I have finally begun immersing myself in the New York world without hesitation. I have been spending time at the New York Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center, reading through scores, manuscripts, and books from the “old masters,” so to speak. I am learning so much through these documents. I love the world of musical theatre history- it is a passion of mine that I plan on developing. In this field it is so useful to have an encyclopedic knowledge of musicals past and present. I want to continue digesting show after show until I have a fuller understanding of the American musical as an art form.
Observations have been slow-coming lately, which is totally fine. I have instead started reaching out to contacts on my own who I have always wanted to meet or have a “career-crush” on. Yesterday, I met with Jennifer Tepper, programming director of 54 Below. I love her multi-volume work, The Untold Stories of Broadway, and it was so exciting to talk with her about our shared passion of musical theatre history. I learned a lot about how Broadway concert venues like 54 Below work for music directors. They are an important part of the cultural landscape of Broadway, providing performance opportunities for up-and-coming performers as well as established ones. She gave me many more contacts to observe and interview. Today’s alternate title (“No One Asks About Your Major”) is paraphrased from something she said to me about education in the arts. We agreed that as important as education is, you have to pave your own way to a career by doing internships or other immersive kinds of work in your specific area. This is especially true for agents, casting directors, producers, and music directors who are left without a formalized training program as undergraduates.
I will spend these next few weeks meeting and interviewing tons of Broadway professionals, some even outside the realm of music direction for a broader perspective.
Tonight, my cousin Megan is coming to visit and we are doing all kinds of touristy things all weekend. We are going to a Mets game (to root against the Pirates…go Cubbies! #WeAreGood), going to Rockefeller Plaza, seeing Something Rotten!, and certainly other things as well. It will be nice to take a break from the artistic immersion and allow myself to be a visitor in this great city.
Next week, I begin music assisting in Gumbo. I plan on researching by day, rehearsing by night and making every minute count. Life is very good.