The Dreaded Second Blog Entry
Yikes, the dreaded second blog entry. What have I got myself into? (I suppose I could correct that dangling participle but “Into what have I gotten myself?” sounds convoluted.) If I rely upon my cabaret training, finding the perfect SECOND song for a musical set is always challenging. You’ve already got the audience’s attention (positively, hopefully), and it’s a bit too early to sing anything unfamiliar or too emotional….so you’re best choice is to find something familiar and upbeat! Whoa! You see? Challenging! Maybe if conclude my bog entry right now, I can overleap that obstacle. Yes?
No.
Politics is too heavy a topic. I’m sure we’ll eventually get to it as the Presidential election draws near. If you’re curious about my political leanings, simply visit my Facebook page. Between all the posts about corgis, recipes, theatre and beefcake (that caught you attention, didn’t it?!), there’s a healthy sprinkling of political memes.
Just returned from Costco….not the best place to be when you’re on a diet. Yep, a diet. We’ll chat about that later! I’m constantly amazed (really “irked” is a better description) that people are still wearing their masks below their noses. After all these months, there’s really isn’t any excuse for not knowing how to properly wear a mask. I mean, come on! Beyond the social distancing aspect, there’s are definite advantages for wearing a mask:
You never have to floss or brush your teeth again.
Unsightly zits, cold sores, warts, weak chins are hidden from view.
Moustaches (and nose hairs!) can remain untrimmed/groomed.
No need for lipstick.
An air of mystery is created.
Consider the last advantage. A mask fully covers a good portion of our facial expressions (licking lips, puckering, smirking, etc.). There’s an air of uncertainty, similar to chatting with somebody wearing dark (or mirrored – so sexy!) sunglasses. You really never know precisely what the other people means to communicate. You begin filling in the gaps with what you assume the person means. To compensate, you begin relying upon the expressions in the eyes, the movement of the forehead and jawline, the throbbing of the neck….and, of course, the language of the body. As a performer, I’m fascinated by how much our modes of interpersonal communication will be affected (improved? weakened?) the longer we are required to wear masks in public. I’m finding that I’m speaking less…and only communicating what is required within the circumstances. Playful banter seems to be decreasing, and non-verbal communication is increasing.
And, now actors are starting to take acting classes and rehearse scenes via Zoom. Another mode of communication which we have had to embrace. How will that affect us? I think that will be a topic for a later blog.
So how did I do….navigating the second blog entry?
