at the risk of sounding harsh...people plan, God laughs...
have never heard of a roadmap to success in DC, so just do it...there isn't anything so critical it can't be changed if it's not working...
looking back
get your 501 underneath you..
make sure you have two really good friends to cry with, scream with, and kick small animals if need be
okay don't kick animals, but it can be really frustrating to have to cancel rehearsal cuz two people will be out and it just took out your sop line...
most of all enjoy it for what it is...the rest will come with patience and desire
we are still learning tons and hopefully will continue to learn how to get it right, but if I can help ya out in any way I gladly will