The Chronicles of Hanley

Fun in Art Statements

2011-06-16T20:32:00.004-04:00

When I started this blog several years ago, I wrote a piece about Artist Statements. Kudos to my husband for finding this link and passing it on to me. Instant Artist Statement

For those of us who love to create, look, and engage in artistic endeavors but often become turned off upon reading truly meaningless redundant and trite artist statements. This made me laugh so I share it.

Back in Academia

2010-11-04T07:43:00.002-04:00

Well I'm back, a couple of brief experiences in Theater and Secondary Education, I've come full circle back to Academia. The pay, worse than what I was paid for the same type of position 15 years ago. Alas, it pays enough to cover the bills and gives me summers off to enjoy my children while they are still children (and don't mind hanging out with their parents). It is time for the return of non-academic in academia blog :)

The Producers at the Croswell

2009-06-20T13:46:00.002-04:00

Warning: Shameless Plug

Come see the Tony award winning musical The Producers by Mel Brooks at the Croswell Opera House. Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 and Thursday, June 25 - Sunday June 28. It has a very funny and talented cast of characters (I'm one of 'em). Go to www.croswell.org to order tickets online.

Now Appearing On Stage

2008-11-29T11:16:00.003-05:00

Starting my new job in May at the historic Croswell Opera House in Adrian. Michigan, I didn't have any plans on being on stage myself. There is an incredible amount of talent in our area and a pool of veteran actors, directors, musicians, and designers around that combine those talents to make this theatre the jewel of the region. During the holidays this year, collecting the needed adult talent for our large production of "A Christmas Carol the Musical" led me to volunteer to be part of the ensemble. Yes unlike many an American Idol contestant, I can sing on key. So after a qick run through of scales by the music director, I was cast into the ensemble. On the night of auditions, I had childcare duties in addition to working the audition, so in order to get my work done, my daughters each went off to audition (just for fun) with the other children. My oldest daughter happily made the cut and we are now sharing this experience together. So far, I've made it through the audience dress rehearsal and opening night singing and dancing (somehow at the same time) and soaking up this opportunity to just be a part of a group of energetic and talented people. In addition, this also reignited the desire of my husband (the one with the real acting talent and experience) to audition for "Of Mice and Men" and he will return to the stage as well after a break of over 20 years.

Summer Fun

2008-11-20T09:27:00.004-05:00

Now that the weather here in Michigan has taken a true move towards winter and my oldest daughter and I are spending our evenings practicing for "A Christmas Carol the Musical", I have decided to throw out a reminder of our summer spent at Bohn Pool in Adrian.

I love tea

2008-11-19T20:15:00.005-05:00

My 6 year old daughter loves to sing. In addition to singing in her sleep, she will sing about anything. We caught her singing about how she loves tea.

Big name college teams hiring trash coaches

2008-02-17T13:47:00.003-05:00

It didn't take IU long to have their name tarnished by hiring Sampson, a coach with a some obviously questionable ethics prior to hiring. I am now just waiting for Michigan's hiring of Rodriguez and UCLA's hiring of Neuheisel to soil their programs as well. What I don't get is how on earth these guys smooze their way into coaching positions after obvious problems at other schools as well as many clear warning signs. There are clean successful coaches out there, yet somehow, they get a pass and the likes of dirty, cheating, lying bastards like Neuheisel (after ruining programs at TWO schools) somehow manage to get jobs with prestigious programs. I look forward to seeing the sanctions roll in hopes that these big schools will learn that a winning record combined with dirty tactics doth not a winning program make. Kids learn from their mistakes and change not older adults, they just try harder not to get caught.