I graduated from undergraduate thinking that I had 5 years and then Broadway. Yes, just like those self-help books I had a plan. I started teaching for Chicago Public Schools in 1996 and quickly started taking voice lessons, getting headshots, more dance classes, and auditioning. I did a small play written by a woman who saved money cleaning hotels until she could achieve her dream of producing her musical. I met and worked with some amazing performers, but the script was a complete disaster. Guess what?! I did it anyway. Then I joined a band. We sang every cover known to man and it helped me to become an even better performer. Did I get paid for my early efforts? Hell no! And I even managed to purchase a house at the tender age of 23. And I barely slept. But, I knew then and still know now that no one owes me anything except for the experience I get from the work. No matter how tedious. This is a lesson lost on young, upcoming performers. Don't get me wrong money pays the bills, but experience, talent, and your reputation get you the work.
Then I finally booked my first professional show. Violet. At the now closed Apple Tree Theatre. Another great experience. I had the fortunate opportunity to work for a principal (who will remain nameless) who let me attend rehearsals during the day and keep full time employment as a teacher at her school. She said that she agreed to this borderline illegal gesture because, "If I tell you no, you will simply quit and the students learn so much from you." Many of my students attended the show and many others because of this gesture.
Now I am starting to get even more auditions, callbacks, and more work. Then something happened that would alter my trajectory.
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