Acting Day 2

I've figured out some things in the last few weeks while trying desperately to figure out what I should do with my life...some of which are helpful and some not so much.

1. You can't *really* learn to act from a book. You should read up on techniques and read famous actors, but honestly, this is something you either have to just do or get an education for...and since I can't get an education right now, I need to do.

2. I am not a huge fan of acting onstage (I prefer the small screen), EXCEPT if it's musical theatre. Too bad I can't sing.

3. But I CAN sing...I think. I sang half of Wicked yesterday and while my throat is sore, I might have what it takes to be, if not a 'prima donna,' at least a main character...? Although now I need voice lessons...

4. If I could go back and do college at CIU over again, I'd do a Communications major with a VOICE MINOR. Too bad I didn't think I had a voice back then...:(

This is what I've learned so far.

I've also narrowed down my options. I will always work a part-time job, but these three options are the ones I'm going to pursue.

1. Acting - theatre, television, film, web. We'll see how much talent I actually have. To do this month: pick four monologues (2 tragedies, 2 comedies - classic and modern) and start memorizing.

2. Painting - I've painted two paintings this year and am in love with acrylics. I've got another three paintings in the works (as long as I have money to buy canvas/paint) and I think, given time, I have what it takes to be a painter.

3. Writer - this is obvious. I get story ideas all the time. Now it's time to figure out what medium is best for my stories. I love the idea of novels but it is easier for me to write graphic novels. I'm tweaking my graphic novel in hopes of securing an illustrator.

And I just noticed I didn't put music up here. It just isn't my passion. I love playing harp and I especially love playing music with others, but...I'm just not completely sold out for it. Now, that could change when I get an electric bass. Being in a band could be perfect...but I don't naturally write songs. So...for now, it's on hold. I do have music goals for the month, but most of them are in preparation for weddings in June.

Sometimes I feel bad that I don't do more with music, but it really drags me down to think of doing just music forever. It will always be a part of my life but I am not a professional musician type and never will be. I just enjoy it.

So, for now, I'm going to read some acting books and try to sift through some modern monologues to find what I want to memorize.

I feel better having narrowed it down...I know now which are my true hobbies (music, photography, knitting, designing) and I know which things I love the most...

...except I'll always want to be a ballerina. Physically, I can't - I'm too thick, my feet are flat and my ankles are turned (I'd have to have surgery to do toe and I just can't...), and so I guess that makes my decision easier...but I'll always regret not staying in dance.

SIGH.

Back to work.