director's scenes tonight

Let's try this again. My computer deleted the first post I tried to put up.

Tonight, after much rehearsal, Ben and I performed for Joe Hart's directing class. I should add, much rehearsal OUTSIDE the actual performance space. Because of course, the BFAs are better actors than us BAs and from that, naturally, it can be derived that they are also above the rules of common courtesy, namely, the rule that says "if you reserve a room for 6:30, you are entitled to it at 6:30, not 7:05." Still, it went well, and Sarah deserves a really good grade, because she was an awesome director.

I'll admit, it went differently than I expected, for me anyway. Rehearsal prepared me for the lines, character, and blocking, but not for acting itself. I'm way out of practice; its like exercise. You sit too long, and your muscles atrophy. Or however you spell it. Anyway, it was clear to me that I've been out for too long. For my high school years, I was homeschooled, so I had the time to perform a lot. I practically lived onstage. But it feels like I moved out, and now coming back home for a 10-minute scene, I feel out of place. But several people told me I should act more often, which I suppose is a good thing.

I just don't know when or where I would do it. I don't sing anymore, so LTC is out except for backstage stuff, which is just as thrilling as being onstage, to me anyway. Cabaret, there just weren't any plays that jumped out at me. Well, Crucible did, but I chose backstage LTC and then Crucible died anyway.

What I would love more than anything is to be a part of a group that does the classics, despite (and in defiance of) the fact that classics are usually overdone, and usually everyone tries to be the famous movie star that had that particular role. Streetcar Named Desire, Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream, Oliver. Well, okay, you need young kids for Oliver. But seriously... half the people I know at RU are actors who act like young kids anyway. And if Hillel Theater Company can get away with completely selling out Willy-Wonka, I think Oliver is at least a possibility. But I guess we have enough BA theater competition at Rutgers anyway (Cabaret, CAP, LTC, Hillel). Still, the classics are so overdone that no one does them anymore. So maybe it would work.

Anyway, bottom line is, I would love to act more. I've been saying that a lot lately. I wonder how long its going to take me to do something about it.

Last thing, special thanks to EVERYONE I know that came. I know that some of you came to support me and some came to support multiple people, but its so nice knowing there are people out there who care.