A Day on Capitol Hill

There may be more to come as I am temping in a city of politians. Yesterday, I had no idea I would find myself as a receptionist for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, but here I am! It's certainly not boring, as far as switchboard/receptionist work goes. Several congressmen and women walk down the hall, say their hellos and make small talk with me. I sure wish I knew who they were and what they stood for, but really how much can I stay on top of? Who knows what's in store for tomorrow, besides an audition at the Smithsonian and work at another DC office?

Virgin Fest & Running

Four long, not hard days working for Virgin Mobile was well worth it! Culminating in the Virgin Fest (featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, The Killers, The Flaming Lips, Gnarles Barkley) yesterday, I was a virgin angel and ambassador (pretty much looked pretty and passed out free stuff). I met some great people, and even made it into the VIP tent to meet some head honchos in the company.

Helping a new friend train for his 6th or 7th marathon, I was motivated to really commit to running. It's something I've been doing once in awhile for a couple of years, but I really haven't put in the discipline needed to become a runner. Now is the time. Today I ran four miles, and signed up for the Marine Core Marathon- 10K race. It's definitely do-able, as I really only need to add 2 miles to what I can already run. The discipline I put into running, I will also be able to apply to audition prep, and vocal and instrumental practice.

Best news of the week: I found a place to live! Just across the street from Jacques and Liz, I have the top floor of a Georgetown townhouse!

"City Girl" At Last

So, it's not quite New York, but Washington DC is where it's at for me! On my drive down from Rhode Island, I have to admit that a small part of me was anxious that all would not go as planned... but I really am just jumping in head first, and everything looks positive so far... well, I really haven't landed any acting gigs or found an apartment yet, but really, that's all gravy! Right?

Anyway, I've moved into a temporary place in a wealthy part of town, just near the Maryland border. It's convenient to the metro, and I've even found a parking place a few blocks away. Over the weekend, I checked out some apartments. I did NOT know what I was in for. These open houses are like mass exoduses from group row house to house in the city, interviewing with grad students or young professionals in the hopes that you'll be their favorite of the afternoon. As if auditions and job interviews were not enough. It's all good though, you can never get enough interviewing experience, right? It's not like I haven't already introduced myself to hundred of people in small towns the past fifteen months on tour!

I'm learning the streets, and am so thankful for my DC family down here. Jacques, Liz & Marcel are making the transition so easy for me. I stayed in Marcel's dormroom one night, and met Jacques and Liz at the Sunday night mass in Georgetown.

Today was an interview at a temping agency where it looks like I should be able to get consistent work. This weekend should be good times, as I'll be a Virgin Angel at the Virgin Festival (Virgin Records) up in Baltimore. I'll be getting paid and I receive a free pair of VANS shoes. This girl can never have too many shoes!

Anyway, off to check out another apartment, and then later meet some theatre people at a Didactic Theatre (Kristen Cornwall's theatre) fundraising meeting.

Transitions

my lil bro who I'll finally be catching up with this year in DC

it's about time we had all these ladies in the Arsenault home

my first horserace @ Colonial Down in Virginia


Alvaro Ibanez, an artist from Columbia who hosted us for dinner @ his gallery



Ava Gaudet after a Monday night performance of "RENT"

What an awesome summer it's been! Amy and I rocked out all summer from attending Broadway shows, to concert readings, to Shakespeare in the Park, we've seen some fabulous performances. The kids worked so hard in our many productions! Above all, we've both become stronger women in the situations we've encountered and the problems we've solved. Not to mention, I've gained a lifelong friend!

It's crazy to think that in just a few weeks I will begin my life in the city for the first time! I've been waiting for this for a long time, and I think- actually, I know I'm ready. Can't imagine what it'll be like to live in a place longer than a week or two... my first time since graduation. After the auditions I've been to in the DC area, I feel competitive right now. It's a competitive business, but worth every moment on stage or in rehearsal. Even the auditions are exciting- afterall I've already been called back for two professional shows in the League. I am most excited to be able to take dance and acting classes again. I look forward to getting my voice back, and making appointments with casting and talent agencies in the area.

Please keep in touch and let me know if there's anything you'd like me to write more about! As I start to wrap up my final tour with Missoula Children's Theatre (who knows, I may be back), I look forward to the future with hope and excitement!

DC here I come!

Wow, this summer is flying! Amy and I are having an awesome summer tour, and from Broadway shows, to Busch Garden roller coasters, we almost forget this is a job. Looking at next week's schedule, I realized it'll already be August, woah. My goal is to be in DC by September 1st, or closely after. I've had a few auditions since the big "Leagues" in DC, and am psyched to get to work as an actress in the District.

From the looks of it, most of my callbacks are with children theatres (shocking, right!), and so that will most likely be my target for the coming season. I'm certainly not limiting myself to anyting, but if I can find areas in which to continue building my resume and experience, awesome!

It's really exciting to see what some of my colleagues are up to as well! Two guys (James Gardiner & Nick Blaemire) who attended the Overtures workshop at the Kennedy Center with me are having their new play produced via concert reading @ Joe's Pub @ THE PUBLIC THEATRE in NYC. It will be directed by Eric Schaeffer (Signature's artistic director who has directed Sondheim premieres) and will star several Broadway actors. It's called "Ass Backwards", so be on the lookout for the original production. Fortunately, the tour will have me in Middletown, NY that week, so we'll be able to catch the event!

Auditions & Appointments

Summer's been a blast so far! A drive across the country, mostly by myself (interspersed with visits to friends in Chicago and West Virginia), a week on a South Carolina Airforce Base, a week on the Dupont estate of Winterthur in Delaware and last week off in Rhode Island... let the good times roll!

Jenny was my tour partner for a week (in South Carolina) and when not watching "Lost", battling cockroaches, or trying to rig our crazy set, we found time to work out with the airforce guys at the fitness center and meet for dinner with her cousin and her family in the trendy, college town of Columbia. It was great to hear her cousin's story of being a professional actress in the Columbia area prepping to make a move to the Chicago market. Always cool to hear the other paths people have taken, sounds like she's currently finding consistent work in SC, which is encouraging.

My second week found me in Delaware, very close to Philly. I was psyched to be able to catch my good friend Meg's performance at the Arden Theatre on Monday night! After the show, I met my current, amazing new tour partner, Amy. After spending forever waiting on the runway, her plane decided they could pull into the gate and so we left the Philly airport to depart on the rest of the summer together. Immediately, we felt we had known each other for years! Good thing, because I left her the next day for my League audition in Washington, DC. Pumped and ready (physically and emotionally), I gave it my all on the stage at Roundhouse, and I've already heard back from one theater where I'll audition again next week!

The week off in Rhode Island was everything a New England summer should be. Amy had never visited RI, so with her I saw our unique community with a fresh set of eyes. Clam cakes, Del's lemonade, walks down Hope Street where the red, white, & blue stripes were newly painted, brought back hundreds of childhood memories. I was glad to be in town to help my grandmother move, and spend time with much of my family who were in town for the HUGE 4th of July celebration. Amy is sure she is a distant cousin, and we're both psyched that we'll continue to see part of the Arsenault clan in our remaining summer weeks.

Last week, I did receive some concerning news, that I am determined to work through. I have nodules on my throat which have formed over the past year in my vocally demanding position. It's nothing vocal rest and speech pathology cannot solve, but it was a good wake-up call to let me know I need rest more training once tour comes to an end. On a good note though, Julie Andrews and Justin Timberlake have both lived through this experience, so all will be okay, I'm sure!

Change in Plans

Psyche! I know I said I had two weeks left of tour (now one), but I've just signed on to tour "Red Riding Hood" on the East Coast. They REALLY needed people, and I've realized what an amazing opportunity this is to change lives of kids everywhere... Plus, when else will I have the opportunity to play THE BIG,BAD WOLF for 9 weeks! So take out your planners and fit me into your summer schedules! It'll be so cool to tour on my home turf! Best part, I'll still be able to fit in the DC League Auditions :-)

JUN 12th-17th in South Carolina

JUN 19th-24th in Winterhur, DE

JUN 26th- July 1st –OFF (of course, it could book)

July 3rd-8th in Massena, NY

July 10th-15th in Gloucester, VA

July 17th-22nd in Mamaroneck, NY

July 24th-29th in Fairfield, CT

July 31st-August 5th in Lancaster County, VA

August 7th-12th in West Point, VA

August 14th – 19th in Middletown, NY

And to think I signed on before reading my e-mails that bribed me:
"If you could do this tour, you would be sainted like Mother Theresa."
"I love this Elise. You would go to the TOP of my favorites list."

2 weeks left of tour

Random scene: 3 horses walking down a side street unaccompanied.. gang of dogs trying to bring them back to their pasture... gotta love Montana!

Yes folks, my year-long adventure through one-horse towns and indian reservations is nearly drawing to a close. What a ride it's been! I have experienced so much of our unique country, and I can't wait to come back here someday, whether it be fighting wildfires, camping and rafting the National Parks, or performing with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.

Last week, we were on the edge of Glacier National Park (in East Glacier)- the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. The K-8 school has 35 students, almost all were in our show. We were given free meals at the school and yummy dinners at a local restaurant in town. Although lines were missed left and right, I had so much fun playing "Baloo" on stage w/ these kids. "Playing" that's the key word. My voice was giving me trouble all week, but after a couple nights and mornings of vocal rest, it was strong enough for me to perform Friday night. No matter the challenges that face us during the week, when the stage lights come up at the end of the week and the house (gym, auditorium, or multi-purpose room) is full, I'm on, and I love it! "There's no business like show business!"

So what's next? It looks like a New England summer where I can recooperate vocally, and train extensively in acting and dance, prepping for auditions, waiting tables. Looking forward to spending time with family and old friends, but I'm psyched about the future, whether it be in DC, Philly, or any number of cities that my friends have found.

mmmm... Missoula....mmmm....coffee

Just a little plug for how much I enjoy "Liquid Planet"... fun people, chill music, and good coffee. What more does one need on another cold, March morning? Okay, I'm officially sick of winter. Last week was a tease which inspired me to pull out all my spring clothes.

The week on the Rez is surprisingly positive. Kids are working hard, and 3 times as many kids showed up this week compared to last year. I'm finding simple pleasures in Montana... Amish markets, mooing cows on the side of the road, sounds of roosters cock-a-doodling. People willing to talk openly whenever. A change from life in the Northeast...

Day off on Saturday... will check out the music scene in Missoula before we hit the open road again.

It's a Small World Afterall

Yes, it is a cheesy Disney ride... but it's something I am saying almost every week now! Way back in November (in Washington state), I met someone who's daughter was college roomies with a girl from Bristol (Lizabeth Marshall). During this winter tour, I have stayed with people who were originally from the same small town of Choteau, MT. This week, Robbie and Meg saw the production of "Gershwin Alone" on their trip to DC that my "Aunt" Peg directed. The list goes on, and that's just out here in the Northwest. Meanwhile, in DC, friends or acquaintances of mine are working on productions all the time without even knowing they both know me. And the coolest piece of news... a guy from the "Overtures" workshop I attended a couple years ago at the Kennedy Center is now Assistant Directing Stephen Sondheim's new show! And so there you have it, I'm finding everything fascinating out here with too much time on my hands.

And I dedicate my next paragraph to all my homestays (of past and present). Thank you for your awesomeness. Thank you for sharing your couch, a spare bed, or giving up your own for the week. Thanks for sharing your yummy food and adopting me as one of your own. I could not survive this job if it weren't for the social time spent with homestays. In Casper, Ferne and I played piano duets almost every night. In Greybull, I found a "little sister" in Jill who opened up to me about fun high school happenings. And this weekend, since we have Monday off, I'll be skiing with the Kaths in Montana!

Home of Brett Keisel #99

For all those Steelers fans out there, this week I am staying in the town where Brett Keisel #99 grew up. Signs are up everywhere in this small mining town of Greybull, WY. It's been a good week here. I've been hitting the track down at the school almost everyday, and I've made a big decision since the last post. I was originally planning on going to MidWest Theatre Auditions in St. Louis in late February, but after an inspirational talk with my mom, I'm moving in a different direction. I am not as competitive as I was last year at this time, so the trip would really be a huge waste of money. Instead, I am spending the remainder of my tour really living in the moment and experiencing life Out West (making observations for future character work, etc.). My plan is to move back to RI for the summer where I'll receive more training in voice, acting, and dance, and travel to regional auditions in Washington, Philly, and New York. If anyone has recommendations for good auditions to check out, please let me know. The name of a really good voice teacher has been passed down to me, so I hope she'll be someone who can really help me hone into my talents.

Lovely! Things are lookin good and we're having one of the mildest winters out here, couldn't ask for more.

Bright New Day

What a beautiful day out here in Cowboy Country. My mood has changed substantially since my last post, thankfully! This week, Nick and I were given gift certificates to a couple local restaurants.. one including a funky coffeehouse "The Ledge". As we were enjoying a sandwich and yummy piece of pie, the owner came up and visited with us for awhile. Fun snowboarder-type in his 20s, I'd say. He offered to get us anything we needed, including extending our gift certificate once it ran out! Yay, free stuff, and fun people. It was actually really surprising to find a coffeehouse like this one in this otherwise Walmart-type town. So, if you ever find yourself in Riverton, WY, CHeck out "THe Ledge". It seems Howie Day and "Vertical Horizon" have also enjoyed the shop.

Anyway, all is well in Wyoming!

Oh, Wyoming

I must admit I've been feeling homesick these past few weeks following my long Christmas vacation. Over break, I was definitely spoiled frequently going out alternating family to friends, friends to family... Two weeks of social time that will have to suffice the coming months without. This of course leads into my New Year's Resolution: to keep in touch with people better. So, like my lovely friend, Megan, I would like to invite my loyal readers (whoever you may be to post a comment- introducing yourself, how you know me, and what you are up to this winter).

Being the Virgo (and my mother's daughter) I am, I have begun structuring my hotel days to workout times, reading times, and eventually rehearsing times, so that I can begin preparations for the audition season. There's really nothing else to do in this Wyoming town. Speaking of which, Wyoming is a beautiful state. Our drive from Jackson to here was so interesting. We saw several hawks, and think we may have seen a bald eagle. It went from 2 1/2 feet of snow in the mountains, to real cowboy desertous land. And, sorry to say, "Brokeback Mountain" wasn't taped here (that's all Alberta and New Mexico), however, surrounding towns we passed during our "Sunday Drive" are very reminiscent of scenes in the movie.

In a week or two, I should know if I have time off to catch the MidWest Theatre auditions in St. Louis. It's been really cool to hear about what other colleagues are up to, and I'm thrilled to think about the opportunities that are yet to come if I do something other than watching repeats of Will and Grace and Sex and the City in my hotel room. Anyway, time to post away. Who saw "Brokeback Mountain"? Who dreams of visiting Wyoming? Who wants to "save a horse, ride a cowboy?"

Brokeback Mountain

Prep yourself, and go see this history- making movie! It's one of those powerful films that can really change views. Nick and I were so surprised to see the movie playing out here in Jackson, WY. The craziest thing is that we'll actually be in Riverton, WY next week. My mom called me up Sunday night raving about the acting and the sights of Wyoming, telling me I'd be at the sight of its taping very soon. I was sure it wouldn't be playing in the state, but Jackson is quite the resort town, and therefore full of liberal skiers and snowboarders... who new? The sights of Riverton look pretty rundown and poor, so it'll be quite the change of the yuppie Jackson Hole.

The week is going really well, and tomorrow we hit the slopes! We are so close to Teton National Park and Yellowstone, so this could be the best week of the tour!

What's next?

I know it seems way early to be thinking about June, but as an actor, I'm thinking I will be always looking for work six months ahead of time. Last week, we had the MCT Holiday Party, and I began thinking about what amazing work the Tour Actor/Directors are accomplishing each week. The director/founder of the company really hit home with his speech "...since mid-June, the young men and women before you have touched the lives of over 3000 kids, changed lives." This job is hard work, but worth every moment. I know the company will be a part of my life in years to come, but for the summer and fall I'm ready for new work, auditioning for other theatres, strengthening my resume, prepping for grad school, and just learning to trust in the opportunities that lie ahead.

Recently, I was offered a contract for another touring company, but denied because of my current job. Although I have no desire to work for this anonymous company, I felt important, worthy, and confident that there is a future career for me in this industry. I've dropped a jeans size and am able to run farther than ever before. Getting in shape and audition-ready can be done. The road ahead will most likely be bumpy, but I'm ready for the challenge! The more movies I see, the more motivated I become. A friend called me tonight to remind me that "Once Upon A Mattress" was on TV, but I really thought I'd become jealous if I turned it on. Winnifred is my role, why couldn't they have waited just 5 more years before turning it into a movie? It's all good though, I was currently detained enjoying "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" with my mom, aunt, and cousins.

Thank God for this break from the tour. I really need the moment to clear my head and plan for what's ahead. If anyone has contacts at a theatre, or think there'd be a role good for me somewhere, please let me know as I begin my search for summer and fall work.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Back on the road after an awesome week in RI with the fam. RENT, Blackalicious/G-Love concert in Boston, Hoopla and sleepovers, quite a different Thanksgiving dinner, Black Friday shopping ---- I'd say the week was complete.

I'm at a Barnes & Noble/Starbucks waiting for Nick's flight to arrive, and wondering where I'll be in June, September, next year at this time. While at home, I rallied some high school classmates to begin planning a casual 5 year reunion. I warned them I'd probably not be in RI come July, but at this point I have no clue where I'll be. I think by September, I'd like to be working the theatre market in DC/Baltimore, and ideally I'd like to land a role in a summer theater in Colorado.

What I'm struggling w/ right now is the social aspect of this job. It is SO great to be meeting new and interesting people each week, but it's tough having only one friend who is constant out here. Nick is a great partner and good friend, but after this week home (social overload!!!) I want to be in a job w/ more co-workers or just people that know me. I was spoiled living with Meg, Mel, and Jo last year, and can't wait to meet up w/ them in Philly after Christmas.

So, here we go again, year #2 of marketing myself in the industry. I'm planning to hit the MidWest Theatre auditions in late February and send my headshot out various places. TWO WEEKS left before I'm back for Christmas!

Thanks to everyone in RI this week, it was a great time!

Some cool pictures from a road where if you stop concentrating for a sec, you'll be off the cliff!

Adventures in Washington

I have SO many beautiful pictures to post, and at some point, I will put them on a Kodak Share Gallery or something, but in the meantime, I'll write what I can.

Let's see there's the pre-wedding and post-wedding. I LOVED seeing so many of you during the week of Jacques and Liz's wedding (www.jacquesandelizabeth.com). The wedding was AMAZING and such a fitting and beautiful event for two incredible people. I am in love with my family, straight out... Haha! Each time we get together we have more and more fun. Over Thanksgiving, the sibs are going to a G-Love and Blackalicious concert in Boston... Good times! And now I have two sisters!!! Andre's girlfriend Hannah was also at the wedding, and she fit in fabulously with all of us.

The week in DC was definitely a much needed break from the tour, but I can't really say it was restful... my fault really... After the wedding, I slept about an hour before having to meet the SuperShuttle at 5:20am and head to Dulles airport where I proceeded to fly all day to Seattle. Nothing like a few hours of dozing on a plane, only to have to drive across Washington state to Spokane to begin another week. Needless to say, I was kind of sick last week, but now I'm almost back to normal, and over the jetlag.

PRE-WEDDING: Wow, I'm way behind in the updates, but call me for more details... I love phone calls from faraway friends :-) Hint, Hint.. Anyways, October was a challenging, yet exciting month. Nick and I spent a week on an Indian reservation where the kids had NO discipline, yet pulled off the show. We were showered with gifts at the end of the week: "Native Pride" sweatshirts, snacks for the next week, and beautiful wind chimes! The next week, we found ourselves in Hispanic Washington, where 95% of the students spoke Spanish as their first language. Beautiful vineyards surrounded the town, and I felt like we were in California at times. Of course the week wasn't complete without a tour of these vineyards, wine-tasting, and cows running away! Our drive from the reservation to Granger (the Hispanic farm town) was GORGEOUS... the #1 drive we've had yet! Pictures to come...
The final week before the wedding was spent in a small suberb of Seattle. I stayed with an awesome family... The mother, Lynn, and I were both Virgos and talked non-stop late into the evenings, accompanied by episodes of "Will & Grace" and "Sex & the City". She had kids in 6th & 8th grade, so it was fun to be in a busy house with children for a change... Till then, I had mostly been staying with empty-nesters or in hotels. We saw the sights of Seattle (Space Needle, Pike Street Market, etc.), I have an embarrassing story about parking, and then I was on my way to the wedding....

POST-WEDDING: Last week was spent 20 miles outside of Spokane, a town called Deer Park. Our homestay was fabulous. Gus, the school's custodian, waited on us hand & foot, always making sure we had more than enough to eat and drink. His music (light rock from the 70s & 80s) and TV favorite (THe Price is Right, every morning) will remain unforgettable. He was such an outgoing, fun personality, and made a week where I was feeling sick work out.

And this week, I find myself in an even smaller farming town. CRAZY COINCIDENCE: my homestay's daughter went to Brown University and was roommates with Liza Beth Marshall from Bristol! Yet again, small, small world! Nancy and Mark are very cool people--- Mark's a farmer and Nancy a school librarian and art teacher. They are an NPR family and their magazine collection reminds me of Mom & Dad. (New Yorker, Smithsonian)

That's the news from out west, and oh yea, my SPRING TOUR will be in Montana & Wyoming. Cold, but I'll get much, much use out of my cowboy hat!

And I'm Back!

Me and Nick (my new partner) hiking in Salmon, ID

Fear not, contary to popular belief, I am alive and well, and finally have an update! Fall tour is fabulous, it's great to have a partner I can actually talk to and go out with... Nick and I are creating our own life on the road: many episodes of "Family Guy", "Sex & the City", and Nick's fav show "My So-Called Life". We've been receiving many cards and little gifts from the kids, so they are randomly strewn about the truck, at some point we'll make a bulletin board on the back window (since the view is already covered by the set when the truck is full).

Our first week together was Premier Week in Missoula, and it was definitely the most STRESSFUL week since June. In addition to normal training odds and ends at the theater, we had a full week of rehearsals and shows w/ kids at a local middle school. Nothing like 12-hour days w/ the home staff watching rehearsals, figuring out how to work w/ a new partner, and the stresses of a Friday afternoon show (only 3 1/2 days of rehearsal). We pulled through though, and in spite of my lack of voice on Friday, my supervisors had great things to say about my performance. Minus the intenseness of the work, the week in Missoula was really cool. I hung out w/ many actors I hadn't met at training, and now Nick & I feel like we do have a solid community on the road... we're planning on meeting up w/ other teams in Washington in the upcoming weeks.

We hit the road, and the first stop was Salmon, Idaho (birthplace of Sacagawea & whitewater rafting capital of the world). It was a gorgeous, western town and we got the most out of our visit (hiking near some hot springs w/ signs "BEWARE OF RATTLESNAKES" and watching "Napoleon Dynamite" in his native homeland--- our town wasn't too far off from his!).


And we've made it to Washington State! This past week was in Pullman, a college town (WSU) planted in the middle of farmland. We performed in a space like the Providence Civic Center or Mason's Patriot Center-huge. They did section it off to 2,000 people though, and we had a great week w/ some really talented kids. The only hitch in the week was the set falling down completely 15 minutes into the second show.. yea.. so we made sure all were safe, picked it up where we left off, and completed the final show! It always feels good to pack up the set after the final show and put the week behind us at a local bar where everyone stares at us because we're not in plaid shirts or hooded sweatshirts!

So, all is well, and I'm SO looking forward to Jacques and Liz's wedding in a few weeks. EVERYONE IN THE DC AREA: I will be flying into Dulles on Monday, October 24 and would love to meet up... I'll be in town for the week!

Noel was my official tour guide to San Francisco

California

I've made it... it's taken 21 years to get here, but Sunday night I arrived at the Oakland airport to spend two weeks with Aunt Kim, Uncle Dennis and my California cousins. Noel took me on a tour of San Fran today, and I plan to make several little trips into the city during my stay. Top of my list is checking out ACT (American Conservatory Theatre- awesome MFA program) and the San Francisco Fringe Festival. A fellow Tour Actor/ Director is spending some time about an hour away from Lafayette, so I'm hoping he may be able to hit up the festival with me.

Mom, Dad & I had an awesome time at Glacier NP. Breathtaking! The most gorgeous sights any of us had seen! Pictures to come, I've lost the adapter for my camera, oh, and my wallet, but that's another story... for the moment I'm blaming my former tour partner (haha, only kidding-- but I wouldn't put it past her). I'm managing w/o my wallet... my biggest problem is trying to contact the RI DMV-- I've been on hold for almost a half hour 2 days in a row.

Sad times: A fellow tour actor lives in New Orleans, and her house was flooded (5-10) in Hurricane Katrina. Please keep Kristi in your prayers as she may find all her personal belongings and clothes ruined, not to mention she may not even be able to return before heading back to Missoula in a couple weeks.

More to come on California! We're spending the weekend in the moutains in the Arsenault's cabin!

I Love my job!

I'm hanging in the Tour Actor lounge right now, and the musical director of the company just came by to tell me how he liked what I had to say last night at our End of the Summer Party. I don't remember anything specific, but he said my enthusiasm reminds him of himself when he was on tour. Michael was the first person I met when interviewing for the job, and I am thrilled with the compliment... SO PSYCHED for the Fall Tour!

Jamie & I have just finished our Check-IN and our partnership has come to an end. Mom & Dad flew in last night, and met the staff. We're having a great time catching up in Missoula, and we found out that Gordon (who manages all our trucks) knows my homeroom teacher from high school - Once again, SMALL, SMALL world!

Tomorrow we hit Glacier National Park and then California Here I COME!!!