What Community Theatre Actors Want You to Know

1. We may have been who you saw on stage, but we aren't necessarily the ones who made it possible. Go tell the director how good of a job they did when you see them. Yeah, we had our moments when we hated their guts, but without their direction, this really couldn't have been possible.
2. The orchestra will never cease to amaze us. "But you can sing!" But I can't play the French horn, so who really wins here?
3. Tell EVERYONE you see that they did a good job. I didn't understand this until I did Les Miserables a few weeks ago. Back in the summertime, I went to see a community production of Spamalot with one of my best friends, and found out that someone I knew was in the ensemble. So, of course I told her she did well. Then, my friend was like, "Let's go tell everyone they did a good job. You only said it to the one person you knew." I didn't really get her point-- they don't need me to say anything; other people will approach them. But that's not always true. NEVER assume that an actor had someone else seeing them that night that brought roses for them. Sometimes, no one they know is there. When I was in Les Mis, my parents and one of my sisters came on closing day. Which means for two days, I didn't have anyone there to see me specifically. And you know what? Even on closing day, I told my parents not to meet me at the stage door; I went straight to the car and they praised my performance there. But all weekend, not ONE person told me I did a good job as I exited the building with stage makeup still on my face. It was obvious I was in the production. But no one said anything. Not as I saw several others surrounded by flowers and hugs. Even one person saying something would have made me feel better about being there alone. On the last day, a whole bunch of cast members congratulated each other, but it would have been nice for someone else to say something. So be that person. You could make someone's day brighter.
4. The chorus is very important. Even we forget this sometimes. We audition for a big role, we get stuck in the chorus (again), and we feel like a shadow in the background. This is sometimes how we're seen, too. It's very easy to forget that the chorus is important, too-- there are musicals that could not sound right without a chorus. Someone has to play that part. So, remember: the chorus may not be the lead, but they are just as important.
5. It won't be like the time you saw it on Broadway. And it definitely won't sound like the movie. But try to enjoy it anyway, okay?
6. The tickets really aren't that expensive. Like I said, it won't be like the time you saw it on Broadway. If you faint at having to pay $15 for a ticket, maybe you haven't seen anything on Broadway, anyway.
7. COME CELEBRATE COMMUNITY TALENT! Many community theaters are underwater financially, and really need your support to stay floating. Also, this helps community actors gain experience for their college and performing resumes. Some community actors and singers are actually really good, and could make it on Broadway someday. But we need your support to get us there. Make sure to experience live theatre in your hometown-- you'll be surprised how much you like it!

The Realization of Growing Up

When I was younger, all I wanted was to grow up. I wanted to start high school. To get my driver's license. To get a boyfriend. To get into National Honor Society. To turn eighteen. To move out of the house. To get married. To have my own children.

Now that I'm older, I am facing the sudden realization that things are actually happening, and the ones that haven't happened will probably happen soon. I'm almost done with high school. I will have a driver's license this spring, most likely. I just turned in my application for my first job. I am getting inducted into NHS next month. Now, I still don't have a boyfriend, and I can't vote in the presidential election until 2020 (I literally JUST miss election day in 2016... thanks to having a November birthday). But aside from marriage, it's all starting to happen.

Don't get me wrong, growing up is exciting. But anyone who has been my age before (which it is likely that you are older than me) knows how this feels. People keep asking me where I want to attend college and what I want to study. Which, I have a pretty solid idea for both, but it's still frustrating. It's finally getting to me that 2015 is going to be the year that determines a lot of things for me. I'll turn in my application for Northwestern. I'll audition for NYU Steinhardt School of Music. I'll audition for a lot of roles, and probably won't get most of them. I'll have to utilize the piggy bank (or, as I call him, Piglet). Everything is changing.

As much as I want to stay the little girl who is a few weeks shy of her sixteenth birthday forever, times are gonna have to change. It's kind of like the song "Sky" by Goose House.

"I wished upon the sky in a dazzling starlight for you to please stay the same as you are. But I know that even the sky I gaze will change in every way."

Entering adulthood is a scary process. It seems far away until it finally dawns upon you that it's less than two years away (for most of my friends, it's a few months away). But even though the changes seem abrupt at first, they shape us into who we are.

And that's how I'm going to end this post, because I can't think of a better way to do so.

Why I'm NOT About That Bass

Yes, I am referring to the (unfortunately) beloved song by Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass."

If you want to hear the song, go look it up. But I will not give more money to a cause I don't agree with by embedding the video.

First, before I state why I don't like the song, let me show you the lyrics and let you decide for yourself.

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazine workin' that Photoshop
We know that s**t ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Hey!

I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny b*****s that
No I'm just playing. I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass, 'bout that bass
Hey, hey, ooh

You know you like this bass

Every time I talk about this song, people automatically assume I'm going to talk about the "skinny b*****s" line. Which I will, but not in the way you might think.

First, let me get a point across. I know I am not exactly plus-sized, and I may not fully understand the struggles of women with fuller figures, because I've always been thinner by nature. But that does not mean my opinion should be declared invalid because of my weight. I have a voice, just like anyone else.

I'm going to break this song into chunks. I'm going to try to focus on the good and bad. The song has a good message, it's just poorly executed.

"I got that boom boom that all the boys chase."

Okay. Girl, you should love your body. You do you. But please, for the love of all things good in this world, don't use boys as a reason for it. A woman shouldn't like her chest size just because men like D cups. So I have to say I don't like this lyric.

"Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."

Yes, this is true. Like she says later on: don't worry about your size. I mean, we're all beautiful, even fi we don't think so ourselves. So, I like this lyric.

"Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."

Clearly Meghan Trainor has never had a man check out her butt to find that there's nothing there. This is borderline hurtful to girls with smaller figures, because it's basically saying, "Boys like girls with big butts." That's probably true. But isn't this song supposed to be promoting body positivity... for everyone? Plus, back to the boys thing-- who gives a flying crap what they think? I do not like this lyric.

"I won't be no stick figure, silicone Barbie doll."

This is NOT okay. Terms like "stick figure" and "Barbie doll" are specifically targeting pretty much any woman below a size 5. I know she means no harm, but using derogatory language just makes more people angry. I obviously am not acquainted with this lyric.

"I'm bringing booty back. Go ahead and tell them skinny b*****s that."

I get it, she follows up saying "I'm just playing," yada yada yada. This is still NOT okay. Once again she uses derogatory language, and she did not have to body shame to get her point across. And for the record, so-called "skinny" girls don't like being called skinny. It's just like calling someone fat. So you need to stop. Which, while I'm on the topic-- will people please stop telling "skinny" girls to eat a burger? It's offensive. I'm not one of these girls, but many thinner women have a difficult time gaining weight for medical reasons. So shut up.

I think "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj uses the term "skinny ... um, female dogs" in it as well.

I do not dislike this song because I am a size 3. I dislike this song because it mirrors a major issue in society. Why do we build one group up while tearing another group down? We glorify thin women, then we put down curvy women. Then, when someone tries to be so-called body positive, they do the exact same thing, but with the tables turned.

Do you see my point? I'm not angry because I'm thin. I'm angry because there is no balance here (I just had to squeeze in The Legend of Korra Book Four's title). It's so sad that in American culture, we always have to put someone down to feel better about ourselves.

It's not fair the way curvy women have been treated in the media. It's not fair that department stores don't have a good variety of clothes for them. I am not ashamed to admit that my particular group of women has been favored by the media (aside from the fact that I am not white... or blonde... or large-breasted). I know that curvy women face a struggle that I may not face until later on in life, when my metabolism slows down (usually after a woman's first pregnancy, her luck with metabolism goes down the drain). But I also believe in equality.

We are not "skinny" and (I hate this word) "fat" women. Nor are we thin and curvy. We are women. One group. Okay?

So let me tell something to YOU.

I ain't no size two, either.
And I can't shake it either.
I don't have the boom boom that all the boys chase
AND I DON'T FREAKING NEED IT BECAUSE I DON'T NEED A BOY TO MAKE ME LOVE MY BODY, ELSE I WOULD BE MISERABLE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
Yeah, magazines do use a lot of Photoshop.
We all know dat ain't real.
And yes, every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.

My mama also told me not to worry about my size.
She said, "Don't use boys as a way of measuring your self-worth."
I would rather you not call me a stick figure; I'm no Barbie doll either
So if that's what you want to call me THEN YOU NEED TO RE-READ THE BEGINNING OF THIS POST.

Go on and bring booty back.
We're equal anyway, so I'm cool with that.
So let's not body shame each other BECAUSE THAT GETS US NOWHERE IN LIFE (writing in all-caps is so... powerful. At least I feel powerful).
And that's all I really have to say.

In a nutshell...

-"All About That Bass" isn't THAT bad, but it has some major flaws
-Who cares what men think?
-Love your body, girls AND boys (I forgot to talk about the male gender... oops)
-Don't call anyone a derogatory name

Ah. Thank you for reading my rant. Now, instead of ranting to people's faces, I'll just send them a link to this.


I'm out!

-Hope

YouTubers I Just Can't Get Enough Of

YouTube and I have been through an on-again-off-again relationship lately. In seventh grade, I had at least ten different playlists with hundreds of videos saved, and even a few of my own uploaded. In tenth grade, I only used it for academic purposes. Now, while I am not nearly as obsessed as I was in seventh grade, YouTube and I are friends once again.

During my time this year, I have discovered some of my favorite videos and vloggers. And I think you should experience them too, if you haven't already.

So... here they are!

1. Leenda Dong (LeendaDProductions)

I don't know if it's because of all the Asians that are included in her videos (I love Asian guys... especially the one in her "If Your Period Was A Person" video) or because of how hilarious and relatable Leenda can be sometimes. Either way, I just can't stop watching her videos-- of course I have a subscription!

2. Goose House (goose house)

(Apparently, the one above was used in the anime Silver Spoon as the second ED! That's an anime I must put on my to-watch list)

Oh yes, I've blogged about Goose House. Numerous times. They might be my favorite band right now, and just so you know, you were spared. I didn't include some of my favorite songs by them. But, if you want to hear them, check out "Sky English Version," "JUST FRIENDS?", "teens," and of course, "Sing" on the blog playlist to your right.

3. KisukeUraharaAnime

Now, I know that this guy doesn't really post original stuff. And, his channel is really, well, full of anime. But you signed up for anime the second you started reading this blog, sucka! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have heard of "Hanabi." Which means I would never have started listening to Ikimono Gakari (actually, Goose House has covered their songs, so I guess I would have heard of them eventually). Speaking of Ikimono Gakari and Goose House-- why haven't they covered "Sakura" yet?

4. nigahiga

Yes, this is the only video I've seen of his. But come on, he's a cute Asian it's so funny!

5. Octopimp

Okay. If you ever watched Iwatobi Swim Club, you probably watched 50% Off. At least once. I'm pretty sure I'm behind on the episodes, but still. You should check out Octopimp. Nuff said.

6. Anyone who uploads an Ikimono Gakari video

Yeah. I just really love Ikimono Gakari even though the only songs I know well are "Hanabi" and "Sakura".

Who are your favorite YouTubers?

Goose House!

In case you needed another reason to want to move to Japan, I have found another. I have decided to ditch college and move into the Goose House.

Forget auditioning to become a musical theatre major. Forget studying at Northwestern. Forget my dream dorm room. Forget my college Pinterest board. Forget performing on Broadway. Forget living a relaxed life in the United States. Just forget it all. I've already started saving up to move far away from the States and over to Asia.

Okay, so maybe five dollars won't get me a plane ticket. But I'm in the process of applying for a job at my local library, so I'll just use the money I was going to put in a bank account for college and put it in my travel fund instead! And I'll need to go to school to study Japanese. Man, I did not think this through.

Okay, scratch that. I won't ditch the ACT. I'll still take vocal lessons, gymnastic lessons, and audition for plays (I'm auditioning to play Natalie in Next to Normal in a few months, I'm auditioning for a Nutcracker-esque musical soon, and I'm already in Les Miserables!). I'll still keep my grades up (although, I think I'm developing a minor case of senioritis-- and I'm not even a senior yet!). Looks like Japan is gonna have to wait.

But still. I think I have found my best friends. They don't know it, but we're best friends.

When I was little, I used to want to join a sorority and live in a house with sorority sisters. However, I already have biological sisters, and if I can't stand having two, how am I supposed to survive with that times ten? But I think I want to live in the Goose House.

Goose House is a band of (at least) eight people. I don't know if they all live together or they just like to record in that house, but it doesn't matter. Because I'm going to move to Japan and live with them. I mean, they've helped me with my Chinese summer homework (上海 and 花，meaning "Shanghai" [the city] in Chinese, and the next character, "Hana," being the same character in Chinese and meaning "flower"). They've helped me find hair and fashion inspiration. They've helped me discover new music. They've helped me bring out my guitar (one that's been collecting dust for far too long). So it's obvious we should be friends.

Enough talking, here's some of their music!

If you don't admire any of the girls' style or the guys' guitar and mandolin skills, something's wrong. But there are two things you can learn from this at the very least: 1) Not all Japanese people look the same, unlike many think and 2) Japanese girls can pull off any hair length. Or outfit. Like, for real. Those outfits look gorgeous, but the moment I try to wear one of them, it'll look so hideous I won't leave the house in it.

This song translates to "Shanghai Honey," performed by ORANGE RANGE. I wish I knew this song when I was preparing for my entrance Chinese test! Shanghai was one of our vocabulary words. I don't really understand what's going on at the beginning of the video, but surprisingly, I actually understand some of what they're saying! Maybe getting a minor in Chinese or Japanese language is actually for me.

This is "Hana," also originally performed by ORANGE RANGE! Yes, I've blogged about that band, too (look up "Asterisk"). This song definitely does the original justice-- I like it just as much, or even more! I think this might actually be my favorite Goose House cover so far. SAY YEAH!

Yes, these Japanese kids (who are probably in their twenties but whatever) speak English. I honestly like this better than the original. I usually like Taylor Swift covers better than the originals. I think it's because of the use of both genders in this cover. Honestly, the only hope I have in ever meeting these people is because I know they can speak English.

And, of course, the very first song I ever heard by Goose House-- their cover of Linked Horizon's "Guren no Yumiya!" This is the song that got me really listening to their music, so thank you Shingeki no Kyojin!

Here is a list of songs I would love to hear them cover:

"Hanabi" by Ikimono-Gakari
"Life is Like a Boat" by Rie Fu
"My Pace" by SunSet Swish
"Daisy" by Stereo Dive Foundation

So, what do you think of Goose House?

My Back-to-School Playlist

1. "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift. I cannot believe I actually like this song. I'm not a fan of Tay-Tay, but this song grew on me. "'Cause the players gonna play play play play play and the haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate baby I'm just gonna shake shake shake shake shake." Gosh dang it, it's just so darn catchy!
2. "When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt. I'm going to need this song to get through precalculus this year. And sociology. And chemistry. And econ. And probably Mandarin. I basically mentioned almost all of my classes. "Many nights we've prayed with no proof anyone could hear. In our heart's a hopeful song we barely understood. Now we are not afraid although we know there's much to fear. We were moving mountains long before we knew we could."
3. "Everything Else" from Next to Normal. This song totally describes how music feels to me, and my dreams, and... ugh. I just wanna play Natalie so badly! "You play 'til it's perfect, you play 'til you ache, you play 'til the strings or your fingernails break, so you'll rock that recital and get into Yale... 'cause you've got your full-ride and your early admit, so you're done with this school... and you graduate early, you're gone as of May... and you know that it's just a sonata away and you play... and everything else goes away."
4. "Hanabi" by Ikimono-Gakari. I think I've already expressed my love for this song, but dang. Like, I just really love it. It's just so beautiful. It's not even a sad song, but my eyes always water when I hear it. It's low key inspiring.
5. "Through Heaven's Eyes" from The Prince of Egypt. Whenever I feel stressed out, this song calms me down, if only for three minutes. "So how can you see what your life is worth or where your value lies? You can never see through the eyes of man. You must look at your life. Look at your life through heaven's eyes... though you never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance."
6. "花 (Hana)" (which means "Flower") by ORANGE RANGE. I prefer Goose House's cover, but this song is still like, amazing.
7. "Crazy in Love" covered by Emeli Sande. Don't get me wrong, Beyonce is pretty perfect, but I love the jazzy spin Emeli puts on it. Don't worry, Bey-- your version will play at my wedding reception.
8. "Body Rock" by Mamoru Miyano. Oh yeah, I blogged about this one, too. The ultimate study song. Or Friday song.
9. "February Air - Acoustic Version" by LIGHTS. I can't wait to learn this song on guitar (after I'm done perfecting "Hanabi"). It's just a pretty song to listen to in the afternoon.
10. "New At This" by Megan and Liz. "I've got a lot of life to live, don't treat me like a little kid, I'm just a little new at this."
11. "Next to Me" by Emeli Sande. This is another song that helps me work faster. 
12. "My Pace" by SunSet Swish. "All FAAAAIIIILLLLSSSSS!!!" His voice though.
13. "Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog. "This whole town can slow you down, people takin' the easy way. But I know exactly where I'm going, and I'm getting closer and closer every day! I'm almost there! ...People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care!"
14. "Daisy" by Stereo Dive Foundation. This song is perfect to drive home to. Heck, this song is why I never say goodbye! (Itsudatte sou se)
15. "Theme to Lizzie McGuire" by Angie Jaree. "Sometimes we make it, sometimes we fake it. But we get one step closer each and every day. We'll figure it out on the way."
16. "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Yes, I've been waiting for September just so I can sing this song. And eat pumpkin spice cupcakes.
17. "Just Another Day" from Next to Normal. In case you need something to get ready to in the morning.
18. "Dancing Through Life" from Wicked. "The trouble with schools is, they always try to teach the wrong lesson. Believe me, I've been kicked out of enough of them to know... Life's more painless for the brainless... nothing matters when knowing nothing matters. It's just life, so keep dancing through!"
19. "Go the Distance (Single)" by Michael Bolton. "A thousand years would be worth the wait. It may take a lifetime, but somehow I'll see it through!"
20. "Chai Tea Latte" by Angel Taylor. "People might compliment our chocolate and vanilla skin... you've blown my mind in two hour's time, and I'm so weak and unable to picture you with someone other than me. But I guess I have to, 'cause you haven't asked me out on a date to get some chai tea latte..." Does that stuff even taste good? Might have to try it...
21. "Up We Go" by LIGHTS. Is there an instrumental version available? Because the instruments are the main thing this song has going for it.
22. "Shake it Out" by Florence + The Machine. "I can never leave the past behind. I can see no way..."
23. "All I Need to Be" by Fireflight. "Tell me again that I am strong..."
24. "Ain't it Fun" by Paramore. The perfect song for starting freshman year, be it high school or college. "Where you're from, you might be the one who's running things... so what are you gonna do when the world don't open up around you? What are you gonna do when nobody wants to fool with you?"
25. "Scramble" by Yui Horie. "Guruguru mawaru!"

Well, time to update your playlist!

Light-skinned Black Girl Problems

1. "You act so white, it's like I'm blacker than you!" Um, no. No. Just no. I didn't know there was a code of conduct in order to be black.
2. "What are you mixed with?" Nothing? This is a good question, but don't jump to conclusions. It IS possible to be fully black and have light skin.
3. "But you don't look black AT ALL!" Would you like for me to show you my new growth? Because I am due for a relaxer touch-up any day now.
4. "How would you know anything about the hood?" Because not all people who live there are dark-skinned? I don't actually live in the hood, but I have spent so much time in East Cleveland (and other cities like Atlanta and Chicago), you best believe I know as much (or more) about the hood as you do.
5. "Are you sure you don't want to borrow my SPF 50?" Yes, I am light-skinned. No, I do not burn.
6. "You look just like Rihanna!" Is this because we're both light-skinned?
7. "Let me guess. I know what your ethnicity is! 你好! 我是美国人。你是中国人吗?" I know you did not just ask me if I'm Chinese.
8. "So what if you can't play Tiana in the Disney parks? You could totally play Mulan!" You've got a good point...
9. "I'm going to come back from Spring Break darker than you!" LOOK, I get it, there are white people darker than me, yeah. Moving on.
10. "I don't think you're really black." Let me take you on a field trip to the plantation where my great-great-great grandfather was a slave.
11. "I hear Asian parents have really high expectations." But I'm not... ah, forget it.
12. "Why is your hair so short?" Because I'm black. Technically, black people (including my sisters) can have long hair, but it is a rare occurrence. Of course I'd be the only girl in my family with the inability to grow hair past shoulder-length.
13. "Since you're light, you could probably stop getting relaxers." Tell that to my unruly curls.
14. "If you were a slave, you would be treated very well." That is very comforting.

Those are some things I've faced being a light-skinned black girl! Did I miss anything?