Happier Healthier Singer is back

Did some one say re-brand?

Hello everyone, it has been too long. Have you ever had an idea that felt so right- and then you suddenly took a detour and the idea kinda went to hell? But in your heart you can remember that original idea and that wonderful feeling so you go back to the drawing board- do a little soul searching- and come back with a new perspective, new ideas, and best of all a renewed motivation!

A recurring theme in life seems to be me overlooking my connection with musical theater. Happier Healthier Singer used to represent my "healthy journey to being happy with a touch of singing" or something vague like that... but that's exactly what it was: vague. And it didn't really capture me, my passion, or what kind of blog I want to have.

So welcome to the new Happier Healthier Singer! Be sure to check out my new About Me section and if you haven't signed up for my mailing list/followed me on social media- dooooo it (please- I promise I am gonna be putting out some really great stuff).

Let's get real- my life is musical theater. I am getting my degree in dance, theater, and music and I regularly perform in community shows. I want to some day own a children's theater and I would love to be a theater teacher. So I was kidding myself when I made this blog anything other than a blog about musical theater. I mean I want to still include some of that other stuff where it fits in (because I do think it fits in- oh I'll get there eventually haha).

"What does that mean exactly?" "What should we expect?"

Great questions.. me? Anyway-

My theatrical journey really started eleven years when I was in my first real musical... High School Musical. And ugh,yes, I was Sharpay Evans. And in a horrific turn of events, a hair dresser cut my hair way too short weeks before opening and I had to wear an AWFUL wig for the run of the show. I decided to transfer high schools the next year (with some convincing of my dad- luckily they had better academics too) to a high school with a better funded music and theater program. Fast forward five years and I make the move from Ohio to Northern California and I start college. At first my major was chemistry- but I was in two choirs and a performance class my first semester so it really wasn't a shock that I changed my major 2nd semester. I also started auditioning for local theaters and taking voice lessons.

Fast forward four more years. I am a semester away from getting my B.A. and I've performed in over 20 productions. And- oh boy- I have learned a lot along the way. Not only about theater but about what I want in life.

I love performing.

But I don't need it to make me happy.

I do need to be involved in theater to feel fulfilled, however.

And there is something strange and wonderful that I love about community theater.

"But what does any of this mean?" I want to write about musical theater. I want to share what theater has taught me and how it has helped me become a happier and healthier person. I want to share the insides- the rugged beauty of community theater. And I want to share my journey and growth as an amateur actress and singer.

I am really excited to begin this journey with all of you. The world of community theater can be a tricky and fascinating place where things go horribly wrong and then inexplicably brilliantly. Balancing school, life, earning the money to live, and finding the time and energy to enjoy and thrive in your passion can be tough but SO rewarding and I somehow managed to pull it off even when it seemed daunting. So I want to help you! if you are struggling as an amateur/college musical theater performer trying to grow your skills, improve your life, and keep your bills paid, I have some tips and tricks for you.

And it's hard to maintain and thrive in the busy world- especially when it includes musical theater- without striving towards a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, lots of water, plenty of exercises- vocal included. You don't have to be a performer to understand how physically demanding being on stage can often be- as an audience member have you ever seen an actor sweating? Yeah, it's even worse up close- trust me.

It probably comes to no surprise that all of this "pretending to be someone else" can take a toll on your mind- good and bad sometimes so I wanna talk about using theater to become your best self and learning from the stories we get to tell and the shoes we get to wear. Plus, I have some tips and tricks to making the most of your down time and releasing stress in a healthy way so you can keep your cup filled and perform at your best.

So stay tuned for more on the new Happier Healthier Singer!

And make sure you have followed me on instagram, twitter, pinterest, and facebook!

Sincerely,

Jessie