Common procedure.

The weekend held a few exciting events for me.

-Le Femme Mystique
I've known for a month that I had an interview with the local queen of burlesque, Bella Sin. She runs Le Femme Mystique, a truly spectacular troupe that performs all over the CLE area. Friday was that day.
I was so excited for the interview that I left work at 1:30 when I'd normally stay until 3:00 or later. After running to Drug Mart for curlers, lashes and new leggings, I got home to shower, dry and hot-roller my hair, apply four layers of makeup, and select an outfit. I had no idea what to expect. Would there be a gaggle of gorgeous girls lined up neatly? Would we be expected to dance? Would we need to show off whatever talents we did possess?
Showtime. I arrived at the Beachland five minutes early, filled out my form, and waited my turn. It soon became clear to me that I was the only one to show up. This was confirmed when Bella herself led me to a small table for the interview and informed me that I had been the only one to turn in the online application, and the only one to attempt to get the job.
Now normally I don't like the idea of getting a job because nobody else showed up; however, I'd just been rejected from a musical that I'd turned down another play to audition for (and I'll cover that later), and any opportunity smelled like roses to me. I am now awaiting results, but I am cautiously optimistic about starting a new chapter in my performing career.

-Columbus
My friends contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if I'd like to travel with them to Columbus to see a musical that never comes to Cleveland. I'd heard of Bare: A Pop Opera (and I'm pretty sure the director tried to offer me a role several years prior), but I'd never seen it nor heard the music from it. I happily accepted and we left Saturday afternoon.
Since the musical didn't start until 8:00 and we had arrived at 4:30, we decided first to stop at a renowned eatery in the German Village part of Columbus. Schmidt's was home to some of the finest German cuisine I'd ever tasted, and the sickness in my stomach hours later was worth it all the way. It wasn't any bug in the food; I'd eaten so very much that my stomach couldn't handle the richness. We started with pretzel bites, accompanied by what I can only describe as more flavorful honey mustard. From there we moved to the sandwich menu. I chose the Bavarian ham and cheese sandwich, and the portion was perfect, to say nothing of the sheer joy that enveloped my taste buds after the first bite.
I could go on about the restaurant and the chocolate shop and the knick knack store we visited afterward, but that isn't the point. After eating nearly too much to enjoy a walk, we made our way to the theatre, whose initials, ETC, are the only thing I can recall about the name. E-something Theatre Company.
The musical broke me. That's the only accurate way I can describe it. Sure the sound system needed improvement and some of the actors needed mics where others did not, but the plot, the songs, and the pain of seeing the characters deal with their demons (demons I share with them) just broke me. I cried in the theater and had to leave before getting to congratulate the actors so that I could attempt to get a grip on my emotions. The ride home was my sanctuary, as I was the driver and therefore had something on which I could concentrate.

-12 Angry Jurors
This one's quick. Saturday, on the drive to the theatre, I got a call from the man directing 12 Angry Jurors, which I'd originally dropped to audition for Jesus Christ Superstar. Since they'd rejected me, I was pleased when the role of Juror #2 was offered to me. I've since accepted, and that show begins in October.

Well... how are my writing skills, eh?