biting the bullet

after a very sobering review of my financial situation (LOTS of college loan debt) and a long talk with monica (she is more supportive than a sports bra) i've decided to apply for teaching positions at universities and top-tier private high schools nation-wide.

it's been fun researching the job openings available and imagining myself at all these different schools. i've put together a curriculum vitae that i think is very impressive and competitive except for that minor issue of never having taught at a university level before. i have a couple of powerful letters of recommendation from nancy houfek (the head of voice and speech at a.r.t.) and thomas kail (my dear friend and director of in the heights on broadway) and more coming from debbie mcwaters (founder/artistic director of btp), ron piretti (head of acting at BTP, fight director for in the heights, and professor at marymount manhattan college), and ann reinking (nuff said).

i love teaching, and i think i would/will have a ball doing it year-round. i have lost no love for acting (although maybe a little for the acting 'industry') and plan to pursue it, professionally or not, wherever i wind up, for the rest of my life.

the bottom line is: i have a terrific amount of expenses, and no forseeable way to make ends meet in new york as an actor. i am lucky to have an avenue that i love and can pursue which can put me in the position to make a salary. now i have to be lucky enough to be offered a job!

if i don't find a good match, i will remain in new york, attempt to defer my loans further, continue to pursue acting, and apply for teaching jobs as they become available.

it's scary to think about beginning a new arm of my wonky career path, but also fun. we'll see what happens!