Yet again, I'm aware that this is the title of a play and not a line from a musical, but it's still theatre so I'm okay with it...
It's been a long time since I had a good mix of old friends and new friends all in one weekend. Friday night, Marty and Cindy came over for dinner to see our new Capitol Hill apt. since they were in town for work. Marty is Derek's old boss and our good friend and Cindy is a retired teacher from Buffalo, NY who is quite possibly one of the most outstanding people I know. She is extremely intelligent, endearing, kind, and sometimes downright nasty, just like me. It's brilliance. We see Marty fairly often, but it's been since before our wedding last year that we had a chance to see Cindy and it was great to touch base and catch up with her. We will all get the chance to meet up again in Atlanta in January. Nothing will ever beat Kutcher's though. (Remind me to tell that story sometime).
Marty stayed in town for an extra night so that he, Derek and I could all go out for drinks on Saturday night. We wanted to go someplace that wasn't filled with smoke so I took them to the one gay bar I haven't been to yet, HALO. I must say, I think it may become one of my favorites (I have a soft spot for JRs of course and as soon as they eliminate smoking there...I'll spend more time there). We got our vodka drinks and headed upstairs and grabbed seats at the bar in front of a lovely female bartender with great earrings whose name I never got. We had only been there for a few minutes when one of my coworkers walks through the door. We say hello and then I spend the rest of the evening drinking Stoli Blueberry and Tonics and getting to know new friends. We had only intended to have only two drinks and then leave around 11, I had four and left around 1230. It was a good night.
So as I think back on my weekend, I raise my morning cup of coffee and toast all my old friends who I hope will forever be in my life and also to all my new friends here in DC who I hope will one day, probably over dinner, quietly slip into old friends too.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Schadenfreude
Let's face it, sometimes I make some really poor unimportant decisions in my life. Take for example last night. D and I have recently found a mouse in our apartment and so we decided to put down those glue traps as they have worked well for us in the past. Now, for the last two days I was supposed to stop by CVS or Safeway near work, but kept forgetting. When I got home last night I said, "As soon as we finish dinner, I'll go back out and get the traps." And folks that's where it all began....
There is a CVS on Mass Ave pretty close to our apartment so I hop in the car and head down that way. There is absolutely no parking so I drive to the one on 8th and Independence and much to my dismay they don't carry traps. Fine, I'll head further into town and go to a grocery store. Now in my head Whole Foods is a grocery store so I figure, "Hey, they have easy parking, I'll go there and get them." For any of you who are as uninformed as I, WHOLE FOODS JUST HAS FOOD. This was a sad revelation for me.
Fine, I'll just drive the few more blocks over to 17th and go the Safeway tucked neatly in the Gayborhood. Now, as a gay man I feel it is my duty to know about the goings on of my community. Boy, am I out of the loop. Last night was the annual High Heel Drag Race on 17th Street. Now I should know this for two reasons. 1) In case I wanted to go and laugh enjoy a night with my fellow gays/gay-friendlies or 2) To avoid this section of town because driving in it last night was like the 7th circle of HELL. But I digress.
Needless to say we didn't go to that Safeway either. What to do? Oh right, I used to live close to Adam's Morgan, I'll go to the Safeway there, it's just a few more blocks up. Finally, I arrive and fate smiles on me and gives me a parking space right in front of the store. I walk in and head straight for the traps? Nope, I head straight for the beer and grab a six pack of Heineken, it's been that kind of night. Then I proceed over to the traps and what do I find? NO F'ING GLUE TRAPS. So I buy a set of snap traps and my beer and I go home.
You may notice this posting started off talking about poor decisions. I live (according to yahoo maps) exactly (2) TWO miles from a Giant Foods store over near Rhode Island Ave. Why did I choose to drive all over DC when there was a store just 2 miles away? Well, I feel that the Giant is kind of in a sketchy neighborhood, so that is what pushed me away. Poor Decision? Absolutely.
Monday, October 23, 2006
what do you do...PART 2
So my interviewer sent a few follow-up questions so I thought I would post those too...
1.) I know you were President of the AASA? What inspired you to get involved? Along with being president, my main responsibility was being Chair of the Career Development Committee. I joined AASA to meet people in the program and get the most out of the program, but most importantly I joined and took the position as Chair so that I could meet professionals in the arts community in Boston and expand my network of contacts in order to prepare for working in that community.
2.) Were you a performance concentration here at BU? Yes, I followed the performance concentration.
3.) How did you go about scoring your job at the Kennedy Center (aka...did you have a hook-up? were you persistent?) To be honest, I think I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I think there is definitely a combination of luck as well as preparation in getting a job, you need a little of both. As far as knowing someone, I had some connections, through my husband and his work there, to people in the education department here so that when I went in for my interview with the seven people here (yes I had to meet with SEVEN people) I was able to talk about Derek's involvement with the Center and use that connection. The most important thing I did though was prepare. I did a lot of research on the job and on the Kennedy Center as a whole so that I was able to have an informed conversation about the position, show why I chose to apply for THAT position and ask a lot of questions during my interview.
4.) Do you like the city of DC? What do you like best about the capital? I love DC, it's such a unique city with all the monuments, free museums, government buildings, etc. You can always find something to do and I don't I'll ever get used to driving by and seeing things like the Washington Monument out my window. Not to mention there is a restaurant in Dupont Circle called The Brickskeller that carries a 30 page beer menu with beers from all around the world. How great is that?!?
5.) What do you miss about the city of Boston? I miss the convenient apple orchards during the fall and the amazing leaves that you see in New England. I also miss being so close to Maine and taking trips to Ogunquit on a whim. Most of all, I think I miss my friends. Even though I was only in the area for 3 years I met some great people and I miss not being able to laugh and hang out with them now. (That's a hint for all you folks to come visit me, I'll buy you a beer!)
1.) I know you were President of the AASA? What inspired you to get involved? Along with being president, my main responsibility was being Chair of the Career Development Committee. I joined AASA to meet people in the program and get the most out of the program, but most importantly I joined and took the position as Chair so that I could meet professionals in the arts community in Boston and expand my network of contacts in order to prepare for working in that community.
2.) Were you a performance concentration here at BU? Yes, I followed the performance concentration.
3.) How did you go about scoring your job at the Kennedy Center (aka...did you have a hook-up? were you persistent?) To be honest, I think I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I think there is definitely a combination of luck as well as preparation in getting a job, you need a little of both. As far as knowing someone, I had some connections, through my husband and his work there, to people in the education department here so that when I went in for my interview with the seven people here (yes I had to meet with SEVEN people) I was able to talk about Derek's involvement with the Center and use that connection. The most important thing I did though was prepare. I did a lot of research on the job and on the Kennedy Center as a whole so that I was able to have an informed conversation about the position, show why I chose to apply for THAT position and ask a lot of questions during my interview.
4.) Do you like the city of DC? What do you like best about the capital? I love DC, it's such a unique city with all the monuments, free museums, government buildings, etc. You can always find something to do and I don't I'll ever get used to driving by and seeing things like the Washington Monument out my window. Not to mention there is a restaurant in Dupont Circle called The Brickskeller that carries a 30 page beer menu with beers from all around the world. How great is that?!?
5.) What do you miss about the city of Boston? I miss the convenient apple orchards during the fall and the amazing leaves that you see in New England. I also miss being so close to Maine and taking trips to Ogunquit on a whim. Most of all, I think I miss my friends. Even though I was only in the area for 3 years I met some great people and I miss not being able to laugh and hang out with them now. (That's a hint for all you folks to come visit me, I'll buy you a beer!)
Friday, October 20, 2006
what do you do with a BA in English....
I was asked by my graduate school program's newsletter if I would be willing to be the "Alumni Spotlight" for the upcoming edition. I was flattered and a little excited to be asked. Below is the list of questions that I was sent to answer, with my answers. Just thought some people might find them interesting to read! =)
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Alabama.
What is your current (work) position? I am one of the Assistant Managers in Corporate and Foundation Relations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Where did you do your undergraduate and what did you study? I did my undergraduate study at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL and graduated in 2001 with a B.A in Theatre.
What made you choose the arts admin program? After I decided the life of an actor was not for me, I worked for a while as the assistant to a museum director at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Seeing how much work actually went into to providing arts experiences to the public made me realize that arts admin was a way that I could still participate in the arts, but in a way that best utilized my abilities. Honestly, I chose the grad program at BU because of the location in New England and because of the ability to take night classes. I knew my decision was the right one when I met with Rich for the first time and realized how much he and the other professors loved the program.
Which classes really prepared you for your current job? I would have to say that Capital Campaigns, Fundraising for Non-Profits, Financial Management, and Advanced Consulting with Janet were the classes that most prepared me for the position I have at the Kennedy Center. Each of the classes and the professors provided me with the building blocks to understand the scope and importance of development, how to approach donors, the importance of cultivation and stewardship and most importantly how to strategize multiple projects and work with other staff in order to reach your goals.
Which BU teachers influenced your choices (professionally, personally etc..) and how? Janet Bailey had a great deal of influence on me both professionally and personally. Janet has an innate and natural sense of how to approach situations and solve them effectively. She makes you want to succeed and give 100% to the project at hand. On top of that, she has a great sense of humor and takes the time to laugh and enjoy moments of fun.
If you could give advice to any arts admin students what would it be? Never settle! I feel like I live a charmed life sometimes being a small town southern boy who now gets to work for the largest performing arts center in the country. My family and friends have always supported my decisions to move where I needed to move and take the jobs that I needed to take in order to build the foundation I needed. I think not backing down and settling for less than what I really wanted was what helped me to get to the place I am today.
Why is it important to be a crusader for the arts? When you sit down in a theatre, ballet, opera or take the time to walk around in a museum, life has a way of fading into the background. There are so many problems in our world and in personal life and the arts are one of the most effective outlets for expression and escape. If we don't fight for the arts and make sure they continue long into the future, generations to come will not be able to experience that one show, that one piece, or that one song that no matter the situtation, makes you stop and smile.
Fun Questions:
What are your favorite hobbies? I love to cook, travel, visit the theatre, and play with my fantastic new mini dachshund puppy Beau!
What is your greatest accomplishment to date? As corny as it may sound, I feel like my life as a whole is my greatest accomplishment to date. I have a talented, wonderful, loving husband who makes me smile everyday, a mother who loves and supports my every move, friends across the country that have given me some of my favorites times and memories and a great job that allows me to assist in providing some of the greatest artistic and educational programs in the nation.
Where did you meet your partner? Derek and I met through our ex-roomates who had gone to college together. We first met a year before we got together while I was on my way to NH for a seasonal job and then reconnected a year later at the cast party of Mame at North Shore Music Theatre and started dating.
How long have you been together? We have been together for almost four years. We were married in MA last year in August and just recently celebrated our first year of marriage.
What words would you use to describe yourself? dedicated, friendly, and ready to laugh at all times.
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Alabama.
What is your current (work) position? I am one of the Assistant Managers in Corporate and Foundation Relations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Where did you do your undergraduate and what did you study? I did my undergraduate study at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL and graduated in 2001 with a B.A in Theatre.
What made you choose the arts admin program? After I decided the life of an actor was not for me, I worked for a while as the assistant to a museum director at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Seeing how much work actually went into to providing arts experiences to the public made me realize that arts admin was a way that I could still participate in the arts, but in a way that best utilized my abilities. Honestly, I chose the grad program at BU because of the location in New England and because of the ability to take night classes. I knew my decision was the right one when I met with Rich for the first time and realized how much he and the other professors loved the program.
Which classes really prepared you for your current job? I would have to say that Capital Campaigns, Fundraising for Non-Profits, Financial Management, and Advanced Consulting with Janet were the classes that most prepared me for the position I have at the Kennedy Center. Each of the classes and the professors provided me with the building blocks to understand the scope and importance of development, how to approach donors, the importance of cultivation and stewardship and most importantly how to strategize multiple projects and work with other staff in order to reach your goals.
Which BU teachers influenced your choices (professionally, personally etc..) and how? Janet Bailey had a great deal of influence on me both professionally and personally. Janet has an innate and natural sense of how to approach situations and solve them effectively. She makes you want to succeed and give 100% to the project at hand. On top of that, she has a great sense of humor and takes the time to laugh and enjoy moments of fun.
If you could give advice to any arts admin students what would it be? Never settle! I feel like I live a charmed life sometimes being a small town southern boy who now gets to work for the largest performing arts center in the country. My family and friends have always supported my decisions to move where I needed to move and take the jobs that I needed to take in order to build the foundation I needed. I think not backing down and settling for less than what I really wanted was what helped me to get to the place I am today.
Why is it important to be a crusader for the arts? When you sit down in a theatre, ballet, opera or take the time to walk around in a museum, life has a way of fading into the background. There are so many problems in our world and in personal life and the arts are one of the most effective outlets for expression and escape. If we don't fight for the arts and make sure they continue long into the future, generations to come will not be able to experience that one show, that one piece, or that one song that no matter the situtation, makes you stop and smile.
Fun Questions:
What are your favorite hobbies? I love to cook, travel, visit the theatre, and play with my fantastic new mini dachshund puppy Beau!
What is your greatest accomplishment to date? As corny as it may sound, I feel like my life as a whole is my greatest accomplishment to date. I have a talented, wonderful, loving husband who makes me smile everyday, a mother who loves and supports my every move, friends across the country that have given me some of my favorites times and memories and a great job that allows me to assist in providing some of the greatest artistic and educational programs in the nation.
Where did you meet your partner? Derek and I met through our ex-roomates who had gone to college together. We first met a year before we got together while I was on my way to NH for a seasonal job and then reconnected a year later at the cast party of Mame at North Shore Music Theatre and started dating.
How long have you been together? We have been together for almost four years. We were married in MA last year in August and just recently celebrated our first year of marriage.
What words would you use to describe yourself? dedicated, friendly, and ready to laugh at all times.
Monday, October 02, 2006
at the 25th annual.....
This weekend Derek and I had a chance to go see the current National tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, one of my favorite shows currently running on B'way. It always fascinates me to see the differences between the B'way production and its subsequent tour. For example, the show was originally done off-Broadway in proscenium, then to Circle in the Square as a thrust and now in tour back to proscenium. It was nice to see it both ways, and it completely works. However the size of the Hippodrome in Baltimore in much larger than Circle in the Square, and for a show like this, I think it loses a lot. Don't get me wrong, the show was still, for the most part, extremely witty/well done/on point, etc., but there is an essence to the show when performed in a tight, small space. You feel much more that you are in the gym participating in the event rather than sitting in a large theatre watching a show.D and I knew of the guy playing Chip from his work around Boston when we lived there (D also went to Emerson college at the same time as Miguel). He was the only one that I feel could move into the B'way show if needed. The others were all great, but just didn't have the complete package, or maybe I am just extremely biased toward the OBC. My biggest disappointment was in Barfee. The actor on tour couldn't commit to either being a copy of Folger (who was brilliance) or making the character one uniquely his own. As a result he spent the entire show going in and out of Folger's created voice, but trying new line readings when he felt like it. It just didn't work for me. I either needed him to be the character that Folger created, which is just fine...some characters need to just be recreated or put an ENTIRELY new spin on it. What he was doing, just didn't work.
So that's my theatre critique for today....I'm off to, hopefully, see A Chorus Line and Martin Short:Fame Becomes Me and maybe Grey Gardens in NYC this weekend. Maybe I'll write about those next =)
Oh, and if you are in the DC area, go see Nine Parts of Desire at Arena Stage. I had the opportunity to see the final dress last week and Heather Ruffo is outstanding. The show is extremely heavy, but so very well accomplished and the subject matter is simply fascinating to listen to from this woman (women's) point of view. Arena should also get kudos for the great set/lighting and costume work for the show. I could explain all the great things that worked but it's so much better to go and experience it for yourself!
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