Blog has moved to a new page!

Hello, Hello, If you still check my blog, I am writing to re-direct you to my new space for my blog. My blog now lives on my weebly website, where you can see pictures from my shows, see what I'm up to, and keep up with my blog. Check out www.elisearsenault.com Thanks for keeping up with what I'm up to, and let me know what's happening in your world!

Oxford: Part Deux

Wow, one week left in this magical city!
It's been a whirlwind of classes, tutorials, rehearsals, river walks (and runs), pub outings, and masterclasses. Today's "master" was Fiona Shaw. I love that she is as fabulous a teacher as she is a performer! In two brief hours, we left with 3 or 4 practical tips for approaching a Shakespeare of modern piece. I hope to someday reach a similar level of excellence.

I will post pictures and more thoughts about the journey as this week continues, it will provide quick breaks from rehearsals. All in all, I have made some monument discoveries, and have experienced moments of validation. I look forward to returning back to life and career in the States with this new perspective. So much to read, work on, pursue!!

On the river in Stratford-upon-Avon

:

Journey to Oxford: Part 1

Yesterday, I arrived at Oxford University for the British American Drama Academy's summer program. Lovely to be here, lovely views, lovely people... and it's only been 24 hours.

This is my first time in the UK, so my journey from the gate at London's Heathrow to Magdalen College, Oxford was an adventure in itself :) After annoying a couple bus drivers (`stupid american`, I could see them thinking, as I asked too many directions and got on the wrong bus... haha), and observing a wide array of international accents, I settled into my room here.

This morning, I took an introductory walk around the neighborhood, found some fair trade organic coffee, and performed my placement audition (tomorrow we will be placed into groups for the session). Around noon, I met up with my first friends here, 2 UCLA grad students. Before I left the states, I received a fabulous list of places to go from an experienced Oxford grad. We checked out the first place on the list, Georgina's. Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers, & Rockets (arugala, appently) Panini+ Pomegranate Rasperry Soda=Delish! Post lunch, our first tourist outing through the city-- walked around Christ Church College (featured in the HARRY POTTER movies), and mimicked every accent we heard... haha. Tonight, we hit our first pub!

In the meantime, I am enjoying time to be still and read. On my way to the airport, Dad furnished me with a copy of `The Alchemist`, just the book I need for the trip. Loving it's optimistic advice to pursue my Personal Legend. On my way out of the gate today, I bumped into a fellow actor who said, `Great book. It will make you want to stay an actor`.

Happiness is...

...a refreshing, summer afternoon breeze... and a salad of fresh garden-picked veggies (basil, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black bell pepper topped with sunflower seeds, Vermont cheddar and balsamic vinagrette)... Happiness is begging a little froggy to allow me to assist in his escape out of the swimming pool.

Nothing beats the summer in Rhode Island. Before a year ago, I didn't expect I'd ever move back, and then in returning to "Little Rhody", I never thought I'd actually ENJOY being here :) Who knew that Providence could turn into New Orleans for an evening (or week).... Last week, Providence hosted the annual Sound Sessions, a festival of funk, jazz, reggae, blues and more. Saturday night, after my performance, I took to the city and got down with hundreds of others dancing to the blasting horns of What Cheer Brigade and Big Nazo Puppets. The party played into the night throughout downtown, performers at every corner.

Happiness is also performing, performing, performing... I feel blessed to have work as an actor right now. My third show of the year is wrapping up this weekend. If you are in RI or nearby, come check out "The Late Christopher Bean" at 2nd Story Theater in Warren. "small-town theatre at it's best" -The Wall Street Journal

Jim Henson said...

"I believe we can use television and film to be an influence for good."

Just saw a poster with Jim Henson and his Muppets at the school library where I am working today. I have been taking inventory in the media room, where I've found numerous videos starring my favorite actors: Glenn Close, Denzel Washington, Sigourney Weaver and John Lithgow, among others. As a new month is beginning, I have been taking inventory in my own life. Am I where I want to be professionally right now? I'm on the way, but no, not exactly. Over the past couple of days I have decided on new personal choices in my move forward. Sunday morning, I ran a half-marathon in Providence. Running long distances in a race always motivates me to "go the distance" in other facets of my life.

Most importantly, I am working to secure my financial future so that I can begin to plan a move back to the city (NY or DC) by Summer/Fall 2011, unless grad school comes first. In the meantime, I will work to join the actors union(s). I am thrilled to have work right now. I begin rehearsals this week for an exciting outdoor production of Henry VIII with The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theatre (TRIST). More info can be found on my new website: www.elisearsenault.com

Up & Running

It is SO GOOD to be back on stage again! Last night was the first preview for "The Voysey Inheritance" at 2nd Story Theatre. We've got a smart little show -- polishing up over the next week, then should be a beauty. What I found to be funny was that I found myself nervous for the first time in quite awhile-- my heart was fluttering as I made my first entrance in the first scene. I hadn't realized it's been at least two years since I've performed in a house of over 100, in the round, and for adults... quite naked out there... but oh so thrilling and juicy too!

Part of the thrill is to be working with a talented and humble group of giving actors with diverse backgrounds. Another thrill is to be performing near my hometown after eight years away. I am so thankful to have had the time away from Rhode Island, in competitive markets to make mistakes, learn, and grow in confidence. The homecoming feels like a new starting point in the next stage of my career-- TBD.

So, I'm a huge LOST fan, and found this past week's episode inspiring. Michael Emerson (actor who plays Ben) gave one of his finest, most human performances, which caused me to research his career. Emerson earned a BA in theater from a midwestern college, and after a short, unsuccessful stay in NY, he retreated to Florida where he taught and performed in local theater productions for years. In his late 30s, he earned an MFA at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and moved onto NY, where this time, he landed Broadway role after role... His role on LOST was only to be a guest star for a few episodes, but the audience loved him so much, that he has become a major role in the past five seasons. A fine performer, his classical experience and training is obvious in his truthful deliveries.

Emerson's story has reassured my faith that I am where I'm supposed to be right now. My big break could be next year, ten years from now, or the compilation of a set of small breaks over the next decade. In a few weeks, I should know whether I will attend grad school next year. Either way, it will be what's right for this part of my journey. I am in a show, and loving it... will revel in every moment!

Grad School Audition Tour 2010 Complete...

...and what a journey it's been, both professionally and personally. Since my move back to RI last August, I have been preparing for these past two months of auditions. Four major trips to New York (3x), Chicago, smaller trips to Cambridge and Providence provided adventure away from smalltown Bristol, as well as opportunity to audition for some of the best directors and teachers at MFA Acting programs across the nation. Some were personal successes, others not so much. And whether I am accepted into a grad program this year, or apply again next year, life goes on, I will continue to act. I have learned much about myself, my audition fears and what stands in my way from succeeding (it's usually my self-critic who decides she's invited into the audition room). It's been a great opportunity to learn a half dozen new monologues with the guidance of Bob Colonna, who plays my father in upcoming" The Voysey Inheritance". It's a relief and accomplishment to have completed this process!

Yesterday, I embellished my normal 2 monologue (classical/contemporary) routine with a trombone/vocal arrangement of "Hit Me w/a Hot Note". It earned me an end-of-the day callback at the experimental Columbia University program! I would like to continue incorporating my instruments into future performances... perhaps a recital or cabaret to come this summer... depending on the grad school results.

On the bus ride back to Providence now. About to embark on final two weeks of rehearsal for my professional RI theater debut; "The Voysey Inheritance" at 2nd Story Theater in Warren. It promises to be an intelligent production... Pretty dresses, a wealthy family and a Ponzi Scheme... talented cast and director!

What: THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE by Harley Granville-Barker, adapted by David Mamet
Where: 2nd Story Theater, Warren RI
When: March & April
Details at www.2ndstorytheater.com