Murray State

It’s been colder than I expected. I’m grateful that I brought the jackets, mittens, and hat that I debated about, but wish I’d packed my jeans (I just recently discovered several immodest holes in the inseam of my most frequently-worn yoga pants, which leaves me with only one remaining pair—and it’s chilly!). Space in my suitcase is devoted to the following, ordered by volume: scripts, books, make-up for the shows, yoga mat, and clothing. I’ll be buying another pair of yoga pants and some jeans as soon as possible.

Food: The spinach salad greens are fresh and plentiful, which I am grateful for. I had a corn-dog today! Haven’t had one of those since YMCA camp as a kid.

Rooms: Comfy and clean—conveniently close to the theater and cafeteria on campus. The gym… AMAZING!

Performances—and we’ve had lots of them here—have been going well. We’ve had “two-a-days” for several days in a row now—morning shows for area high school students and evening shows for the college community. Audiences have looked to be around 200-500 in number. We’ve got 42 seats on stage! It’s a HUGE auditorium with a wide stage that’s been fun to play. I’m grateful for the vocal rest when we have it—it’s a big space to fill. So far we’ve been doing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but tonight we’ll be doing The Winter’s Tale. I’m grateful to get into Paulina’s skin again and to let Helena gently rest for 24 hours or so. Tomorrow, Rick and I teach a workshop to 100+ 7th graders!

P.S.
During one of my “cross-arounds” to get to my entrance on the other side of the building (in this space, I have to go outside to get there), I ran into an old acquaintance from IDAHO who happened to be walking by! She said, “Bridget!” I said, “Ashley!” And we stared at each other amazedly (me in my Helena dress!) before I said, “I have to go! Or I’ll be late for my entrance! Come see the play! Tomorrow!” and I had to vanish again! What are the chances?!

--Bridget Rue
(Paulina, Time, Dorcas in The Winter’s Tale; Putana, Philotis in ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore; Helena, 1st Fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream)