Final Thoughts from Bret

I am back in my apartment in Brooklyn, listening to my favorite NPR show (The Brian Lehrer Show, for those who are interested). Needless to say, I am surprised to be back so soon. I was not looking forward to returning to NYC and now that I am here, that sentiment has not changed. Maybe it is because I have to go back to work. Maybe it is because I will be in the same place instead of moving every 3 days. Maybe it is because I am not with Emily all the time. It's probably a combination of all those things. But I want to bring the energy, fun, and pace of my life on the road to my life here.
In terms of the trip, I think we accomplished much more in 5 weeks on the road than we ever would have accomplished at home. And I do not just mean meeting people and making business contacts. I think that much of our "work" was in touching base with the friends and family we have around the country, and seeing where and how they live. Now, when I talk to Rich in Portland, Emily's parents in Milwaukee, or some future friend from Missoula, I know more about their daily lives because I have seen their cities and actually stayed in their houses (well, not the future friend's house). I like knowing the specifics of people's daily lives.
And we are also much more familiar with the specifics of regional theatre. We saw ten plays during the trip, and looked in on dozens of theatres transitioning into their next production. There are several vibrant, energetic, and skilled theatre communities outside of NYC. Where to settle down? As one theatremaker told us, "don't feel like you have to decide right away where to be." This theatremaker also told us to find and follow our spirit. I have heard that advice before. Hearing it from strangers reinforced the words of my teachers, friends, and (some) family. "Tap into your life-force," "focus on developing your craft," "value yourself for your relationships, not for the last acting job you had." So I think the world is sending Bret, perpetual worry-wort, a strong message.
Ok I will stop boring Emily with my over-long post. Stay tuned for more from us, as we go on our Lunar Audition Tour! Friends and family, please consider the cost of traveling to the moon when you consider Christmas gifts for us. Oh--Halloween update! The last trick-or-treater of the evening was a little girl dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She even brought her little dog along with her, and said "trick or treat" and "thank you." So thank YOU, little girl dressed as Dorothy. This blog post is for you.