We will be using this space primarily for journal assignments, but also to keep in contact with respect to assignments and department activities. Just like the classroom, this blog is a safe space for us to think, grow, make mistakes, and learn from them.
First off, please remember that you will need to maintain a SAFE environment here. This is a public site - don't use your full name or any contact information that could compromise your safety. And keep all comments appropriate. Don't write anything you wouldn't want your grandmother to read, and don't say anything about anyone you wouldn't want said about yourself.
For those of you who are in Drama I, I'm extremely excited that you made the choice to take a theatre class. You will be exposed to a great deal of history and knowledge about the theatre, and you will learn to use critical thinking skills in analyzing and evaluating theatre and its technical aspects. You will explore your identity and learn how to be honest and truthful on stage.
For the Applause students, welcome back - I look forward to learning more about your prior course of study and what areas you'd like to concentrate on this semester. We will likely focus on an acting intensive that uses Meisner and Hagan exercises, but if there is an overwhelming desire to work on ensemble work or tech or directing or whatever, we can adjust. Also, I will be looking to you for help in making the transition as smooth as possible, especially with respect to the extracurricular elements of drama.
And to everyone: Drama classes are a place where we get to explore what art is, what it means to be human, and how we can participate in the world. It is a place where you will learn skills that will apply to your life no matter what you do. It is a place where we will engage in mature discussions about material that may not appeal to everyone. Please be prepared for that - if certain topics make you uncomfortable and you don't wish to explore them, you should discuss this with me as soon as possible.
Drama classes are also a lot of fun, and I'm sure there are many people who signed up for that reason. And we can keep it that way PROVIDED that you are willing to put in the hard work that this art requires. If I have to constantly remind students to listen respectfully to others, or if we are unable to move forward because students aren't working, I will get very cranky. And that is not fun for anyone.
Many concepts in theatre and acting are simple, but that doesn't make them easy. You will have homework in this class, above and beyond memorizing lines. You will write papers in/for this class. And you will have tests. So please, if you aren't interested in doing the work, find a different elective. It is a very sad thing to fail a student in drama.
Please reply to this post by stating one thing about drama class that you're excited for, and one thing that you are nervous about.
