Hellobee

I have some exciting news and no, I’m not pregnant, although that is the first thing most people assume when I tell them I have good news. I was cast in a show!  I’m not sure how much I’ve shared about this in previous blog posts but I haven’t been in a show since 2011 (talk about a long hiatus), and with a degree in acting, theatre used to be MY LIFE. I ended up taking a break for quite a few reasons, I had back surgery, then I got married, moved, and had two babies. Throughout these life changes I have always known I’d end up back on stage at some point, I just wasn’t sure when or how. I started auditioning again briefly when Crumb turned six months old but stopped after getting pregnant. This time I got incredibly lucky because I was cast in the first show I auditioned for since having Chip.

The play is through a local community theatre company so it won’t be a paid position, but the commitment and rehearsal schedule couldn’t be more perfect for me.  In addition to the time commitment, there are so many other perks. I’m getting out of the house to focus on one of my favorite things, I’m meeting new creative people, I’m getting a Minnesota acting credit on my resume, and overall I’m having a blast playing a 20-something southern girl in a very funny farce. My life is much more hectic with two small children than it was when I was single and doing theatre in Chicago, and even though I’m beyond excited to get back into the acting world I’ve already noticed that being in a show is a much different experience as a mother.

The trickiest thing so far has been getting out the door to get to rehearsal on time! I’m normally a “if you’re not early you’re late sort of person,” but I’ve been arriving right at 7 PM purely because dinner, bath, and bed time keep me busy until I have to leave. Thankfully Chip nurses quickly around 6:30 and I can be out the door a few minutes later, but I think I have to accept that it’s always going to feel slightly rushed. The night of our first rehearsal Crumb was actually sitting on his little potty and talking about going poop, for the first time I might add! I never thought I’d be torn between wanting to stay home to watch my kid poop and being at rehearsal. Another night Crumb was feeling sick and it was hard to leave him when I knew he wanted his mama. I realize this is old hat to working parents who aren’t always with their kids and have to miss certain things, and frankly it’s not even comparable because my kids are in bed during most of my rehearsal time. The downside to that is I have to maintain my energy until much later in the day than I’m used to!

Another difference I’ve noticed is with my body. There is no way to get around the the fact that the theatre world cares about your appearance. I’ve actually felt pretty content with my body as a mom of two kids — trust me it’s far from perfect but still, I was OK with it. But recently when I was moving around on stage during a rehearsal I suddenly felt very self-conscious of my stomach area. I’m thinking it might be time to tone up and try to get rid of those extra pounds. I’m someone who needs a push like this to get back into working out so it’s good for me to have that incentive of knowing I’m going to be on stage in front of people very soon.

Mostly I’ve noticed that I am such a different person than the young artist I was years ago. I have more responsibility and my priorities have changed. My family is number one on my list  In the past, I’ve given so much of my time, my heart, and my life to the theatre, but now I have these two amazing little guys who depend on me for everything. I’m so grateful that my first show back is one that is conducive to balancing mom life and actor life.

These two are my everything.  I hope they get to see me in a show someday!