Learning a heck of a lot. Just finally getting to the point where I can enjoy auditions instead of taking them so seriously. And I know that the more I do that, the more likely it is that I'll get the gig. My last show was that way, and it was a pleasure and a surprise how easy it could be. But it is definitely a head-shift. Just getting out of my own way and playing, doing what I love to do and enjoying it. And I know I'm "building steam." Casting people are taking their time with me in auditions and asking me for more songs when I've finished my inital "offer." Rye Mullis even directed me on a song from The Scarlet Pimpernell the other day because he knew the show so well and wanted to help me capture the intimacy of the moment. I belted the heck out of the song but also found the vulnerability of it, and when I finished, he seemed pleased.

I know I am blessed with a high belt, and I'm beginning to appreciate that. It's funny how we don't always appreciate what we have. For the longest time, I always wanted to sing soprano, and now that I can, it's like, Oh, yeah. That's lovely, but the belt is something so incredibly special. I really am grateful to be able to do it.

And I look forward to rockin more songs... :)

Well, I made it to the final round of callbacks last night, but I was amazed at how many people were there. For one thing, it seemed more like a cattle-call than final callbacks, and for another, the majority of actresses there for Rita were all much older than me and much tougher looking. They were all very similar while I stood out. And while I thought that was kind of cool, I don't know if that was what the director was looking for, considering.

Eh, diversity is good!

And I've learned from this experience that you can't go backwards, you can only move forward, and I know there are bigger and better things waiting for me, that will fit me to a T and vice versa.

The cool thing with that is that I've had so many of my friends and fellow artists behind me. They know I'm good, they know I can belt out a tune and fill a theatre like no other. I am unique, and I love that!

After much encouragement from my fabulous friend Tina at The Essential Herbal, a booming business-woman in her own right, I have decided to take the leap into blog-land! Whee! :)

I'm getting ready to go into an audition for the musical, "Lucky Stiff" at the West End Theatre, and I'm so psyched because I've done this role before. Rita LaPorta! "The Door." And what a door she is, wrecking all sorts of havoc in the name of love and greed. Gotta love her! And I do!

People have given me wonderful praise for my portrayal of Rita (see the reviews section of my website: http://www.geocities.com/lauradaniel1/reviews.html), but the most important praise and encouragement has come from my friends. Friends who knew I was an actress but didn't know I could sing. And SING I DO!!!! But it's their love and support and encouragement that help keep me in the game, and I know I can do it! Watch me fly!