Student Blog: A Mexican in Toronto
Back and better than ever.
Hello! I am beyond happy to be writing straight from Toronto to all my readers in this Broadway World.
Going back to my past months where I talked about uncertainty and how I was feeling with all the restrictions, how I embraced it, makes me feel sentimental, especially because today I am writing my last blog from the season.
After a year and a half of being in my hometown at Mexico, I am back in Toronto, where I am taking my Musical Theatre college program. It's been busy days but I couldn't be happier, I've got to experience a thousand of the things in the last 15 days and I feel blessed.
I got to arrive just in time for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and with the COVID measurements is not as easy as before to get in, but I got to see the Screening of The Power of the Dog with Benedict Cumberbatch and wow, it is so nice to get to experience live events again, I got to be in a Q&A where he was answering questions and it was so inspiring to see his passion and commitment to the work. I totally recommend this movie, it is so different and the cinematography is so impeccable. It was so surprising for me to see Benedict in a character completely different than Dr. Strange, his acting range is wonderful.
During this last couple weekends, I got to the children program at Randolph, where I attend to college. I've been there to help and organize everything and it fills me so much to see these children starting their artistic careers with such a joy and simplicity.
I think we are so lucky to have support in every way so we can learn to perfect our artistry and now that I am older, I feel blessed that I can be a guide and have a positive impact on these kids.
I've also had the chance to attend to in-person dance classes which uh, it is challenging but expansive and the best of all is that I feel save in every sense, I am being patient with myself and my body because this is a transition but I am here with me for it.
I want to take with you this next thought... Today, you are alive, it doesn't matter where you are geographically or in your process, you are there, be present and realize that when there is uncertainty and/or new beginnings YOU are the creator of your reality, it's okay if it is a slow process, but make it yours, be present and see that you are -unlimited-.
- Claudia Quintero Franco, a passionate Mexical girl.
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From This Author - Student Blogger: Claudia Quintero
Student Blog: It's All About LoveFebruary 14, 2022
It may sound very cheesy, but for me *love* is the foundation of everything and at the same time it is what we are looking for in our daily lives. That is why we feel so engaged and connected with our favorite song or show. What I think is marvelous, is that there are endless love stories and each one is worth telling.
Student Blog: Everything Changes, But Some Things Never ChangeJanuary 17, 2022
Hola! Happy New Year, my favorite time of the year has come. Checking in here with you fills me with passion and joy. One year ago, I started writing here and it's been a journey, huh? I've written from Canada, Mexico in times of uncertainty, in times where I am doing everything and hoping it goes according to its plan, in rehearsals, in opening and closing nights. I've shared new things that I've been discovering, things that I go back to that have been part of who I am since my passion for Musical Theatre started... and today, in the first month of the year, I feel accomplished and more alive than ever.
Student Blog: Singing for a new world.December 10, 2021
Getting to be part of 'Songs for a New World' specially in the reality we are experiencing today, has such a deep meaning for me, my cast and creative team... like all of the rest of the world, we were locked down for more than a year doing everything online and now standing in front of an audience singing about how this characters feeling the impulse to change their lives and pause for a second to reflect on their relationships, dreams and hopes and have a lot of realizations during these songs, was the perfect way to be back on stage.
Student Blog: Tips to Be at Your Best During RehearsalsNovember 15, 2021
Tomorrow I start my fourth and last week of rehearsals before Tech Week, which gets me excited, nervous, thankful and anxious. I have to admit, even if I love my rehearsals, my cast and directors, being in a room for 8 hours every day is such a challenge. I've been reflecting on this a lot and I want to share some tips and thoughts that come from my experience and heart to help you have a smooth rehearsal process whenever you need it.
Student Blog: Time to Talk About DIANA: THE MUSICAL!October 20, 2021
When I was doing my online term, one of my classes was imparted by Bruce Dow, who is one of the best teachers ever. He got to give me feedback on my Musical Theatre performance and gave me tools that I've been using and make my craft and work much more complete. During the time I was taking classes with him, he had to absence a couple classes because he was just casually flying to NYC to film the Broadway Show he was in, Diana: The Musical. One year later, I was able (last week) to watch it on Netflix as it just recently released and I am just blown away.
