I am doing something that I really can’t describe with a single word as my BFA project. It really isn’t a play and it isn’t just a recital. The faculty keeps calling it a cabaret, but I really don’t like that. When Simon Cowell wants to insult someone on a singing competition he says it was “very cabaret.” So quite frankly, every time I heard or saw that term I was offended. I decided today while I was researching my music for my BFA book, to look up cabaret. It is an “entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eats or drinks at tables.” Or “A nightclub or restaurant where such entertainment is performed.” I don’t think the Chi Box qualifies as a nightclub or restaurant and since we are still waiting to hear if we can even sell water outside at intermission to raise money for our Theatre Student Organization, I am assuming food is out of the question. Anyway, I feel sure I would have to cook it, so no food! So we are not doing a cabaret, get your terminology straight.
But what are we doing? I ask that question with a different intent on a daily basis, but today I guess I am asking for a one word term that would describe our project.
I spent all of today typing and analyzing my songs for this extravaganza (now there is a good word!) I started as the clock chimed 10am and I finished at 5:43pm. I took no breaks and ate nothing. I am assuming that the point to this analysis is to learn how to act out your song. In a musical where you are a different character I think I would have gotten more out of it. In my circumstance and remembering the fact that I have already talked all of this through with my voice teacher, it seemed redundant and unnecessary. But I did it. And the ultimate outcome for me was- I am very excited to sing one of my songs and the rest I am sick of and really don’t want to do them anymore. That is NOT a good thing! I am hoping that I get over that quickly! I am hoping my sore back and headache are just making me cranky!
Bottom line, this whole process is not at all what I expected. I still think I want this BFA, the path I want to follow I hope will be somewhat easier with it, but even that I am not so sure about! Contrary to my usual way of living, I probably need to think less and just keep moving forward. Too much examination at this point might send me over the edge. The time for contemplation will come later, right now I have to just work. I have a scene to direct, a dance to choreograph, a play to write, an audition to prepare for, a paper to write, a workshop to rehearse for and oh, yeah, a little “cabaret” to perform.
