New Fun Stuff

I've been trying to figure out something clever to title this post, but apparently New Fun Stuff is as clever as I can get at 9:15 on a very long Monday...

Anyway, I've been working on a new project that I happen to think is pretty exciting. On New Year's Day I came across a post from Broadwayworld.com on Twitter.  The post said they were looking for regional writers.  In a rush of New Year, New Me excitement I grabbed 3 theater posts I had written and thought were pretty good and sent them along with my resume.  And a few days later, I got the good news - I had gotten the job!  Woohoo!  

Now I say job, but it's not really a job.  There's no payment which I'm ok with because the perks are pretty nice.  Often, I can get free tickets to shows in the area.  And the best part is that I'm discovering all sorts of fun regional theaters in the area that I never knew about. I'm also trying new plays and new experiences that I wouldn't have about a year ago.  It, of course, has only been about 2.5 weeks, but I'm having a blast. 

I've met some lovely people and seen some great shows.  I've learned some things about writing, critiquing and even just little things to make life easier.  For instance, a notebook that's larger than the tiny one I have will come in handy the next time I get thrown into an impromptu interview with a theater director.  Also, I need a business card.  Torn pieces of paper with my email written on them are not wholly professional. 

I've also learned what I don't want to be.  I'm not Ben Brantley of the New York Times. Shows aren't living and dying on my word.  The shows I'm reviewing are fun and people are having fun doing them.  I'm not there to criticize or put them down.  I'm as happy to see what they're doing, as they are to be doing the shows.  So no note taking during the show and no backbite-y comments.  That's totally not me!

So yep, there you have it.  There are master plans in my head where this could or couldn't take me - but for now I'm just enjoying it.  If you have any desire to read some of my articles, you can head over to BroadwayWorld.com and hit the Maryland Regional area.