Theatre Thursday- Private Benjamin or The First Detour

Biology is driving me crazy right now and I had my first test yesterday. I am scared of the results of that test but for now some reminiscing of the theatre.

During rehearsals for Hamlet, I had gotten a call from an Army recruiter and basically told him there was no chance I was joining the military.  Fast forward several weeks,  I had finished up Hamlet and H on T and then didn't have anything lined up.  Southwest Shakespeare Company's next show was the musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.  At that time, I was not a singer and so didn't even bother auditioning.

So, I tried to attend Scottsdale Community College, but I couldn't really afford to go and didn't really know about financial aid or how to get it.  I didn't like my acting class because it was full of students who had no experience and let's face it, I thought I was better than them.  It wasn't challenging and so I wasn't doing very well.  It never occurred to me to ask my instructors or even the director of Hamlet (Lynda Linford) who was actually a part of the theatre program at the University of Utah for help on navigating the college world. 

I was sitting at home and I got a call from the recruiter again.  This time I wasn't doing anything and wanted a way to pay for college.  So, I dropped out of my classes and joined the Army.  (I actually didn't drop out of one of my classes correctly so I have an F on my record for Acting. Ooops!)

I learned a lot in the Army.  I felt a bit like Private Benjamin in some ways. I got in great shape. I got a free trip to Germany.  I studied Computers, had a Top Secret clearance and graduated top of my class.  Fun stuff.  

I also met my first husband in the Army. I got pregnant. I got out of the Army. I got married to my first husband and then gave birth to my first son. J1 was born premature and was in the hospital for a month and then came home.  

When J1 was about 6 months old or so I discovered that my first husband was cheating on me. I then divorced from him as he had no intention of leaving his mistress.

I moved back to AZ.  Met DH, got married, had A1. My X signed away his rights and DH adopted J1.  

After I had A1, I was struggling a bit with PPD that turned into full blown depression for a couple of years. I felt like I needed to get back into the theatre and that is when I decided to take Track 2 of the Conservatory.  But that will be for the next post.