Scripted Spontaneity: Sleepy Hollow Cinderella Story

I feel a little bit like a certain Disney princess these days.

Let me tell you a little bit about this Cinderella Story of mine:

When I saw my name on the cast list for Sleepy Hollow, I was in denial. Shock and awe. Literally had NO expectation AT ALL that I would make the company. But by some divine intervention: I did!

We had a pre-show production meeting. We have a production TEAM. YES> A whole team of people working to make this touring company a successful venture.

We have a hair and make-up design team, a costume design team, and a tour coordinator. Not to mention the stage managers and technical crew for the run at BYU.

In the spring, I went to the basement of the arts building to get my costume, but I walked into the wrong room. You see, I've done student shows before, and I've been costumed, but turns out there is a GINORMOUS costume shop for main-stage productions

it was like stepping into NARNIA!

My costume!

The measured every inch they could possibly find on my body. I said, "You can't possibly use all of these measurements" (like, for example, the circumference of my forearm?). The cute girl with the measuring tape said, "You'd be surprised. When we make skin-tight spandex suits, we need every measurement we can get"

I didn't ask what they were making skin tight spandex suits for.

This is the custom designed, hand-made, specially tailored costume---->
Isn't it darling?!

I am seriously the luckiest person in the world.

We are the BYU Young Company.

the cast with our incredible director

We travel to elementary (and middle) schools around Utah every Tuesday and Thursday. We do our funny, charming, imaginative, INTERACTIVE show, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The show is brilliantly adapted from Washington Irving's classic short story by our Phenomenal Director into a fast-paced, multiple-charactered, two-person show. (well, 4. depending)

The show is tripple-cast, because as one group of actors is performing (usually in a huge cafeteria or gym), the other company members are doing workshops with 2nd and/or 3rd grade classes.
Then we switch, and those who taught then play, and those who played, teach their own classroom for 45 minutes about creative choices and surprises.

I learned how to do a magic trick for the workshops.

I can make a pencil levitate.

Feel free to be amazed.

I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to teach these little creatures with big imaginations. Children are wonderfully fun little people aren't they?!

I am also so blessed to have the chance to work with my director. She is BRILLIANT.
She's worked in the professional acting world for many years. She is so savvy about what works and doesn't. She is professional, but also kind. She knows she is dealing with students. She expects us to give the most we can give, and understands when that's not perfection. She is patient, but driven, and pulls out the best in us, individually, and also as a group. She is such an incredible example to me of a strong woman who brings light to this world. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

it's a mustache!

Another reason I am incredibly blessed: My CAST.

The cast and crew are made up of some of the most fun and kind people I've ever met. When we are in rehearsal, we laugh. all the time. we laugh and play and laugh some more. we have funny accents, and magical songs, and play warm up games like nobody's business!

It's a good thing we like each other, because we spend A LOT of time together. One week, with our tech rehearsals and touring schedule, i calculated 28 hours together. :) That's a long time with a small cast. Again, good thing we like each other. and we do!

we switched roles one day--the women played the men and visa versa. rehearsal skirts and all.

You might think that having three girls playing the same role might get catty or competitive, but alas, 'tis not the case in the least! I am so blessed to act alongside these incredibly talented women. We watch each other, we steal ideas from each other, we laugh with each other, and we help each other. It is a truly remarkable group.

me and darling Lindsay in the Make up room

With wonderful Lisa! It's always fun getting dressed... we need to assist each other every time.

Every time we do the show, the cast is different. I play opposite of one of potentially three men. and all sorts of spirits (come see the show! you'll know what I mean!) Every one of these actors are kind and gracious and FUN to play opposite of! It's a different feeling every time we do the show. mixes things up!

And when we tour, we get to go out to lunch! :)