Is there a bright side to adversity?
In the midst of calamity, it can be difficult to make sense of one’s feelings and the situation they face. As negative situations take their natural course a human being…
Tag: Reflections
2021: self-ideals and your personal theme
The eve of a new year tends to invite introspection. Many people set goals for the next 365 days with a hopeful outlook for the possibilities that lie ahead. Then…
Catching dreams, taking action
A couple of years ago, I photographed these dream catchers while on tour with a theatre production on the Sunshine Coast. They reminded me that it’s not enough to simply…
A song about courage in times of uncertainty
Yesterday was Make Music Day and rather than play someone else’s song, I thought I’d revisit some old music of mine and rearrange it. I chose a song from my…
Home in the time of Coronavirus
White walls. White tiles. A white ceiling. Surrounding me is a whole lot of white, and not much else going on. Being enveloped in this house for too long didn’t…
Abandoned playgrounds
There is something both solemn and eerie about an abandoned playground that captures me. As countries around the world practise social distancing and enforce lockdown and travel restrictions, many venues…
Happy Piano Day: the Solitude Sessions
On the 88th day of every year, Piano Day takes place. I felt it was a fitting time to launch my Solitude Sessions on the blog. Considering world events and…
Why I’m not making a list of resolutions for 2020
It’s been three years since I started the blog on jennifertrijo.com and a lot has changed in both my personal and professional life. I’m loving living my life on my…
Booked and blessed
As we near the end of October, and I celebrate the final three shows of Mamma Mia!, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for the offers that have come in…
Rejection, reviews, and resilience: realities of #performerlife
Performing is a tough business. Not only must one have the skills to tell a convincing story but they must compete for the right to tell it in the first…
Autumn leaves and new life
Easter is a time to celebrate new life. From Christ’s resurrection to the symbolic egg, from which new life emerges, it offers a chance to reflect on what truly matters…
March madness: rehearsals, reviews, and reflections
Opening night is officially over and the Fringe Festival has kicked off. I started my morning in rehearsals with a great group of musicians. It was a fabulous way to…
In retrospect
There is a refreshing clarity that comes with hindsight. Even the most gruelling task feels lighter once you reach its end. I have had countless new experiences in 2018, many…
Thank Goodness: Wicked 2018
I first watched Wicked over a decade ago and the songs and story have long stayed with me; such is the talent of Stephen Schwartz. His expertise in lyricism and…
Shedding my old skin
Last year on my birthday I published 360 degrees: another birthday wish on The Serenade Files and today I read the article again. I’m glad that I documented what my…
Solitude: at the composer’s desk
It has been a year of many creative risks and I recently reflected on my sabbatical in an article titled “I’ve taken a year off from teaching – and it’s…
DISENCHANTED! – part two
While on my brief Disenchanted hiatus, and as our creative team prepare for the Melbourne season, it is timely to reflect on the Noosa performances just passed. Friendship One of…
DISENCHANTED! – part one
It has been a fast-paced couple of rehearsal weeks but I am pleased to say that our company has blocked the entire show! It is a good place to be…
Eumundi Markets and Hastings Street – photo feature
It’s easy to see why the Sunshine Coast is a tourist magnet. Following a busy week filled with memorising songs, script, and choreography, I acquainted myself with a couple of…
Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout – photo feature
I am living and working in Queensland throughout July, if you follow me on social media you’ll know why. I went exploring after work yesterday and ended up at Mt…
Under the Bridge – Photo Feature
I walked familiar streets today, or at least I thought they were, A city so familiar to this lonesome traveller I ventured along traffic to the Harbour’s open arms, Though…
3 Simple Steps to a Successful Performance
You’ve got a gig! You’ve set the ground work by practising for hours on end. You know your material and you know that this performance is extremely important, but while…
7 Fashionable Looks That Pay It Forward
The warm tones of autumn are vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing. In autumn Australian temperatures are mostly mild and the trees are lit up with shades of auburn, orange, and yellow, withering…
WOMADelaide 2018 Photo Feature
If Adelaide can boast anything, it is the four-day World Of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) Festival that it hosts annually during the March long weekend. Locals affectionately refer to it…
Reflections of a Guest Performer: From a Distance, The Glory of Bette (Music / Cabaret)
Sarah Jane Whiteley’s debut in cabaret was a heartwarming memoir recounting the life of a star. Whiteley conceptualised the production from scratch. Her hour-long tribute to Bette Midler featured hit…
Following the Muse
February is off to a creative start with new original songs, a Fringe gig, and at least two more musicals in the pipeline. January was epic having wrapped up Shrek…
The Greatest Showman – Film Review
Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece. Your feelings matter but they likely will not change my opinion. Furthermore, I paid $20 to watch this film. I felt I needed to…
Prompt! I can’t remember my lines
Revising your parts for a show can be daunting. Be it music, choreography, or script lines, you are capable of more than you give yourself credit for. When I think…
New Year Inspiration: Flip the Negative
When setting goals for 2018, start with your mind. When your mind is well, other areas of your health and lifestyle begin to benefit. Everything starts with the mind. One’s…
Voices Of Christmas
Ten months in the making resulted in ten days of free live music in Adelaide CBD to usher in Christmas. The clever creatives at Slingsby, Novatech, and the team at…