Oh my gosh, I am sooooo sorry!!! I know you have all been sitting on your hands waiting to hear how rehearsals have gone with the kids. I have left you hanging... I know there hasn't been much else going on in the world!

Okay... it has actually been really cool. Our friend Vanesa offered to watch the kids on Tuesdays, so they didn't come to the read-through, which was great because it was nice to be able to focus completely on the script and the cast that first night. And then my sister-in-law (pretty close, anyway!) offered to watch them on Wednesdays. So they've actually only been to two rehearsals and may only come once a week.

And that's great, because for as good as they both have been, it makes them really tired the next day. Since life goes on during the day, with Tony's school and playing and such, they ended up being pretty zonked. They were awesome both times, and Charlotte took a nap during Saturdays rehearsal, but it is really a lot to ask of them to not get home until 11 p.m. three nights in a row.

The really cool thing was that Tony Jr. participated in warm-ups, including an energy circle, with us, and he did some of the movement and scene work too! He was so brave and excited, doing Suzuki walk across the floor, and when we learned a section in the beginning where people move through the water and sing, and he caught right on and joined in, even singing the song with us and leaving my side to go right behind the leader! He loved it.

Charlotte also participated when she woke up, being an actor walking around and taking in the room. A natural viewpointer! There was some concern expressed, rightfully, because it is hard to really participate fully when you are worried about stepping on a 2-year old. I think, while it was fun for me and the kids, it would be disrespectful to the cast and the process to let her do that again. There may be other places she can take part, but something like that she will need to stay in the playpen.

When we were sitting at the dinner table on Saturday night, we all started singing "Wade in the Water" and "Amazing Grace" (songs that are (as of right now) in the show) together. A little Sound of Music, but it seems like it all might work out well!

Now the biggest challenge for me is to find time during the day to think about the play and my role. I think I will need to designate specific "Mommy time" each day for that. I already forgot my homework the other night and haven't submitted my bio yet. I know I'm not the only actor who forgets those things, but I already feel like I'm at a disadvantage because I haven't acted in so long. I need MORE time, not less ;)
 

PS- My headshot is black and white, 11 years old, and I look like I'm selling real estate! Yikes!!!!