Even though I’ve graduated from college and haven’t been in school for nearly 6 months, I still think of my life in terms of semesters. This “semester,” this fall, has been an interesting, challenging, yet fulfilling time of my life. I’m making money (finally) and getting to do fun things that I love. From September through December, it feels like a typical fall semester full of hard work and fun excursions, but without the stress of finals.
WORK:
Things are looking up, people! I have a fulltime job! Yay!!! I’M AN ADULT!
In October I landed a job as the Front Desk Administrator at the International Culinary Center in SoHo. I get to develop my administrative assistant skills while working in a fun environment filled with great people and delicious food. A win-win for me!
Sitting at the front desk, I get to see all of the goings-on: from CBS interviews to culinary finals. AND I get to taste test all desserts before they go back to the administrative offices.
Iconoclassic production of Werther by Jules Massanet
Work/Play:
In October, I filled my spare hours by stage managing for a production of the opera, Werther, with Iconoclassic Productions. We had a very short rehearsal process filled with late nights, but it was oh so worth it.
- I love opera.
- I love the story of Werther (based on the novel by Goethe). So tragic and beautiful, but with some surprisingly funny moments.
- I love being part of a creative process with a group of SUPER TALENTED AWESOME PEOPLE.
- Stage managing is fun, and I had never done it before. Yes, that’s correct. First time stage managing was a success. Woohoo!
Now I just need to land other stage managing gigs. If you know of anyone who needs a stage manager, let me know. 😉
From the Met Opera 2014 production of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
PLAY:
Speaking of opera, I recently had the opportunity to see Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at the Metropolitan Opera. For free. With orchestra seats. It was awesome.
For those of you who don’t know, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is a super risqué Russian opera. Apparently it was banned from Communist Russia for being too racy (lots of murder and lots of sex).
It tells the story of a lonely woman in 19th century Russia, who falls in love with one of her husband’s workers and is driven to murder. – Wikipedia
Shostakovich’s towering tragedy of adultery and murder stars the commanding dramatic soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek as the heroine who suffers the vicissitudes of her treachery. Brandon Jovanovich is her co-conspirator and lover, and James Conlon conducts. – MetOpera
However, if you can get past all of the raunchiness, you’ll see a subversive piece about oppression on a personal and national level. Way to go, Shostakovich.
This Fall, I’ve also been blessed with free tickets to two Broadway shows: On the Town and Les Miserables. I love seeing Broadway shows. I love musicals. But I also love being able to share that experience with others. For both On the Town and Les Miserables I was able to bring a friend along who would appreciate the show as much as I did.
If ever I become a filthy rich old lady, part of my mission will be to give awesome tickets to musical theater, opera, and ballet lovers who otherwise could not afford to see Broadway/MetOpera/NYCBallet shows.
Downton Maggie 