brett's blog

Tuesday Post 64

2012-02-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Well today was fun. I got a lot of work done! Yeah that's sarcastic, because we had to be evacuated, because there was a bomb scare. Well besides all that drama, I've been thinking that I want to experience everything in the Theatre world. Not just Acting and Dance, but we are kind of stuck to those two things. I don't know how Aladren does things with play-writing but I thought of something fun that could benefit the whole class. It's a short play exercise, where some one assigns adjectives to every student (ex. happy, depressed, lonely) and you just write a short 5 paged play involving your adjective. Then once you read it then the rest of the class have to guess the theme. I think this would benefit us because it would help us analyze the text more and find the deeper meaning to it all.

100 One thing that I am trying to get is a reel of all the acting experience I've had. All the past shows (even though they are horrible) I don't have any footage. SO I am focusing on getting more of my acting experiences videotaped and having them put into my reel. I really would like to have the part in Rebecca's play Truth About Us of the Perfect Person #2 or the waiter. Because it will give me more acting training and also make a good addition to my reel. And I don't have any set-in-stone conflicts so if you can't find anyone... I'm available!!!

Monday Post 63

2012-02-06T13:12:00.001-08:00

Today was the start of Mainstage! Yay! All of the students were emailed the shows we will be performing, last night. I was so excited that I read all of them the day I got the email! My favorite one out of them all was Carrie's play Retreat! I just loves all of the different characters and the humor . Overall I think it is the best!
My list of the show the shows I liked from top to bottom:
1 - Carrie
2 - Hannah
3 - Marjorie
4 - Cecelia
5 - Rebecca
6 - Crystal
7 - John
8 - Emily

100. While I read over all the plays I used to advice ms Aladren gave us about not being prescriptive when it came to reviewing plays. I felt that all the plays were good it's just there were some that almost bored me, but maybe that because I don't know anything. Another topic I looked for was connections, I read all the plays and hoped to find something I could connect with. They all had it, it's just some made the connections more smooth and grounded than others.

Thursday Post 62.

2012-02-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

MAIN STAGE!!! The two words that shall be drilled into my head for the rest of this year and the years to come. Main stage this year is going to be a big play festival with shows by students and a dance/theatre collaboration portion. We (freshman) will be doing the grunt work because well we are the grunts! Main stage is some serious/intense stuff! I really have never expierenced a show like this before because I have been doing crap all my life. HaHa! During class Lindsay made a very good analogy to Mainstage, " You are not going to walk in and be like 'OMG There is my set! It is sooo pretty' " And honestly I can relate to that because I have done that before, but don't yell at me because I was so clueless to what real theatre was a year or two ago.

100 I'm a loser. I watch reality T.V. shows (Jersey Shore, Cake Boss...) but I do watch one show every week that is relelvent to the theatre world and really cool. It is called Face Off. It's about make-up artist who compete against eachother by creating their models into these fantastic things. Look to the side for reference. Even though they compete to be movie make-up artists, it hit me that if you need a make-up designer for Main stage then you can count on me. Not only have I watched years of this show on make - up for the arts, but my Mom works at Loreal and can obtain any make -up in the universe.

Wednesday Post 61!

2012-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

The other day when we had our monologue exam, backstage the seniors were telling us that we are allowed to have two monologues for the Final Exam! I personally want to do two monologues because I want to work on them both. One reason is, is that it will give me a one up on finding monologues for the future. Because the seniors right now have 10 monologues! AGH! Well I'll be able to handle it once I get there but if I choose to do two then only 8 more to go! Also I want to do two monologues because then Ms. Aladren will be able to see which one has more potential. But before I worry that much about the Final exam, let's finish main stage!

100 Today I was kind of confused what we were doing in the beginning of class. I think Aladren is trying to accommodate our Major/Minors into the 3rd marking period and main stage. Which is unfortunate for Imani and I because we are Dance minors and we might have to change. If I did have to pick something to do for the 3rd marking period, it would be management. Either stage managing or house managing, i would like to try that out if I can't do Dance.

Tuesday Post 60.

2012-02-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

I got e-mails from two more modeling agencies, so I can't wait to send in my pictures and see what happens. I wrote my dance paper last night and it was my first time reviewing a dance show. At first when I was writing I was worried that I wouldnt remember anything but surprisingly I went throught the paper in a flash. I am starting to realize the deeper meaning of things, and even if they are not correct, I still am getting affected by my own personal meaning of the show. I felt that the show was about life, and I know that is vague but in my paper I describe it in depth.

100 I want this grade because during the reading of Imani's play I asked some valuable questions. I learned not be prescriptive, so when I am discussing something I will not tell people how to write there show. But I felt I gave good advice by telling what parts I liked and which ones where confusing. This sounds silly but I feel my cold reading skills are improving also. When I read the lines, I didnt feel like I stuttered or messed up what I was saying it just came out nice and evenly.

Monday Post 59!

2012-01-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

Aladren wasn't here today, and I was looking forward to her being here because I was excited to see what's happening with main stage. Yeah main stage started today, but nothing happened so hopefully I should know more information tomorrow about whats going on with that stuff. Since Aladren wasn't here we went to Film! And Film was pretty fun, because got to be practically an audience to the first draft of the Film's students Web Series. They were all good and were all works in progress but I learned a lot because they kept of saying all these 'camera' terms and I got them now in my vocabulary. For example B-roll, which is when someone is talking but they only have the audio playing. The visual is of photos and videos. Pretty cool stuff!

100 I have some news but I think I am starting to let things affect me better! Having the ability to be affected by something that isn't there is crucial when you're doing monologues. I sat down and just let memories go through my head and see where they brought me. I laughed at some of my past meories I had with my friends, but I also cried when I thought of sad memories. One of the strong memories that stuck in my head and affected me the most was seeing my parents in coffins at their funeral. Obviously they didn't die, but just to think and visualize that moment brought me to tears, and I think that will help me in the future.

Friday Post 58!!!

2012-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

100 Yay! It's finally the weekend, but it's actually my last weekend before Main stage! Which I can't wait for, I haven't been involved with a major show for months! This will defiantly be a good and fun experience. Since I had my interview with the Major Model Management the past Tuesday, I didn't go to school. I missed working on my thesis paper again before it was due... today!! Luckily Aladren said that mine was pretty good for my ability, but I did add another reason today that helps prove my thesis better. It was that Oscar Wilde and Federico Garcia Lorcia's homosexuality played a part in creating the opposing force characters, Bernarda and Lady Bracknell.

Thursday Post 57.

2012-01-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

In class today, we got our grades and notes back from the monologue final we had yesterday. I got first out of the freshman in Aladren's list and thats all that really matters. I feel I did a good job, so I'm glad it paid off. Some of my notes were very simple obvious notes like to look at the casting director when you are slating. Because I was looking at the audience the whole time!!! Also we shouldn't use the word excerpt in our slate, because that refers to something in a story. One thing that was noticed throughout my monologue is that I get stiff sometimes, so I defiantly will be working on loosening up on stage.

100 - I am pretty sure that I will be using this monologue for the big final exam at the end of the year. (If that's okay??) . Because I feel there is still so much I can do with it. Aladren gave a note in general, that you should know where your arc is and if at the en you lose or win. When I look back I don't really know any of those, but I think I know where the arc is. Anyway, thats what I will be working on, if I decide to touch this monologue up and continue to use it.

Wednesday Post 56!

2012-01-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

Today was our first expierence doing our finals! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. We had all of 6th period to warm-up which proved vital for me! I needed that warm-upand I learned that I am better at warming up in private. People said that you either would be able to warm up in public or private and I tried both and found out that doing it in private helps. Becasue in public you have to deal with the other people practicing, so it's just overall more calming doing the warm up by myself. I think I did good when it comes to the monologue. There is obviously room for improvment so it will never be what I want it to be. But I am getting there!

100 I want to get a 100 today because I followed all the instructions and steps we had to do to get to were we are now. A lot of other students didnt do what it takes and I assume that there grade will show it. I read the play twice (sorry I didnt read it 3 times, but I think that it is good enough). When I was warming up I started to notice people just faking it and not really warming up. They were just standing to the side, but I think went out there and did what I needed to do.

Monday Post 55

2012-01-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

Yeah if it wasn't for the 'slackers' who missed classed today, I'd be unprepared! Today, all of the students were supposed to be graded on for there monologues that we have been working on. And Ms. Aladren decided that we'd do it on Wednesday! Thank god! When I look back today all I see is how I wasn't that prepared, BUT I did get a lot of helpful and positive feedback from where I stand now. We had the seniors (with the assistance of Aladren) basically evaluate our monologues and how we were doing them. One of the first crucial things the seniors had to factor in, was if we are believable. At the beginning I wasn't and I knew it, but as time went on I defiantly grew. With the advice given to me, I think that by the end of the period I felt I was much more prepared!

100 I'm always thinking of ideas for plays and even though I'm not a playwright major or minor, I still really enjoy writing. I like to base a lot of my shows and ideas on normal everyday people, but then add in one tiny factor that makes there life different from everyone. Also you probably heard this before but I like horror and I want to add it into my shows. So one idea I had was having 6 young adults just out of college who all are advanced in one artistic area (i.e. Acting, Dancing, Singing, Modeling, Photography, Technical Directing) go trough traumatic incedents in there life. To basically point out the bad side of the life of an artist. I obviously chose to base it all of artistic people because I'm an artist and because this is such a risky field to get in. Hopefully by making a moving play such as this is could make people think about what they say before they just assume what artists do is easy.

Thursday Post 54!

2012-01-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Today in class we basically went over our monologues. Well the ones who had actually had there monologues. When I went up I got a lot of good advice that I'm working on and one of the most important things is to read the play thoroughly! When I look back I don't really recall a lot of the small details but I need to know them because it helps me ground my character. To make my monologue smoother, Ms. Aladren explained to me the concept of taking out the characters giving circumstances and replacing them with your own relatable circumstances. I think this is a good technique for me because I'm the type of person that when I visualize the expierence happening I express it.

100 - I gave Ms. Aladren a brownie... thats my participation for today.

Tuesday Post 53

2012-01-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

Some of the kids in class really don't understand the importance of getting good grades. The seniors had to talk to us today and basicaly say that if we fail now, we won't get into the college. And I know that doesn't ppertain to me this marking period because I have a more than sufficent grade in Theatre AND all my other classes. But just to listening to Ashley say how she slacked off as a freshman and now she runs the risk of not getting into college is really scary. That's why I am completely committed to getting all A's because, if I have awesome grades, than that's one less thing I need to worry about when the time comes for me to go to college. It also will help me when I want to go for scholarships, because the colleges I have in mind are pretty expensive!!

100 My mom has defiantely become a stage mom. NOT a crazy stage mother like you see on TV but the type of mother who looks for auditions for their child and fully supports them in there theatrical endeavors (<-- That's a good word). You probably know right now, my first priority (outside of school) is getting an agent. But my second one is forming a website for me. So once I get it up and running I could start sending out my link to people. It will have all of my headshots I've been taking and my resume and more. But I'm just going to take it, one step and a time!

Thursday Post 52

2012-01-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about our monologues. Yesterday we had a workshop with the people from Cake. We defiantly learned a lot and I was excited that I was able to do my monologue :D !!! With all the different tips we learned yesterday, Ms. Aladren gave us some new ones today. Basically she listed the way how you will become comfortable and fluid in your monologue. First you obviously have to READ your play like 300 times! Then she suggested that we highlight the environment, character information, and philosophical or thematic statements. After we knew our giving circumstances we had to ask our self questions, pertaining to the objective, tactic, and outcome. FINALLY you'd go back and do it for the other characters in your monologue.

PG - 100 I would like to have this 100 because I feel I applied myself and stayed focused yesterday in the workshop. I took many notes and paid close attention to what the guest artists were saying. Also even though I was scared to death when I had to my monologue, I still learned a lot! I'm hoping that it will help affect how I act in the future.

Tuesday Post 51

2012-01-10T17:36:00.001-08:00

We learned today in theatre history about Modernism. Modernism was the shift that cause people to think that not everything is as it seems. Now it because more of the thought, not the physical object. Some themes of this new 1900s shift in change were Symbolism, Dadaism, and more. All of Modernism came around when famous scientists and philosophers like Saussare, Einstein, Jung, and Fraser came up with different ideas like Theory of Evolution and Semiotics.

Pg - 89

Monday Post 50!

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Wow I already have 50 journals! Today I felt good about myself, because I was the only Acting major who had my monologue already for today. I just don't see how people, who want to pursue a life in the acting field, react to this. I sometimes beat my self up mentally because I haven't been in a professional show yet. Like this is what I want to do badly, that it hurts me to just see myself not in a show. So that's just my little rant on people who aren't doing anything in theatre class, because it's starting to annoy me that kids who don't do anything are still even here. BUT you know that means more training for me, and I learned some valuable information on monologues today.

100 Below contains the 1st scene to the new play I'm writing. It's about my mother's life as a little girl, and how she had to deal with a sick bi-polar mother, a abusive schizophrenic brother, and an overall deteriorating environment .

Blonde.

By Brett Temple

(It’s raining. The front curtain rises to a scene of a house. The scrim is down in front of it. In the center of the two-story house is stairs. To the right is a living room and to the left is a kitchen. On the second floor is a foyer that contains four doors, two leading to upstage. And the others face stage right and left. The room with the door facing stage left is the parent’s room. And the room facing stage left is Margaret and Eleanor’s room. The furniture throughout the house isn’t expensive or poor; it’s average, but lacking in style. But in the living room there is a beautiful grand piano.)

(The sound of thunder echoes in the background. The stage is dark. Sporadically bursts of lightning illuminate the stage. In the living room Margaret, a 10 year old girl with blonde hair watches TV alone in the dark. She is facing upstage and watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The sporadic lightning still occurs. After about 15 seconds or more of just watching her watch TV, a BIG flash of lightning occurs and thunders roars. During that Richard, Margaret’s eldest and schizophrenic brother appears with a knife in his hand and a haunting grin on his face. The stage then goes black.)

Scene 1

(The curtain rises on the house, once again. Now it is 1963 and Monica, 30 year old mother of four, enters with a newspaper in her hands. She is wiping tears from her eyes as she enters the kitchen and attempts to hide the paper under some boxes. She then picks up a vase of pink flowers and places them onto the kitchen table. Boxes of furniture are scattered throughout the house.)

Monica – Now only if it matched with the rest of the furniture?

(Norman, Monica’s husband enters from the backdoor secretly while Monica is speaking)

Norman – You know I’ve never told you, but I HATE the color pink. Thank god it doesn’t match with any of our furniture.

Monica – NORMAN! (Monica runs to Norman and they embrace) I’ve missed you so much!

Norman – I’ve been gone for a day dear? (Goes into the fridge and pulls out an apple and starts to eat it)

Monica – That’s right! And that means you have a day’s worth of unpacking to do!

Norman – I still don’t understand why we had to rush to New Jersey so soon to get unpacked?

Monica – Well Norman, I want to get the kids enrolled in school as quick as we can.

Norman – But could’ve waited at least till my mother comes down here. She would have loved to spend some quality time with the kids. Richard is just learning to play piano!

Monica – Norman, there are more things in life than just piano.

Norman – Like what? (Sits down at the piano and starts to warm up)

Monica – Unpacking. (Drops a box of miscellaneous objects in front of him and walks away back to the kitchen to empty boxes

Norman – (playing a light melody) Monica, you need to relax. Take some time for yourself. (He closes his eyes and starts to hum a tune and play the piano. Then quotes John F. Kennedy.) My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country! Such a great man, you know I’m pretty sure JFK plays piano. And look where he is!

(Monica starts to cry in the kitchen, and gets the newspaper and heads toward the living room.)

Norman – Monica? Did you hear what I said or are you avoiding me because you know I am right- (Monica throws the paper in front of him.) What’s this?

(Monica signals to read it. Norman reads the cover page ‘JFK ASSASSINATED!’ and drops the paper. Monica starts to cry more, and Norman gets up and comforts her. Norman has tears in his eyes also.)

Norman – Don’t worry, everything will be fine.

Monica – No it won’t. Norm you don’t understand, I hoped that this new move would help us start new, but it isn’t!

Norman – Monica, I do understand what’s going on. He is an inspirational man, well was. (Wipes his eyes)

Monica – There is more! I thought we finally would be able to settle down and live a calm life with the kids. But problems keep on appearing left and right!

Norman – Monica!? You’re losing it! What’s wrong with you?

Monica – No it’s more along the lines of, what is wrong with you! You bastard! (Throws all the boxes off the table)

Norman – Stop it! You’re breaking things; just tell me what’s wrong?

Monica – What’s wrong is that I’ve been having cramps, what’s wrong is that I’ve been craving more food than we own! What’s wrong is that you said it would never happen again!

Norman – Monica! What’s going on? I’m confused!

Monica – I’m pregnant, Norman! I have a child due in 4 months!

(Both of them are silent for a minute. Norman goes to put his hand on her stomach, but Monica slaps his hand away.)

Monica – Norman, I don’t want this baby.

Norman – Monica don’t say that. Stop.

Monica – I want it out, I want to get an abortion.

Norman – You’re not getting an abortion, that’s out of the question. You know how my family and I feel about abortions.

Monica – (Crying) Like I said you don’t understand. You’re a man and I don’t expect you to know, but I’m letting you know that I have had four children and we sworn after having William that there’d be no more! I can’t. I just physically and emotionally can’t! (Falls into Norman’s arms and hugs him.) Why did this happen, Norman, why?

Norman – (Quoting JFK) Things do not happen, Things are made to happen.

BLACKOUT

Friday Post 49

2012-01-06T15:43:00.001-08:00

PG ~ 89

Thursday Post 48 :D

2012-01-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

The play I am currently reading is Pygmalion. The musical My Fair Lady is based on it, and we watched it in class. My problem is, is that once I see a movie adaption version of a play, I only think of the movie. So now when I read Pygmalion all I see is Audrey Hepburn playing the role of Elliza. So I don't really know if that is good? Or maybe I should try to think past the movie but it is hard for me! Well back to the actual play, I am really enjoying the story. I haven't gotten all the way through it yet, but when I do I will defiantely compare and contrast it to My Fair Lady.

PG ~ 89

Wednesday Post 47 (LATE POST)

2012-01-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I had dance. Dance takes a lot more than what I expected it would take. But I will survive! I'm really glad I know some dance positions and names, because without them I would be hopeless. Ms. Mack goes at a fast past, so you need to know what's going on. Luckily I'm good at remembering things, so when we do the excercises I know what to do. (But I still do fail miserably a lot.) In Dance we also do Pilates, so it warms up our bodies because we only go once a week.

100 I would like this 100 because I did something I usually never do over the break. I went to the gym! On Christmas and Christmas Eve I ate too much, and I gained like 5 pounds, so I went to the gym and I did Pilates with my Mom. We did'nt do any old Pilates class, we did EXTREME PILATES. Oh god, I never hurt that much in my life. But in good news, I followed your advice and went out and excercised!

Tuesday Post 46

2012-01-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

I found today's class very interesting. I actually really enjoyed the whole 'mind boggling' expierence. It was fun to learn that a blind person see's nothing. It makes you think, and I sat on the bus for the whole ride home thinking how it could be possible. Also I learned about Ferdinand de Saussure and his correlation to semiotics. (This will sound vague and dull, but we had a hard topic) Semiotics is the study of signs. Signs meaning your own personal visualzation of something and what you see. (i.e. if you see a black cat, you would think of the black cat because it is before your eyes; but if you hear someone say 'cat' you would have a different visual of what a 'cat' is, compared to your friends.)

100 I got a monologue found by Arthur Miller. It is in Death of a Salesman, and it involves the character Happy. (I texted it to you Ms. Aladren) When finding a monologue, you have to get something that is appealing to you and that it also fits you. Because my first monologue I chose was for Biff, Willy Loman's ruff and tough son. Obviously that doesn't fit my personality. But Happy fits me because he likes to follow his father's dream of grandure and in his monologue he is describing how great life would be if Biff joined in with him.

Friday Post 45

2011-12-23T13:33:00.001-08:00

100 I deserve this grade because I am involved. Ms Aladren explained to us the importance of seeing friends shows. Because not only do you want them to come see your shows but it helps you in the long run. When you see people's shows they start to feel that you are committed and will help you more than the less committed ones. This why I strive to go to every performance of all that I can see!

Wednesday Post 44

2011-12-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today instead of having Production Day (the usual thing we did on Wednesdays) I had Dance. After today's class I realized that I am out of shape and honestly rusty. For example if I was a machine all my hinges would be rusty and hard to bend. The reason is, is because I haven't had a workout like that for a while. We did Pilates the first part of class and Ms. Mack thankfully understood that we weren't expert yogis. She said after we have done it about ten times, well start to feel less hurt. I can't wait, I really enjoy dance and all the different moves. They are very graceful and make me feel loose.

100 One thing I really want to see in the future is more shows with the genre of horror. I know there are many different opinions of what scary is, but I feel as if this would help expand the theater world. Almost every show on Broadway and Off-Broadway are comedies (or at least have some comedic aspects). I want to go to NYC and have a variety of shows to pick from. The reason I'm posting this topic as my participation grade is because I am getting excited for the opening of Carrie : the Musical! YES YES I KNOW that the show was horribly written and only played for 4 performances, but I am glad it's back because I feel with a little bit of touch ups, the show is going to be moving. They should start adapting more of Stephen King's horror novels into shows.

Tuesday Post 43

2011-12-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm going to give a guess of what I think the ending will be for My Fair Lady. In class every Tuesday we watch it because we are trying to compare it to George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion. I haven't read Pygmalion yet, so I don't know what happens at the ending. Nor do I know what happens at the end of My Fair Lady. We are currently at the part where Higgins is all happy that he 'did it' but forgets about Eliza. Making her feel unwanted and not needed. After this I'm guessing that Eliza will become determined and try to become the be she can be. Thus making her more proper and up-tight than even the people at the horse races. Then she is going to crash and she'll land right back at the bottom. But this is just my guess.

100 I had an idea for a play or a short film:

All the students in class know John as the class clown. He is always smiling and joking around. No one every takes him serious, but he doesn't mind because he loves his life. One day, John comes into school and is quiet. People start to overact and think something is wrong because he is not like he usually is. Teachers and students start treating him with extra sympathy and care, like he just lost his mother. But in reality nothing bad happened! He is just having an off day, but soon he starts to become unfocused with all this care he has never had. It starts to slowly wither away John thus causing him to go into a cultural shock. With all the stress and anxiety getting pushed on him he eventually isolates himself from his friends and family. John ends up becoming home-schooled and never leaves the house again.

Monday Post 42

2011-12-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today in Acting class, we learned about this study that a guy named Rudolf Laban did. These studies helped proved a way of analysing the movement and anatomy of the human body. The different themes expressed in this lesson today were: weight, movement, and time. There were two types of weight, either light or heavy. Next there were two types of movement, direct and flexible. Finally sudden and sustained were the two types of time. Once we had down all the basic types, we would add them together and find out the type of movement the person is doing. EX. light + direct + sustained = glid. There are 7 more of these problems and they each describe a different type of movment.

100 One of my Mom's friends has a daughter who does tons of acting and modeling gigs. She has an agent, but she also does this type of social network that she says helps her get known by producers and casting agencies. It's called Twitter! I know a lot of people have them for fun, but you can actually get very far with just Twitter. For example, only two days after I made my new professional Twitter, I got producers and film makers already following me. AND I know that some of these people are fake and some are real, but the worst thing that could happen is that I delete my account. This is a great way to get known while you're in the process of getting an agent.

Wednesday Post 41

2011-12-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

Today I was suppose to go the Dance, but it hasn't started yet. Next week luckily. So today while I was training with the minors, I learned more about improv. In the beginning of the lessons we weren't doing it right. So we decided to go a couple steps back and do some 'theater games' that would help us. The games helped me loosen up and eventually we started to learn about how to be the character. When you are in a show or movie, you obviously are playing something larger than you so you can't do the stuff you usually do. That means you need to find the way the character walks, talks, moves, eats... everything.And then you'll be able body that character.

100 I found two monologues that I'm thinking of using for my end of marking period monologue. I deserve this 100 because I probably went to the library 3 times in the past two days. I've been researching the characters and trying to find some that are in my age and have a monologue that reaches the standards given. The one monologue that I want to do the most is from The American Clock by Arthur Miller. And the second one that I'm not really sure about is from Death of a Salesman. The monologue is done by Bernard, and I'm having problems finding his accurate age. Because from some people I hear he is my age then others say that he is older!! I don't know!

Monday Post 40

2011-12-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am extremely busy this week! I have monologues to find, a thesis paper to write, two professional auditions, and not mention everything else. I actually am so busy I wrote myself an agenda for this whole week. Luckily I was able to get my thesis statement "Bernarda Alba is very much alike to Lady Bracknell in their daughter(s)". I chose this one because the whole time I was reading 'House of Bernarda' Alba, I thought of Lady Bracknell. They both are protective and selective about who there daughters marry. The two women are both very strong about following the matrimonial ceremonies that have been for generations. Overall they are very similar.

100 Two of the monologues I picked out were from Arthur Miller. So I decided to do some research on him...
Arthur Miller was born in 1915. He was one of America's prominent playwrights. He wrote such classic dramas like Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, A View from the Bridge and many more. Also Arthur was married to Marilyn Monroe for a while. He just recently passed away in 2005.
I can't wait to start reading more of his works because I find a lot of his topics and stories very interesting.

Thursday Post 39

2011-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

I always have a good time when it comes to acting class. I feel like I'm learning something and also doing loosening up. There is just something about following your impulses that makes you relaxed. The feeling that you are only doing this for yourself and that there is no one judging you or criticizes. Also something that I've been experimenting with is, that I even feel more relaxed when I can't see. Meaning that when I close my eyes or don't have my contacts or glasses on I feel more free. Even though there are obviously safety precautions because I'm partially blind but I can still see. And as long I can see where I am going that's all I need. Not seeing people faces helps me for some reason.

PG ~ 100 (I'm going to email you all of the links for grants that could get us iPads, for my participation grade.)

Wednesday Post 38

2011-12-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Today was our last day of tech for the dance show. Wow. It's beautiful because just everything flows, like fluidly it moves. It isn't all choppy and broken, it just flows. Well that's just from my perspective, because the rest of the time I was taking notes for Ms. Mack. I never took notes for anyone before so this was my first time. It was kind of difficult keeping up with her, but luckily I was able to do it. I heard that that was one of the things you'll need if you want to become a stage manager.

100 I deserve this 100 because I am always on my A game. Whenever I come into the theater, I know we are going to have to work, so I just suck it up and deal with it. If someone tells me to do something, I am going to do it. I'm always eager to work during tech, because every part is crucial.

Tuesday Post 37

2011-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

I did some problem solving today and not mathematical problem solving... but theater problem solving. Like if some says I want that desk over there in 5 minutes. You quickly go through all the possible options in your mind. Like if there is a tiny file cabinet in your brain with different equations in them. Michelle was telling me how it's good to always have multiple and different strategies when it comes to solving something. Because if your first option don't work then you got to move on. And quickly, because time is valuable on important tech days like these.

100 I've always had a vision for a set that was like a big book onstage. And as the pages turned different things (people, set, and more) would pop out of them. Obviously I know its easier said than done when it comes to set designing. But having like different levels would make everything much easier. I think that it's crucial to have a big backstage because when people need space to store big set pieces then they have them accessible. I know that on Broadway there are a lot of different levels to the theaters so some hang in the air or get lowered below the stage. When you know you have the space, I think it makes the set designers more confident that there set will be okay.

Monday Post 36 :D

2011-12-05T16:22:00.001-08:00

I finished reading Pirandello's Six Characters in search of an Author. It was okay... Kind of confusing. To me it almost seemed unrealistic that a Producer of the the company would just stop the whole day of rehearsal to listen to these characters and change the show. Like why would he stop it, and the characters didn't even seem that convincing so I just wasn't bought. Otherwise the story was kind of interesting.

PG 100. ~ I deserve this grade because I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of things. Like when Miguel says to go gaff the wires. I know exactly what to do and where everything is. Also I feel that it is crucial to always make sure and double check with your superiors before you do something dangerous! Because I don't want to be held responsible for breaking the stage.

Friday Post 35.

2011-12-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

100 I am extremely grateful that I first of all was able to have my script read in class today. I started writing the script when I was 12 and I had no prior play writing training! And that obviously shows hence my horrible grammar, sentence structure and more. But I'm very much focused on making this show decent. My first step that I'm going to try with this script is taking out the Gaga music. I felt the show wouldn't need it and that I would be able to focus more on the characters and their relationships. Also I feel ( and so do others) that there are irrelevant topics in the play which I should take out, to help keep the show more focused.

Thursday Post 34!

2011-12-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to the library and luckily was able to find one of the scripts that we need to read for Theatre this marking period. Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author. I'm already halfway through the script, which either means: I'm very interested or I just want to get it done with. And honestly I don't know how I feel about this script too. It's an awesome plot, I like the idea of it just being an everyday rehersal when all of a sudden these characters come in and ask for an author. The play itself so far is a little bit confusing. I'm getting to the conclusion that there is a lot of turmoil between the characters but it's hard for me to follow who hates who. I hoping that I start to get it more because this seems like a really interesting and unique play.

100 The other day Ms. Aladren explained to the class the importance of actually visualizing the play in your head, as you read it. When reading scripts people have a tendency to just read it like a book. Which is wrong because you have to view the whole picture and every aspect of what you're reading. Even before Ms. Aladren explained this problem, I always read my scripts this way. I think it's a more enjoyable expierence to visualize every aspect of the script (costumes, sets, blocking). You practically get to watch the show in your own mind and to fit your expectations and needs. Like if you want the characters to all be dressed in modern clothing and it's The Cherry Orchard, you're allowed to because it's your mind and how you percieve the show.

Tuesday Post 33

2011-11-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

Finally we are back in the swing of things, hence we started theater history today! Which is one of my favorite things because I enjoy all of the discussions and lectures. In class, we are starting to learn about realism and naturalism. I'm going to give you some of the short definitions of what we learned about in history.
Romanticism Period ~ The angst and emo teenager period that was a rebellion against the neo-classical era. Contained lots of youthful energy, death, and sex.
Melodrama ~ Where the good always prevails and the good fails. Very stereotypical.
Industrial Revolution ~ A migration to the city that made all men expendable.
Realism ~ A time that sought the truth through facts.
Naturalism ~ Plays that were just honestly a slice of life. No climax or conclusion just life.

PG 100 I feel I deserve this grade because I am involved intently with all the talks and discussions we have. I don't understand how you can't be. if you come here to learn about the world of theater then why don't you pay attention? I love telling people all of the stuff we learn and have them say "What???". It makes me feel like I'm smart but also will help me for the future.

Monday Post 32 :D

2011-11-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

I felt so good after acting today. Doing those exercises really loosen up everything and make you feel more relaxed. I enjoy doing the grid especially because I feel it is enjoyable but also helpful. I am learning to do different things with my body that I never thought or did before. When I experiment with new things I feel more in touch with my body. And that is important because finding your center and getting to that relaxed state, is crucial in acting.

89

Wednesday Post 31 (LATE)

2011-11-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

I got this audition the other day from Backstage, and it really intrigued me becasue it wasn't theatre. It was an audition for a new television series. So thoughts ran through my head like 'this would look great on my resume'. My Mom and I had it all planned out that we were going to go to NYC and give it a go. Then entered my Dad who always has to put his input in and say how it will never work (money-wise it would never work.) I learned from Broadway actors and others, that you alwasy go the auditions no matter what. Because even if your not the one they are looking for, you might change there mind on something else. I basically told my Dad that this is the life I chose for myself and that I'm going to start doing what will help me and stop watching from the sidelines. He gave in eventually so we'll see what happens in NYC.

PG ~ 89

Tuesday Post 30!!!

2011-11-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

We did our scenes! I'm glad were over with that scene, I just really didn't like it. The content of it, didn't allow me to play much with and try different things. And then when I watched other scenes, I thought 'wow I could think of many different circumstances for that scene'. But I am probably wrong about all this and just don't fully understand the concept of creating a good open scene. On a happier note I did feel I did fair when it came to responding to her. Gratefully I came in second out of the freshman, which in my standards is good (not great, but just good).

100 A lot of people don't like the grading system we do in Theatre. Students always tell me that the way Ms. Aladren grades things are unfair. And tell them that yeah it is, but is life fair? I want to be prepared for the future. I want to succeed and get into a professional show so bad! Every morning I complain to my friends how annoying it is that you have to be 18 or older for many of the auditions I look at. This to me is just so annoying, but I'm learning to deal with it because when you're only 14, you got restrictions. And I do agree with a lot of these unfair rules because if life was simple and fair then the world would be chaos!

Monday Post 29

2011-11-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Over the past week while I wasn't blogging I learned many things and think I personally grew a bit more. The Senior Showcase was a great (and actually fun) experience! Everyday I was anxious everyday to go to class and rehearsal, because I felt that if I wasn't helping then the show wouldn't happen. Every tiny role was crucial in the whole run of things. From bringing on books to stage managing...every position was part of this chain that created a pretty good showcase. (Even though this is the only showcase I've seen) I was thankful because I was able to act in the Senior Showcase and that helped me be more prepared than most of the other Acting Freshman.

100 Every time I see a show I think of how intense a process is to have a good show. And that must go double time for musicals. Musicals are my thing and I love seeing them and acting in them out of everything in the Theater world! To be in a musical, you have to be proficient in Acting, Singing, and Dance. Sadly, I had to stop vocal training when I entered this school, but I might start it up again soon. This January, luckily I'm starting dance, which I need if I want to be in professionals musicals! Slowly but surely I'm becoming more closer to reaching those goals!

Thursday Post 28

2011-11-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

I know I'm getting ahead of myself a lot, but I am very excited for Mainstage! I don't know what I would want to do, if I would want to audition for a part or if I want to try something technical. I've grown an interest to managing things, so I'm defiantely willing to try House Managment or Stage Managment. Since so far I haven't done any Tech for the Senior Showcase, it will be good to expand my expierence in the Theatre field. But for right now I'm going to focus on learning how to be in the moment for this Senior Showcase.

100 These are a few of my favorite set designs...

(I like this one due to the simplicity of it but also I like the different forms of elevation)

(This is another one of my favorites because it gives that realistic feeling with lots of detail)

(I'm pretty sure this one isn't a set design but I really like the designs on the walls. And I'd love to use them for a backdrop on one of my set designs.)

Wednesday Post 27

2011-11-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Production Day, but for me Acting Day! We are still working on Zari's senior showcase which is taking a long time, but I guess this is how things are when you direct a show. It's hard but I'm always trying to surface my past feelings into the characters. Say Jerry really wants something, I would think of something that I really wanted but it's difficult. I hope I the senior showcase goes smoothly, because I'm starting to get worried and I'm only a freshman! Thankfully Zari lives in the town next to me so over the break we are going to defiantely meet up and work on this script more till it's close to perfection; so when Tech Week comes we'll be a bit more prepared.

100 After checking all of my grades today, right now I am on High Honor Roll! This is great because I thought I was going to be overwhelmed with everything but I'm doing good! Also I ordered Romeo & Juliet and will be reading to prepare for when we read it in class. Another thing I did recently was go out and buy a thesarus, because I hate using words like 'good' ! I'd rather use 'stupendous' or 'congenial'. Hopefully soon those high level words will be stuck in my mind so I can sound more professional!

Tuesday Post 26!

2011-11-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today while practicing for Zari's senior showcase I was able to see how hard it is to direct/ act/ produce a show. It's intense, I can even imagine doing a full blown musical nontheless a small play. Also fight choregraphing is cool, I took a class on it last summer. It's interesting and I hope to choregraph a fight sometime in the future. For my participation grade I spent the whole day working on this set design that I think is one of my best! (But again I can't rotate it, sorry)

PG- 100

Monday Post 25 :)

2011-10-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the oppurtunity to see Little Shop of Horrors. I'm lucky because I have an uncle who works at the theatre, so I do get discount tickets. Even though I've seen Little Shop probably a dozen times, this version was much more interesting. The evil plant Audrey 2 is usually played by a man moving a puppet, but the version I saw wasn't! It was the exact opposite, it was a female and there was no puppet. Before I actually saw the show I was kind of annoyed because I didn't think this girl could pull of a loud booming voice, that the usual Audrey 2 has. But I have to saw... this lady was amazing and changed my perspective entirely on Little Shop. It just proves that it is good to get out and see different things.

(This is the Audrey 2 character)

PG - 100

When I take playwrighting next marking period I hope to work on my play that had a reading in NYC. The play is based off of Lady Gaga music. It obviously isn't some amazing show, but the audience did rate it a 8 out of 10. This spring the theatre company is putting it on in a NJ theatre. We still don't have that much info yet on it but the people really liked the script.

Thursday Post 24

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Today I just decided to draw a set design again.This time I didn't base it on a show or anything. I just thought of something that I'd like and added it to the set. I like to incorporate platforms into my designs so that what I added in here. Also I like there to be some type of color that is used throughout the whole set. This time it was pink, but it varies from whatever the play is about. The pink-tentacle looking things is suppose to an abstract plant. And to the left there is a drapery hanging from a bar. I don't know if I'd ever use this set but it is always good to practice and express set ideas.

PG ~ 100

Wednesday Post 23

2011-10-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

The other day I read Woyzeck and I forgot to blog about it. I feel I should blog about it because it made absolute no sense! I've been able to understand every play so far but for some reason I found it difficult to comprehend what was going on in Woyzeck. The only thing I got out of it was that Woyzeck killed his wife. Which seems dumb, because I read it thoroughly but for some reason I don't know what happened at all. Maybe I'm just not understanding something correctly but luckily I have the internet. So in the next few days I'll search up what it's all about and possibly even read it again!

89

Tuesday Post 22

2011-10-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Up to today I was starting to get nervous about this thesis paper. I had no clue what I was doing; but that changed today. We got a lot of valuable info and I actually got my thesis that I'm using for the paper. I feel a little bit more at ease, because today when I got home I was able to complete my front page of the thesis. Even though it may not seem like a lot but every little step I do is one step closer to completing it. My thesis is going to be " Lady Bracknell really wanted Jack to marry Gwendolyn". I'm excited to start working on the first paragraph because I have thought of many reasons to back up my argument.

100 For some reason every time I read a play, watch a movie, even hear a story; I always envision it as a play. It's like i'm addicted to writing plays and I just want everything to be a show. I'm guessing that is the mind of a playwright because I feel when your a playwright, you should let things inspire you. For me its too the extreme, ex. if I see a short poem I could probably make it into a play. Whether it is a good play or not factors in but the point is I just can't control my mind when it comes to writing plays. The play that I've been working on for a bit is a modern-day adaption of beauty and the beast. It probably sounds like a cheesy idea, but I feel like I could make it into a valuable show. With the important lessons that are around today like cyber bullying, teenage pregnancy; I could make it into something influential.

Monday Post 21 :)

2011-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Something that really is also starting to interest me, is set design. Since I'm also an aspiring playwright I envision my sets a lot. When I think of set designs I always like to make my sets look modern. That means I dont like to have big extravagent sets, like in how the Comedy of Error set was. Even though those sets are beautiful, I still like to keep my sets simple. I think that if there is too much going on, set wise, it takes away from the story. Below I drew a set design that I created a couple days ago. It goes along with the new play i'm thinking of...

(Sorry that the picture is on its side, Blogger won't let me rotate it.)

Participation grade ~ 100

Thursday Post 20

2011-10-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

So since nothing really happened today i'm going to blog about The Cherry Orchard (which should be the next play i'm reading). The Cherry Orchard was written by Anton Chekov, a Russian playwright. The story is based around a Russian woman, Madame Lyubov Andreievna Ranevskaya , and her family returning to there estate just before it is auctioned off. On the land there is an amazing cherry orchard which in the end gets cut down after it is sold to someone else. Here is a list of the characters...

Madame Lyubov Andreievna Ranevskaya
Anya
Varya
Leonid Andreieveitch Gayev
Yermolai Alexeievitch Lopakhin
Peter Trofimov
Boris Borisovich Simeonov-Pishchik
Charlotta Ivanovna
Yepikhodov
Dunyasha
Firs
Yasha
A Stranger
The Stationmaster and The Postmaster
Guests, servants, and others.

100 I want this 100 because I was very attentive at the assembly. I paid attention and also thought about how I can treat people better. Mrs. Aladren had a point about the mob mentality. After today I hope to pay more attention about what I say and to who I say it. So overall I did learn something today.

Wednesday Post 19

2011-10-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Zari messaged me about me being in her senior showcase production. I accepted because I think that it will be a really good experience (and also I don't think I had an option.) Luckily I have an ability for memorizing things. I can memorize stuff quickly, like I have already memorized up to page 7 (out of 10!) My memorization tool is to repeatedly say the lines which also pertains to what we talked about today in class. With the first step of the Mizner (which is probably spelt wrong) Technique we learn with repetition. I think that is a very good way to learn because it has been proven successfully for me in the past.

100 This is a good grade for me because I have been enjoying acting from day one. I always look forward to going to acting, even though it could be frustrating sometimes; I do enjoy it. There have been kids who have wanted to join Acting and I have been telling them about what it's like. Some have been scared off after I told them while others are actually looking into it for the 2nd marking period. Not mention I have also got my progress report which says I have mainly A's in every class! So i'm maintaining a perfect school grade.

Tuesday Post 18 :D

2011-10-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wow today was fun. I like debating and having an open conversation, I feel it's a good way to express your feelings on a certain topic. Our debate today was mainly focused on morality and if art should always express the good as triumphant. I believed that it defiantly shouldn't; even though there are stories were good wins. I think people need to learn more about life and whats going to happen in the real world. And that means your not always going to win. Morality still somewhat confuses me.

100 I want this 100 today I am asking questions. I am putting my opinion out there and I think I have reasonable statements to back it up. It's not always easy to do so. You have to think a lot, which I did today. I also feel accomplished because I finished 2 out of 4 the scripts. I feel like I would have finished them all by now, but I don't have a book to borrow and its hard to find them on the internet without having to buy them.

Monday Post 17 :D

2011-10-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today in class we learned about the steps that's shows take. First the show starts out with the script and materials, then the first reading happens. After that is the workshops, next is the performance in an incubator or a off-off Broadway theater. Finally it is Off-Broadway and lastly it is Broadway! (Which only happens to 5% of the shows that start.) Also today we learned the difference between Non-Profit and For-Profit theater. Non-Profit is made possible by donations and grants. Really the main purpose of Non-Profit is to make art. Mean while For-Profit theater comes from investments and is all about the money and paying back investors.

100 I think I earn this 100 because I felt more accomplished today. Not only did I participate in the conversations I paid attention. I don't see how people can't, personally I'm worried about my future in acting. So i'd want to learn as much as I can so I have a chance at making money in the theater world. Also today I did the "You make me feel.." exercise with Lindsey and she said that I actually did really good today. And I too felt that I did a much better job. I actually felt in the moment today!! :D

Thursday Post 16 :]

2011-10-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today in class, we went over our scenes, where i failed miserably. Even though I failed I was able to learn something. And that was how to be more realistic in acting, you need to do what you actually do in real life. So as I progress I take notes of what I do, so then I could transfer them to my acting to make it seem like I actually am in that scenario. Also tonight I should probably be finished with The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. I'm going to list the characters in the show...
Jack Worthing ~ Lies about having a fake brother named Ernest, Cecily's uncle.
Algernon Moncrieff ~ Pretends to be Ernest and proposes to Cecily.
Rev. Chasuble ~ Miss Prism's close friend.
Lady Bracknell ~ Gwendolen's strict mother, who rejects the marriage between her daughter and Jack
Gwendolen Fairfax ~ Jack's fiance
Cecily Cardew ~ Jack's niece and lives with Miss Prism.
Miss Prism ~ A governess who looks over Cecily
Lane ~ A manservant
Merriman ~ A butler

100 This is the perfect grade for me because I try my hardest. Even though I failed at my scene, I still was somehow able to improve it a little. Same for when I read the script to Zari's Senior Showcase play, I know I probably did horrid on it. But I am still learning so I wouldn't expect myself to do amazingly on it. Last reason why I deserve this 100 is because outside of school, I am constantly looking for auditions for tons of acting gigs. I also just recently sent my resume into a New York Talent Agency (Buchwald Youth Agency, NYC).

Wednesday Post 15!!

2011-10-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

It is almost intimidating to hear that 50 to 60% of getting an professional gig is all to who you know. I find that scary, because I don't know any famous casting director. I know some Broadway actors but that is the extent of the people I know. But I am assured that as time goes on, Mrs. Aladren will introduce us to new people and relationships will be made so I no longer feel the intimidation I do know. Today in class the seniors talked to us about their senior showcase and how we'll be teching and working. I talked to Scarlet and I said that I am up for the challenge of Stage Managing or House Managing (Or shadowing someone else) if they would want me to. I am very excited just in general for the senior showcase, because I get to do something I usually dont do: tech.

100 I deserve a 100 because I volunteered to help with an array of different tasks for the senior showcase. I also asked questions, which let me find out more info about scheduling. I also am still reading the 4 scripts that were assigned. I finished Doll's House and I'm on Act 3 in The Importance of Being Ernest. Which by the way is actually funny. If I keep pushing myself like this, to do all my work, I should be done with the last plays by next week.

Tuesday Post 14

2011-10-11T19:36:00.001-07:00

Well we didn't do that much today, but I did get to experience something I'm not used to! Acting for camera. In film class today, we had the seniors use us as the actors for a short silent film. I personally thought it wasn't that fun because I don't think it's that exciting as doing a show live onstage. When we filmed the movie today, we had to sometimes do you redoes because we messed up. But if I was acting on live onstage, there would be no redoes! That's why I personally think it takes more skill to be a stage actor than a movie actor. Overall it was a new experience for me, and I still enjoyed it.

100. I earned this grade today because I cooperated fluently with the seniors. At times they would tell us to move this way or look that way. Due to the different angles they wanted to shoot at. Hence we were like clay and they were modeling us in different ways. Which I think takes a lot of patience and I supplied that very well.

Thursday Post 13 :)

2011-10-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today in Acting I was able to work more with Lindsey on our scene. Which is coming along well, except for a part that everytime I say the line it does'nt sound truthfully. In class, I think I wasn't helping that there were so many other distractions (ex. other groups talking) but I just felt I wasn't in the moment. And that is why I think this line wasn't coming out that well. But thankfully I have excercises that Lindsey told me that will help me stay more in the moment and make that line and section of our scene seem more realistic. Secondly, yesterday night I was luckily able to attend the practice of Mrs. Aladren's show "Swimming in th Shallows." Which was over my head, but I still learned and was able to see what types of shows i'll be focusing on more throughout high school.

100 I think I very much deserve this grade because I was able to attend Mrs. Aladren's show and get a taste of real acting. With that, I was able to ask questions in class and learn more about the real meaning of metaphors. And how acting is much much much more than it seems on the surface. One good example was the character of the Shark and how it could be a person named "Shark" or a guy in a Shark costume or ... a Shark! With that learned I think I will be able to add more to my personal playwrighting.

Tuesday Post 12!

2011-10-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

No Theater History today, but I did do something productive! I was able to sew today! I never really fully learned how to sew, but I got the hang of it. (Even though I pricked my finger probably ten times.) This experience concluded me to think that i'm probably going to take Costuming next or 3rd marking period. I also am really enjoying my time and theater and i'm excited that I have a 95. I thought I was going to have a lower grade but luckily I am one of the highest grades in the class. Finally I learned something that I really never would have thought but there is an orchestra pit! Now I know what that space was, even though it is used to store wood.

100 I deserve this 100 because I feel I am excelling in class. I am slowing learning the way of the theatre and the nicknames for places. Also were to put stuff and equipment. Then to mention again I am on the top of the grades in class, because I feel I am truly committed. But still there is lots to learn.

Monday Post 11 :D

2011-10-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

In Acting today we watched more people present their 2 Minutes of Reality. In everyone of the presentations that went on, I noticed stiffness and un-natural movements. I too feel like i had those same problems in presenting mine, but I personally think this exercise is challenging because i'm not used to the circumstances that were given. I'm used to getting out of my bed differently than the bed that was used for the exercise. Eventually I will feel more relaxed, because i'm not always going to have an exact replica of my room. That also goes for the repetition exercise, I need to start acting without triggering my caution guards. (Meaning, I need to stop thinking i'll hurt someones feelings.) Finally I need to respond more truthfully, which sounds easy, but is really hard when you think about it. Hopefully i'll get it soon.

100 I want this 100 because I feel I paid attention a lot today. I took mental notes of all the advice Mrs. Aladren and other students said. With those I hope to gradually start increasing my acting experience. Also another thing I've been doing in spare time is looking for background information on the last three plays I need to read. With that information I hope to make my reading more comprehensible.

Monday Post 10 (Late Post)

2011-09-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

I finished A Doll's House! While I was sick as dog Tuesday afternoon, I wanted to do something so I finished Henrik Ibsen's play. Well my thoughts on the play...Wow! The ending was really shocking, and a bit weird. The way all of the characters speak makes them seem very proper, and when Nora leaves at the end it almost seems unrealistic. Also the reason she wanted to leave confused me a little, and also how she didn't want to say good bye to her kids! I think that's horrible. Then there was Doctor Rank who walked off to die, like he was an animal? The story kind of left me thinking with questions like: What will happen to Nora? Does Mrs. Linde marry Krogstad? Does Dr. Rank die? I would like to see the show performed because then I think I could really get a sense of what was happening.

Wednesday Post 9 :D

2011-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today was fun! Film making is interesting. My brother does a lot of stuff with film and editing, so I was able to comprehend what she was saying a lot. We learned about editing on I movie. Editing is the creative part of Post Production and final stage in film making. Even though today we didn't physically act, I learned that we'll be working with the film making students, because acting (and dance) have a lot to do with film. I heard at shows they will be filming us and that we'll be acting in there videos. BUT i'm getting ahead of myself, because first I need to learn how to actually act!

100 I think I deserve a 100 because I paid attention in class. I didn't fool around or non the less break anything! Also I helped Brianna today in film because she didn't have a working computer. So I used a lot of my teamwork skills today. Finally I was able to at least understand what Mrs. Miranda was saying because I participated in questions.

Tuesday Part 8

2011-09-27T14:17:00.001-07:00

Ughh! Even though today I was sick, I do feel like I learned something. In theatre history we are learning about past theatre and the transition of romanticism to realism theatre. There were some crucial reasons why it was transitioning, one because of Charles Darwin. Darwin is the father of evolution, he studied the ways we changed over the years. Second is Sigmund Freud who was scientist that focused on the brain and the different parts of it. There was the ID, Ego, and the SuperID.

89

Thursday Post 7 :D

2011-09-22T15:57:00.001-07:00

Today, Lindsey and I worked on our scenes. Which by the way is coming along good right now. Currently my scene is about two old friends who meet again and try to reunite their friendship. I left for a prep school last year and didn't tell Lindsey that I was going. So Lindsey doesn't really care about our friendship if it works or not. So far that pretty much sums up my scene, but there are many mores smaller details to be added on to the scene to make it much better!

100. 100 is a perfect grade for me because I'm always on the ball (at least in my mind I am). I memorize the scene in practically a week. Also I have mustered up all of my props that will be used in the Reality Scene. Not to mention I have been keeping myself busy by looking for more ways I can achieve my goals for acting. I'm slowly but surely progressing in acting!

Wednesday Post 6!

2011-09-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

"I'm in love with a shark!" Well today was interesting, I learned a lot with about blocking and proportions. Also I got to experience being a Guinea Pig for Mrs Aladren! (Which is probably going to be happening more frequently.) Today I'm going to list the different characters that are in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen.

Torvald Helmer - the newly appointed manager of the bank.
Nora Helmer - his wife, has many secrets from her husband.
Doctor Rank - a friend of the Helmer's
Christine Linde - Nora's widow friend who is eager to work.
Mr. Nile Krogstad - A cynical old worker at the bank who is trying to get money from Nora.
Anne- The children's nurse and nanny.
Children
Porter
A House Maid

98. Today was very successful, because I think I followed all directions. Even though I got yelled at today for doing nothing, I learned now what to do. And that is " Always find something to do! ". Now on that's what I'll do! I also feel like I deserve a good grade for today because I'm already starting to aim for one of my personal goals " get into a professional show ". I found an audition for a paid professional show at the George Street Playhouse! Very excited!! :D

Tuesday Post 5

2011-09-20T19:49:00.001-07:00

I feel very accomplished because I feel like I'm maintaining academics and acting very well! I was able to memorize all of my lines for the open scene project. And I was able to finish Act 1 of A Doll's House. To pretty much summarize Act 1 in a few words is, real life. I feel like I was actually watching everything that goes on in Nora's life. I personally like that tactic on writing plays because it makes it more relatable. We all have had stressful moments like when Nora had to talk to Krogstad about when she forged her I'll fathers signature. Plus we all have had happy, like when Nora saw Mrs. Linde after many years. I learned that making your play relatable to everyday situations attracts the readers' attention more than an average show.

100. I defiantly deserved a 100 today because I probably worked my hardest out of every other day so far. Even though in class we only did simple things, outside the class I felt like I achieved a lot! From reading A Doll's House to memorizing my lines. Then taking time out of my personal free time to go to the Back to School Night. Where I learned more interesting stuff from Mrs Aladren!

Monday Post 4

2011-09-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

I think i learned a lot today! With all these exercises, we do in class i hope i one day get the hang of it. It is amazing that Mrs Aladren said acting is easy, when it seems so hard. I just need to get rid of all my old habits and i'll start to be on the right track. Also last night i read a little of "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen. I don't want to summarize until i'm finished with Act 1, but so far the play is interesting. It's much different than the usual stuff i read and see on stage today. I guess i haven't gotten to the climatic part yet, but the play is kind of slow so far. I'm probably the wrong one anyway in this situation because i'm so used to flashy, gaudy Broadway musicals that stick to the same melodramatic plot, that i haven't experienced REAL theatre.

100 I deserve a 100 today because i feel as if i tried my best in class. Even though Mrs. Aladren said you don't need to always volunteer in class. I think that volunteering is a crucial part to fully understanding what your learning. In the activities today, i think i messed up in all of them but that's good! I'm learning from my mistakes and staying focused on my main priority, learning to act.

Subconscious Exercise

2011-09-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Damn bug?! Why the heck would my mother send me to the jungle for a month? Look at the tree damn it's high! Oh snap, a secret entrance inside the high tree! Wait I need to get my cellphone just incase I get lost. I should also bring my water and that digusting granola bar with the cranberries in it. Maybe there are cranberries behind that door? Who knows? Well lets go through that door... OH MY GOD! This place is beautiful! Look at the flowing rivers a of chocolate, but that blue light is pretty bright. OUCH! That light is blinding me! My eyeballs feel like they're bleeding! Thank god there is another door! Quick go go go! Pheww! HA! Look at those sly kids, thinking there cool playing poker. I bet there making there bets with lollipops! That's why I hate cards! Mother of Pearl!!! That kid just spilt coffee on me! Oww that really hurt, and now he is just ignoring me! Hello, rude much? You can at least clean it with a moist toilette or something of that nature? Hey you big guy with the scar across his face! You look like your in charge, can you get me something to clean this coffee up. Thank you mister big guy, and for that I'll give you the granola bar with cranberries! Nice meeting you guys all but im leaving now! Wait where is the exit. Oh nevermind I see the door with the clearly labeled sign saying EXIT, well peace my poker buddies! Okay or you can just give me the finger too? Thats nice, I guess... and thats why I dont like going into trees.

Thursday Post 3

2011-09-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Objective, Obstacle, Tactic. Three words that i learned today while going over the scenes. Objective is what you want, like the mission you want to complete. Obstacle is what is in your way, like someone physically or verbally stoping you or trying to prevent you from going forward. Finally Tactic is something you do, to get past your obstacle. Also today during acting class i learned about the different types of giving circumstances (info you gather from the text or imagination). Giving circumstances in the text, ones that are implied, and ones that you create.

89

Wednesday Post 2

2011-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Production Day!!! Today i learned some stuff that a year ago i thought was the most dreadful part of theatre. Well i must have been blind because today working with Miguel on lights was fun! I learned about the multiple lights and the different variations of the way the lights work (12,24,36). Also i got to experience the light board, which had a myriad amount of buttons but after a couple tries i got the hang of it. Then i got to experience something that most freshman don't... walk on the cat-walk! What an interesting new place, thank god i'm not afraid of heights, or i would have chickened out before i even touched the ladder. Finally at home i was able to discuss the different interning positions with my family, i'm hoping i can try a House Management intern. We'll see!

100 Today i think i deserve an one hundred as a participation grade, because i'm pretty sure i followed directions very clearly. If i didn't i would have fell off the cat walk. Even worse drop a light on someone! Luckily i felt as if i did a superb job today and didn't do any directions wrong. And like yesterday i felt involved in the conversations, by asking questions and learning many new things about the technical side of theatre.

Tuesday Post 1

2011-09-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today we learned a lot about the Romantic Period, which came right before the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution, a period in which many farmers migrated to cities for work. Life in the city was hard and not to mention they weren't in Kansas anymore, so they have a boss now! The men were expendable. Back to the Romantic Period (1800 ~ 1850) which was a time of teenage angst and rebellion. In Germany, were the Romantic Period was originated, they called it Sturmund Drang! Think Spring Awakening!

100 I think i deserve a 100 because i felt like i was involved with the situation. Like Lindsey said that asking questions involves you into the conversation more. I also felt like i learned a lot more since i was involved. So all the questions i was thinking got answered. Today i also learned a new word that i will add to my everyday vocabulary : Arbitrarily ~ When an entire community agrees upon something, but its not true.