"You Are Famous"

I had the pleasure of attending the Educational Theatre Association National Conference this past weekend in San Diego, CA. After asking for SIX years, I was finally able to go.  I heard an incredible speaker, Richard Robichaux, speak about his fourth grade teacher, and how her interest in him changed his life. The result of that was this, "Mrs. Fleck, YOU are famous." He stressed how the fame had to do with the fact that she changed the path of his life forever by doing what she had to do...her job.

This got me thinking about the people who unknowingly, unwittingly, or partially because I was just so damn annoying, changed the course of my life forever, making me the person that I am today. (good, bad, or smelly)

The first one is Mari McAdoo. She was the COOLEST music teacher ever.  Woodland Hills Elementary School in Kingwood, TX. She taught me everything: instruments, guitar, recorder, voice, etc; AND she gave me my very first true stage experience: Robin in The Runaway Snowman. Miss McAdoo is the most amazing woman that I have ever met. I may not have seen her in *cough cough snort sneeze* years, but to me...SHE is famous.

Lois Yvonne, Karen Romano, and Barry Dean are next. They run a kick ass theatre school in my little town in Texas.  They're the one's that took my theatre experience to a whole new level. While I didn't get to work with them a lot, those three incredible people have left an indelible mark on the person that I am today, so to me...THEY are famous.

Diana Searcy. My first classroom drama teacher. From her, I learned the techniques of being on stage, she introduced me to dramatic literature, trusted me to be a leader, became a friend, was an incredible mentor, a patient director, and so much more. To me...SHE is famous.

And last but not least is John Marshall.  He was my middle school choir teacher. He was larger-than-life, passionate (threw his keys one memorable day), loved his students, and was an INCREDIBLE music teacher. Everything that I know about reading music I learned from him.  To me...HE is famous.

These people may not have been in my life for a long period of time, but the time that they were showed me who I could be, introduced me to my potential, gave me training and showed me compassion. When I decided to go into education, it was these people who I emulated to create the "teacher character" that I play every day.  It is THESE people who have allowed me to interact with my students everyday; by teaching me, believing in me, and being there for me.

I can only hope that one day, I might be even 1/12 as famous to someone as these people are to me.

Who is famous to you?

Everybody's Got the Rights....but Me

In the ongoing struggle that I am having with Canyon High School's stupidity and lack of cultural sensitivity, they have managed to eff up my life...again.

In the previous post, I discussed their white bread version of cultural diversity...a choice that made me change my own fall play in order not to ruffle the already molting feathers of my school district. I'm pretty sure that they don't need me stirring the pot.  So, Romeo and Juliet set in Mexico is shelved.

I chose to do Our Town. Filled in the application, got a confirmation email, and in my excitement, took that as the green light.

Two hours after I announced Plan B, I get an email from the publisher. The rights are on hold, it could take up to 4 weeks, yada, yada, yada.  I call the publishing house and grovel...to no avail.  They tell me to call back on the 28th.

I'm nice...for once.  I wait until the 30th.  Give 'em time to get their ducks in a row.

No answer.

I email...twice...for good measure.

No answer.

Now, I'm panicking. I have auditions in a few weeks, and no script.

I spend a few hours applying for anything, seeing what will stick, and keep getting the same response:

"Thank you for your application.  We'll get back to you in 4-6 weeks by regular mail."

AAAUUUGGGHHHH!!!!

Plan E. Finally get the rights, scripts, and spend a fortune on expedited shipping for a piece called Vintage Hitchcock, a 1940's radio play.  Haven't even read the whole thing, but it's better than not having a fall show at all.

Then, in a moment of true Stacy pissiness, I email the publisher for Our Town and give them the what-for about not getting back to me, cancel my application, I'll show you!  (who am I showing, let's be honest)

Six hours later, I receive an email from said publisher stating something along these lines:

"We're sorry about the delay in your application.  You have been granted the rights for Our Town.  Would you like to proceed with your order?"

ARE YOU F&%*ING KIDDING ME???????

I JUST spent $500 mere hours earlier on a different show.  No going back now.  Besides the fact, I'm pretty sure that I blew up any bridge with this publisher by my pissy rant.

Dammit.

I'm pretty sure that you can't make this stuff up.  It only happens on TV.