running with kites

last weekend, i started working on the crew of the kite runner. it was technical rehearsal weekend, so we worked two twelve hour days back to back. there are four apprentices crewing the show: me, daniel, brandon, and monica. monica and i are the wardrobe girls so we're in charge of all of the backstage costume changes. it's a hard show to work, and we're running around all of the time. it's exhausting. but the cast is wonderful--they are all so kind to us and they are a lot of fun to be around. so while the work is grueling, it's a great place to be.

every time i walk into actors theatre, i fall in love with it all over again. everyone that works here is so kind and willing to teach us, mentor us, and just put up with us. michael and amy, the directors of our program, are so dedicated to us i can't believe it. we put in long hours, but they work harder than we do, making sure that we're prepared for whatever we want to do when we leave here.

over the last few days i've really realized just how challenging this year is going to be, but i also know in my gut that this is the absolutely best place for me to be right now.

i'm off to rub my sore feet,

ellen

week three in luh'vulle

the entire acting apprentice and administrative intern company

(i'm on the left end of the third row. my neck has disappeared.)

i've become a true citizen of louisville: i've learned to pronounce it correctly.

it's not three syllables, lou-ee-ville. mush them all together, luhvull. if you must, put an apostrophe in between (honestly, that's where i am right now): luh'ah'vull.

as week three starts, we're starting to get really geared up for all of our work. our ensemble project, a short, 45 minute play that we've created from newspaper stories, goes up on friday and saturday. also this weekend, i'll begin working on crew for the kite runner. i'm actually very excited about that--the kite runner cast is very friendly, and they have a lot of wisdom to bestow on us young pups. they love to play soccer and go out with the apprentices to the several bars that actors theatre frequents. by the end of this week, i'll have an idea of how the rest of my year will be scheduled.

i finally feel like i'm beginning to have a routine here--i know where to buy groceries, what bars are fun, and i have a running route. i have favorite yoga teachers at the YMCA and a favorite coffee shop. i'm feeling less and less like i'm studying abroad in louisville and more like i live here.

xoxo, ellen

one week ago

...one week ago, the 22 apprentices had just met each other.

rebecca, devin, and dinah outside of the main lobby

this is totally bizarre, because we feel like we've known each other for years. we've all become fast friends, and we're all ready to throw everything we've got into these next nine months. our first project together is our ensemble project, where we create a play out of newspapers we all brought with us from our hometowns. we're performing this in two weeks (crazy!). also, we're starting to work on crew for dracula, the kite runner, and the mystery of irma vep. oh, and we are starting our solo performance pieces next week. the list keeps going on and on.

while this all keeps us super busy, we are sure to find time to hang out and drink margaritas. case in point, last friday at los aztecas mexican restaurant. here is a picture of most of the group.

the new place

i have a new apartment!

rebecca and dinah (my new roommates) and i all moved in early last week. after unpacking, decorating, and shopping at target, it's ready to make its debut. it's beautiful, and i'm very happy to call it home for now. my room:

and grandma's blue chair in the living room:

the other side of the living room:

we're about two miles from the theatre, in a beautiful area called old louisville. all of the houses are old and have been maintained very well. this city is full our surprises; there are lots of blocks of great restaurants and shops and farmers markets.

we start working tomorrow, and i can't wait!

xoxo, ellen