It’s Friday and I’m sitting at home, watching MuchMusic’s “Top 100 One Hit Wonders” and feeling totally zoned out.  Since I last wrote an update (January 8th) I’ve been going gangbusters with The Little Mermaid rehearsals at OKTC, Edward II rehearsals with Empty Space Productions, a meeting for An “OK” Coffeehouse (which goes up January 26) and attending the Beat Dish Awards this past Tuesday with the members of The Lovers, The Dreamers and You.  I’ve had some sort of commitment or get-together every day since I went back to work on the 7th, so I’m actually enjoying this evening off… although to be perfectly honest, I’m feeling a bit jittery and twitchy, like I should be DOING something rather than sitting and resting!

Anyway, here’s a little rundown about what’s been going on around here!

The Little Mermaid — The show has been cast and rehearsals have begun.  Ceris has been working with the kids on learning their music, and they’re really coming along with their harmonies.  I’ve been figuring out blocking and starting character work, which has been a lot of fun.  I really enjoy figuring out different physicalities and movements for each character.

A sneak peek into rehearsal on Thursday January 17. Hmmm… wonder what they’re working on?

Edward II — Rehearsals have been busy and going pretty well.  We’re really bonding as a cast.  My lines are coming along (slowly but surely… thank you Kaitlyn for your endless patience!) and I’m enjoying exploring the physical and emotional traits of the Earl of Lancaster.  I’m really enjoying playing a total mean girl character!  Lancaster is such a different character from ones I’ve played in the past, and I’m enjoying the challenge of embodying three different characters throughout the run of the show.

Not to mention that we have an AMAZING facebook promo ad:

Team Edward or Team Mortimer? You’ll have to come see the show to see what side I’m on!

An “OK” Coffeehouse — I’ve been assisting with organizing a variety show at OKTC… it’s the first one we’ve had (to my knowledge… otherwise, it’s the first time in a long time!) and it’s been a challenging and fun experience.  Tomorrow is our dress rehearsal.  I have a committee of Original Kids who have really stepped up as leaders to plan and organize the event, and a great group of Original Kids ready and willing to display their talents to an audience!  We’ve got a variety of acts to present… singing, mime, ukulele, piano, drums, to name a few.  You won’t want to miss this one-night-only event!  It’s on Saturday, January 26 at 7 pm!  Tickets will be available at the OKTC Box Office starting on Monday, January 21.  Come on out!

The Beat DISH Awards — This happened on Tuesday, January 15, and what a night it was.  The Lovers, The Dreamers and You team was there at 6 pm to do the red-carpet thing, and we had a fun time interviewing all sorts of great local theatre people!  I tweeted up a storm that evening on my own twitter account (@kerryhishon) and TLTDAY (@LoversDreamersU) and enjoyed the show.  There was even a mashed potato bar!  Brilliant!

With Jess, Joel and Kaitlyn. Don’t know what I was looking at, but everyone looks stunning!

A number of friends won awards, including Kaitlyn Rietdyk and Whitney Bolam for Best Costumes for The Winter’s Tale, and a whole slew of awards for OKTC’s alumni production of Spring Awakening!

With the scene-stealing, snazzy-dressing, unforgettable Art Fidler! This photo’s a framer for sure.

It’s been busy but never boring.  Looking ahead at my calendar, the first fully free day I have is Saturday, February 2nd.  Anyone want fill up that empty spot?  🙂