pursuit later in life. I may have mentioned before; I am on two time-lines:
1) my life time line-I feel I should be further along at my age (I KNOW, I gotta get over it...I'm trying!)
2) my career line-starting when I did, being where I'm at after just over 10 years (I'm not counting my time in school at The Academy and Mason Gross), I'm doing VERY well.
It's challenging coalescing the two.

Hosting a bit of an Oscar party tonight, a small one. Should be fun; an evening with good food and good friends.
We'll see how the awards pan out. I certainly have my opinions...