Home Again

Theoretically, according to an actor/performer/theater person, every stage may be considered "home". That is, if you look at it from their perspective.

I find that there are two types of performers (at high school level): those who perform in plays/musicals as an extracurricular activity or because they need an art credit, and those who perform because they love it, because they enjoy being a part of something BIG, because they tap into something magical within themselves when they do it.

I have seen both categories over the years I have been performing on stage.

When I was little (around six or seven) I joined my church's children's choir. There I spent 5 years singing and trying to enhance my vocal skills. I was in SEVERAL musicals which were done through the church (fairly well done I might add!). When I turned thirteen, I was officially too old for the children's choir. I then decided that trying out for the adult choir team or trying out for the youth group's band wouldn't be the same, so I went about a year without singing or performing.

The following year I was a freshmen in High School. During my first year in High School, I participated in the school's play (Hamelot). It wasn't as well done as the children's choir musicals, but I didn't care, I was back on stage. When I became a Sophomore, I performed in another of my school's plays (The Death and Life of Everyman). Still, not as well done as my previous years in choir, but even so, I enjoyed being back on stage.

This year, I auditioned for Seussical the Musical. Many of my friends had been in The Sound of Music the same year I was doing the Everyman play and I had heard that the homeschool organization who put it on did a stellar job. From the time I auditioned, until today (our first run through at CPAC), I have truly seen how spectacular the organization of HPA is! This musical is far more well done then any performance I have ever been a part of. The cast is beyond talented, and I can see how much other kids/teens my age love to perform on stage.

For us, the stage is not simply something we stand on. Not at all.

For us, the stage is a tool, a tool which we use to convey a message to our audience, as well as a second home. When I first walked on the stage at CPAC this afternoon, I was filled with several emotions. Excitement, anticipation, relief, joy, but also peace. As stated in one of my previous posts, everyone finds their "peace" in a different form. For me, I find my peace in a few limited ways, one of which is performing on stage. Today, I couldn't help but think to myself, "well, you're home again." It's been nearly a year since Everyman, and I must confess, I am OVERJOYED to be back on stage again. Performance week is coming up, and I couldn't be happier!

Basically, it's like this. Working with such incredible cast members and directors, coupled with getting back on the stage again, could not evoke more happiness from me than it did today.

I feel so blessed that God has given me this opportunity, to be who I am, and use my talents He has given me to the fullest, for HIS glory. I am eager to give back to Him and work my hardest, hence providing our audience with a performance they shall (hopefully) always remember!

Thanks for reading! I hope your day, reader, has been just as fantastic as mine.

~Jacob

Daily Dose of Banana

Question:

Fruits. Okay, maybe that is a vast, incomplete thought instead of a question.

As of today, Banana's have come up twice in my daily conversations. Once on my drive over to rehearsal today and just now. Have you ever thought about Bananas? If not, here are a few things to ponder...

More than 18,000,000 Banana's are consumed by American citizens every year. On average, a citizen of the U.S. consumes about 1 Banana a week. Banana's come in all shapes and sizes as well. If they get to old, they turn brown.

Now, I'm sure you all wanted to think about Bananas. *Sigh* Thankfully, we've gotten that out of the way, now I may talk about more interesting things.

Today was my last official rehearsal before tech and show week. If you are reading this, you have probably been informed by either myself or one of my family members that I am currently involved in HPA's performance of Seussical the Musical.

Over the past few months I have gotten quite close with the other cast members and directors. I have had a superb time getting to know everyone while enhancing my acting, dancing, and vocal skills. It was interesting today because it was required of me to do my hair the way it will be in the musical. I must admit, it looked outrageous. My hair was stuffed inside a rubber swim cap with a hole in the top. Near the top of the cap, a small hole had been cut to pull my hair out of. One of my fellow cast members told me (though I am not entirely sure if this is correct or not...) that swimmers are only supposed to wear their caps for around 30 minutes. I can understand why! Haha, those things are tight! Long story short, the cap was the wrong color, so I needed to purchase a new one (which I did earlier this evening). I shall figure out the whole "tight" factor later next week.

Afterwards, I did some clothing shopping with my mom. Well, maybe more "costume" shopping. I needed to buy a black shirt, black shoes, and a blue swim cap (in replacement of the one which was the wrong color). All of which were purchased at the relatively low price of $55. The dress shoes were most expensive (making up more than half the total cost) considering their quality. I was in need of a new pair of dress shoes, so it was really a "two birds with one stone" scenario.

Essentially today has been a pretty long day, though it is not yet over. I have yet to eat dinner, do some math, and call a friend.

Anyway, thanks for reading! Bye!

~Jacob

Peace

Good evening. :)

In life, there a few things which provide one with an abundance of comfort. Simple things, if you catch my meaning. Receiving a letter in the mail, drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate during a blizzard, sleeping in, getting a good grade on a piece of school that has been worked diligently upon. But everyone has something specific that cheers them up and makes them feel at ease.

For me, I love peace. When I say peace I mean being alone, one on one with God. I experience this peace ESPECIALLY when I am out and about in his creation. For example, the weather was just so perfect today that I had to take advantage of it... Haha, it may sound funny to some, but I also love to take walks, by myself.

I mean, there are so many things to do during the day, and when a vast majority of time is taken up on things such as email, text messaging, facebook (for some at least!), peace becomes a very difficult thing to acquire! When I take a walk by myself, time stops. I have no worries, or troubles, I am free to walk about and enjoy God's creation at my leisure.

Being on my own gives me the opportunity to think, uninterrupted. As mentioned in my profile, I love to read and write poetry. Some of my best inspiration has come from simply taking a long walk and considering. What you may ask? Why anything and everything!

I guess what I am trying to say, is that even though today is not yet over, I have lived my life to the fullest.

Leave me a comment describing how or where you find your peace. :)

~Jacob

Introduction. :)

Hello!

My name is Jacob and I am new to blogger.com. A number of years ago I had a Xanga, basically a blog/facebook for kids. Eventually, everyone (including myself) moved on from Xanga. I have been meaning to create a new blog for a while considering I love to write. Haha, I just haven't found time until now! SO, I assume I will be writing about instances and situations I encounter in my everyday life. I am not sure how often I will be able to update, however. I have linked my YouTube account to my blog so if you'd like, you can check out some of my video's as well.
I hope to find other friends of mine who are on this site... Haha, if you know me, add me! :) Thanks!

~Jacob