Okay, here’s the deal. (By the way, that phrase is so me. I use it all the time.) My work as a vocal coach is freelance, therefore, I never know how long it will be between jobs. Don’s work as an actor is also freelance – just being an actor guarantees uncertainty. It makes for a crazy and, at times, very stressful life.
For the last 3 summers I have coached at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. This is the theater where I taught and worked full time for 8 years – and where I met Don. Because we moved to the East Coast, I hadn’t worked there in 7 years when they called me 3 summers ago to come and help them out. Last summer, a lot of changes occurred – enough to make me realize that it was time to move on.
I was extremely blessed to work with the company that is producing The Merchant of Venice. They have integrity, loyalty and a mission to bring vital, powerful productions of Shakespeare to a new audience. The director of MOV, by the way, is the same man who brought me to San Diego 3 summers ago. Though I thought my work was done on the show, I have to travel to Boston next week to work with an actor who is replacing one of the cast members. Since I lived in Boston and Cambridge for 5 years and loved everything about the city, I am very happy to have the chance to go back there.
In the meantime, I have been approached by a wonderful theater in Wisconsin to coach one of their productions this summer – Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. I was recommended to them by my former boss at Boston University – you see how this circle of contacts over the course of a career can work? Again, a theater whose mission is to do the best work possible. Both of these theaters believe in voice work and feel that it is as important an element as costumes or sets – in fact, more so. That is a rare thing, my friends. I can’t tell you how many times I have been contacted at the last minute to try and ‘fix’ a show because no one wanted to fork out for a coach at the beginning of the rehearsal process or have been underpaid for my skills or simply marginalized.
I feel that the chance to work with the company producing The Merchant of Venice and to start work this summer with a new, to me, company is a form of approval from the universe that says, “Yes, it’s indeed time to move on and have new beginnings.” I am enormously proud of The Merchant of Venice. I am proud of the work I have contributed. I feel blessed to have worked with the director and a cast of wonderful, brave actors. I suspect I will feel the same way, if my gut instinct is right, about the theater in Wisconsin.
I was thrilled at the thought of being home this spring for work in the garden. Not to be: this summer job goes from the beginning of May to mid-June. The good thing is that I’ll be here a bit longer before I leave than I was last year and I’ll be back over two weeks earlier. Only seven weeks away this time. There will still be time to work in the garden before the heat of July comes.
Of course, that means I have to work hard and fast to clean up the gardens and mulch and everything else necessary before I leave and this cold yucky weather (more snow tomorrow!) is not helping. I also have to fly to Wisconsin on Saturday for production meetings. I will return home on Tuesday. Then I leave for Boston on Wednesday. Yikes.
That’s the update. I can’t think about leaving my loved ones for another long stretch of time. I can’t go there yet. I tear up at the thought. The work can be exciting, yes, and rewarding, but it requires a sacrifice. And that’s very hard, indeed.
My heart is grateful for the opportunity to do satisfying, good work. It also breaks a little at the thought of leaving my family. And so it goes.
Sign by the talented Paula of Castle and Cottage.
hello my friend…enjoyed reading the post…aaahhh…life, huh?
i have missed coming by…i got lazy in blogland :-{
happy to stop by today and sending love,
kary and teddy
xxx
Well, we’ll probably have some good phone conversations during that time! I’m sorry you won’t be there for the garden as much as you wanted to. But I know good and well you’ll come back and attack the thing with a vengeance like you did last year!
Brenda
Hi Claudia, I am happy you have this new work with a company that respects the importance of what you do. Yay, you also have some spring gardening time. ♥O
Claudia,-
so difficult-life-now and then…
I so understand you being sad, leaving- and I so understand you wanting to take that wonderfull job.
Hugs,Dorthe
Hello Claudia,
This is a great post because it talks about sacrifices. I have experienced them myself and it is common to go through this in the creative industry…whatever you do.
Be strong!
Hugs,
~ Gabriela ~
Hi Claudia, I’m very happy for you my friend! As a 50 some year old I’m finally feeling secure and more respected in my field – almost a commodity in some cases. I guess it comes from years of hard work and dedication to a philosophy or whatever one may call it. Hard work does pay off, and staying true to who we are pays off as well. Mother Nature keeps playing tricks on us this week – snow on Monday and now more snow tomorrow. Even though it melts quickly, the gray skies are terribly dreary. Ciao, bella!
Hi Claudia….I can understand your feelings on having to leave home for periods of time. I have never had to do it and not sure I could. But you have to do what you got to do and you get paid so..there you go! I keep thinking about what has to be done in the gardens and can’t wait but know it is going to be lots of work…as it is every year. Take care….~Patti
I wish you well, sweets, because I couldn’t leave my hubby for that long. But we do what we must to be able to have food on the table and roofs over our head. Good luck. I believe as you do that voice is important to just about anything!!! My own voice deceives many people because it sounds so young, but there have been drawbacks to it—not having “authority” sound so I have to set them very “straight” when I speak. I’m not a whimp! And it comes through. I worked on that…diligently, along with a southern accent. ;-)
xoxo,
Connie
It isn’t surprising that you are in demand. From what I have learned about you through reading your blog, is that you are very conscientious and dependable and all. Plus you are a professional and know your “stuff”!
I know you hate to be away from your beautiful home and husband and dogs, but they will be there waiting for you to come home. Do you skype? that helps.
You can do it Claud. Wisconsin needs you and you will happy working, even missing your babies and Don. It is a great opportunity.
Love you a ton,
Mere
Hi Claudia,
I know it’s hard to be away from family, so I hope that you are able to take this job that you are so excited about.
I’ll be thinking of you.
hugs
Sissie
Sounds like two wonderful new opportunities!! YAY!
here’s the deal. i use that phrase all the time claudia! while it is so sad to leave your home and garden again, the passion you exude for your work is amazing. think of all the lives you touch with your work. i see you as v lucky claudia and i know that you know you are too. during these trying economic times, which i can relate to also we have to do what we have to do to get by. good luck my friend.
xo
janet
Your jubilation in knowing your field of expertise is appreciated and the news of this job offer makes me jump up and dance for you with glee. Then there is the other side that wants to cry with you as I feel your pain in thought of leaving. I know the internet and phones are no comparison but at least you have them and can keep the communication lines open.
Hang in there, as fast as time is flying, mid June will be here before you know it.
Bravo on hard work and accomplishments to both you and Don.
God bless you and keep you safe in your travels, sounds like you have a very busy schedule from now to next week. God sure is opening doors for you. Congratulations.
Claudia, here’s the deal ((giggle))… THIS IS HUGE!!! I am so excited for you! It sounds like these companies will respect and value your work. That’s a huge thing. MOV has seemed, from my perspective, very gratifying for you. It sounds like these two companies could be the same. I’m so excited for you!
Hugs,
Jill
Hi Claudia,
Sounds like a great opportunity. Truly, when one door closes, another opens. At least this job is a little shorter in duration and not so many time zones away.
I’ve noticed too in lots of theater credits, the vocal/dialect coach isn’t always mentioned. No prize category for that. I see it in the program I get at the theater but not in the smaller reviews. Certainly voice and vocals are an important part of any theater experience.
Oh Claudia, I am so excited that this has come your way! You are truly blessed my dear. Wish it was my way, but I understand. :) Enjoy your Spring and before you know it you will be back home. Home sweet home.
Love you and miss you tons!
Maryjane
I am so very sorry, Claudia, that you will have to leave your little family for such a lengthy period of time. However, it is also nice that your good work is being recognized. Cheer up, please! I don’t at all like seeing you sad like that. My heart really goes out to you. Being a “home buddy” myself, I can understand how difficult this will be because you had made plans to work leisurely in your garden and now it’s not to be. But, things will work out in your mind. You’ll see! I’m keeping you in my prayers.
Congrats to you on this!! How exciting to know what you do is so valued and those who attend your MOV may not know exactly why it’s so wonderful, just that it is! What a terrific opportunity. :-)
Wisconsin will certainly be fortunate to have you there – I’m so happy you are being recognized for the excellent work you do Claudia.
As for the gardening chores, let’s face it, we’re all in the same boat, we never have enough time to get it perfect. Remember the saying, something about a garden being a job forever, so very true! I’ll feel guilty leaving mine in May when I go to the UK, that’s such an important month for the garden. In a couple of weeks it runs away from you in the growing season……but travel we must, or at least we choose!
Have a safe journey – you’ll be a Blithe Spirit I know!
Hugs – Mary
Hi Claudia,
I’m glad you have work…that’s a blessing in this crazy economy. It’s very stressful being self employed especially when everything you offer is a luxury but we must do and offer what we love. Thomas and I are living that life now.
I’ve been so busy that I haven’t blogged in a week. I’ve got to fix that! :0) I wish I had more energy but I guess it could be much worse.
Just wanted to stop by and say hello and see how you are doing. Have a safe and fun trip.
Hugs,
Stephanie ♥
Congrats on some wonderful opportunities but I can understand your apprehension too.
It will work out, it always does. Just keep the faith and do what you were meant to do.
Claudia, no more San Diego?
Look at it this way, Wisconsin should have lots of antique stores! I am jealous. Ciao Rita
I ONLY KNOW YOU A SHORT WHILE….BUT…
I LIKED YOU RIGHT AWAY….I SEE YOU AS GIVING…LOVING….CARING…CREATIVE…AND VERY HARD WORKING…
I CAN JUST IMAGINE HOW YOU FEEL, LEAVING DON, AND YOUR BABIES..
YOU CAN DO IT, AND YOU HAVE TO BE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO…GO FOR IT GIRL….IT WILL GO FAST, AND YOU WILL HAVE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY. SAFE TRIP….RIZZI
Hi Claudia…
I’m so happy for you… Sad that you’re going to be away from your loved ones……but you’ll be doing what you love and that’s just grand!
Huggies,
Spencer
So many decisions….what wonderful choices, even though it is hard to be away, there is a whisper of new adventure and excitement……
You can do it, does being away give you queit time in the evenings? Think of all the crocheting and reading?
Yeah, I know it’s not the same, just trying to give you a boost!!!
You’ll work it out somehow, maybe something is in the wind for hubby too…..ya never know! Just saying…..
Hugs,
Margaret B
I totally understand the circle of friends in you profession. I see the same thing happen with My Guy who is a professional tuba player.
I enjoyed reading this post and so proud of you!
Happy Days to you…
Claudia, I can imagine that you must feel a bit like a pushme-pullyou with this news, but I am so grateful that you are going to have this rewarding work. I know it has got to be wrenching to be away from Don and the dogs, but keep telling yourself that the time will fly by. Then, suddenly, it will be June!
You are such a talented lady, and I hope and pray that all goes well with this work. I’m glad to be able to catch up with you. I’ve been reading forward to back, and I am believing that this project will be very rewarding in every way. It sounds like the answer to a prayer with the exception of being separated this spring. But summer will be spent with Don and the babies. That’s a lovely season in NY. So I guess that’s the silver lining.
Love you…
XO,
Sheila :-)