Vocational Day 1

As many of you know we are coming here to Germany with specific intentions to visit or explore our vocations. Today was our first vocational day and we were all set up with different places to visit and see.

Barbara went to a Real Estate office in Oldenburg to examine commercial real estate sales.
Lisa went to Trauhande an office dealing mostly in tax accounts of individuals and businesses.
Tyshawn went to a family owned department store named Leffers.
Viriginia went to a rehabilitation clinic.
And I went to the Staatstheater Oldenburg, one of the oldest state theaters in Germany.


I was shown around by a Youth Theater coordinator. The differences were amazing between the US and Germany. So many of the theaters artistic efforts aren't housed in the same building. There just isn't enough room in the US or that is not the priority. I saw the set design room which was huge, but even bigger the painting room was the entire width of the building, because they paint the scrims for the shows so it has to be at least the size of the stage. The other thing I noticed is that all these rooms had so much light, huge windows letting in tons of natural light. Next we saw the wig and makeup room, where I was told they use almost 98% real hair. I don't know if this is normal, but it seemed high to me. It was a great facility though and again huge panes of windows. The costume room was just gorgeous. I had the almost uncontrollable urge to try some things on. These gowns are why I am in the business (tee hee)! There were so many stations for working, I was floored. And they kept telling me this is so small for a state theater, which was unbelievable 'cause I can't imagine what a not small theater would be like.

Next Hanna (my guide) introduced me to an expat conductor from Arizona, living here for abour 14 yrs. He very kindly answered all my questions after I watch the orchestra rehearsa a Rameau piece called La Fete. It was lovely to be surrounded by musicians again, although I must say I was again struck at how different the rehearsals were run. Plenty of time for questions and drinks and such, with a small regard to the time passing. That is the difference perhaps between a contract to contract musician and house musician which these all were. Jason (the expat) took me to lunch and then surprise I was allowed to sit in on some auditions for incoming singers. Although it wasn't told to me I think they were auditioning for a Donna Anna as four of the sopranos came in singing Non mi dir. It was very helpful to see how the auditions went and what was called on and such. For example most houses I know of don't audition on the stage of the theater or can't audition on the stage of the theater due to scheduling, but pictured above is where they all sang. So invigorating and beautiful. I was really grateful that it worked out.

I ended the day watching a Youth Theater rehearsal of about 10 kids 15-17 that through a month of improve have put together a small play set to music. Here you can see the opening pose on the back wall. Even though it was all in German I was really able to grasp a lot of what was going on as the kids were super talented. Two of them saw me as they left the building and asked what I was doing and how I like New York and were just super friendly and curious. It was a pleasure to meet them and I am so happy my first vocational day was so good!