What I'm Becoming As I Grow Up

Forewarning: this is going to be a warm fuzzies post.

This weekend, I had what I would like to refer to as a "College Moment." No, I am not talking about any crazy parties or wild adventures. Sunday I met with a group Sunday to work on a project for my Topics in Drama class. My classmates are undoubtedly taking the course as a general education credit or tag requirement rather than any real interest in drama. Me being the resident college theatre dork, it is incredibly interesting to see how they approach the text. It gives me the opportunity to see how far I have come as a student over the course of my collegiate career.

Filed under: Capstone Ideas

So far, I have taken Play Analysis, World Theatre History I and II, and Acting I and II, among other major-specific courses. All of these include critical thinking of dramatic literature, research based on the play, playwright, and the world in which the play takes place, and what it takes to be able to give a believable performance. I spent last semester engrossed in the world of Molly, a sassy anarchist that is the imaginary lover of a homebody named Beane (Love Song by John Kolvenbach) as a part of my scene study intensive. Before that, I researched the history of Greek tragedies and analyzed Euripides' Medea and its relationship with modern feminism. I learned the acting traditions from around the world, including Sanskrit theatre and Japanese Kabuki. Of course, I have also had my fair share of challenging language, from Shakespeare to doggerel prose from the Middle Ages.

Sitting with three classmates from different majors in an otherwise empty classroom, it hit me just how much I have learned. Looking at Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, a play written in 1592, seemed completely natural. I understood the language, was familiar with the societal context and allusions, and was able to suggest solid acting tactics to my friends without seeming too pretentious. I concede that none of this would have been true, or even possible, a year ago. Reflecting further, I have realized that I also identify every lighting unit that I see on television or at events, can do simple programming from learning to operate a lighting board, and am respectably savvy when it comes to basic electrical work and carpentry thanks to my work in the Freed Center scene shop.

I always said that I wanted to work in theatre when I grew up. Though I am still very young, "real" adulthood is looming closer every day. It was nice to be able to reflect and see I am actually realizing my dreams. All of my tuition money and late nights studying are paying off! As Sophomore Slump hits hard and my schedule becomes even more overwhelming, this College Moment came at the perfect time. I am extremely proud of the work I am doing and I know it is preparing me for a future in which I can successfully do what I love. As everyone else is going through hard times as well, consider this a reminder that you chose this path for a reason and you are smarter and stronger for it. I am proud of you, and you should be too.

Until next time!

Kathryn