my calling update...

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)