In the spirit of Upcoming Work, here is a link to New York Theatre Workshop's website and what shows I will be working on until June.  Cheater's guide:  NYTW developed shows such as RENT, Once, and Peter and the Starcatcher.  They're dedicated to creating new works that inspire and challenge us all.  A lot of their work revolves around giving new works some of their first public readings, and providing rehearsal spaces to those who are creating new theatre. 

http://www.nytw.org/default.asp 

Yes, I will be working on Caryl Churchill's new piece that is premiering with NYTW.  Yes, Caryl Churchill is a playwright that completely changed my view of theatre when I first read her play Cloud Nine.  Yes, I will probably get to see her, take creepy snapchat photos of her, and if I do meet her, I will totally be a huge fanboy and maybe cry a little bit.  Yes, all of my dreams are coming true and I am so incredibly lucky and thankful.

Cheers, to good luck and big dreams!

 #hashtag  is all finished now.  It feels like it was centuries ago when we took down the set, yet I still can't believe that this incredible experience is gone now.  I can't believe my college experience is gone now.  I'm graduated, with a BFA in Directing. But I'll talk about that later.

I am so grateful that Wesleyan gave Dan and I the chance to create #hashtag.  I could not believe the audience reaction we received.  There's this moment before a director watches a first performance, where he or she fears that the audience won't laugh.  And often times, there will be this tense aura around a director as we watch the audience from the back row.  I sat there, clutching the playwright's hand, unable to control this tense aura as I sensed every breath from that audience around me.  And I was shocked.  

The audience not only laughed, but they gasped.  They awwwed.  They whispered profanities under their breath.  There were beautiful moments when the audience could tell what was coming next, and you could feel their dread as they watched the train crash approaching.  And I was giddy about it.  Dan and I knew our audience: college students.  And college students loved all the drama and relevancy of the play.  Even my professors mentioned that they received insight to the culture that we are developing as a generation.  

A big congratulations to Dan Kelly for being bold enough to write this relevant piece of work, for submitting the piece to KCACTF and being declared a runner up with this new play. I can't wait to see the next work you create Dan. 

Once again, I thank the people who made all of it possible.  I can't thank them enough.    Thank you cards, free pizza and coffee don't quite cover the payment I owe you, but it's all I can give.  I hope the experience helped you as an artist as much as it helped me. 

And last but not least, thank you to  Nebraska Wesleyan University.  There went four and a half years of my life, thousands upon thousands of dollars, and all I can say is: worth it.  Money well spent.   

At least I'm saying that now, before the student loans have come into effect. 

Well, peace out girl scout.  Tune in next time when I actually do something with my degree...if it ever happens.  Cross your fingers.

<3 Leigh