And So It Begins...

Many who have been around awhile know that I lovingly refer to performance season as going through labor and delivery (the birth of a "show"). For those who can't relate, we could also think about the first big dive on a roller coaster. That long, uphill climb. Some of us are thrilled with anticipation, and some with dread. From "I can't wait" to "Let me off, I'm going to DIE!!" I feel that thoughts like that spoken and unspoken are floating around in the air at the studio these days, like the little ghost dust particles we see on the infrared cameras when it's quiet and everyone has gone home.

After all of the work and preparation - we are still not ready. News flash: You will never feel ready. Not completely. You MAY know lines, notes, choreography, entrances, exits, blocking...have your costume changes down to 6 seconds flat, have your personal props and costumes organized, labeled and in perfect order. Or you may not. You may be stressed over every detail of not only your own part, but the parts that other cast members play and their own preparation, or lack thereof.

If you feel you've got YOUR act together, then you have learned a valuable life lesson. Now the next lesson - not all of us CAN or WILL do what you do. Or maybe you're one that struggles to keep it together. Need help? Ask. Who will answer? I don't really know, but hope and pray that part of what is learned here is that to work as a team, you all have to work as a team. Profound, huh? Probably no surprise that I was never very good at sports, but I always hear how important it is to work together. Some of these hot-shot athletes try to be humble and say stuff like, "it takes a team." Well, I don't know sports, but I get that! You can't do it alone. God has indeed given us different strengths and talents - and even, yes, weaknesses. Work together.

Why are you doing this? For glory? I hope not. It's fun to be on stage and delight and entertain audiences. That is truly a gift. To offer wholesome fun, laughter and entertainment is not to be taken lightly. What else? You offer a story. We laugh when we recognize ourselves and our situations. Tell the story well and sometimes it offers a little life lesson - or just a good laugh that momentarily dries someone's tears. In the process hopefully you've learned to appreciate what it takes to be on stage or on film; to write a good story or put together a good song with harmony. Hopefully you've gained some confidence and learned some skills. More importantly, I hope you've discovered gifts that God has given you. Not just "singer, dancer, actor" (certainly, those are great!) but also "peacemaker, helper, encourager, organizer, director, writer..." there is no end to the list.

So we're on this roller coaster...going uphill...and the fact is, it's GOING to go over the top - ready or not. After the first big plunge, there will be more ups and downs. Some big, some small, some unexpected turns. And when it's all over, some will say, that was great! Let's do it again! (Even some who were terrified at the climb, and will be so again.) Others will say, "OK, now I've done it. Don't ever ask me to do that again!" That's OK. But we're going to do it! Together! Hang on to your seats and hold hands and pray! Most likely, you will live through it. :-)

All About Emily

I think when I first saw Emily, she was still in diapers. She was just "there" while her mom and I worked together on some home school projects with our older kids. They lived just down the street.

Vessels of GOLD began in 2001, about a week before 9/11, and functioned a couple of years before Emily, now almost 8, and her sister Anaily, a home school senior, joined us. That show, Parables, is the one that the Vessels Vault will bring out and present this year, and some of our members have requested to have one of Emily's small parts.

Over the years, Emily grew to be a faithful and active member in Vessels of GOLD - through the year of only 7 members, the year of 18 and so many in between. Some of you have heard crazy stories about experiences before, during and after that all revolve around the groups.

She took piano and then voice and slowly got more involved in writing scripts, suggesting direction and doing choreography. It was a very gradual transition, and I'm not sure I can exactly pinpoint where the crossover was. One point was the choreography she did for her own "Sixteen" (which looked a lot like a quince, but a year later). I remember identifying then that I wanted her to take charge of more choreography in the coming year. She got to the point that she was kind of an actor/director, and then crossed over to staying off the stage - except for some noteworthy emergencies (more fun stories).

It was a good thing to get her off the stage, because then Aureus was started and she went back on the stage, but with a different format and emphasis.

Chrysos and Aureus began the same fall that we moved into the studio - lots of changes that year! Carolyn Diez helped with Chrysos that year, and then directed it the following. Emily then stepped in as an assistant/co-director, and now is the director of that group. She then planned to go off to college with possibly a musical theater emphasis, but alas, she couldn't/wouldn't leave us. I hope and pray that the education she's getting with us will reward her as much as it has us.

Emily learned a lot from her voice lessons with two excellent teachers, and now passes on that understanding in a fun and personal way. She is equally energizing to Chrysos, Vessels of GOLD, and now the Vessels Vault of GOLD groups, as she continues to perform when we can put an Aureus show together.

She has also moved FARTHER away - up to Broward - in order to fulfill a part-time Nanny role for her baby nephew.

So why this little history? Just to catch you up - in case you don't know how things work around here. Yesterday was a big day. We went to bid Carolyn farewell as she goes off to Honduras for (at least) a year for ministry, and Emily today (9/12) has reached the usually-significant 21 year mark.

This is just a different way of recognizing not only Emily's birthday, but her accomplishments up to this young year of her life. She is well-known and loved at the Talents Unleashed studio, and loved by her family and friends.

I personally continue to thank God for her life next to my life - even when the ideas may be crazier than my own. And I wish her love and prayers on this 21-year mark.

That One Small Step To The Stage

Today we had a "baby ballet" recital. The audience was full of enthusiastic friends and family as the tiniest of ballerinas took the stage. Some of them waved and posed; some very seriously concentrated on their performance, and alas, one - there's often one - just wouldn't take that step. It seems like such a little thing to step up on our small stage that often doubles as a seating and visiting area. But when there is an "audience" and lights and the music comes on, it can feel like an entirely different reality.

Tonight we have "Open Mic Night" and we may have a similar variety of experiences. One is playing piano for the first time, another is a professional. So why do they share the same program? Because that's what we do. We SHARE what we have learned and practiced with others. It is a JOY to share something that is meaningful to you. It is a blessing to show or say, "Look what I learned!" It is a blessing to the audience to see or hear it.

Is it for our glory? No. That's another thing we learn. The audience thanks the performer for what they offered (with applause); the performer acknowledges the thanks with a "you're welcome" (a bow). But we never want to forget to give honor to the One who gave us the opportunity to Learn, Grow and Develop these gifts and talents.

The best thing about live performance (or life) is not about witnessing perfection, but witnessing a perfect adaptation to imperfection.

We learn. We share. We grow. We are thankful!