Monday, December 5, 2011

Happy half anniversary NYC!

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the lack of updates! It's been madness here in NYC. I have not had a day off other than Thanksgiving in a long while. Which is a good thing but also makes me lose track of all my personal affairs.

So since my last update....

We closed 'Give A Man A Mask' which felt good. Mostly because I thought I was going to have some time off but think again Stefanie! The York offered me a job as the "administrative assistant" starting the next Monday. So since Nov 14 I've been working in the office here. I helped get the gala together which was the 21st. I met lots of cool people including Cheyenne Jackson, Norm Lewis, etc. Now I am helping around the office with random tasks. My main job has been coordinating the reading series and I've been trying to serve as a main contact point for those staged readings. While I don't think I am necessarily cut out for office work, I have been enjoying the change of pace. So yeaaah been working everyday 10-6. Except for last week which was just hell...

I started ASMing another show called 'Friends and Relations' which is about 7 gay men during the 70's and 80's. I love the show, the cast, the team... but I should never try to juggle a day job during tech week. I was putting in 14-hour days all week last week. How I was still functioning... I have no idea. But we opened the show yesterday and it was great! Wonderful audience and the cast did great!

Other than that, I've been trying to fit in as much NYC Christmas exploration as possible. During my dinner breaks, I am usually wondering around looking at lights and such since the show is down in Herald Square. (right by Macy's, etc) Tomorrow I am going to convince my roommates to go to Rockefeller and some of the Christmas markets near Central Park and Bryant Park And we started decorating the apartment but we're finishing that up tonight. (Pictures will be on facebook I'm sure)

I am counting down the days til I am home for Christmas! I honestly can not wait. It will be so great to be with the family.  Thanksgiving was just not the same without them. I also am so super excited to see some of my friends from home. Only 15 days until Ohio and I meet again. I will be home for 8 days which I think will be the perfect amount of time.

Also today is the 6 monthiversary of Lys and I taking the plunge into the city!! And I  have to say... it feels like it's been way longer than a half year! I think I can speak for both of us by saying this definitely feels like home. SOO much has happened in the past 6 months, I can't wait to see where the next months and years take us!

(I will let Lys update you all in another blog entry. Honestly, I have not really seen her or anyone in awhile just because of my schedule...)

Love you all!
Stefanie

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

(not so) Breaking News!

Hi everyone!!!

It's Stefanie and geeeeezzzz... it has been awhile since I've updated mostly because I've been so busy!

When I last left you I was working on Pride & Prejudice I think... so let's see. That obviously closed it's NYMF run but I think it has a very bright future ahead. In fact, the production won the most awards in the whole festival including "Most Promising!" I absolutely miss it. The people were great, the show was great, and it was just a wonderful atmosphere 100% of the time. I would probably even go so far to say it is the best theatre experience I have had to date!

After that I headed back to the homeland for a week... and it was really great! It was just what I needed. A little escape from the city, but also just a reminder of how much I love New York. I was definitely ready to come back. I really missed my family so seeing them was so heart-warming. (sentimental moment there...)

ANYWAYS! The breaking news... which I guess isn't breaking anymore... is that I signed my first Equity contract and am now officially a card-carrying member! The show I signed with is "Give A Man A Mask" down at the York. (which is where I interned when I first moved out here) And it has been an interesting experience so far.... it's only 2 and a half weeks of rehearsal and I think everyone is feeling very rushed and overwhelmed as we open a week from Thursday! Here's a link to the article about the show for those interested:  Give A Man A Mask- York Theatre Company

Still trying to figure out what I'm doing next... have a few balls up in the air so we will see!

ALSO let me just say going out on Halloween night with Karli/ Black Swan in NYC... was OUT OF CONTROL. So many people, so many weird costumes, so many drunk creepy guys.... but so much fun!!!!

Lys is sitting next to me being beautiful as always. She just got back from a trip to good ol' Oxford. She had tons of fun of course but is super excited to be back in my arms. :) She wants me to leave a plug about her new blog that you all should check out! http://theholdingroom.blogspot.com/ It's all about her auditioning adventures which are very entertaining. Other than that, she is babysitting, auditioning, seeing shows, and just generally getting in trouble... like always. :)

I feel like there's more but I can't remember any of it right now. So I'm outta here... gots things to do.

Love you all,
Stefanie

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Home is Where the Horns Are


Three AM sirens, the Mister Softee jingle (ice cream truck), being squished between sweaty 40 year old men, walking 10 blocks to the grocery store, and pushing tourists are now all things that make me feel at home. The most common phrases I hear are, “hey do you like comedy shows?” and “There is train traffic ahead of us. Please be patient” to which I want to answer, “You can’t command me to be patient, I have a job to get too!” Oh yes, you heard that right, a job, I am a bona fide babysitter, and by this time next week I will be CPR and first aid certified as well (I also sometimes have anger issues on the subway). Needless to say I babysit 2-3 times a week on the Upper East Side (aka where the rich people live). I take care of Anna who is 8 and Davis who is 12. I feel as though they are my own kids and I do a lot of carting them around.

I am also continuing to audition a lot. It’s a long process, but every time I go I get the chance to perform, which I cherish every moment of (all 2 minutes I get in front of the casting director…or the intern). I’m also discovering that not every person in the audition room is actually mute. The last few auditions I have gone on they have asked me questions! (I have mastered how to answer the question “How long have you been in NY? “ with at least a 1-minute answer). I will shamelessly post my new headshots below too, which I now have lot of expensive copies of!!




When I’m not being an actor or hanging with kids I’m hanging with other actors and seeing LOTS of shows. “It’s research” is what I am telling my bank account!  I saw Venus in Fur on Broadway this past weekend and fell in LOVE with it! About 5 minutes into the beginning of the show, Thomas (Hugh Dancey) is on the phone when Vanda (Nina Arianda) bangs on the only door onstage because she is late for her audition. Thomas goes to open it, can’t, and returns to his phone call. About this time a voice comes on the loud speaker “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are having technical difficulties, we are going to stop the show and resume momentarily”. Can’t have a show if the character can’t get onstage! I loved it---what a wonderful theatre moment! Needless to say, the show resumed, the door got stuck once again, but no one even noticed till the end. Pretty damn good acting!! Also, seriously, come see this show. All of you. You can stay at our apartment.

The past few weekends I have spent in Nyack, NY, which is about a 35-minute train ride upstate. It is such an adorable small town and feels like an escape from the city. I forgot how much I missed grocery stores, riding in a car, quiet nights, and simply strolling without a purpose. I absolutely love the city, but it’s definitely nice to take mini vacations to suburbia!

Stef returned to her hometown this week, Dayton, OH, and I know she loves seeing everyone, but we REALLY miss her here! We are impatiently waiting for her to come home home! And then she starts her new job at the York! Which means there will be a whole new list of songs she will be belting around the house J

So life is great! We even have friends now that we go out with! I’m the happiest I’ve ever been (but will only be happier when I get in a freakin show!!!!) And Stef is becoming successful in what she wants to do and is loving life! 

In Conclusion: A panda and penguin fighting on the subway, is as natural as jaywalking. Dropping socks on the way to and from the laundry mat is as common as 10-dollar cocktails. Getting a nice looking butt from all the stairs we climb, well,…that better happen soon. It’s all part of this wonderful city we call “home”.

P.S I realize that I was quite amused writing this, but reading it over, it’s not nearly as entertaining…Perhaps try reading it in a Russian accent. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Stefanie's Long Awaited Life-Update

Hey all!

Geez it’s been awhile… I feel like so much has happened!

I’ll start with work.

Pearl’s Gone Blue won “Best Overall Musical” in FringeNYC which is such an honor and it got picked for the Encore Series where the “best of” go on to perform a few more times. So we had that and it really was a great opportunity to work in a new, bigger space. We closed Sept 20 and it was bittersweet: sad to say goodbye to the show, but nice to have more time. J I was also really excited because my Situ got to come see an Encore performance when she was out visiting! So great having family see your work!

I’ve also been ASMing Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Musical at New York Musical Festival (NYMF) and it has been one of the best experiences. I’m working with a stellar cast, an amazing director, a top-notch stage manager, and just an overall outstanding production team on this amazing show! It really is proving to be a very positive experience. This show is playing at the Signature Theatre (an off-broadway house) and it really is a lot of fun! Recently, we’ve been getting amazing reviews, which has been nice to see that the hard work is paying off! I’ve been making some great friends and it’s really been good to work with Sarah Hall. She’s really awesome at what she does and I have learned sooooooo much from her!  I’ll be super bummed when it’s over…

I’m about to start ASMing Give a Man A Mask at the York Theatre (which is where I interned 3 months ago) And! I will most likely be earning my Equity card through this contract! Very exciting stuff! (For those that don’t know, Equity is the stage managers/actors union.) Rehearsals start Oct 24 and are only for 3 weeks and then a weekend of performances.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people that I’ve talked to in the casts or production teams of these shows are shocked that I moved here only 4 months ago and that I’m only 22. I guess that’s a good thing. I definitely feel like I’ve been here longer and sometimes I feel like I’m way older than 22…. But I think it should be promising to others that yeah you have to work your way up, but you can do it!

Hmmm… what else is going on?

I had my first urgent care visit… that was exciting… Those that know me know that I have a dread for doctors just because I’ve been to so many with different health issues in my life… so it literally took my roommates forcing me to do to the urgent care. And I’m glad I did! I had an infection in my thumb from a bug bite that started infecting my blood and was causing streaking on my arm from the veins getting infected. So as soon as I walked in they pumped me full of anti-biotics through an IV and gave me a prescription. Since then, I’ve been good to go!

We had our house-warming party, which was a lot of fun! All (or most) of our closest NYC friends came over and we just drank and enjoyed the view and our new space! Unfortunately, I don’t remember a lot of the details because my anti-biotics plus the 2 or so glasses of wine I had did not mix well. (even though it was said there would be no issues) But I do remember feeling really lucky to have such a great group of friends that have our backs! And of course it is so great that Karli has been inducted to the group so seamlessly.

There were mushrooms in my room! This is a recent advancement in my life. I got home a few days ago and noticed white stuff sticking out of my wall and floor… and after looking closer realize that there is a mass of mushrooms. I was pretty ticked off today to say the least. The landlord came and fixed it though so hopefully the garden in my room is closed down.

So now I’m home in Jersey with the Cross family! I am definitely enjoying the little escape from the city. I have been working pretty constantly with a day off here and there for the past 2 months so I am using these few days to just detox… and do laundry! I forgot how convenient it is to have laundry facilities within feet instead of blocks… 

Next Wednesday I will be heading back to Ohio for 8 days and saying I’m excited wouldn’t even cut how anxious I am to get home. I’m already packing my schedule full of seeing friends from school and home, family, visits to UC and Miami, and getting my hairs chopped since I don’t trust anyone else with my luscious locks. I realized that it’s been 5 months since I’ve been in Ohio and while that may not seem long for most people, it’s the longest I’ve gone without home. Milo better prepare himself for the overwhelming amount of love and attention. He’s really the only one I miss…. J

As far as Lys goes… She has been babysitting a lot, seeing shows, and out with friends!! Actually we barely see each other anymore… our schedules are pretty much completely opposite of each other. I’m rehearsing usually all day during the day and she babysits in the evening.  I’m jealous of her social life since I barely have time to have one. I have been taking Karli out to explore and such! It’s so great having a third roommate because there’s always someone to hang out with! J The other night we watched Fried Green Tomatoes and had a wonderful movie date night after we did some grocery shopping! I’m sure Lys will update soon with more details about her adventures! She’s been harassing me to get a move-on my life update so she can do one of her own!

I feel like so much other stuff has happened but I can’t really figure it out. There has been a lot of romance updates in our apartment but that’s not for everyone to read on this blog… haha! You’ll have to ask us personally for details!!

Well I’m going to go watch the Apple media event to see what the iPhone 5 is all about… I am able to upgrade whenever I want but I’ve been holding out to see what this madness is going to be. So yeah within the next few weeks, I will be an iPhone owner! (about time, right?!)

Love you all and hopefully see most of you soon!
Stefanie

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Let's Get "Real"


Well, we’ve reached the 3 month mark folks and it looks like NY is feeling more and more like home.  Our house is pretty complete with our stolen coffee tables off the street and a free dresser dragged across 8 blocks to home. Momma Olson came to visit this past weekend and so did Godmother Lisa, which was wonderful and we all had a lot of fun with them! (And now my room looks GREAT with the rest of my things/pictures. Seriously, if we have talked within in the last year it is likely there is a pic of you in my room…or 5…). Only thing is the ceiling leaks still are awful! No worries though, our landlord assures us he is fixing them this weekend.

We’ve been SUPER busy with what I’d like to call “living in the real world”. That’s right, we are poor, and so we must work our butts off like true adults. Stef is currently working on two shows—“Pearls Gone Blue” for the Encore series of fringe, and ASMing for “Pride and Prejudice” for NYMF. She is loving it, but she is literally in rehearsal ALL day, but hey, it’s money, and at least she is doing what she loves. She even got a chance to act/sing/dance this week :P Me and Karli couldn’t be prouder. I have been working the US Open for the past 2 weeks at the Ralph Lauren store. I am a beast at the cash register and I’m making some new friends with the other temp agents. My love for tennis has also grown and I’m seriously considering working in retail. So it’s been great if only I wasn’t having an allergic reaction to the bugs that live in the break area…I know you are thinking, what will she do when this job ends? No worries, I am now working for a babysitting company and possibly a tutoring company as well. Mind you, I am working 9 hour shifts till 12:30 at  RL at night and still getting up in the morning for auditions…it’s a glamorous life.

So I guess the long and short of it is (Yes, I’m speaking in Shakespeare) the real world is stressful and aggravating and hard work.  For those adults that are reading this “Yeah, yeah…we appreciate you a whole lot more and understand you better”. For those of you still in college, don’t be fooled. The hw and tests and papers you are stressing over now are not dependent on your life. Yes, do them, but know in the long run, the stress of the real world is so much more worth it and less petty. So hopefully everything pays off in the end (yes, I mean literally pays).

As always-positive thoughts, prayers, cards, money, and visits are gladly accepted.
~Lys

P.S Living in NY during the 10 year anniversary of September 11th is both extremely thrilling and scary. Don’t worry, we will stay safe and keep everyone updated!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Blow, Irene, Blow


We made it! That’s right, we are survivors of Hurricane Irene 2011. While we came out without a bruise, our kitchen ceiling didn’t fair so well. We currently have 5 leaks in the ceiling along with all the windows in the living room. Because of this, we each took 2-hour shifts to stay awake and manage the leaks throughout the night. But we know what you are really thinking…what do you do to prepare for a hurricane and what do you do while you are waiting? Here are our suggestions:

1.)  Buy wine, nonperishable food, and water (in that order)
2.) Keep everything plugged in out of fear that the power will go out any minute
3.) Drink wine
4.) Surf every major website
5.) Have everyone shower in case you lose water, then fill the tub!

6.) Watch the weather channel for 5 hours
7.) Drink Beer
8.) Follow HurricaneIrene on twitter
9.) Skype any friends or family member that is home on a Saturday night
10.) Make up Hurricane Haiku’s

11.) Nap
12.) Cook a deliciously huge meal of everything you can find in the fridge (Stef)
13.) Play the game of Things

14.) Drink Liquor
15.) Make curtains for the living room (Karli)

16.) Iron the curtains (Stef)

17.) Drink wine
18.) Look for a job on craiglist (Lys)
19.) Facebook stalk …well everyone
20.) Document everything you are doing with pictures (and photobooth) while drinking wine

21.) Re-enact risky business on the wood floors (Lys)

22.) Eat more
23.) Have a dance party
24.) Drink Wine
25.) Watch 27 dresses
26.) Complain about how bored you are
27.) Eat more, drink more
28.) Start The Time Traveler’s Wife, but stop because you have to move all the furniture around so nothing gets wet and clear out every trash can, tub, and food container to catch the water
29.) And last but not least, drink wine.  

Note: Most of us were actually not awake for the “direct hit” of the hurricane, but the wind and rain were going strong most of the time! Also, more pics will be posted on fb! 


Sunday, August 21, 2011

The final addition!!

Good morning or afternoon I guess... but I just woke up so it's morning to me.

ANYWAYS! Lots has happened since our last update!

We gained and lost and gained internet!
Long story short, Verizon sucks and so we ended up canceling with them and going with Time Warner... (who sucked originally but is now fine...)

Karli moved in!
We are glad someone is bringing some femininity to this apartment... pink everywhere. HA! But it's great! She moved in on Friday and has been getting things settled since. Currently she is building an ikea bed... so you get the picture.

Both of our shows opened!
Let me just say that FringeNYC tech was maybe the most stressful and brain frying 4 and a half hours of my life. (Miami people- imagine doing load-in, cue writing, q2q with sound and lights, load-out, then load-in again, and a full run thru all in 4 hours... yeah... it was crazy to say the least.) (Lys would like to add that it would have been nice to have all Miami tech's like this... instead of 2-12 hour days) But yeah! Opening was fabulous! We were sold out and it was so great finally having an audience. Lys's opening show was also sold out and I went to see it. While I didn't really get all of it... I definitely was impressed with the work and appreciated it. Supposedly we are sold out for our re-opening show on Wednesday so that's good! And last night I went and partied with the cast and my asm, Adam! We had a blast! They are really such a talented and inspiring group of people.
Lys wants to add that her Fringe ASMing has forced her to understudy, paint the set, and SM all in 1 rehearsal. Thank you BA!

We've had job interviews and auditions!
I won't go into too much detail about my stuff because I don't want to jinx anything but I had an interview with a touring company to be a PSM. Lys, however, has been interviewing and auditioning like crazy!! It seems like every day she's either off to some kind of meeting or some audition!

Lys got her headshots!
She definitely felt like a glamourous model that day! She was saying that they made her feel like the most beautiful creature to walk this earth... (i'm impressed though because my beauty is unsurmountable) "Actors get headshots not because they need them for their calling card, but because they get told for 3 hours how good looking they are." -Lys
Oh along with her getting headshots, she forced me to go shopping for about 3 and a half hours to find headshot worthy shirts. Anyone that knows me knows that I can shop for maybe 2 hours MAX but only if I'm feeling really up for it. So by the end I was drained and exhausted so naps ensued. But I should add I am very good at picking out shirts for headshots... future profession maybe?

We've been exploring!
Since we are both in the same venue for Fringe we have been exploring the Lower East Side which is where our theatre is and we have discovered some great bars and restaurants and karaoke bars... It's been a fun few weeks with some great people!

So yeah I think that's all our updates... today I think we're having a chill day because there is supposed to be this severe storm with large hail... I know I'm going to avoid being outside... :) (Maybe I'll go get some paint real quick since Karli has inspired me with her wall painting... it's super cute)

More updates coming soon as we hear more about potential jobs and as Karli gets settled!

Love to all!
Stef
(and Lys from the other couch)
(and Karli from her construction zone)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Our first week in our new apartment!!!

Hello world! (And for you Wiz readers... you know I just did the stomp salute)

We are celebrating the 1 week-iversary of living in our apartment by sitting around enjoying our new internet. The past week has been very revealing to how dependent we are on the internet.... and therefore we will never go a week without it again. We came up with a list of things to do when you don't have internet which we have created from our own experiences...

Things to Do When You Don't Have Internet:
-Watch James Bond
-Bake 24 cupcakes for Stefanie and the cast of Lys's show
-Shop at 2 different 99 cent stores
-Walk in the rain
-Organize the cups and glasses Lys's way
-Re-organize the cups and glasses to Stefanie's way
-Construct a tv stand, dining room table and chairs, and nightstand
-Drink beer and wine on the roof
-Drink beer and wine in the living room
-Find all places with wi-fi in a 10 block radius
-Look through every photo from the past 3 years on iPhoto to determine when we became friends
-Brainstorm ideas for a play that Lys wants to write but will never actually write
-Call or text everyone in our contacts
-Have philosophical and religious discussions
-Create a new religion
-Color code closets
-Sweep and mop 3 days in a row
-Eat ramen noodles 3 days in a row
-Eat cheese toast
-Eat cupcakes
-Eat chips and salsa
-Eat easy mac
-Eat frozen grapes
-Make a list of things to do when you don't have internet

So yeah! Things have been going well. We have furniture, kitchen supplies, and are starting to decorate slowly but surely! Karli is moving in on the 19th and we are SO excited! Also Lys and I had to have our first night in a month in separate rooms and let's just say we had a little withdrawal... absolutely pathetic... haha

Our Fringe shows have been going very well and we're both having a great time! My show opens on Friday and it's starting to get stressful with this being tech week but I am so so so thrilled with how it's going!
(Shout out to my Pearl's Gone Blue ladies that have been stalking my blog... that means you Pamela)

My family is coming up this weekend from the beach to see the opening night show and to hang out in the city with Lys and me! So that will obviously be a blast!

I think that's about it as far as updates go... Oh I think I burst a blood vessel in my thumb yesterday... it's the size of a small cucumber... waiting until the end of the day to see if it has gone down at all before I really start freaking out. :)

We miss you all and can't wait to see all your lovely faces in our new apartment over the next year!
Stefanie
(and Lys from a distance)
(and by distance I mean just sitting on the other couch)

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Beginning of Our Permanent Year in NYC

There’s no place like home! Home being our new apartment in Astoria! Yesterday we spent most of the morning carting all of our stuff from Stef’s other sublet to the new place. Special thanks to all our NY friends who lent a hand! It only took us two trips, which was a miracle. There wasn’t much unpacking to be done because we have no furniture yet. That’s correct, none. SO last night Stef and I shared a twin air mattress (check out pics on Facebook!!) Guess it’s the traditional NY experience, but we couldn’t be happier with the new place. It’s a work in progress. Can’t wait for Karli to get here!!

*Stef here… I should add that moving was the most miserable experience of my life. It was hot and sticky, and EVERYTHING was so freaking heavy after 14 blocks and 2 flights of stairs. And I got sun poisoning on one of my hands. BUT I have never been happier being in a new place, so it was definitely worth it. It doesn’t quite feel like home yet but seeing as we only have a side table and an air mattress to our names, I think it’s to be expected. I can’t wait to get our furniture! Also we are without internet until Friday or Saturday so we will be frequenting cafes with free wifi for the next week. I should add that it is nearly impossible to stage manage a show without internet or a smart phone. But I just gotta make it work. J Definitely getting excited to see my immediate family this week. It was great seeing the aunts and uncles over the past week but it really just made me miss my mom, dad, and brosef even more. ALSO I miss Milo more than anything…. (no offense family) I realized today that this is the longest I’ve gone without seeing my immdeiate family EVER. And it’s also the most extended amount of time I’ve spent outside of Ohio. So it’s definitely an adjustment and I’ve been struggling with some home-sickness here and there. I honestly don’t think I’d be able to do this if I didn’t have Lys. Having someone you consider family with you makes the transition way easier. But as much as I love her to pieces, I still don’t recommend sharing a twin air mattresss with anyone. OH also... 99 cent stores are the best thing in the world. The aisles are jam-packed full of the most random assortment of things... all so cheap. And everything seems necessary... :)*

In other news I (Lys) have been ASMing for a wonderful show called “What the Sparrow Said” in the fringe festival. Well, one of our actors had a prior commitment and is out for a week, so now I get to understudy!! I got off book in a day, so I could really “act” the part during rehearsals. I am having SO much fun. It felt great to be doing a scene with other super talented actors and just being a character. I love the cast and crew and am having a wonderful experience. As I was telling Stef last night as we snuggled, “ I couldn’t be happier that I moved here, and am pursuing acting. I really do love it more than anything else in the world”. They say, only do acting if you can’t do anything else. I say, act if it is the only thing that makes you truly happy and you are willing to give up everything to do it. Seriously, if I have to work every temp, retail, and food job imaginable, and eat bread and butter daily to be here creating art, I will. (Okay sorry, it’s getting sappy, but I am really just that happy right now!....so if you need anything from me ask me in the next few days.)

*Hi. I guess I should add some bits about my work here. Let’s just say I have been absolutely exhausted stage managing these 2 shows. Mistress Ilsa ended on Saturday and it was kind of a relief just so I could not be spread so thin. I had fun working on it though. It’s interesting to see how working for the 2 different festivals is such a diverse experience. I’m getting really excited for the fringe show to go up. I am noticing that I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am dreading trying to find a day job just because it won’t be nearly as rewarding as stage managing. Oh well! Gotta do what you gotta do!*

So now that we have a place, everyone is welcome to come visit whenever! If you want to send us cards, love, gifts, or MONEY message one of us and we will send you the address.

*Yeah what she said. Although visitors will be asked to pay a small fee of food and/or alcohol.*

Love to all!
Lys and Stef 


*P.S. In trying to come up with clever blog entry names Lys said "Maybe 'You are what you own...' oh wait that means nothing."*

Friday, July 22, 2011

Our new apartment!!!!

Hi everyone!

Since our last entry, everything has been falling into place ever so nicely! We just signed a 1-year lease yesterday for this beautiful apartment in Astoria, Queens. When I say beautiful, I really mean it. It has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, mongo kitchen/dining room, beautiful living room, baby balcony, permanent air conditioning units, and to finish it all of we have this cute little Indian/Arab landlord that feeds us fruit every time we see him. We will be moving in sometime within the next week or so!

And on top of all that our furniture worries were dispelled by my wonderful family who are bringing out all my furniture and accessories from college when they come out for vacation.

So right now things are pretty good!

The first week we'll only have 2 air mattresses in the entire apartment but I told Lys that I think it would be fun to have a slumber party in every room!!

ALSO we are allowed to paint! So interior decorator Stefanie will be going crazy once we have some money. And I'm sure Karli will make us some beautiful decorations as well since she's pretty artsy fartsy.

We are pretty excited for move in day. Some of our friends are going to help us and we are literally just going to roll things over in our suitcases and we are going to invest in a laundry cart.


We will be accepting house warming gifts when we move in... hint hint. :) 

Let us know via email or facebook if you'd like our address to at least send us some fun mail! 

Love you all!
Stefanie

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Officially Roomies!!

Herrro Readers,

A lot has happened since our last post...that's right, Stef and I are officially living together!!!

Now, before you get too excited, let me explain. I have now officially lugged one of my 2 suitcases of all my personal possessions to Stef's sublet because mine was up, and I did not want to sleep in the cockroach infested basement of my sublet any longer. Stef and I now share a cozy 10X12 ft room with a twin bed and an air mattress. Talk about love. So far it has worked out pretty nicely. Stef has been working her 2 stage managing jobs, and I have been auditioning, cooking dinner, and trying to find us a more permanent spot (more on that in a bit).

Two weekends ago Ian, one of my best friends from Miami, visited, and this weekend Nick, Stef's best friend from high school visited. So we've been happily exploring more of the city! Ian and I went to a bunch of street fairs which were super fun! Stef and I came very close to buying a puppy at Broadway Barks adoption fundraiser (Dont worry, we didn't. We had no where to put it). But our favorite spot we found was an Indian Restaurant called Panna II...it's FULL/COVERED/COATED in as many Christmas lights imaginable. They kept giving us free stuff and it was a trippy, fun experience. (Side note: As a recent grad the word "free" is among the best in the english language) Stef and Nick also explored the Brooklyn Bridge and said it was stunning!

I had my first day as an ASM (Well, SM cause the stage manager won't be there the first week). I must say, I was a wonderful actor...I acted exactly as if I knew how to be a SM and they bought it! I also got to be a corpse on a gurney for the photo shoot, which was really fun, and the company seems wonderful to work with, so I'm excited! Stef loves her job as well, despite the exhaustion--she comes home and has the songs stuck in her head! This week she is attempting to battle both rehearsals at the same time--god bless her.

Now comes the not so happy part of the post. You see, starting August 15th, we will be homeless. No, this is not a joke. We have yet to find a permanent rental in Astoria and going through a broker is proving to be the worst idea ever because it's super expensive. I have spent most of the past few days walking up and down every street in Astoria trying to find signs that say "For Sale by Owner" and Stef is on craiglists every two seconds calling places that are "No Fee" It's proving to be a lot more difficult than expected. Hopefully something falls into our laps, or we may just be in a sublet for a month or two longer until we can find the right spot. So Dear Reader, if you know of a 3 bedroom apartment in Astoria that is cheap and not through a broker please do email, call, knock on our door, or scream it in our faces! (Oh and it's a 3 bedroom because the lovely Karli will be joining us at the end of August, which we are thrilled about!!!) But other than this minor stressor, we are still loving life in this fantastic city!

P.S Stef has gotten me addicted to 30 Rock. If you don't watch it, you should. If you do, make sure you read Tina Fey's book BossyPants, I am now super obsessed with her. Also, I am the exact reincarnation of a younger version of Liz Lemon, which I think is why I am in love with the show.

Happy Hopeful and Homeless,
Lys

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Our 1 month anniversary with NYC!

Hello Fam, Friends, Fans, and Bored People! It has been awhile since an update because Stef and I have been busy making NYC home! That's right, we have officially been here over a month!
 
This past weekend Joseph and John came to visit, which was extremely fun! It was wonderful to have friends from "home" visit and feel like a pretty good tour guide. We did a lot including exploring Central Park, Rockafellar Center, MET, The Highline, Serendipity, The Fireworks, grand central, drama bookstore, FAO Swartz, the sex museum, saw Jerusalem (and they each saw another show) and had a cookout. You guys should definitely check out the pics on facebook! If you don't know what some of the things I mentioned above are...YOU should come visit us too! Needless to say it was an adventure filled weekend, and I miss the boys already. 
 
Now, to eleborate on one event I'm sure you are all wondering about--the fireworks over the Hudson on July 4th...There are like 6 displays, they last awhile, are absolutely beautiful, and a super fun experience BUT (and this is a big but) it makes New York SO packed and it took like an hour to get to the subway afterwards. It's a once in a lifetime experience (literally, only do it once in your life). I am glad I got to see them with Joseph and John though! 

**This is Stefanie… Lys told me to add to the post so here I go. I also really enjoyed having the guys here this weekend. But I have now vowed to never be in the city for Fourth of July EVER AGAIN! Just being in Times Square drove me absolutely crazy. I think Lys being from Atlanta can deal with crowds better than me. I will admit though the fireworks absolutely blew my mind. I went to a cookout with the York people and they were all saying that it’s not worth it (and they are probably right) but I’m glad I did it once. I think more than anything it felt weird not being at CityFolk for the fourth. I’ve literally been either watching or working at that festival for the past 6 years. I got a little homesick texting Monika (my boss) about it. But it was definitely fun being here… Maybe next year I’ll just go home and work CityFolk? Haha! **
 
This week I am temping as a receptionist...I hate it. How do people do this for a living?!? I answer maybe 20 calls a day and sign for packages and that's it! What a boring job!  Thank goodness it is only temp work, but I definitely need to find a more permanet job (which, since I spend all day doing nothing on the computer, I have time to look!) (P.S Yes, I am writing this blog at work). Also got exciting news that Ian is coming to visit this weekend! Last minute and it made me SO happy to have more friends coming into town! 

**Stefanie again… I have spent my week detoxing from crowds in Manhattan. Yesterday I sat around and then went to Central Park in which I found a secluded area surrounded by nature and was actually able to breath. And today I am running little errands in Astoria. Also my friend Nick is coming here next week with family and I could not be more excited!!! We’re going to have so much fun. I don’t even care what we do, I just am glad he’s going to be here! **
 
I also signed on to help a friend out at the Fringe Festival because the Stage Manager will be gone for the first week of rehearsals, so I am going to do that (Yes, I am taking lessons from Stef since I haven't done it since high school!) But it should be fun and a good way to meet people! HOWEVER the biggest news in our household is that Stef got a SMing job with Broadway actors!!!!!! It's super professional and pays well! It is a huge deal, and we are so happy and excited and thrilled for her!!! I am sure she will update you and tell you the specifics, but it's just really awesome all the jobs she is getting!! 

**Guess who!? Ok so yes I’m sure many of you have read on twitter and facebook about my new jobs! Well I was actually offered 3 different gigs and I had to turn one down because there was just no way to work around the conflicts. So I’m working on one called “Mistress Ilsa” which is being performed in the Midtown International Theatre Festival. And then I just accepted another last night, which is called “Pearl’s Gone Blue” which is in FringeNYC. As many of you remember I was signed on to be a PA for Fringe so I ended up telling them that I was offered a paid gig and they were very understanding and excited for me! If any of you want to check out the links here they are:
http://www.mergatroyd.org/mistressilsa/
http://pearlsgoneblue.com/ (check out the music on this one… it’s pretty awesome)
They are both really interesting shows! And I’m definitely excited to be working on both of them!! I had my first rehearsal for “Mistress Ilsa” this past Saturday and I really enjoyed the people and it looks like it’s going to be a very fun show. My first rehearsal for the second one is on July 12!
It really feels good to be getting jobs because it’s kind of pushing away any doubts I had about making it in NYC. 
(Also I need to give a little shout-out to Sarah Butke... I honestly don't know what I'd do without her right now. For those of you who don't know, she helped me get the internship at the York and has been mentoring me and advising me since way before I even got here. She's amazing!)**
 
So those are the continuing adventures of Stef and I...also since the equality bill passed we have been joking that we are going to get married, so beware we may refer to each other as life partners (we are kind of inseperable) :D 

**It’s not a joke?**

Love and miss you all,
Lys and Stef

Monday, June 27, 2011

My experience at the York Theatre!

Hi everyone!

Well I'm a little sick today which is no surprise after the mass amount of hours I've worked over the past 2 weeks.

I was at the theatre at least 12 hours a day because I was assisting both shows and I am not complaining at all. I met the coolest people in both casts and got to work with great people on the two separate stage management teams. I just did whatever they needed done from running errands, to making copies, to helping set up and clean up, to making props. And then this past weekend of performances I got to run the show as the ASM, who is the only crew person backstage during the show, AND I got to call the show another night. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. It was the first time I had called a show on the fly and I think I did a pretty good job!!

I have to say I felt like a part of their little York family pretty much instantly. I asked them all so many questions and loved hearing their stories about everything. I still feel like I have so much to learn but I know that I have some great people who can kind of guide me. All in all, this was definitely a great experience. I feel so lucky and I hope that I get to work with them all again in the future!!

So now this week I have to catch up with chores, grocery shopping, etc. And Lys and I are going to try and see some apartments this week!

I'm hoping this sore throat will go away so Lys an I can check out Cinci night down at Edward's in TriBeCa with Lois and Sarah! (York peeps who are both from Ohio as well) And Lys wants to go see a staged reading presented by one of our professor's theatre company.

So I'm outta here to get some rest and drink tea!

Peace out for now!!
Stefanie

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Being a Working Actor

I have almost finished one week of grown up life and so far it has been amazing. I decided to jump right in and thus I have been pretty busy! The city itself has also been busy with visits from Obama, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars (Yes, Stef and I almost had a heart attack). New York is seriously the greatest.

I went to three auditions this week!! One was for Broadway, and two were for off Broadway. Basically in order to find them you join actor websites and go to whichever ones you can that have a role that "fit" your type. I read sides for one, and did a monologue for 2 other ones. You can sign up an hour before auditions start, but most people line up about an hour before that. Needless to say I've been getting up around 6:30am so I'm exhausted! I ran into a BADA friend at one audition and made a friend in line at the other which was awesome. I love that theatre is not about competition in NYC and everyone is kinda in the same boat helping each other out. For the first time I am proud to say I have my equity card because it gets me into auditions, other people thinks it's great, and we all just learn from each other!!

Other than auditions I visited the Wing, drama bookstore, and got to see Mikey from Miami, Liza from Springboard, and hang out at night with Stef this week! I had a lot of down time in the afternoons but it was filled with audition hunting, emailing, and real world job hunting!!!!

Yes, I have a real world job! I'm making money!! I work for a Temp Agency called Forest Solutions and literally I signed up Wednesday morning, and started work Thursday afternoon! Today I worked at a sample sale. I was on my feet all day, which is tiring as all get out and I was basically in charge of checking bags all day...sounds boring...and it kinda was, BUT everyone who was working for the temp agency ranges in ages from about 19-25 so I made all sorts of friends, which made it kind of fun!!!

However, I did learn something important today.....I have found the worst job in the world....Passing Out Flyers To New Yorkers! Yes folks, I had to do that today, and as much as I hate walking by the people who pass out flyers, believe me, as much as you don't want to take one, they don't want to have to give you one! People give you dirty looks, or avert their heads completely as if you'll disappear....HELLO! I'M A PERSON! The people who actually take them are like heaven...I had a few people even ask for one, which made me so happy. Honestly guys, just take one and throw it away or smile and say "no thanks" it feels a lot better. I know I am going to be treating street people differently! Somehow we managed to pass out all 500 flyers and meet some interesting characters (one guy tried to offer me a better job). I may or may not be working the sale the rest of the week, but we'll see!! Coming up I am working the US open! OH also, definitely saw Judith Light at the sale! I got her her bag, but I didn't say anything because it didn't register it was her until she had already left the counter! What a crazy small theatre world it is!  (I've seen a director and talent agent I met at Springboard on the subway!)

So so far I'm doing it! Working, auditioning, eating, shelter, and having fun :)

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Short but sweet update!

Hi all!

First off, happy father's day to both my dad and Mr. Olson!!! We love you!!

So I have been SUPER busy this week but loving it! I've been working as the stage management production assistant (quite the title) at the York Theatre which is off-broadway. The York focuses on doing mostly new shows which I find really interesting! Anyways, the people are great! The directing production assistant and I have been going out with some of the staff after work which has been a blast.

The show I'm working on is actually two shows. The first part is a show that opened 30 years ago and the second is the sequel to that which is premiering here. What's even cooler is the original cast of the first show is now the original cast of the second show.

I really am having a good time! I'm just excited to be working in the theatre again in any regard. Also with all the errand running I've been learning the city really well.

On Wednesday I have my first meeting for FringeNYC for which I'm a venue production assistant. That doesn't start until the end of July though so I'll have a little down time.

Anyways, I'm going to go. Just thought I'd update you all on my rare amount of downtime.

-Stefanie

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Real World NYC

Well, Springboard is over. Another amazing week of crazy famous guest artists, workshops, and shows! I got to work with Kathleen Marshall, Peter Frances James, Marc Kudisch and saw an understudy rehearsal of Phantom of the Opera (AND they let us go onstage and sing and warm up with them!) Looks like if I die tomorrow I can say I sang on a Broadway stage!! This week I saw War Horse, Anything Goes, and Sister Act! Springboardnyc is truly a wonderful program and if anyone has plans to move to NYC to be an actor you absolutely should do it once you graduate. I can't wait to put into action what I've learned and start to enjoy the auditioning process and the actor lifestyle.

So today was my first day of "real life". It consisted of lots of organizing--finding auditions and head shot places, emailing NYC people, putting a calender together, surfing craigslist, signing up for a temp agency, and running errands! I'm going to start auditioning this week and hopefully meet up with some possible employers for "real world" jobs. Stef and I are currently on the apartment hunt and have found one we love right in the middle of Manhattan, but we are still trying to work out the logistics, so we'll see.

Stef has been super busy all week working at the York Theatre (yet she still found time to help me prepare for my audition. She's the greatest!) Her play goes up tomorrow so she has been there till super late at night preparing, but she is really enjoying herself and the people she is working with. Can't wait to see the show!

Tips on if you are moving to NYC: You need lots of fans and/or a window air conditioner. Also, don't bother buying a comforter for your bed in the summer months.

Off to learn some new monologues! It's an actors life for me!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Springboard and the Tonys!

Let me sum up living in NYC for you: The best decision of my life. I am doing this wonderful program called Springboard, which is even greater than I could have imagined. I saw 5 shows this week (Catch Me if You Can, House of Blue Leaves, The Normal Heart, MotherF****r With the Hat, and Sleep No More) AND went to The Tony dress rehearsal! Let's just say, I'm loving my life. But probably because the actual job hunt hasn't started yet.

I could go on forever about how amazing Springboard is, but instead I'll just give a brief overview. Every day I get to work with famous actors, directors, agents, managers, casting directors, and producers. To name a few of the actors you might know: Judith Light, Joshua Henry, Edie Falco, Bobby Cannovale, and Richard Topol. But everyone I have been meeting has given wonderful advice and I've been able to work on my monologues, a mock dance call, and even singing. The people in the program are incredible and wonderfully talented, and I've enjoyed hanging out with them. This program has taught me more about the business and being a working actor than most of my theatre training and college experience (not to say that Miami wasn't the best college experience ever because it was and I wouldn't change it for a second...it fully prepared me as an actor and a theatre person. Springboard just teaches you how to work in the business, which may be something you can't really get until you are in the city or a super hardcore BFA program). So yeah, that's my quick plug! If you want more details, contact me, but basically I just fall in love with theatre all over again every day!

All the plays I've seen have been pretty great. The best thing about it is most of them are plays! Plays are making a comeback on Broadway, people! :D Because most of you have heard of the other plays I want to quickly comment on Sleep No More. It's a 3 hour play that takes place in a 5 story hotel basically you can go into any room on any floor touch anything and chase/follow any actor you want to. It's pretty much impossible to see everything that is going on, but it is just the most fabulous piece of interactive theatre. Best audience experience of my life for sure!

Other good things is Stef has been meeting all my friends and they love her SM qualities and her personality which has been great! She cooked me dinner tonight and we watched the Tonys with Gabe. I think these are the best Tony's I've seen in awhile even though I knew pretty much all the jokes from the rehearsal! That experience was also one of a kind! We got to see the part of the show that goes on during commercial breaks and a majority of the presenters were there.

Okay well I could ramble forever about all of the specific happenings but basically the apartment is great, springboard is fabulous, Stef and I are living it up, and I am absolutely loving my life in NYC. Preparing for my last week of Springboard! Oh, also Stef started her job at the York today and super loves it so far, so we are both really happy :D

COME VISIT US!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

First week in NYC reflection...

Hi everyone!
It's Stefanie! I thought I'd fill you all in on my first week... :)

Well first off saying goodbye to my aunt, uncle, and cousins was really hard... It was one of the first times in the past 3 weeks it hit me that the next chapter of my life was beginning. So my uncle drove me into the city and the ride from Jersey was slow but exciting. I sat silent pretty much the whole time just soaking it all in and honestly if I had started talking I would have cried again. I was on my way to living in the capital of the world! It's a very overwhelming feeling and it still hasn't completely hit me. Ok so I got moved in just fine and settled in and everything. Lys told you all we had dinner and we got to see each other's places which was awesome. (I'm jealous of Lys's double bed while I only have a twin... haha)

Monday was pretty chill for me. I focused on running errands. I went to the grocery store that's a bit closer to Lys but only a short subway ride from me called "Trade Fair" which was just like a Trader Joe's. A lot of ethnic food and everything was reasonably priced. I know a lot of people say, "Oh everything in New York is soo expensive!!" but they are lying. I probably spent $40 on groceries and I got all my starting essentials. Juice, eggs, bread, pita bread, condiments, cereal, milk, cold cuts, cheese, coffee, sweetener etc. And then I went to a produce stand and bought a bunch of veggies (cucumbers, tomatos, etc) for $3 total! So it all depends on where you live I'm pretty sure... but here in Astoria it's just about the same as Ohio...

Tuesday was an exploration day. I walked to Astoria Park and sat out in the sun for a bit to get some color back... but then I was sweating bullets so I just sat in the shade and read my book. Then I meandered about Astoria and picked up a package for Lys and while walking back this littler girl almost followed me the entire way home until I stared her down to indicate that it probably was not the best idea for her to follow me. So once I got home I sat and cooled off for the rest of the afternoon and met up with a friend later that night for a drink at the Bohemian Beer Garden! The place seemed really cool and I'm excited to take Lys is check it out further!

Wednesday was my first day with my lovely mother! I met her at Penn Station and we came back to Astoria to show her my place and she got to see a little bit of the neighborhood, but we were in a bit of a rush to get back to get tickets for War Horse which was the show we definitely wanted to see in her time here. So yeah we waited in the cancellation line and after an hour or so (and some scam attempts to others in front of us) we got our tickets which were great seats!!! This was by far the best piece of theatre I've seen in a long time. We were literally sobbing at the end... it was so powerful. After the matinee we grabbed a bite to eat near Columbus Square and then I took her back to Penn to go back to my aunt and uncles in Jersey. Then Lys and I went to our first NYC party which was in the Upper East Side in this absolutely beautiful building in an extremely trendy apartment and we got to go up to the roof (which was just as fabulous as the building... I mean there were lounge chairs, a grill, astroturf!) So yeah it was a blast and Lys and I both had another overwhelming realization looking out from the roof and knowing we lived here! :)

Ok so then today I slept in and met my mom at Penn again for another day on the town... where it was 100 degrees I might add. We went to Eataly first which was over on 23rd and 5th I think... It was SOO cute. It was like this little Italian market but there were 5 different restaurants inside of it, some cafe style, some typical restaurant style... very neat. After that we walked to Union Square to meet up with a friend from church who works at the Trader Joe's down there so we sat in there and talked to him for awhile. After that and with the walking in the heat, we decided it was time for some ice cream! And what better place than Serendipity!! So we subwayed it up there and split a delicious "Can't Say No" sunday! (peanut butter pie with graham cracker crust, vanilla ice cream, bananas, hot fudge, topped with whipped cream and a cherry!... of course we couldn't say no to any of that!!) After indulging in that heaven, we walked down 5th ave to Times Square to try and score Book of Mormon lottery tickets... but once we got there, they told us the show was at 7 and the lottery had already happened. So we settled for Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo with Robin Williams. After we grabbed the tickets we chilled in Times Square and right before the storm hit we ran inside to TGIFridays which was the closest dinner location and met Lys for a quick bite on her dinner break. Then she was off to see Motherf**kers With the Hat and we were off to our show... While it wasn't as amazing as War Horse, it was still very powerful. Lys warned us and told us it was a dark comedy but maaannn... you were laughing and then you realized you were laughing at stuff that was extremely inappropriate! And Robin Williams was really great. It was interesting to see him in this dark setting and he pulled it off very well. After the show I took my mom back to Penn and we said our goodbyes which were even harder than our initial goodbyes from Ohio... and here I am back home trying to keep cool!

Tomorrow I'm just gonna get myself ready for work which starts this weekend hopefully! I'm soo ready to get into the grind of things!

Well this post was sufficiently long... haha! oops! I'm sure you'll be hearing from Lys soon because she's had an even more exciting week!!! :)

Peace out for now!
Stefanie

Sunday, June 5, 2011

First day as residents of NYC!


It’s Lys! I’m finally back in the US of A and ready to update you on NYC life!

I flew from Greece straight to JFK and ultimately to my new apartment. I’m also subletting in Astoria just blocks away from Stef. I have 2 guy roommates who are actors too, and we have 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen, basement, and backyard! It’s a lot bigger than I was expecting, which is great!
My first night I spent in the basement on the couch since my subletter was still here, but tonight I will get to experience my room. I also went into the city for a bit last night to eat dinner and figure out the subway (which is super easy). It took me all of 20 minutes to unpack/ move in today because I literally am living out of one suitcase!

I LOVE Astoria. It reminds me of Chicago and there are all sorts of people here. It feels very safe with the school and hospital right around the corner. And ironically, it is very Greek with Greek food everywhere and cafes called “Acropolis, Athena, Athens etc”.  One of the main streets is just one street away from me, so I have access to everything I need.

Today I dropped my laundry off at the mat (which is literally right around the corner and they do everything for you for just a few dollars more) Being that time is of the essence; I just left it for them to do and it was ready a few hours later (folded and everything)! I also went grocery shopping and realized my hands were not big enough to cart everything I needed back home, so I went out again tonight for lean cuisines, diet dr. peppers, and snack foods! The joys of being a New Yorker J

Stef also moved in today! I can’t tell you how happy I was to see her and how adorable her apartment is! We went to dinner and sykped some people from home (trying to convince them to come visit us!).

And so today, we officially become post grads living the dream! And tomorrow, I start SpringboardNYC!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

And the sublet journey continues....

Stefanie here!!
Ok so last time I checked in I was all head-over-heels for that one sublet... WEEELLLLL I spoke too soon. They ended up going with a friend from college. Understandable but it still sucked for me. 
So that sent my right back to square one with sublet hunting. It was even more frustrating because I am now in the Atlantic City area with KB and Doug which make getting to NYC to look a little bit more difficult. But thankfully Doug and KB were into going into the city with me on Monday. 
I went back to Astoria and looked at two more places I had found on craigslist. The first one was closer to Ditmars Blvd. which is right by where Lys is living for that first month. The room was a bit on the small side, only had a twin bed but the bathroom was really nice and the kitchen and living room area were cute. It was all pretty clean and the building was really nice. The second one was HUGE and they were willing to let Lys live with me for the rest of July and August... But they ended up going with someone else so I committed to the first one. 
I'm actually really excited!! I'll be two blocks away from Lys during that first month and then hopefully I can help find her something for July that's close as well! I'm able to move in June 4 and I'll be staying there until August 6ish. I am talking to the girl I am subletting from today to work out the details! If anyone wants the address to send letters or care-packages or gummi eggs :) let me know via email!! (stef.wagner4@gmail.com) 
I also got an email from the company manager and artistic director of the York Theatre off-broadway company confirming that I was on board to be their stage management production assistant for two of their summer shows! I'll be working for them June 14-26! 
So it seems like everything is finally coming together here!! 
Getting excited for Lys to come on board and join the madness!! :)

Peace out for now,
Stef

Friday, May 20, 2011

Sublets!!!! And my new love for Astoria!

Stefanie here! I am writing all of this on my way back to NJ on the train... 

Tonight I went into the city for the second time this week to see sublets. I ended up only going to the first one today because I fell in love. With Astoria, Queens. It is the best little ethnically diverse neighborhood I've been in. Lys found a sublet on 29th street and the sublet I looked at first was on 38th so we'll literally be only 9 blocks away from each other but the subway stop will be right in the middle of us. (it's on 31st) I ended up stopping at this little italian restaurant called Alba's after and got stuffed rigatoni which was to die for. But anyways, Astoria.... There are cute little farmers markets everywhere. There were families, kids, and people around our age all walking around. It seemed very safe and I definitely got that community feeling right away!

The people I met with were amazing! The two people who will be my apt mates are both actors, one guy one girl. They found out I am a stage manager and immediately they were talking about all the people they want me to get in contact with! They both seemed really nice, responsible, respectful and very down to earth.
The room itself was ...small. I mean really small. There's a double bed and that's about all that will fit... For the Miami people reading this, imagine the smallest dorm room you've been in... Now cut that in half! Typical New York though...

I should mention this is the second sublet I've seen. The first one was in Woodside, Queens which is right next to Astoria... I have to say the apartment itself was nicer and a little bit bigger but the neighborhood was a little sketch and the apt mate I met seemed a little too snobby for my liking.

Also the apartment in Astoria is cheaper and a shorter commute to Manhattan. And there are a lot more shops and such that could lead to potential part time jobs! Overall, I have a really good feeling about it and I can't wait to explore Astoria even more with Lys. I will find out tomorrow if I for sure get the sublet. They said they loved me and I have first dibs but they have more people looking tomorrow and they want to have a backup plan just in case I don't end up working out.

For future sublet hunters, it's very cut throat. You have to respond quickly and be accessible to them immediately. Everyone wants to meet you it's always good for you to meet them and see the place.

So my advice is stay glued to craigslist, don't start responding though until you are close to the city of your choosing, make sure the room is furnished, meet the potential future roomies if possible, see the place in person, and if you are considering NYC (and maybe other cities...) make sure it has AC! Oh and most importantly ACT FAST! If you are into a place, tell them immediately or it will be gone before you know it.

I'm sure there's more for me to learn on this subject as I move forward but this is what I know so far so I thought I'd share!

Well this is sufficiently a long entry (you can tell I'm bored on the train...) so for now I'm outta here! Heading down to Brigantine tomorrow morning where KB will finally join me in my Jersey detox. Yay!

Signing off,
Stefanie

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Last post from Ohio!

Hey all!
Stefanie again here!
Lys has been busy busy in Europe which I'm sure you all have read on her blog. She just left London and is now in Paris!
It's all starting to come to life here on my side of things. I leave tomorrow morning at 8 am and I couldn't be more excited, scared, nervous, and anxious all at the same time. It's weird that my dreams of living and working in the city are actually coming to fruition.
My game plan has adjusted a little bit... I'm spending Monday- Wednesday with my aunt and uncle in northern Jersey and going to see a few sublet options on Tuesday in the city. Then Wednesday, I'm heading down to the shore house in Brigantine where I'll spend the remainder of the month. Then hopefully June 1 I will be in the city with Lys close behind!
I also got an offer on Friday to be a production assistant at the York Theatre (off broadway). I would serve under two stage management teams for a little over 2 weeks. I am soooo super excited for this opportunity! I hope it all works out!
Anyways! Goodbye Ohio!!! It was real! 22 years later, I'm finally getting out!
Next time I post will hopefully be about promising news with my sublet situation and an update about my time on the east coast! Make sure you guys check in with Lys at her Europe blog too!!

Peace out!
Stefanie

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Getting ready!

Stefanie here checking in for our first blog post!
Lys and I decided that it would be fun to have a place where people can check in on our progress as we hit the big apple!
Lys leaves tonight to explore Europe for 3 weeks and then I leave Monday to detox in Jersey for 2 weeks... and after that NYC will need to WATCH OUT!
(Also if you are interested in Lys's adventures in Europe this next month follow her blog at
http://alyssaolson.blogspot.com/ )
So yeahhh.... currently we are both in over our heads as far as unpacking and packing goes.
And I'm still trying to find a sublet for the first month but making progress!

These next few months should be rather exciting!

SO! Keep checking back for life updates and such!

Signing off,
Stef