Breakthrough in 2019

2018 seemed to blow through in an instant! And now we find ourselves already 3 weeks into 2019! I’m back in NYC after leaving Aladdin in June and then returning to the company in September to cover a role I hadn’t had the opportunity to hone my first time out. How’d it go I’m sure you’re wondering.. Honestly, I don’t know. I know that’s a pretty flat answer so let me explain. Let the tangent begin!

For as long as I can remember I’ve been some level of performer, be that emulating Michael Jackson or singing in the car with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I was never naturally good at either. I loved to dance but couldn’t understand rhythm and was prolific at making up words to songs(still am) but didn’t understand pitch. However, with guidance and years of hard work I learned both skills. Mainly because I had a yearning to be good at both. Acting, however, I had no interest in and in my arrogance, decided I never needed.

Fast forward to me learning I had been cast in Aladdin and would understudy a role, a small role, but when you last acted in high school, any role is a big role. Now let me bring this tangent full circle. Luckily in my age I realize now that I do, in fact, need to be a true triple threat. That means I need to act.

So, what does 2019 mean for me? It’s the beginning of a breakthrough. I can’t tell you how many roles have slipped through my fingers to the tune of “thank you very much Michael” followed by a faked smile and minimal eye contact. Next week I begin acting classes in an effort to build the skills required to keep doing what I love long into the future. It’s scary and I have no idea what to expect. I have no question it will take a long time to get a feel for what I’m doing, and will probably continue to see roles slip by in the meantime. But eventually at some point, it will click, I’ll have an “ah ha!” moment and for once, maybe I will finally be in full control of the gifts I’ve been given. Or maybe, none of this will happen. Who knows! But I need to at least…try.

So to you, I say breakthrough in 2019. If not in ways that you initially intend, than in ways you do not intend. Which might even be more beneficial to you.