Staying Present in the Moment

One really important thing to master while acting is the ability to stay present, to put aside all thoughts of the future (even the next line) and completely focus on what's going on in the scene at that exact moment.
I think this skill is immensely useful offstage as well. Whether I'm walking down Shop Street to get to the theater every morning or eating dinner with the cast, my goal is to be present, to allow myself to enjoy and fully experience every moment rather than thinking into the future or back to the past.
Tonight after a productive 1pm-6pm rehearsal, several of the cast went to a fantastic Indian restaurant for dinner and then to Neachtains (pronounced knock-tins), a local pub frequented by the Keegan folks, for drinks afterward. Sitting around the table at dinner, I felt extra grateful to have been gifted this opportunity and it makes me all the more determined not to take it for granted. I want to appreciate every second. Getting the chance to perform opposite seasoned actors who are riveting just to watch is a lesson in itself, every day an extended master class. I'm already so excited to see the audience's reaction to the show; it has taken such a journey from the first read-through to now.

When I think back to where I was at this time last year, I have to laugh. I was so depressed over not being able to transfer to what I thought to be my dream school, instead having to stay in state and commute to UMCP. It seemed like every door had closed for me and so many opportunities lost. Now I think back to that and I am so grateful that the doors slammed shut, because they led me to where I am today.

Although I hope it will get a great response, I don't really know what the performances hold in store for us, or what the run will be like. However, I have faith that I will continue to grow as a performer and as a person regardless of what the next few months look like. I will just keep in mind that closed doors can lead to newer, more exciting hallways and that the important thing is to remain present and enjoy the moment, onstage and off.

To finish, a couple of things I have learned in the last few days:
1. When you go to turn on a faucet, BEWARE. Water pressure is ridiculous. There have been a few soaked floors and shirts already.
2. After flushing a toilet, be prepared for it to not flush for another 15 minutes.
3. It will rain every day at some point, even with the sun out.
4. Guinness = the adult root beer float

By the way, here's the link to an interview I did for the Galway Advertiser on the show:
http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/43632/sarah-lasko-on-the-crucibles-manipulative-abigail

It is one minute to midnight and time for me to sign off, I think.
Cheers!
Sarah