Perhaps I'll Be Famous

Check this dude out:
http://www.paciugo.com/html/catering/#

Another Blessing!

This was a contest I entered last semester and just received this notification in the mail.

In case it's too small to read, the certificate says:

Finalist Certificate
Photographer's Forum Magazine

This Award of Excellence is granted by Photographer's Forum Magazine to

Christopher McRae
Finalist
26th Annual College Photography Contest

It's kind of cool that it's getting published in the 'Best of College Photography Annual 2006,' my first photograph to be published!

(This was taken when I was in China during the summer of 2002)

Waiting For Guffman

Today I attended another audition, this time for Fiddler on the Roof. I questioned if this was worth my time, not that everyone was amazing in the room but that most seemed like the talent from this post's title. Regardless, I thought even doing a bad show would be good experience for me, since on a resume' you just list your roles - not always indicative of the quality of the performance.

Thankfully, as the audition went on, I heard less acapella versions of "Amazing Grace" and began to hear to quality voices. Though a musical, I believe Fiddler grabs the audience more through acting and dancing. Two avenues I'm eager to develop and gain experience in.

Today's casting was unusual in that general call was at 1pm, callbacks for principle roles were at 3pm, and I was cast by 5:30pm as Fyedka (the 3rd daughter's love interest). I actually showed up hoping for his role because there are two dance scenes that I wanted to be a part of - the bar scene and wedding. I wanted to be him to get some lines in the show but mainly to be free to be a Russian and Jewish dancer. If anyone has seen the movie, those two scenes are unbelievable. I've never been a part of an audition where I was actually considered for the leading roles. In fact, I may actually play the part of Motel (not Motel 6 - but pronounced Mow-till) but the director said he would let me know which (or possibly both?!?) on Monday, our first rehearsal. Motel is the first daughter's love interest and a tailor. Both would be great opportunities for me as an actor, since everything is still new to me!

It's amazing when you step out in faith in something God is paving a way for, fear is still there but there is comfort in knowing you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. I haven't written about all the mishaps I've had in auditions like the Casa Manana audition where I performed a 90 second tap routine from Oklahoma (and yes, I'm not a tap dancer) or the Flower Mound audition where I forgot my song, not once but six times, never getting more than one phrase out at a time. Surprisingly in both that I wasn't embarrassed or uncomfortable with my "performance" since I know it's not man that I'm trying to please. God is pleased that I'm obeying and walking where he leads.

For once, I'm not only walking where I'm guaranteed success. Yet, I'm walking and loving God more through it.

I'll be on stage again soon...

Well, God has confirmed a month of auditions with at least one show lined up for the summer. I'll find out on Saturday about Fiddler on the Roof and possibly soon about City of Angels, but for now - I've found out that I'll be in Kiss Me Kate at the Garland Summer Musicals. They are a great company and produce some really good shows each year, so I'm blessed with the opportunity to be among them.

It was an interesting audition. I went for the dance call and ended up being taught the routine with only 6 other people. The previous 185 were taught it an hour earlier to get everyone who was auditioning for two musicals finished sooner. (I was only able to do the second one.) At first, I was bummed but soon realized that I was auditioning the entire time I was there since the group was small enough for the choreographer to watch us learn the routine. At one point, she even commented on one move I made saying, "Yes, 186 - that exactly how everyone needs to do it!"

Afterwards, I heard from a friend helping with the choreography that the director and choreographer loved my dancing and hence, I was cast as Ensemble / Chorus Dancer.

While I am excited, I'm a little concerned how much dancing skills that expect of me, since I've never taken a dancing class in my life.

But it just goes to show, God is in control and He was the one who put me there.

The show opens July 21st and runs through the 30th! Don't worry I'll remind you again before it opens, unless I'm ruining the show with my presence...then you'll never hear of this again!

Carry On (some more)

Due to a few emails about the previous post...

The poem is about Hope, "she" is the hope that Christ provides.

Carry On

She carries you through,

your darkest of days.

Changes your gaze,

to look further away.

The moment that hurts,

hurts less when she’s there.

Experiencing loss,

matters nothing compared,

To her long reaching arms,

anchoring you to her side.

A view of the future,

with me by your side.

Never forget,

my promises to you.

They’re given as hope,

to carry you through.

It's been a month

OK - So, I realize that no one will read this, since, I've effectively dropped off the face of your computer as of late.

Life has been incredibly different for me this past month. Basically, on a whim (although seemingly prompted by the Lord) I auditioned for a musical and was cast in a principle role. At most, I hoped for chorus/ensemble but know God put me here since my preparation lasted only three days for the audition - including going to the music store to find something to sing.

Rehearsals have been time consuming and foreseeing the crunch, I decided to drop my advanced creative writing class, since the course basically demands a story line from the get-go. I spent Christmas break reading Harry Potter books and gave no time to think through what story I wanted to write. When it came down to it, the only story I had in mind was about three kids finding their way around a magical world...seems already done!

Today, I write to inform anyone who stops by of the opening of my musical. We open Wednesday March 1st and go through Saturday March 4th. Yes, a short run - but honestly, I'm still a student - I've got some work to catch up on. All the performances start at 7:30pm and are FREE! Perhaps only the last part is why you'll attend, not that I'm in it at all.

It's Seussical the Musical and I am a Wickersham brother. The Wicks are three monkeys that are sort of the gangsters/bullies of the jungle. We are always on stage together and always sing 3-part harmony. We have a rather fun role in it all though. Every night at rehearsal, I am amazed at the opportunity that I have been given and that someone trusted (or saw something in me) to give me this chance. It's a much bigger role than I would have ever expected and challenge for me to do so much dancing, singing, and singing while I dance. (It's all making me think that boy bands all lip sync, I'm always out of breath while I sing!)

Anywho, I hope some people would like to see the show. It's at Richland college (part of DCCCD) off Abrams and 635 in Richardson. If need be, I'll post directions for anyone interested.

Well, nice to talk to you guys again. Hope to see you there!