This Is What I Wanted....

Okay, so its the end of my first week in school, and boy did we hit the ground running! After sitting through an actually quite enjoyable orientation on Friday, the other first years and I met Saturday to attempt the MFA exam. The test was comprised of nine questions, all essay, requiring an in depth, analytical response to nine different plays. Needless to say our attempts at answering any of the questions was feeble at best. Not to worry though, as mentioned before it was more a chance for us to see what the test was going to be like than an actual attempt at taking it. Then, we met later that day and performed our audition monologues for the head of the acting program and received critiques. Sunday, we met at the head of the directing program's house with the other grad students, faculty, and staff to meet and mingle. Jen and I, and the other first years showed up at the same time, but unfortunately for us, that was 30 minutes after the party started. Of course, we were teased about this for the rest of the evening.

On Monday, classes kicked off. Here's what I am taking: a Movement class that centers on warm up activities, games, and relaxation techniques, an Analysis class which focuses on complete analysis of plays as a whole, a Voice class looking at basic vocal exercises and relaxation techniques, and a Score class that focuses on the complete analysis of individual characters of plays and different acting techniques. In addition, I'm also assistant teaching the Unarmed Stage Combat class. Both the Analysis and Score classes will be constituting the bulk of the work that I will be doing this semester. Both classes incorporate several analysis projects, reports, and presentations. This program has been described as a more academic program, which I am worried, but also excited about. I'm worried because most of the training I have done has been more practical, and some of the lower grades that I have received in the past have been due to the lack of self discipline in getting the work done. That being said, I am excited about the work laid before me because of the challenge it presents. I am continually reinforcing the attitude that when I am presented with an assignment, I don't think of it as something I have to do, but something I get and want to do. One of my teachers made the point that the faculty here are training my classmates and I to become their colleagues. Therefore, they are obviously going to push us to become professionals worthy of that distinction. I appreciated that because of course this is my passion, and I was inspired to achieve not only the degree, but more importantly, the knowledge and experience. Of course, I hope I can still count on all of you to help me stay motivated.

Auditions went okay this week. I got callbacks for two of the mainstage shows, but did not get cast. Auditions for the studio shows, which are shows that the directing grad students present, will be tomorrow night, though. There are seven or eight studio shows being staged this semester, so, I still have an opportunity to be cast in one of those. Of course, given the class load I'm kind of embracing the less is more mind set when it come to how much work I take on.

Also in the News!!

Jen is still doing well at her new job. She likes the work, loves the babies, but is still keeping an eye out for something that has a little better pay rate. She is actually starting to look into her grad program, and taking note of deadlines for applications and possible financial aid. I think she is leaning toward the sociology program now, instead of elementary education. While at work the other day, she covered for one of the teachers in a class with five year olds and it kinda freaked her out. She's still doing research, though, so we'll see what she settles on. Jen has also begun delving into the family cook book and trying out some recipes. She made sour cream enchiladas for dinner one night that were excellent, and she baked a couple of buttermilk pies. We had the other first years over this evening and they all had second helpings of the pie. Way to go Jen!!

We had the Graduate/ Undergraduate softball game today. They have the game once a semester. Major bragging rights at stake. It was pretty intense. The Grads all got personalized jerseys and had practice before the game. Eric had a couple of hits including a base hit and a deep fly to left field that almost went the distance for what would have been a three run homer, but was caught. He also got to play catcher for a while and did well as he helped the team get out of three innings with one strike out and only allowing one run to score. Of course, Jen and Maggie were in attendance cheering Eric, the first years, and the other Grads on. Unfortunately, after having won two previous games in a row, the Grads lost to the undergrads 6-1. Oh well, we'll get 'em next semester.

We are continuing to find our daily routine since classes have started, and looking into other ways of getting involved in the community. Eric has two of his Analysis projects due soon,
a minor/personal analysis of "The Misanthrope", by Moliere, and a Major/researched analysis on "Othello". We are also scheduling time to work out and attend various fitness classes offered at the campus recreation facilities. Hopefully, by the time we come home for Christmas we will be lean and mean. As always, we're looking forward to hearing from you all.

Love,

Jen, Eric, and Maggie