Monday, January 2, 2012

Storytelling at the Long Beach Playhouse



In July and December, I was lucky enough to be included in a story telling contest at the Long Beach Playhouse (in Long Beach, California). The stories had to be true, something that happened to the teller, and told in less than 6 minutes.

July was my round of semi-finals, in which I placed second, allowing me to continue on to the finals.

My qualifying story was about my mother's final days with brain cancer, and her surprising final words. It was wonderful to tell that story in public and huge thanks for my friend Wendy. She was my coach and made all the difference.


So there I was, riding my scooter to the bus stop ...



For the finals on December 29th, I chose a story as different as I possibly could - a funny story of my adventures one day when I found myself in the role of "the crazy lady" on the city bus. (See what I looked like when I returned home that day from my crazy bus trip.)

. . . I fell hard. On my head . . .





Not sure what I'm talking about here.





What a great experience! But, ah well, I placed 2nd again.
Whatever the outcome, I was proud of myself for pushing to do something new, (as my friend Jason says: for showing up and saying Yes!) that I had serious doubts about several times, on the verge of cancelling my participation at one point. My favorite part of the whole thing, which I would not have wanted to miss for the world, was my husband's beaming, smiling face as I returned to my seat after my tellings.

People commented that I looked comfortable up there on stage, acting out my crazy-lady adventures. I admit, I was nervous, but I realized that standing up in front of my students - acting out my excitement and love of drawing, often spontaneously and helplessly breaking out into song - all those years of teaching had prepared me well.

(Thanks to Pam and Sherry for the photos.)

2 comments:

Sherry Uribe said...

As I waited in the crowded audience anticipating your performance, I thought I felt more nervous than you had appeared to be; when you took the stage, it seemed so natural and comfortable to you; a truly entertaining performance; thank you for sharing your personal story and for being a part of a fun evening. Bravo!

Jeanie Frias said...

Thanks Sherry! It really was fun (plus a little nervewracking) and I so appreciate you being there.