Student Blogger: Leah Packer - Page 2

As actors, we grow up programmed to say yes to everything and everyone. We hear that everyone is replaceable, and if you don't try anything and everything- you get fired. I learned to bend over backwards in order to please people and get roles. Jenny helped us rewrite that narrative. She helped me remember that we don't have to say yes to everyone. We are all just people, responsible for taking care of ourselves. We all deserve the autonomy to choose what makes us happy and safe.

Every time I felt myself spiraling into uncertainty or fear, I would re-direct my focus to what was happening right now. If I were in class and worrying about next weekend, I stopped myself. Grabbed my runaway mind and re-directed it to what was happening in that moment or what would happen right after. This sounds like the smallest technique, but I swear it helped. For those few weeks, I would just put one foot in front of the other. Take it moment by moment. It eventually worked itself out to the point where I no longer needed to repeat that phrase 10,000 times a day. I got adjusted!

Hello Broadway lovers, theatre students, and artistic creators around the world! Welcome to the blog as we pass through August. Yes, eager blog-readers, after a long, pandemic-driven wait, I will be back at school before this month ends. Wow. I reached out to some exceptionally talented people and asked: what's the best piece of advice you've received in your artistic career? I guarantee you that their answers will move you- whether or not you work in the theatre. Read on for a dose of happiness, motivation, and reminder to continue embracing the unexpected.

I never thought that Frozen Kids Jr would mark my return to live theatre. But that's exactly where I found myself last Friday. This summer, I'm working at Imagination Stage (a local children's theatre) as a summer camp counselor. I help out in the Musical Production Camp, groups of determined 6-10 year olds putting on a new musical every two weeks. Last week featured the ever popular Frozen and twenty (very excited) theatre kids.

Spending a year in isolation reminded us how much we need PEOPLE. It's the human connection and love for each other that makes this life so special. The world found new ways to stay connected and heal together from six feet apart. It's refreshing to know that we won't recede into our own bubbles just because life is normal again.

I reached out to other theatre students from both my department and other colleges and asked them: what's the best piece of theatrical advice you've ever received? Their answers are insightful, funny, and filled with love for their craft. Absorbing them almost felt like hitting the reset button, helping me re-align and focus on what I love and want to accomplish in theatre. Read on for their words of wisdom!

Student blogger Leah chats with John-Andrew Morrison, James Jackson Jr, and Jason Veasay, three of the fabulous cast members in A Strange Loop! 'While I cannot wait to get my tickets to any productions that open first, one of the shows I'm most looking forward to seeing is A Strange Loop'

“And Leah? You just be yourself.” The cast laughed at playwright Stephanie Gajeski’s words, and I couldn’t stop smiling. She had no idea what those simple words meant to me. It had been a long time since I felt like just being me was more than enough.

Choosing a school can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there. In honor of the approaching “decision day,” I’m sharing my overall college takeaways and (slightly cursed) decision day story. Hopefully, it can help ease some worries, and at least let you know that you’re not alone.

When Broadway actor, content creator and life coach Bret Shuford sits down with new clients, he helps them envision what they want their life to look like. 'So many actors come to me and say…I want to work on Broadway. I help them get more specific than that.'

This month marks one year since the world went absolutely crazy, and I thought I’d dedicate some blog space to addressing “the pandemic wall.” I heard this phrase recently, and it really sums up how I’ve been feeling lately.

Leah spoke with associate artistic and casting director of Olney Theatre Center, Jenna Duncan!

The latest installment of 'Sharing Their Stories' features Megan Lohne, a theater creator, agent, and overall innovator!

Daniella is the current Artistic Director of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and constantly works to cultivate a true sense of community, while giving voice to new playwrights and the stories they bring.

Monique has worn a plethora of artistic hats, spanning from actor to director, and hitting almost every step in between.

This installment of Sharing Their Stories is with Noah Himmelstein!

Olivia Reed has been able to embrace it all, growing as a person and as an actor every day.

Seema Sueko is a theatre powerhouse and strategic consultant to Arena Stage (a theatre in Washington, DC).

Stephanie defines what it truly means to be an artist.

All I can do is draw on my past experiences for guidance, find the people who care about me, and trust in myself that I can do this. I can also make lists.