"cause you helped me find my way..."

Each show I do, I'm amazed at what you can learn from the process. Of course, you're going to grow more in the art of acting as you gain experience, BUT, here's a random list of key things I've learned from either experience or observation outside of acting knowledge gained:
       1. In every cast there will be drama. Stay out of it.
       2. Don't fall in love with actors.
       3. The show will come together. It always does.
       4. Keep any negative thoughts to yourself.
       5. Always respect and thank your director.
       6. Are you being handed roles yet? No? So respect the smaller companies that let you work in    the field you love!
       7. If you accidentally fall into the drama, get back up quickly and quietly.

In the beginning process of Legally Blonde I was super excited to get to explore a new character--a "mean girl". The end result? People shocked that "always nice Rachelyn" could do that ;). It was truly so much fun getting to develop the character and play off of the other actors. My friend Kristin who played Paulette (who has been in every single Chicago show I've been in) and I were both scared of the belting nature of our roles since we had never belted..let alone belted in public before, but guess what? We did it! SHE especially owned it!
We had quite the talented and unique cast, too. Closing night was sad, but it'll be refreshing to have a little break until the next project, plus I'm sure I'll see those darling people again soon.

Me as Vivienne and Kristin as her opening scene Delta Nu character

Gus who played Bruiser, Elle's doggie. He always sat on my lap while I did my makeup!!

Guess what amazing present arrived in Chicago on July 2? None other than my sister, Rebecca! This #primmladeezsummer has definitely been a treat. Parts of it remind me of our NYC life experiences together...especially our fascination with .50 cones from BK (I got a little tubby-tub in NY from a MCd's cones and Shake Shack addiction) and also our lack of A/C in the apartment...oh wait, and accidentally snuggling with her when she sleeps in my bed. 

Our summer was made this past Sunday afternoon from boat captain neighbor. He got us onto a BOAT RIDE on Lake Michigan! Yes, we freaked out and put much thought into what would be the best boat outfits. Yes, I danced for a long time to Beyonce out of excitement when we received the text invite. Yes, we were more than thrilled to be arm candy for the afternoon. Yes, we drove the boat, used the captain binoculars, and took lots of photos. Typical primmladeez event.

                                                                Primmladeez & boat captain

Rebecca

Moi

     Yes, boat captain neighbor and I posed as a married couple. Only in the photo though. It was such a perfect view for a couples' photoshoot, Becca and I couldn't resist making Tom go along with it. So, don't worry, Mom, I'm still single... ;)

Sadly, Becca will be departing Chicago in a week for more NC set design projects, but maybe soon we'll end up living together again?

More lovely guests visited this summer, too! It was the first time I got to celebrate Bastille day with my momma, and I loved spending time with my little brothers as well as watching Coda, Victor's dog, enjoy city life. I seriously almost stole him. Here they are!

                   
This photo was during our enjoyment of the music of Frank Loesser in Millennium Park just before we viewed the Navy Pier fireworks.


Possibly more career updates soon--we'll see how recent auditions pan out. ;)