It's true. At times I feel as if I have no air. But regardless of the "suffocation," (metaphorically speaking) I am thoroughly enjoying my sophomore year at Huntington.
Let's start with my rehearsal schedule. I usually have about 4 hours every night of rehearsal for "As It Is In Heaven," which opens next weekend. (Sept. 18, 19, & 20). This show has been such a great and challenging acting experience for me. I haven't done a serious show without music where I have lots of lines since my senior year in high school. I love it. It's really pushing me hard, but I feel like I walk out of every rehearsal with something new to synthesis into my techniques. I have the occasional rehearsal for "Shakesperience!" usually after AIIIH. These rehearsals run for about an hour and a half. Our first show is October 4th. After that we'll be traveling to different high schools to perform. Need I go into detail about how challenging it is to be performing 5 random monologues from several different Shakespeare productions? It is indeed. However, I LOVE this show. I am learning to really appreciate the Shakespeare language, no matter how outdated it is. The feeling of reciting and then being able to act one of his monologues while understanding yourself is such an accomplishment for me. Good stuff.
First round of Sophomore year auditions: Horrid. Well, I shouldn't say that. I thought they were horrid, but I've learned not to beat myself up over mess ups in theatre. I did fine on the dance audition. I forgot some of my lyrics on my song. Oh, I forgot to mention it was for "Music Man." I've never seen the show. I miraculously got a call-back audition for the lead, Marion Paroo, and for Zaneeta Shinn, the lead dancer. I was mostly excited to get a call-back so that I would have a second chance to sing since the first time I messed up. Anyway, as soon as I saw my name next to the Zaneeta Shinn call-back, I knew that's what I wanted. I know I haven't taken a lot of dance, but I have had lots of random training from really great professionals over the past few years. Therefore, I knew this would be the most challenging (not to mention FUN). Alas, I was given the role of Zaneeta Shinn and I am thoroughly excited. After watching a few scenes of her via YouTube, I decided that I can't wait to start. "Ye Gods!" (Extremely famous quote of hers in the show :)
My theatre classes are going swimmingly. Much like rehearsals, they are challenging me greatly. So far, so good.
Beginning Ballet is really great. I just bought ballet slippers for it. I love buying dance apparel at Standing Ovations in Fort Wayne. It's such a good feeling.
Chemistry will be my biggest challenge. I've done really well on the homework, and I absolutely love my lab, but it's the lecture that kills me. I have my first exam coming up in 2 weeks. Since I get out of rehearsal early tomorrow, I plan on visiting Devin at work then coming back to HU to put together a study guide for it. My friend Andrew took tons of advanced Chemistry in high school and has already been a big help. It'll be fine. I just have to stay focused.
I LOVE public speaking. I had my first speech two days ago. I was quite worried. I didn't know if my story was quite what the teacher would want it to be, but he ended up giving me really great feedback and I got a 100%. I was pleased. He told the three theatre majors in the class (including me) that this course would be a challenge. The only challenge I see at this point is the fact that he told us that. To be honest, I feel like we have somewhat of an advantage. Acting is completely different from public speaking, but as actors, we are taught to relate to our audience. Relating is KEY in public speaking. So, maybe they aren't that different after all.
I miss home. I miss going on walks with Mom and chatting with Dad. I miss laughing with my sister and spending time with my extended family. I miss getting coffee with Devin (although we've been having "coffee dates" via iChat). I miss quiet time. But, as I get deeper and deeper into the semester, I feel like I am finding more and more of it as I figure out and get a better grasp on my schedule. God is good. If this is where He wants me, I know I will find the strength to endure.
Oh, and my social life died when school started. I actually don't really mind. I do have time here and there to hang out, but I certainly am enjoying being alone when I have the chance. To top it off, I got a Saturday night hosting job at Blu Tomato in Georgetown. Whew. OH, and I got another job in the Public Relations Theatre Office.
Don't worry. I have Friday and Saturday evenings and ALL DAY Sundays off. Oh wait, not Saturday evenings. I work. Ha :)
Thankful,
Lindsay
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