getting over the hump

It’s taken me a while to post a new blog… much less write one. Half the time I would just look at the blank screen, and think, what the heck do I write?! My life is one big writer’s block right now. But the only way to get over the hump is just start writing I suppose.

Iphigenia 2.0 has been an interesting experience. I have learned a lot. I’ve also had many frustrations, but I’m working through them. Mei Ann told me that she can see a lot of improvement in my acting, which is quite possibly one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. I don’t think this is a play that takes me out of my comfort zone, but I am learning a lot about technique, movement, expression, as well as how to work with others in a chorus. Between Iphigenia and my Bay Area Theater class, I being engulfed with theater, and I love it. The BATS class gives me a chance to watch others perform and learn so many techniques. “Tragedy: A Tragedy” taught me that movement is not always necessary in order to make a great impact on an audience. This was a play that was completely naturalistic, with all 4 actors staying positioned in their corner, yet the play made such an impression on the audience. “The Trojan Women,” on the other hand, had a great amount of movement and floor pattern with their chorus, and in the same way this made a great impression on me (regardless of what some people might say)

And also, I am going camping this weekend. Sadly enough, this is my first time camping….. so I don’t know what to expect (except maybe a really cold night lol). Twill be interesting.

There is more that I want to write now, but sleep is calling my name. More later.

theater high

I’ve been on this theater high for a while now. After going to Ashland this summer for the Shakespeare Festival, I felt strangely drawn to acting, but never thought I’d be able to do it (no experience, stage fright, horrible at memorization). But, sometimes you surprise yourself. “On Tidy Endings” came my way and taught me a lot of things, showing me how enjoyable and profound theater is. Yesterday we drove to Berkeley to watch “The Bacchae” and I realized that I’m starting to watch a lot closer at everyone’s performances, studying them and picking up things that may come in handy later. I only wish I had started doing theater earlier. Last night was our first read thru of Iphigenia 2.0. I thought I did alright for the little amount of reading I did, but became frustrated at the fact that there aren’t many lines and I don’t know how to create a more distinct character. It made me more and more frustrated until Tim helped me to realize the importance of the chorus, no matter what lines there are. Of course, some lines of the chorus mean a lot (such as soldier parts), but even if I don’t get a speaking role, my role can still be meaningful and play a significant part. And I realized that even if I don’t get a speaking part, there is still so much that I can learn. Mei Ann is having us do all kinds of activities and assignments, like actors journals, dancing, watching other characters. I think I am going to thoroughly enjoy this and learn so much. Can I just do theater and have no more classes please?!