WOULD YOU BELIEVE THIS??? Our assignment this year is to KEEP A BLOG!!!
Really, we’re meant to keep a journal, but Mr. Smith wants us to keep AN ONLINE JOURNAL, essentially a blog!!! WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS???
Anyhow, we were assigned to keep an online journal and our first assignment today was “what do you want to learn this year?”
I love how he asks us questions like this – it makes you think….
Anyhow, WHAT DO I WANT TO LEARN THIS YEAR?
Well, first of all, OF COURSE I want to learn how to act. But I’m guessing that’s not a very thorough answer.
In all honesty, I’m really excited about the idea of learning all the behind-the-scenes things that go into the theater: costumes, sets, lights, stage management… There’s such a career as a “dramaturg” – the person who does all the research and background information for a show. THAT JOB IS PERFECT FOR ME!!!! I don’t always show it but I love, LOVE, LOOOOVE studying anything and everything about just about everything I can! So I think that I’d make an amazing dramaturg. I can just see myself, walking in and addressing the cast and letting them know all the important points and interesting facts about 1700 Italy, the setting of their latest play…
I think I’d also like to learn how to play more. Maybe take life a little less seriously…. Not that I don’t know how to play, no. I know how to play, I just… sometimes have problems playing in front of other people. I take a lot of stuff seriously, I mean A LOT OF STUFF, (which is why I think I’d make an amazing dramaturg) so I’d really like to learn better how to let go in front of other people – aka “an audience.” I’m not sure how I can change that, but I’m guessing theater can help with that.
I’m also super excited about learning about the history of theater. I mean, everybody knows that stuff about Greek Theater and Shakespearean Theater and Restoration Comedy… But I mean, how does it all relate to what’s on Broadway RIGHT NOW or what will be hot tomorrow???
So yeah, that’s what I want to learn this year.
As a side note, this week has been really cool. I really hope I’m able to keep feeling this optimistic and enthusiastic about things for ever. I’m a tad concerned because some of my other classes are already proving to be pretty challenging and I really hope I don’t turn around and start resenting what I do on a daily basis in order to *hopefully* achieve some far-off goal “some day.” Something Mr. Smith said has been sticking with me: I hope I keep the “beginner’s mind” needed to remain as engaged and excited as I was on the first day (or the whole first week). I hope that I don’t get distracted by the drudgery of the every day.
So that’s about all! (I hope that answers your assignement, Mr. Smith!).
Have a wonderful weekend!
Aubrey
The Theater Door 