Many the Miles.

Today is my one year anniversary.

Exactly one year ago today, I was awkwardly stumbling my way through my first day at California Shakespeare Theatre. I was picked up by Daunielle and (slowly) whisked through traffic to the office. I got the grand tour (which lasted all of five minutes) and was thrown into rehearsal for Pericles. The first thing Scott every asked me was "have you ever been on book before?" Clearly, I had, so I began work right away. I still remember the scene. It was the top of Act III, prologue into scene one. Gower spoke of a sea-tossed ship and threw a pole to Pericles, who was flanked by two sailors also carrying poles. There were thunderous sound effects and, despite the torn jeans and baggy sweatshirts, I was completely entranced. I was officially hooked.

I often say that Cal Shakes was the best thing I ever did for myself. I know it's only been a year, but I still believe it. Dropping pretty much everything and moving across the country was a big kick in the ass for me. It terrified me, so obviously I had to do it. I find the things that scare me the most are usually the best for me. This was no exception.

There is nothing that can beat those people, those shows, that environment. From vaccumming those fucking runners to typing line notes at 4 AM, I loved every second of it. Late nights around the patio table by the dressing rooms and nearly setting my apartment on fire at 2 in the morning on multiple occasions added up to precious moments that I will never forget. I hate using that word: precious. It makes it sound like I'm cheapening this experience to a Hallmark card, but I can't think of another way to describe it. Everything about the summer reaffirmed why I'm doing what I'm doing. It inspired me and moved me and showed me that non-profit theatre can not only survive but flourish in the United States. I am sure that much of my reminiscence sounds like romantic blather and honestly, I could give two shits. It was life changing, so suck it. I loved it so much, this east coast girl is considering moving out there next year. We'll see.

I am eternally grateful to everything and everyone that made California possible for me. I won't be going back this year and I miss everyone desperately. I am confident, however, that life will go on. I'm sure I'm going to love Vermont and, by the time I'm done, NEYT won't know what hit it. All I can do is smile back on last summer and stare this one straight in the face. Believe me, I'm ready.