Hello, darlings - VelmaKelly blogging Day 1.

As a freshman in college this whole crazy place is going to take a little getting used to. I've only been here for a grand total of eight days, but my first audition in the big kid's theatre is tonight.

It's hard, going straight from being a big fish in a little pond to being an average sized fish in a very large lake. Back home I was the big girl on campus, one of the better performers and most experienced as a senior who got the roles and was VP of the ITS Troupe, blah blah blah. Now I don't have that security and it's more than a little frightening, but I'm more excited than I ever thought I would be. I've had my piece for a few weeks, been practicing daily (until these damn allergies set in, but more on that later), and have my resume/headshot all ready to go. I'm a professional, I want to say, and I know my stuff. I just have to show them.

I know the guy who usually is their stage manager, so he's my one "in" for this entire hooplah, but any edge is still an edge. That's one of my goals in the next four years - meet the people who will make a difference when the time comes. Friends in high places never hurt. :)

I've been eating a bag of Ricola a day for a few days now, and I've had enough water to irrigate the Middle East. Tea every night, one delicate vocal session a day... the consequenses of my allergies. I was terrified for my audition a few days ago, but taking care of myself has really made all the difference.

IF YOU EVER GET SICK BEFORE AN AUDITION ( aka - What Velma learned the hard way):

Water - start by drinking tons and tons and tons of water. It'll flush out your system and hydrate your vocal cords and your whole body will feel better. You'll piss a lot, so stay near a bathroom, but it's good for you nonetheless.

Dairy - I don't know if this is myth or fact, but I've been staying away from milk and cheese and stuff for the past few days. It may or may not be helping, but just in case, I'm not eating it. Just in case. ;)

Sound - If your throat is all haywire (allergies do this, damn you pollen!), DON'T USE IT. I'm speaking as little as possible so I don't strain my already weakened vocal cords. I want to save the sound for when I really need it, so I'm practicing once a day and that's the only time I'm really making sound, if I can help it. I haven't practiced at 100% either, just to be safe. I don't want to ruin my audition before I get there - there's enough opportunity to fudge it while I'm there. :)

Ricola! - I've heard cough drops aren't good for you just before you sing, but these Ricola throat lozenge things are just awesome. They're kind of like candy (I'm eating way too many, but they make my throat feel better), and they're all natural, so they don't taste like crap. If you want to soothe your throat, go for the Ricola, I'm telling you. Those Halls cough drop things taste and smell like medicine and they're nasty as hell. I'm not paid to advertise this thing, but I should be.

And some more advice that I've learned - don't be afraid to ask people for help. I got practice rooms from a professor here by asking, I've learned so much from asking my old director how to conduct myself in an audition and what to wear and how resume's should look. My director basically gave me my music, my outfit, my resume and proper attitude for auditions - I wouldn't be anywhere without his mentoring. Here's to you, Shane. :)

So I'm off to eat a late breakfast (been on this laptop for far too long...) and start prepping for my CHICAGO audition tonight. Lots of love! ~Velma