Hello again!
I can't believe it's only been a few months since I first posted about my opportunity with AMTC! But it's been an amazing few months and I am getting excited as the convention date draws closer.
I've already had some amazing experiences through the AMTC process. We had our first workshop back in November, only a few days after I first told you all about this. On that day, I got to meet the other very talented people who were chosen from my area. Some are singers, some are models, most are actors. And they are all such wonderful people! We've really grown a little family here.
During this first weekend, I was asked to read a commercial script in addition to singing, because, as they rightly pointed out, singers sell stuff too. So, I read through a script and took some direction from my team coaches (Roy, Maria, Adrian, and Allie). And before I left, I sat down with Allie and Maria. They were helping me decide which three competitions to sign up for. And they commented that my acting, while not as good as my singing, is still very good. So, they have been encouraging me to not only compete as a singer, but pursue the TV Commercial and Monologue competitions. But more on that later!
We met again in the beginning of December. That was a fun day! We had Jen Jacobson (an acting coach and actress in her own right) there to watch each of us read through our commercial scripts. We each got personal attention and instruction, really a priceless opportunity!
But it was this past weekend, two full days of workshops, that really made the dent in our growth. I've finally figured out the song I'll be performing at the competition. I had come to workshop with three different songs in mind, all by Natalie Grant (who I adore). But I must say, I was exactly confident that I had picked the right songs. It was after lunch that we were asked to sing our choices for our coaches so they could help us pick. And just before lunch was over, some of the girls and I had been singing along to the Wicked soundtrack in the room, just killing time. I had belted out Defying Gravity for all of the room to hear and they were very impressed. Later, when I had finished the first of my three songs, my coach, Roy, asked if I had considered doing a song from Wicked. My classmate, Amy, yelled out "try The Wizard and I". I didn't have a track for it, so Roy found the song online and I sang along with the first verse. According to everyone else in the room, my face lit up when I started singing along. Allie was convinced - "That's the song." And so it has been settled. I will be singing a selection out of The Wizard and I from Wicked. And I am VERY excited about it!
We had another visit with Jen Jacobsen, our wonderful acting coach. I got to perform my monologue for her and she gave me some wonderful ideas to consider. But also pointed out to me that my job as an actor is to make deliberate and detailed choices about how I am going to play a part. So, I should consider her input, but only make the changes if I think it better helps me portray my character. She said I take direction well and I had already made some good choices in my monologue. I also was encouraged by my coaches to pursue the Overall Actor challenge at the competition. They think I am a very strong actress and that I could be a contender for the category. This means I need to compete in the Scene Read competition, which basically means I'll be handed a short scene between two people and I'll need to learn both parts. The next day, I'll be paired with someone else and we'll be told which roles we are to read. We walk out on stage and perform them right then. No time for rehearsal. Just overnight to study the roles and decide how we want to read them. It's a scary idea, but Jen seemed to think I could hack it, so I am trying that!
We got to interact and perform with two more coaches who are also AMTC grads. Roberto Sanchez listened and provided feedback for our commercials and monologues while his wife, Laimarie Serrano, worked with the models. It was great to be able to work with people who have been exactly where we are now and to get more feedback.
So, that's where I'm at right now. I've got my photo shoot in a month and I am excited to see how that will turn out. And then we have our Dress Rehearsal in June! Time is going to fly!!
I am continuing to trust God for the funds, as I am still looking for work (something else I am really trusting Him with). And I have to admit, last month, God totally brought my payment at the last minute and in a way I never expected. He is awesome! But, mostly, I am still asking for people to keep praying for me as this thing progresses. It's a bit scary, to be honest. I can't quite put it all into words. But it's a good fear :)
I want to thank you so much for your support. It really does mean the world to me!
Love, Sarah
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:3-4 (ESV)
I went for a walk this morning before work and was still thinking about this and praying.
I told Dad this morning that I feel we need to probably trust God on this.
If we start you with the $250.00, do you feel you can do the rest by writing support letters and working?
If you get 300 people to give you just $10.00 each, that is $3000.00. Wow.
There are probably that many people just at church who would love to help you realize your potential in serving Christ with the gift he gave you.
What do you think?
Love you
Mom
OK, I am back! I interviewed with the night manager of hotel guest relations and he was super nice. Asked me a bunch about my prior experience, especially with Disney and British Airways. When it came time for me to ask any questions I might have, I asked him about the "Guest Services" titale and what exactly goes with it. I won't go into those details, but he did point out that my appearance and my articulate manner made me a perfect pick for the department.
He said he'd be meeting with HR today to make his recommendations regarding the people he interviewed today. And he said the process from there could take as little as two days. So, I could know as soon as Wednesday or Thursday. And he had nothing but great things to say about me.
I'd say, based on this interview alone, I probably got the job. As for what I'll be doing, that's the surprise. It all depends on what positions they have left to fill. But he is the manager for all the different aspects of the customer service (concierge, butlers, guest services, and the call center). And he said he could see me excelling in the call center, as concierge, or in guest services!
Anyway, thanks for the prayers and good thoughts. I truly appreciate it!!!!
The Amazing So Cal 7 Meet Celtic Thunder
So, the evening started in a wonderful fashion. Barb and I drove to Mimi's Cafe to meet our fellow Thunderheads. We were walking to the door when we heard some yelling. "THUNDERHEADS!" We turned to look and there was a carful of Thunderheads parking in the lot. It was truly a fun meeting when we walked in to Mimi's. We spent our dinner time taking pictures of each other and laughing and talking about the Pub. It was so much fun to be able to talk to each other without having to hit "refresh" every 30 seconds!!! We then transferred ourselves over to KVCR's very small studio at the local community college. While walking to the office, some of our Thunderheads (i.e., everyone but me and Barb) saw a brief glimpse of Keith and Damian as the boys were being taken to the radio station room to do a quick interview for KVCR radio. We were met outside by our adorable volunteer coordinator, Chelsea, and she led us back to their conference room, which was going to be our break room for the night. I carried my purse and the huge bag of gifts for Keith's birthday back to the room, sat down at the head of the table (which garnered a few chuckles) and we waited to be directed somewhere. We were shown the important things (i.e., the loo & the food) and then shown to the studio. We found our seats (we were the only volunteers there - just the 7 of us!), learned what our jobs were, and waited patiently for things to start. The camera man asked if we were groupies. Erin responded firmly “No we are Thunderheads”. The camera man did not get it so Barb had to explain we are more than just fans it was like being a dead head for the Grateful Dead. At that moment, we looked up and saw three handsome young men walk in the studio door, heading straight for us. They walked by both tables, shaking our hands as they walked by. For some reason unbeknownst to us, they felt the need to introduce themselves (cause, you know, we didn't already know who they were). Then, Paul stood in front of the front table and asked us how we all know each other. Erin then replied that we were all from the Pub. To this, Paul perked up quite a bit and asked if we had brought them anything to drink. ROFL! Sharon then mentioned that we were the So Cal 7, to which Keith responded "So Cal 7? Sounds like a street gang!" We got them talking and they said it was cool that we were volunteering at the station, to which Erin replied that we would do anything for our guys! So, Paul offered to give us a list of to dos: laundry, packing, etc. Paul then noticed Erin and said he recognized her from myspace! We then learned about Damian's attempt to steam his suit in the shower. Let's just say his shirt was still wet at the studio! The guys then had to get their mics set and get situated in their stools with the interviewer, Lillian. Paul did a practice promo off camera with a ridiculously bad southern accent. And then it was time!!! The interview was rather fun, the guys being so much fun. At one point, Paul mentioned "craic", which Lillian had to question. At this point, Paul and Keith launched into a comparison of their "craic" and our "crack". (Keep an eye on YouTube for the video of this). I then chimed in with “well this is LA.” Keith closed out the break by singing a bit of "The Island". The video will be on YouTube, but believe me, it doesn't do him justice. He sounds great on the video, but sounded phenomenal in person!!!! I was rather glad my phone didn't ring just then so I could just sit and take it all in. They started playing Desperado and Keith said that’s not me. We were laughing. The break ended, the boys were taken back to their green room, and we got a break ourselves. 20 minutes later, we walked back into the studio, where the boys were already getting set for the next pledge break. They had us giggling again through the taping, but the best moment occurred when they were done. Barb and Chris had actually gotten phone calls at this point and Chris's pledger was asking about lyrics to the songs. Paul overheard her asking us what to tell this man, so he walked over and took the phone from her. He proceeded to have a conversation with this man that seemed to never end! It included spelling out "celticthunder.ie" about 15 different times in his rich Irish brogue. By the end of the conversation, he was sitting on the floor in frustration - and we were in stitches!!! (Sorry there are no pictures KVCR would not allow camera in the studio.) Paul was talking so long that Keith came to check on him. He stood in the door way and waited for Paul. (That’s why we all got to pass him in the hall.) During the third segment, as we were waiting for them to do their next interview, Keith and Damian started messing around a bit - ok, really, it was mostly Keith. He eventually play punched Damian in the gut. Damian keeled over like he was truly hurt and Paul shot Keith THE LOOK (mothers everywhere know what look I mean) and Damian started cracking up. Of course, we were all giggles at this point, so Keith turned around to us and said "You guys don't have a clue!" Chelsea walked up to reapply makeup to the lads. Keith held back his hair while she dusted his face and then shook it loose, styling back to his norm. It was rather interesting to watch. Somehow, makeup got on the sleeve of Damian's suit (which was still a little damp from the steaming experience). So, Paul asked for a towel to brush the make-up off of Damian and Chelsea brought baby wipes. It was kind of precious to watch Paul dusting Damian off. When he was done, Damian had the wet wipe in his hands and obviously want to lose the wipe. So, he stuck it in Keith's lap. If you have ever watched to kids fight over not holding on to something they didn't want, you can imagine what happened next. Keith then “slapped” Damian but Damian made it look like he was hurt. Then we could see him pull his hand away from his face and he had a smile from ear to ear! After that third segment (which ended with Paul singing Remember Me Recuerdame, sigh), we headed back to our break room. I passed Keith in the hall and said "Heya. How’re you doing?" He was obviously very tired but smiled and said "just grand, thanks!" I made my way back to the room and started towards the other door so I could jet quickly to the loo when Keith walked in to the room. I didn't hear this, but according to some of the other So Cal 7, his first words we're "So, where's my moderator?" I happened to turn back his way and walked over to where he was (right by the seat I had left my stuff at). Told him there was a huge bag of presents under the table for his birthday, to which he hollered "Yee Haw!! I love prezzies! Happy birthday to me!" Paul and Damian joined us in the room, at which point I can no longer speak for everyone else. I just know Keith then threw his arm around me and said "So, how's my moderator then?" It was nice to get such a great hug and too feel like he actually knew who I was. We all had something for the guys to sign, so I got Keith to sign my inserts for my cd and dvd, and then Paul graced them with his signature. I kind of stood back and took it all in, really watching them all interact. Paul was in rare form, still making us laugh hysterically. He signed Thumper’s Puppy and then did super secret agent poses with it. Damian did say that he loved the weather here in LA. I wish I could remember everything that was said, but I honestly can't. I got a picture with Paul, done my favorite way - self portrait style. Paul held my camera and got a picture of the two of us (which really turned out great). Eventually, after everyone had got their stuff signed, Keith picked up his big birthday bag and decided to start opening some of his gifts. He opened his first gift it was a shot glass. His response was got anything to put in it? (which I did get video of) We only got through about four of them (which he loved, by the way) when our PBS wrangler told us time was up and we had to do our last pledge break. So, Keith walked his big bag of stuff (all items small enough to pack in his suitcase, mind you) back to their green room and we all filed into the studio for the last big hurrah. Just before the final pledge break, Damian was sitting in his chair on set and lifted his pant leg up to scratch his knee (I believe). Lillian turned toward him at just that moment and asked what he was doing! So, we all noticed from our seats and I believe Erin commented that he IS in LA and it's very much the gangsta/homie way to wear one pant leg up. So, then Paul and Keith both pulled up one of their pant legs, too!!! We started laughing so hard in our seats. Paul then gets out of his chair and starts acting like a stereotypical gangsta, speaking like a gangsta, etc. He starts practicing his pledge spiel in this manner, making us all bust up even more. I was wiping tears by the time they started actually filming. When the final segment was over, the boys walked back to their green room, waving goodbye as they went off. And that was it, really. We collected our gear, walked out the door (passing their green room on the way with a guy guarding the door like we were going to barge in there on them), and headed over to Barb's house to watch the PBS broadcast. That in itself was a fun experience. We had two bottles of champagne (one being a bottle of Queen Sharon's favorite - Veuve Cliquot) and we laughed it up, watching the broadcast and remembering all of the things that happened off camera!!! You can visit the following links for visuals:
I have been on an unintentional hiatus from my Vox, and for that, I apologize. And most of my recent posts have been about an amazing bunch of fellas from Scotland and Ireland. That I won't apologize for. I have been doing what I can to help get the word out about Celtic Thunder! And about that I am proud.
But I am not here to write about them this time. I am here to write about life. My life. What is going on in my life. Which, oddly enough, isn't much. I am spending my days looking for jobs that I don't particulalry want, but I need a job by the end of the month, so on I go. And I am being ignored by places like Walgreens, for goodness sake! It's the most unnerving thing in the world to wonder why Walgreens isn't calling you back, cause you know you're fab. I mean, I have experienced the customer service at my local Walgreens... they could use a little help! And I have a great smile and friendly disposition. I worked for Disney, so I know how to deal with complete jerks while keeping a smile on my face.
So, what's wrong with me? Am I fundamentally unemployable?
Show us your mother.
Links
All a girl needs to know about rugby (including who the c...
