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June began gently. I committed to attend a poetry reading at
Lehman Stages on June 13th at 7pm, which was great! I knew I had my comedy show on City Island scheduled for June 14th. Then I saw that Thaddeus Rutkowski was offering a free writing workshop on
June 19th at 7pm. I
registered for that.
Since I haven’t been teaching, I’ve been sitting too much and could benefit from more structure and motion in my life. I decided to jump on an opportunity to be part of the alumni show from A Sketch of New York Productions. For June, they were going to put on their Sketch of Pride Show. I have wanted to be part of an alumni show for a few years, but I had health issues, then the pandemic occurred, etc. I decided this was the time. The show involved 3 rehearsals a week from the beginning of June. I’ve never written sketches, but they welcomed those alumni who were only in it to act. I did learn from my peers about sketch writing, but didn’t get to write any this time. I feel I might be able to do it for a future alumni show.
In 3 weeks, we discussed and brainstormed, wrote sketches, (mostly) learned lines, and performed 3 shows at the Producers Club. Each evening after the show, I was approached by audience members sharing their appreciation of my performance, accent, and presence. I hope I live long enough to benefit further from this feedback.
In the midst of it all, I was hired for a 3-day job paying $800. It required me to miss one rehearsal day, and to be in midtown on a mock jury before 9am (not my nature) for 3 consecutive days. We were treated well, fed and paid well, but it challenged my energy. I was able to stay motivated because it was all or nothing. If one didn’t finish the entire 3 days, no pay. I needed that $800 to settle a few bills. I needed it badly. I got through it, though not easily. Whew.
On the evening of
Thaddeus’ workshop, I walked from the rehearsal at
44th St. and 9th
Avenue to 30th and 8th to save carfare. The workshop was worth it.
Two days after the Sketch of Pride performances, I was in a comedy show at Pangea. It’s the Eat Drink Laugh show produced by Paul Hallasy. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed not only being in it, but I loved watching it as well.
After all this, I
was like this:
So much love to CGG-M ❤❤❤
Mindy Matijasevic
July 2024
