Monday, January 3, 2011

2010: Your One and Only Post about the Year

Ok, ok...so I realize I have not blogged since May of 2009. So sue me. But this boy has been busier than busy and most of you who know me can certainly understand. 

So, I thought I would take a moment to give you the scoop on all my crazy happenings of 2010 and a preview of what lies ahead for 2011. Brace yourselves, 2010 was a happening year for me.

CHAPTER 1
The Sheraton & Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2010....The day that will life in infamy. After only five months of employment, the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel decided to eliminate my position (Senior Catering Manager) and lay me off. Really? On MLK Jr. Day? Ok, whatever. It was bitter sweet. I know that I was ultimately not happy there, but knew in this economy I couldn't just quit and be left with nothing. That day ended up being a blessing in disguise for many reasons (you'll know more later in the blog). I considered it a paid vacation (thanks unemployment benefits)!  While actively seeking employment I was enjoying the fact that I could sleep in until noon every day, work out for 2 hours a day, and start Lost from Season 1 and get through all 5 seasons on DVD in only a couple of weeks. Best. Vacay. Ever! 

So what took place while I was unemployed for three months? I did a lot of Theatre...duh! Continue Reading. 

1) January 2010 
I had a starring role (Paul) in a production of Six Degrees of Separation presented by the Wasatch Theater Company at the Rose Wagner Theater. This was by far the most challenging role I've had the pleasure of ever playing. It really tested my acting abilities and pushed me to skill levels I didn't realize I had. I credit an amazing director, Jim Martin, and talented cast whom I learned so much from and created lasting friendships with. What a great way to pass the time while being recently unemployed.

2) January-February 2010
I musically directed a fun production of Kiss Me, Kate at Rodgers Memorial Theater in Centerville. A Clever musical with fun music and a great cast!

Additionally, I also musically directed an amazing production of Reefer Madness: The Musical produced by Dark Horse Company Theatre at the Egyptian Theater in Salt Lake. One of the best casts I've ever had the pleasure of directing and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Christopher Glad in his debut Musical Directorial experience. It was a brilliant show and received rave reviews and made me so happy to be a part of such success. 

3) February-April 2010
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill starring Dee Dee Darby Duffin, and produced by the Pygmalion Theater Company at Rose Wagner Theater, was probably my favorite production to be involved in to-date. This was a two-person show in which I Musically Directed and also performed the role of Jimmy Powers (the accompanist to Billie Holiday). Dee Dee's portrayal of Lady Day was phenomenal and she made it easy for me to bring out the necessary vocals to portray the character with such detail. It also was a huge challenge and learning experience for myself. Having studied piano classically, I never dove into the genre of Jazz and Blues. Playing this show taught me so much (on my own) and made me that much more of a better musician. Dee Dee and I were led by an amazing director (Teresa Sanderson) who knew Billie and that time period, in and out! She made the show what it was and brought out the best in us! What a fantastic experience. Additionally, we completed the run with pretty much sold out houses and leaving people begging for more. We hope that PYG will Encore the show in one of their upcoming seasons. 


CHAPTER 2
WAHOO! I Found a Job!
After only 3 short months of unemployment (January 19 - April 20...which is pretty great considering the state of the economy and employment market), I was pleased to receive an offer of employment from the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park Hotel in Research Park. I believe everything happens for a reason, and the second I walked into that place I knew I was at home. The Marriott is what I call "the Undiscovered Secret" up on the Foothills of Salt Lake City. It's a great hotel with an amazing clientele and management team. The best part about this new opportunity is that I was promoted to the Director of Catering and Conference Services after another 3 short months. Can we say blessing!? Here I am laid off in January and promoted to a Director level by the end of July. That's something to be thanking God for. It proved that the risks I was taking and everything else I was doing the last 4 years in the hotel industry was paying off.  I work with an amazing catering team and know that my career is headed in the right direction. 

Other highlights of my 2010 Craziness...

May 2010
I played keyboard 2 for a production of Bingo: The Musical at the Grand Theatre. Many might not have known this since they forgot to list the orchestra in the program...bummer. 

June-August 2010
I Musically Directed and Conducted a production of Guys and Dolls at the Sandy Amphitheater. I'm thrilled that I get to conduct at least one show a year in a pit with a baton! 

September-November 2010
I reprised my role (for the 4th time) as Blacula in the Live Entertainment Division for Lagoon's Frightmares. I promised my best friend Ashley, that if she did the show, I would. And together we made it through! Hopefully if you made it to Frigtmares this year, you were able to stop by and catch one of the 7 shows we did in an evening!

November - December 2010
Not a darn thing! I took this time to soak in all that took place in 2010. I used this time to really focus on my new job and position, my family and friends, and continue to succeed and move forward with life. 

What an incredible year! Really. I would not change one aspect of this fast paced roller coaster I was on. I sure hope 2011 can keep up!

Speaking of 2011....what's ahead? On top of continuing to run a successful Catering Team at the Marriott, I look forward to many Theatrical Opportunities. I wouldn't be Trevor Jerome without them:

March 2011
Look for me as Keyboard 2 in the production of Marvelous Wonderettes at the Grand Theatre. 

June 2011
I will be musically directing a production of The Civil War at the NEW Rodgers Memorial Theater (Now called Centerpoint Legacy Theater). Looking forward to working with a great directing team of Ron Jewett and Marilyn May Montgomery. 

July- August 2011
I look forward to working with the Sandy Arts Guild on their annual Summer Production as Musical Director and Conductor of their 30+ Member Cast and 20 Piece Orchestra. 


Ok. If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope to update more frequently as to not create these novel blog updates. Much love to you all, and wishing you much success in all of your 2011 endeavors. 

TJ





3 comments:

Jay and Emily said...

Wahoo! An update! I did not know you were into Lost. I have seen every season but the last. Once I had Carter I just didn't have the time. I really need to rent them so I can finish. I am so happy you had such a great year! It sounds like you have been very blessed! Keep the updates coming!

heidikins said...

Walter. Please bless you never go this long without blogging ever again.

Love, Jane.

Adrienne said...

you have been busy. glad things are going so well