4.15.2007

one hundred years of sisterhood

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This weekend marked the Sigma Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi's centennial anniversary at UC Berkeley. The past three days flew by in a whirlwind, with a mocktail social at the house, followed by centennial Rose Ball, and and ending with a farewell brunch. I had been anxiously anticipating this weekend for a while now, knowing full well that I would be feeling exhausted from day one. And yes, that was certainly true. But I didn't know that I would feel as renewed as I did. Being so focused and committed to my job and my performance career, I sometimes forget about the other parts of my life, parts that have made equally large contributions to my history and personality. It was nice to have the opportunity to step away from my normal everyday life and submerge myself in my past life, reconnecting with friends from all over the west coast at a place we all once called home.


Centennial Rose Ball at Hs Lordships in Berkeley


Me and my little sis, Marisa


Farewell brunch at AOII

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Another smaller reunion took place this weekend as well. I met with some fellow AiR alumni at the 3rd annual AiR Alumni Mixer on Saturday morning at the Hotel Durant. We played the hat game, sang songs, and laughed over inside jokes, both old and new. It's amazing how great a distance time can create. I was in the group less than a year ago but it really felt like lifetimes away. I recalled fond memories of my time in AiR, which included many of my friends who are now living halfway across the world. Did all that really happen?

Yeah, and it really was one hell of a good time.

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Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on.


"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane - my official Berkeley theme song

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Other random news: ginagloria.com is up and running! Check it out for sound samples and upcoming performance information. Yeah!

4.09.2007

over and out

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After being missing in action for the past few weeks, I have re-entered the real world, the world without theatre. And I must admit, it isn't nearly as fun. Granted, being in a production meant that my free time was almost entirely devoted to rehearsals and performances and my body was being pushed to its physical limit (I am ridiculously sore and I have so many bruises I could be mistaken for a cheetah). But it also gave me an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Putting High School Musical together wasn't easy, for many reasons. While waiting in the wings just minutes before our opening performance, I still wondered whether we could actually pull the thing off. But we did, and with flying colors at that. Throughout this process, I learned a lot, primarily about the type of working environment I prefer to be in. I learned that I have a certain type of resilience. And I learned to trust myself, my skills, my learning ability, and my talent.

I was surprised to receive such positive reviews for my acting debut. I had a handful of kids from our audiences ask me for my autograph; one even asked me to be her teacher. Parents thanked me for my comedic performance. The best compliment I received was from an older man, who said I was his favorite to watch on stage, both during the times when I was up front leading a scene and during the times when I was in the background, supporting a scene. He commented on my intense sense of focus and my ability to contribute to the action on the stage in the most appropriate of ways. He asked if I was a professional actor, which simultaneously made me laugh out of courtesy and beam out of pride. He left with a handshake and a promise that he would keep an eye out for me in the theatre community.

This experience has showed me that I really do have the potential to pursue performing, whether it be professionally or within the community. Looking forward to summer musicals, I will use the coming months to refine my skills and techniques and evaluate how far I want to take this this. Seriously though, performing for a living? Que cool.


Amalia and me backstage, dressed as high school students/ensemble members


Me and Nick as Chloe and James


Alex and me as Coach Bolton and Ms. Darbus