Hello all!
I deeply apologize for neglecting my blog for as long as I have. It’s been a crazy year to say the least. I guess I should update you all on what has happened since… November?!?!? Dear lord…
For our Classical project we did As You Like It. I played the part of Rosalind which was SO much fun! It’s one of those roles that every actress would LOVE to play at some point in her career so I felt fortunate to have the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the process as I do enjoy classical work very much. It was received well which was nice as well.
After that module was completed we began our workshop production. Our course director picked Ghetto by Joshua Sobol for that module. It’s a play about a Jewish ghetto in Lithuania during WWII. In the ghetto, a theatre company is started and the company produces plays not only for the other Jews in the ghetto, but even for the German troops. It is a wonderful story and I suggest reading the play for anyone who hasn’t. It was a strong ensemble show which allowed all of us to show our strengths in unique ways. I played two characters. One was the librarian of the ghetto who, when they were gathered by the Nazi’s and forced into the ghetto one night, my character picked up and carried all the books he could when others were helping people. He started the library the next day. He kept a detailed journal of the events during his time there. His journals were later published and were the basis of Sobol’s play. My other part was an ensemble character. I portrayed him as a 15-year-old boy who was trying to take care of those around him, but in reality, he was just as frightened himself of the whole situation. I enjoyed this module SO much. I loved the play, my parts, and especially our director. We were directed by a man named John Adams and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed working with him. He had a very laid back style which I received well. We didn’t start rehearsals until after 10 most days and he let us out early most of the time as well. He also introduced me to my new favorite acronym. P.O.E.T.S. Piss off early, it’s Friday. I liked working with the man, very much! Here is a link to the production photos as well. Enjoy! http://www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/Galleries/ghetto.html
Now we are in rehearsals for showcase. This is when all of the graduates of BSA put together a one minute speech and a 3 minute scene with a partner. We will be taking this showcase to London on Tuesday, May 18th for casting directors, agents, and so on. It’s a stressful process to say the least… Looking for pieces, finding scene partners, pitching material, getting material shot down, finally finding material, auditioning with it, having it shot down AGAIN, finding ALL NEW material… And so on. We are finally all sorted. I am doing a speech from Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, a modern adaptation of the Greek myth. It really is a lovely speech. She’s talking about her husband, their relationship, and what it’s like to love and be loved by an artist. My scene is from Boys’ Life. It’s easy, cute, and funny. This has REALLY been a stressful process though. Everyone is so anxious about agent interest, whereas I’m not sure if I want it. Not to say I’m expecting 27 agents to be knocking down my door, not at all. I just don’t know if I want to stay here to work.
That brings me to the biggest part of this year. It’s been difficult to say the least. I’ve been homesick, lonely, and… well… homesick! This year has really made me think about what’s important in life. Yes, I love performing and acting. The performance realm is the only place I can see myself being happy; however, I miss my family and home. I like who I am with that support system in place. I feel a bit like a fish out of water here. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed my training and I’ve met/worked with so many wonderful artists who otherwise I would have never had the opportunity to meet, but I think in the long run, I work better, feel happier, perform more honestly when I’m in an environment like home, where I have a loving and familiar support system.
I DO have friends here, but the thing is, I’ve never been friends with many actors. I struggle spending so much time with actors. I would consider myself more of a thinker and it’s been difficult to be around people with such high energy levels and performative natures. Again, don’t get me wrong. I DO have friends and I DO legitimately like the people I’ve met here. They are wonderful, caring, and above all, talented artists. It’s just a different kind of environment that what I’m used to. I’m used to having my life, and then I go to the theater to work. I see actors at work but then I go back to my real life with different kinds of people, a variety of people. Here, I’m working/living/spending my free time with the same people. That’s what’s been the most difficult part of it I think. At Jewell, I had so many different networks of people with which to associate. Here, it’s JUST the acting school.
This brings me to my current dilemma. It’s showcase time. If I DO receive agent interest, do I stay and try to work here? In this business, work is NOT something you turn down. However, if I stay, get a flat in London, and do the starving artist thing for another year or so, who’s to say my personal life won’t be any different? What if I’m just as lonely that way as well? And if it is, is it worth it? Being happy is a funny thing. This year has made me really think about this one question. Is it possible to be happy both personally AND professionally, especially as a woman in this business? It’s a difficult place to be.
So yeah, that’s been my year to now. Looking back, I DO think I’m happy I came here. I’ve had wonderful training from a brilliant faculty. It has taken its toll on me emotionally though. I’m glad I’ve done it, but July is looking mighty fine at the moment. 
