Though it was another slow day for me training-wise, the day held other fun surprises. First off, I got to see an old college friend, Aaron Kisner. We hadn’t seen each other in years but he was visiting his brother in Summerlin and he stopped by the MGM for coffee. It was really good to see him and catch up even though we only had a short time to chat.
From that, I went to trampoline training. I worked on some tricks but mainly practiced my falls – including doing a face drop from the highest mat above the trampoline. It’s probably only about 8 feet but I really had to work up the nerve to go. The best part of the training is the chance I have to chat with those training with me – Eric, Kelly, & Karl. Maybe it’s just that everyone’s in a good mood because of the upcoming dark but, more likely, it’s just that I’m fitting in more after being here a month. Regardless, it made the training that much more enjoyable.
I had forgotten my black shirt because I had taken it home to wash. I wasn’t looking forward to driving back in the heat and getting it. SM Jen saved the day. She was able to get me a black KA shirt which is now mine to keep. So figuratively and literally I’m more and more a part of the cast.
When it came time to shadow the Nannies, there was another fun treat. I got to ride out on the Tatami deck, where the wardrobe people sit during the first part of the show to collect items that are discarded during pageant. This includes the Nanny hat and sleeves. During the attack, the arrows were literally flying directly overhead and I was near one of the fire effects. It was awesome. Still, what was probably most entertaining was that one of the wardrobe gals was reading a book while waiting. There’s nothing for her to do during most of the scene and the stage lights provided plenty of light. Besides, the audience can’t see because it’s behind set pieces. Just one of the things that could be going on backstage while you’re enjoying the show!
On a final (and bittersweet) note, today was the last regular day for Karl – the guy who filled in as a valet for Bole while Bole had knee surgery. Karl is still on call and will likely do more performances but he won’t be around as much. It’s sad for me because he was one of the first people to befriend me. He made me feel incredibly welcome and he was also a huge encouragement when we were training in trampoline together – particularly when I was frustrated or scared. I’ll miss him being around.
Here’s a photo of Karl in the green room.
Now I’m off to Los Angeles for the dark. I’ll probably wait to summarize the trip when I get back so enjoy catching up on the past posts til I return!
Jeana is a classically trained actress who hails from Los Angeles where she lives with her husband (actor Scott Dawson) and two cats. She has appeared in countless theatre productions with many esteemed companies such as the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum and Grove Theatre Center. Jeana has also appeared on television in Saving Grace (opposite Holly Hunter), NBC's critically acclaimed Journeyman and the long running medical drama Strong Medicine. 