We Have No Troubles Here...

2 weeks later...

2008-07-03T00:09:25Z

So I've been back in the states for 2 weeks now, and to fill you in on the missing pieces. The show was one of the best recieved at the whole festival. And while we were afraid of the impression we were leaving at the end of the week Katrin, Scott, Paul... everyone we came in contact with had nothing but nice things to say about our show and how professionally we had handled many different situations. I was very proud of the project when it was complete and it is an experience that I'll never forget. Our last day in Arezzo was full of shopping and fun. I bought Vanessa a pretty present and I did some wine shopping for myself and others. I've already decided that I'm going back. In a perfect world I would be back to visit Vanessa in the fall but I don't think I'm going to have the money for that. We'll see.

coolj213 @ 2008-06-16T11:40:00

2008-06-16T15:56:00Z

So after rehearsal today we all went to this restaurant in town and the food was delicious of course. I wish I had been able to take picutres inside because it looked like an old basement exposed brick that had been painted over with these beautiful old murals. The man who was hosting was this jolly old italian guy who spoke a little english, at least enough to offset mister grumpy pants waiter guy. It was one of those 3 course meals with this delicious house wine that you can't get anywhere else it was awesome. After dinner was of course Gelato. have I mentioned that that meal was ALSO covered by the University of the Arts. I guess they felt bad about the amount I'm paying to go there or something... I don't know...

After Gelato we ran off to the theater which is actually the remains of an old italian theater where they would hold mock naval battles and stuff. It's craziness and absolutely beautiful. We watched 2 shows. both of which were too long and the second of which put me to sleep completely. The Czech students performed a completely speechless movement and music piece about the relationships between people in the audience of a circus. It was very interesting to watch the physical and acrobatic elements of it were very impressive. Then our tech began and what a miess it was. None of us speak the language and it turned out we were only After coming home. I got to talk to Vanessa and I hung out with the Irish kids for a while. Then the ruckus began. They were loud and partying until about 4am or 4:30. I got to talk to Vanessa though so that was really nice. We video chatted for a while. It was nice to see her for the first time in a few days. Oh well off to bed, I'm going to the Teatro tomorrow at 11 to help with our load in and tech.

coolj213 @ 2008-06-15T07:40:00

2008-06-15T12:00:07Z

After rehearsal we stuck around and did some work that still needed to be done and we figured out the travel home situation and it involves a 6am train from Arezzo to Florance. I can't say that I'm thrilled about it but it seems we don't really have much of a choice. The group of us together decided that since we've had little to no free time so far that it was going to be the night that we'd go out for a real italian sit down dinner. We went to this beautiful little restaurant on the main road of Arezzo and we had dinner, curtiously paid for by The University of the Arts. We had some really good antipasta and salad and a couple bottles of wine between the four of us. I had gnochi (even though I can't spell it) it was really good. we all had tiramasu it was the dinner that we all need and just the right amount of alcohol. We also saw Melissa Ethridge at that restaurant.

After dinner we all went across the street and got gelato and hung out on the street for a while. After walking a little more we decided that it was time for another bottle of wine. Anna and I bought a bottle of Pinot for the evening and we all went back to the hotel room and drank it. it was a good time. Except for the fact that the actors didn't get back until about 3:30 or 4 and when they did get back with the Dublin kids, they made all kinds of noise and stuff. Not a big deal.

Just so we're up to date. I got up this morning around 10. Anna was mad cause we weren't up and ready to go to the churches with her like we planned the day before so she went by herself because she didn't want to wait for us to dress. After cherie and I did some quick paper tech to prepare for tonights work we set out of the Academia, which by the way is a very hilly 30 minute walk from our hotel. We bumped into both Amanda and Anna on the way and had a quick lunch. We've finally arrived here and we're just sitting and relaxing and checking email and so on since this is the only place with reliable internet in the least. Gene has arrived, but no one has seen him yet and we're all wondering if he knows anything about rehearsal or performance times. We'll see. Tonight I might go see a show at the Teatro if there's time. I'll write an update on our midnight tech tomorrow probably since there's no internet in the hotel. More soon. This trip has turned out to be 90% business and 10% pleasure, which is okay because I mean I'm in Italy and I'm meeting and networking with people all around the world. Next time I run into Scott, either tonight or tomorrow I might ask him about the posibility of visitation in the fall and/or other details on continuing a relationship with the Academia because that's pretty much a must.

Italy Day 1 (night)/Day 2

2008-06-15T11:39:59Z

Last night was the best time I've had so far. After rehearsal we found out we had to make an introductory video that was about us and where we're from. Of course Katrin, our contact here while we were still in the U.S. told us she emailed Gene and that he had replied and said that we would have a video. At this point it's just laughable how poorly this was orginized and communicated but as a group we have decided that no matter what happens we're committed to having an amazing time and last night was indeed that.

We were invited to dinner by the mayor. It was a huge gala event in beautiful courtyard. The food is amazing as expected. When the end of the night came around we were drinking red wine and listening so Opera singers from Oberlin College sing the most amazing arias. We really felt like we were in italy. After those festivities were over there was a big party/event to chose the Knights who will compete in the Arezzo jousting competition so there were men in full armor and robes, it was all very interesting. We wandered the city a bit until 22:00 (10:00) and then we viewed the videos. As ridiculous as our video was it was the only one that people had fun watching. I think mostly because it was short and whatever but you know what.... it's fine. We all went back to the hotel with a bottle of wine and drank it. We ended up staying up until 3 looking for something to eat and going online to try and reach home. I finally got to bed at 3:45 and was woken up with Anna standing in the room talking to Amanda about the show.

Today was an adventure so far too. After Anna got us all out of bed we went to go to the Academia but it turns out we went in exaclty the wrong direction for about an hour. After being lost and having it rain. we decided to call Katrin who then told us that we were on the complete wrong side of town and that we had to walk back towards the hotel. So we stopped by the hotel, picked up the masks, and set off again. There were some beautiful views along the way that I was able to take some pictures of and I'll post them on facebook soon. More Later.

Italy Day 1

2008-06-13T09:36:45Z

So I haven't updated in literally years but I wanted some way to keep track of my travels in Tuscany, so here we are. It's been quite an adventure already. We've traveled for almost a full 24 hours but we reach Arezzo. Unfortunately we're not all in one piece. Nhut was stopped in Paris because of some issues with Visas and so on. Andrew is at home working very hard at home in Philly to get him back in time for the show but we'll see what happens. There's a small chance that he may return in time but we're not counting on it. Amanda is rehearsing to fill his part right now. The whole cast was really hit hard when he didn't make it into Paris but they're being really good about helping Amanda fill his shoes. I won't lie. I'm a little jealous. There was some talk of me filling in and to me that would make the most sense. Amanda could still do quick changes and Cherie could do my job (which it seems like she's wanted to do from the beginning anyway). On to more important things.

Arezzo is beautiful. It was SO worth the difficult travel. The Academia is set on a hill that overlooks the entire town so there's a view that's to die for. The weather has been so pleasant and cool. It's really a vacation from the 99 degree days in philadelphia. I'm still trying digest the fact that we're actually in Italy. The first night was amazing. I spent so much time outside just taking it all in. We're moving out of the Academia today to the Hotel Cecco. I'm kinda sad to leave. the acomidations were so nice here and I'm sad to think that I won't be living here for the week.

Our rehearsal was just interrupted by some of the people at the school and it turns out we've been invited to dinner by the mayor of Arezzo which will include dance and theater performances and after that we're going to a jousting contest or some ridiculous medieval event. So much fun. More later.

coolj213 @ 2007-09-18T17:50:00

2007-09-18T21:56:09Z

I'm really busy as usual. Directing a show in Equinox, Stage Managing a show in the blackbox, directing a scene in my Adv. Directing Lab. I'm all over the place. I go into my first production meeting and rehearsal tonight so we'll see how it goes. I'm excited. Things are crazy but I'd rather have it this way than be bored. I got to see Vanessa this weekend. It was really good. We saw King Tut at Franklin Institute and it was a lot of fun just to be around her. I'm really happy. That is all.

coolj213 @ 2007-08-04T12:07:00

2007-08-04T16:08:29Z

Alright well so ends the best part of my summer. Vanessa left SMT this afternoon. It was pretty heartbreaking. We've gotten pretty attached to seeing one another every day and all that that entails. Anyway. I have a week and 3 days left on my show before I can strike and go home. I can't wait. Don't get me wrong this summer has been so incredible for many reasons, the obvious perk of being with Vanessa every day aside I feel like this has been one of the most fulfilling theatrical experiences I've ever had. Unlike my school the people at SMT seem to really appreciate my abilities and have confidence in them, they all seem to like me too unlike the administration at my school for some reason. Either way, it's nice to be in a place where they actually have faith in you. I'm looking into an internship at the Lantern Theater this semester that they said they're willing to work around my school schedule. Technically its against school policy to work at a theater while I'm still in school but its been 2 years and I have yet to see what Amy or Gene is doing for me in the way of getting me a job after I graduate.

Summer Music Theater

2007-06-29T17:41:56Z

this job is pretty sweet. I might be coming home in the next week or so to chill at home for a while. I'll fill you in on the job a little later if I can. I work about 4 hours a day most days, these days which is nice but it leads very quickly to boredom. We close this weekend. so that's kinda good.

coolj213 @ 2007-05-16T17:39:00

2007-05-16T21:40:53Z

I'm back in philly, finals are over but let the stress out week begin...

Busy

2007-05-05T00:56:50Z

So, I finished my paper on Tuesday morning and handed it in. Next is terms for the final on tuesday, rehearsal for final scene presentation that happens on monday, interviews for directing positions in Equinox right now. One final project thing for Love and Death, some final project thingies for theater history, my final in contemp. drama on thursday. then I'm done with school, then packing up the apartment for the next two weeks. and rehearsals for Einsteins Dreams then move into new place on the 20th.. Move into Muhlenberg on the 21st, rehearsals start on the 22nd. Three shows in a row until Aug 13.. then home. Yeah... stressed.

coolj213 @ 2007-04-29T10:14:00

2007-04-29T14:56:37Z

Time: 10:56

Begining 10 page paper for Dr. Feilder that's due on tuesday

We'll see when I finish.

Please distract me.

2007

2007-01-04T00:44:51Z

Alright so first update in a few months. I've been really busy lately so I hope you don't mind me neglecting the livejournal. Anyway, latest news is this. I'm gearing up for my next show at school... Measure for Measure. I'm really excited to be working on a shakespearian play. it makes me happy. All of that aside, I got to see the girlfriend last night so that was fun. I met the whole clan of friends. all at once. She was like preparing me for something aweful, it was totally fine. We ended up missing our movie because we got so caught up with dinner and whatever so we didn't get to spend as much time alone as we might have liked to but that's alright. We got some icecream and then chilled outside on a bench for a while... little sketchy but that's okay. At least we got some time with just her and I. Of course leaving happened way too soon, one of these days we're going to have no time limit. We're working on it. I love her.

Happy 07

wow

2006-11-08T07:45:23Z

it's indescribable...

Another long night

2006-10-20T13:29:41Z

My insomnia gets worse with stress I'm sure. I've been stressed to the max lately, I mean just take a look at my schedule and you'll understand why I'm a little pressed for time. Anyway, I've been up since like 11 yesterday and the happenings of last night have a lot to do with it I'm sure. That and the hectic nature of my life. The nice part is I got to see the sunrise over philidelphia this morning around 7. I camped out at the Starbucks until then. Theres something about the city in the early morning. Even around 5:00 when the starbucks openned I was sure that the sun would be up soon. I was wrong. Sunrise in the early fall doesn't happen until at least 7 but the streetlights against the wet pavement created this kind of glow that could fool one into believing that the sun was just around the corner. I haven't been able to do it a whole heck of a lot lately but theres something nice about being able to watch a city wake up.

The Starbucks on my block has huge windows that let you see all the way down south street. I sat in the coffee shop and got to listen to one of the early morning regulars. He chatted for a while with the guy behind the counter, who obviously recognized him, about the different blends and which particular one he was in the mood for. I sat quietly observing. He asked at least three times where the Times was and then after a short pause came to the same conclusion each time, that they were probably "waitin' out the rain, don't want to get your news soaking wet in the morning." His dedication to this statement increased with each repetition as if it was the puch line to a joke that no one in the room understood. For some reason I felt for him and spoke up, "Looking for a paper too, huh?" I had no desire to read the paper before that moment, and my lack of desire stayed steadfast even as those words left my mouth, but for some reason I spoke. Maybe it's because I hadn't said anything in hours and I was using this obvious cry for interaction as excuse to make sure my vocal chords were still functional. Either way that was it. That's all the strength I could muster for conversation at 5 in the morning. I sat for the rest of the morning people came and went without me really noticing one of whom must have arrived in a New York Times delivery van because I silently cursed myself when I heard the plop of a sopping wet news paper being dropped on my table. I look up. "There ya go, buddy. wud I tell ya??"... Ass. I wanted to explain that I hadn't really wanted a paper to begin with and that now he was just ruining the quiet bliss that is a virtually empty coffee shop, in still but instead I muttered some stupid pun about "all the news thats fit to drip" and sent the cretin on his way.

More on my morning adventure later today.

coolj213 @ 2006-10-17T15:46:00

2006-10-17T16:26:14Z

I'm back after a long break from LJ. A few people have asked me why I haven't been posting and I've just been so busy with all kinds of different things. So let me fill you in. I was on tech crew for this show at school, Venus. I was working with chris and he and I put together some really cool looks for the show. I was very happy to get to work on the show and now I might be travelling to New York with the show to compete in some regional theatre competition. Thats really exciting. If I could even begin to describe the level of stress I would. The judges came on saturday in the afternoon and Danielle ended up calling the show. She did a wonderful job. On top of that show during the run of Venus I was pulling and altering costumes for the McClure plays, a show thats going up in the black box in 2 days. The directors have been on my ass about limited availability but there was nothing I could do. I don't know what I would have done if Liz and Bayla hadn't had my back with the work. Because I'm not a tailor. and Anna puts me as the wardrobe supervisor for a show that goes up right after the show that I'm on lights for not to mention that she gives me a staff who is a cast member in Venus and of course Anna wasn't there all week because she was on vacation for her friend Vanessas wedding. (which is a nice segue actually)

The week has been stressful and exciting week for me. A lot of things that I have been hoping would fall into place for quite sometime now have come into being over the past couple weeks. I don't even know how to articulate it really. I mean yes things aren't perfect but it makes me smile and thats what counts.

I give up

2006-09-16T00:46:03Z

don't you hate it when people know you better than you do. I think thats fucked up. Nobody should know what it is I'm doing until I know myself. Those people are usually my friends, and I hate them. For that and many other reasons. But in this particular instance I was walking around my kitchen this morning looking for something to eat. I pull out the left over chinese from last night and it hits me like a wild renigade bus that somehow found its way into my kitchen. She's right. She's always been right. That's what kills me. She knows me so well that shes able to make those kind of calls. which would explain why we were so close to begin with. I just can't believe that she and I would ever be in a situation like this. I know its my fault but I don't know how to fix it. I just keep hurting myself here... I don't now...

PIMPS and HOS

2006-09-11T04:10:25Z

so I went with Liz bayla and Amanda to the Pimps and Hos party at Elanas last night. FUCKING great. Had an awesome time. The pictures are a mess. The night was crazy. A good way to start off the semester. Ask me about it if your that interested i guess. FUCKING CRAZY

GIMME YOU'RE NUMBER

2006-09-03T23:01:06Z

hey I dropped my phone down thw drain, THE DRAIN!! so I need EVERYONES number again, so do it

Music is sweet

2006-08-22T15:18:42Z

I just came to a scary realization. So much of my life revolves around music. Its one of my very simple joys in life and I spend a lot of time and money on it. I just picked up 3 new albums last night at the record exchange they're all really sweet even though one of them I already own. I picked up The National, The Moutain Goats, and Wolf Parade (which I already have) but I got in on record, which is super sweet.

Long story short, music is sweet and I'm kinda a snob about it sometimes but its okay.

coolj213 @ 2006-08-21T09:47:00

2006-08-21T13:55:40Z

I don't know what it is, but I've changed this summer. my method of approaching problems and the way I interact with people has completely changed. I think its for the better but I can't really tell. I mean last night in particular, I just came out and said a lot of things that I don't think I would have said before, I don't know when or why this change occurred but now I really am all about "no bullshit". If you thought I was outspoken before o jeez...

And also on the same vein everyone needs to relax about this upcomming semester. My friends in particular. Take a breather, everyones all up in my face about a whole bunch of different things. Yes I know things are complicated, but you reminding me of that every thirty seconds isn't solving anything.

I need to get to philly.

This fuckin week...

2006-07-30T15:18:06Z

You guys wouldn't believe this week if I told you. It was a good time. unfortunately my parents come home this evening around 7 so my reign over the house has come to a close. But I must say I took advantage of a big empty house in a manner befitting a teenager so I'm proud of myself. The best thing is, its not even a mess. I just have to go sweep the cigarette butts off the patio and we're all set.

I saw Grease last night with Sarah. I wasn't going to go but she said she really wanted to see it because she was in the High School production this past year. So we went and it was the train wreck that everyone can come to expect from Diane Wargo and the Stars in the Park gang. The thing that got me the most was how ridiculously unprofessional they were about the whole thing. Diane came out on stage before the show with a microphone and did a little introduction and plugged her show next summer and the whole bit, it was terrible. I don't know thats enough bitching about stupid community theatre.

In other news, Julie comes home from Gov School today so she and I and Caroline are going to get together because Carolines birthday was yesterday. We'll probably go out and have dinner or something. it should be a good time.

I have no idea

2006-07-27T01:27:30Z

Okay so I don't even know where to begin... all I know is, not everyones going to end up happy. But what the hell, you can't please everyone.

Evening out

2006-07-13T05:18:01Z

Its been a busy couple of days. Yesterday was a lot of fun. After work a bunch of the guys from work went out to the movies and then for a drink... so that was nice. I like seeing all of them socially instead of while we're at work. Jordan and Nick and Sam and I went to Fezzi's and were there pretty late. I didn't get home till about 1. But it was worth it.

I got up this morning, went to work. Then went directly from work to the train station so I could get to philly to see The Weakerthans. Fuckin great show. I knew they wouldn't disapoint. Its a shame Caroline couldn't go because we had this extra ticket now and it didn't end up getting used at all. Jordan wanted to come but she couldn't make it. So now I have to be that jerk whos going to charge caroline for a ticket to a show she couldn't go to, which sucks. Anyway Alex and I enjoyed ourselves as we've been known to do. Good times good times...

coolj213 @ 2006-07-09T09:23:00

2006-07-09T13:23:51Z

Okay so things are pretty sweet. no lie. Like I expected A LOT worse. Aside from the fact that all my friends are off doing things all the time and I rarely get to see them... Things are going excellently. My fears have yet to be realized which is nice. I honestly expected a lot worse from her and from me. ANYWAY other than that, I'm pretty stoked to be working and making some money, thats a nice change. Also

If you comment on this post:
1. I’ll respond with something random about you.
2. I’ll challenge you to try something.
3. I’ll pick a color that I associate with you.
4. I’ll tell you something I like about you.
5. I’ll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I’ll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I’ll ask you something I’ve always wanted to ask you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on yours.

because i commented on ed's and Alex's...

coolj213 @ 2006-06-24T16:58:00

2006-06-24T20:58:26Z

ok so, its time for the second and final performance of the James Tolin Memmorial Benefit show. I'm happy I only have to get through it one more night, last night was just terrible. Everything that could have gone wrong did. So bad. Hopefully tonight goes better... anyway... I have strike sunday afternoon and then camp starts on monday which I'm super excited about. I think this might be my last year with them though so I wanna try and make it good. I mean no promises but hopefully by this time next year I'll be living in Philly year round, but of course that would mean finding a job there, which remains to be seen.