An Excuse to Eat Scones

Last week I got a call from some college students, "Hi, is this Emily??  Umm....I'm Maya.  I'm from Nebraska Wesleyan University and myself and some other girls are studying theatre and are in the city.  We wanted to know if you would want to meet up with us and have lunch or coffee?  We thought it might be nice to get your perspective on working in theatre and moving to the city....??"  

"I would love to!"  I quickly answered back even though giving any kind of advice in such a tough business makes me a little nervous.  However, I love talking about theatre!  And I also remember how hard it was my first year in the city.  I remember being back in Nebraska and feeling like moving here and working in the arts felt like such a mystery and challenge!!  I would have loved to talk to someone who had also moved from Nebraska.  

"Oh great!"  Maya answered back.  " And also, is there any place you recommend for coffee or anything since we don't really know the city."

"Do you like tea and scones??"

"Sure!" 

"I think I know just the place."

I love this place in my neighborhood called Alice's Tea Cup.  It has the best scones on the planet and their Indian Chai tea is to die for.  Alice's Tea Cup is probably for little kids because there's pictures of bunnies and castles all over the walls.  I often see little kids run around with princess crowns and capes before sitting down to their tea party.  But I'm a sugar and caffeine addict, plus I love pretending I'm still twelve, so naturally, Alice Tea Cup is quickly becoming one of my favorite places.  However, I'm pretty sure that eating scones and chai everyday isn't so good for you, so especially since the holiday have ended, I've been avoiding Alice's at all costs.  

Fortunately, introducing some Nebraska theatre students to a favorite tea spot in NYC seemed the perfect excuse to visit Alice's for the first time since I've been back from Alabama.  

And how was our meeting??  Super fun!!  It was fun to think back to when I was about to move to NYC and all the questions I had in my head.  It was great to share stories, and reevaluate, and look back at how my career and life has changed since moving to NYC.  It was interesting to hear what they were doing in their theatre classes and it made me miss acting class!!!  And, of course, it was fun to eat those yummy scones!!  

I hope that the girls feel like I gave them some good advice and perspective, and I hope they enjoy their last few months in Nebraska.  Sometimes when you give advice to others, you end up giving advice to yourself!  In fact, after our afternoon tea, I went back and looked at a few books I had recommended to the girls.  

Have you ever been asked to give advice to actors just starting out??  (In many ways I feel like I too am just starting out and need advice as well!)  Jump in because it can be very fulfilling!  Oh yeah, and it's a great excuse eat scones!!

--  Emily Kinney

Comments

[Fredd]

I suppose you only ate half the scone? LOL

[Prudence]

It's great that you're giving advice to all of the theater lovers. Alice's Tea Cup sounds great–––if you ever get into a play version of Alice in Wonderland, you'll have another reason to visit.

[Justine]

It's very nice of you to help others out. I try to advise newer actors too. I always feel I learn from other people so if I have something to give in return, I try to do it. I think most people really appreciate it.