A day in my life cannot begin until I have a cup of coffee. I’m a mug collector because apparently your life becomes really boring in your mid-20’s. Today I start with my moo mug, a personal favorite.
Randi Garza
After eating breakfast and getting ready for the day, I trim some roses my boss got me the night before. It’s hard having two jobs but it’s definitely easier with a boss that supports me 100%.
Randi Garza
Before I head out, I take my dog for a walk. Skye is a beagle/hound mix and the most adorable cuddle bug in the whole world. You should be jealous of our relationship.
Randi Garza
Onto brunch at Argosy! I meet up with my friend Megan and her amazing mama, Cindy. And how is brunch complete without a round of mimosas? Trick question. It is not.
Randi Garza
I drive a 1996 Cadillac Deville named Gertie. She is a wonderful car but requires a lot of maintenance. Star Quality actually means adding oil to your engine before getting to your next destination. I promise. Look it up.
Randi Garza
The Atlanta theatre community is not only large but extremely supportive. I try to make it out to see every show in town and The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Stage Door Players was no exception.
Randi Garza
I’ve worked at this theatre before and it is such a wonderful environment to be in. They have a very faithful group of patrons so it’s always fun to see familiar faces from past shows.
Randi Garza
Gretchen Butler, part of the team at Serenbe, was my show date. This was not planned but clearly an act of divine intervention.
Randi Garza
And so the drive to Serenbe has begun… after about 20 miles on the highway, you can look for these landmarks to know you’re almost there!
Randi Garza
The farm at one entrance of Serenbe is so beautiful! I take a few different routes coming into the town everyday because there are so many breathtaking sites to see on the drive. The other entrance is a winding dirt road with horses and livestock on both sides. It feels like a fairy tale.
Randi Garza
The next two photos are a couple of my favorite houses in the community.
Randi Garza
There’s no crime in pretending I own them, right?
Randi Garza
Eva requires a preshow veggie burger from Burger King. Again, star quality has many different definitions. Terry, one of the Serenbe Playhouse apprentices, is clearly jealous.
Randi Garza
Ally Duncan (Mistress), myself, Ryan Oliveti (Assistant Director extraordinaire), and Jenna Jackson (Ensemble) chatting it up around the fountain before we get ready.
Randi Garza
I love these people. In a show that requires so much from me, I cannot do it without a supportive ensemble and team. They keep me going and I am forever grateful.
Randi Garza
Jenna and Jaclyn Helms (Ensemble) reviewing bug bites from the week. Outdoor theatre is no joke, people.
Randi Garza
Jenna, Becca Potter (Dance Captain), and Jaclyn being total babes outside of the studio.
Randi Garza
Chase Peacock (Magaldi) has the right idea on hydration to beat the summer heat. 12 ounce water bottles are just a tease.
Randi Garza
I’m lucky to work with people like Chase. He is hardworking, has a voice that will make your mama weep, and also has a mean Chris Brown impression up his sleeve.
Randi Garza
Shelby Folks (Ensemble) is another one of the apprentices at Serenbe Playhouse. Here she is touching up her hair in the single mirror at the studio where we get ready. It’s like sharing a bathroom with your siblings and you can bet music is playing on loud speakers in the background with a dance party happening to get us pumped up.
Randi Garza
Terry being a sweet pea and helping Shelby fix her mic. Team work makes the dream work.
Randi Garza
Nathan Lubeck (Ensemble) and AJ Klopach (Ensemble) cheesin in the studio. These boys are two of the best dancers you will find in this town and we are very lucky to have them in our show.
Randi Garza
The studio where the actors get ready before the show is a single room in Serenbe. It also doubles as a rehearsal space for shows. This theatre is not for divas. As you can see, we don’t have dressing rooms but this is one of my favorite parts of being here. The preshow experience is communal and fun and I love starting a show after laughing with my cast for an hour.
Randi Garza
Charlie Brady (Che) stretching out the hammies before the show. If you don’t know his name, you will soon. This boy is a superstar.
Randi Garza
Jaclyn with the essential Red Bull in hand. We need all the energy we can muster!
Randi Garza
Pre-makeup selfie to remind you that I am human and actually do not have a beautiful blonde head of hair.
Randi Garza
The Labyrinth, a rock garden in Serenbe, is my holding area before the show. I cannot put into words the sense of calm and peace that comes with spending fifteen minutes in this space before jumping into the world of Evita.
Randi Garza
The view overhead in the labyrinth
Randi Garza
Lilly, my stage manager, meets me before house opens to bring the most essential part of my preshow ritual - bug spray.
Randi Garza
Who needs a ballet barre when you can stretch in the woods??
Randi Garza
Post-makeup selfie. Young Eva is almost ready!
Randi Garza
The lake sits right outside of the space we perform in and is a sight to see on the walk up.
Randi Garza
The pavilion, the holding area for the youth chorus.
Randi Garza
The walk up for patrons to get to the site is over the bridge next to the lake. I know it sounds like a Christmas carol or a dream but it is REAL and it is beautiful.
Randi Garza
Sometimes I head up to the pavilion to chat with the kids before the show. They make me laugh and love being in the show. Such a good group to work with.
Randi Garza
Myself and one of ‘Eva’s Angels’ before the show.
Randi Garza
One of the moms helping out to get everyone ready. With 10 kids every night, we need as many hands on deck as possible.
Randi Garza
One of Serenbe’s cutest mascots.
Randi Garza
Jessica, certified child wrangler, clearly NOT crumbling under the pressure of chasing excited kids for an hour.
Randi Garza
With 5 to places, the kids head over and I sneak around behind them to not be seen by the audience. They are giggling and skipping and holding hands and I’m so humbled to be witnessing their joy.
Randi Garza
One last application of OFF! to keep the critters away.
Randi Garza
And with the sun setting, we have places called!
Randi Garza
Ally doing a very casual quick change in the woods.
Randi Garza
Side view of the crowd at top of show. Packed house tonight and we are ready to share Evita with them!
Randi Garza
Chris Brent Davis (Music Director) and I sneaking an intermission selfie.
Randi Garza
Just about half of the ensemble backstage during intermission. The apprentices are working the bar during intermission selling themed cocktails and flirting with patrons in Spanish.
Randi Garza
Ally and Dar (Ensemble) are ready for Act 2!
Randi Garza
Quick peek of the side of stage right at the top of Act 2.
Randi Garza
Anna Mechling, my dresser, is one of the only reasons I make it onstage ready to go. Without her, I would be topless and bald. Not necessarily a bad thing, but we aren’t doing the Rocky Horror Show so maybe a little inappropriate.
Randi Garza
Michelle, Katie, and Anna are the greatest backstage hands a company could ask for!
Randi Garza
Post show prom pose with my fearless director, Brian Clowdus. He has grown to be one of my favorite people in this city. We have a fabulous working relationship and he offers me so much support and guidance. Oh and I should mention he has a world-class karaoke rendition of "Let it Go."
Randi Garza
A little mix of cast, crew, and patrons after the show. Not sure what has us cracking up here but it must have been good.
Randi Garza
And with that, we have a wrap! After the show, I get home around 12:15 and immediately get in bed after a long productive day. Thank you for joining me for a little glimpse into my life. Evita has been a dream and I’m sad to let this show go. But, until then, I’ll see you guys at the top of the balcony.
Randi Garza
