I did another cool thing today: I took a two-hour trapeze workshop. During my two hours, I learned how to properly take off from the platform, gain momentum, perform a simple knee tuck, and complete a backflip from the trapeze. It was definitely more challenging than I imagine, and even more thrilling. After doing about four rounds of a simple routine, I was one of the lucky students who got to attempt the "Super Secret Bonus Round," or a partner catch. This is one of the more common stunts you might see at a circus: two trapeze artists swing simultaneously, and as they come together, they join hands and end up swinging from one bar. I was extremely nervous as I chalked my hands and forearms, not of failure or injury, but of making myself look silly. Then I realized that I just spent money to attend acting school for four years, and that my career goals include setting myself on fire and jumping off of buildings and crashing cars and sword-fighting. So I swallowed my pride and went for it. My first attempt resulted in me plummeting face first toward the net, which, I will admit, was only slightly stomach-lurching. Thankfully, the wonderful people at Fly School Circus Arts gave me a second shot. As I ascended the ladder, the sun began to peek out, and I joked to one of the crew members, "The spotlight is on me, and this is my moment." I centered myself on the platform and gripped the bar with my right hand. Dan shouted, "Listo!" which was a signal for the opposing trapeze artist to ready herself, and I put my second hand on the bar. She flipped over on her swing and shouted "Ready!" I took a deep breath and waited for her signal. "Hup!" I bent my knees and jumped off the platform. On the first swing, I brought my knees over the bar. On the returning swing, I let go of the bar and hung upside down. As I swung back towards my partner, I locked eyes with her, she grasped my wrists and I let my legs swing off the bar. The partner catch was a success! Even though it was only a beginning workshop, I feel extremely accomplished and proud that I brought myself of my own accord to "Daringly High." For a first-time flier, I feel really good about what I achieved. You can see a short video of my trapeze experience in the YouTube clip below.
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Today, I woke up at 4 AM, and with two other friends, headed to FDR Park to take part in Philadelphia's Zombie Run. We checked in and were sent to make up. I got the honor of wearing a latex mask. A lovely lady named Laura, who is the make up director at Eastern State Penitentiary's "Terror Behind the Walls" did my make up for me, which took at least a solid half hour. I was then sent to the "photo booth," where runners stopped to take have their photos taken. It felt like being on the red carpet! Except, you know, for the whole being undead thing. Volunteering my acting skills for this fantastic event was a lot of fun, and very rewarding. It has been a private wish of mine to be a walker on The Walking Dead, and this was pretty close to that. I just spent over six hours as a zombie. What did YOU do today? |
Jessi's ThoughtsHey everyone! This blog is to keep you updated on what I'm currently working on. I will be posting show dates, readings, and other crazy stuff here. Archives
May 2018
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