College Juggling- September 10, 2013

Looks like Tuesdays aren't so bad after all.

I found the trick: getting a nice hot cup of tea before my 8am Theater production class instead of after. That way I have something to sip on and to keep me happy while I hear lectures about power tools. Plus, there's some caffeine!

After class I had some devotions time, then went to work out in the Marks Hall dungeon gym. Have I talked much about this gym?

It's basically in the basement of one of the nearby dorm buildings. I call it a dungeon because
a) It smells like sweat down there
b) There's only one window, and it doesn't show anything.
c) It's really undecorated
d) It's pretty randomly thrown together
e) It's quite gray
f) It's in a basement.
g) Hardly anyone ever goes down there.

Nevertheless, I like it most because of option g. The equipment they put down there works nicely, plus there's a mini dance floor with a mirror wall and ballet bar, so that makes me happy :) Also, the steps to get back up to real life give you an extra work-out after your work out!

I ran into my friend Sam after grabbing some lunch on my way to my next class. She's really fun to talk to! I find I'm starting to bond with the kids in my acting class quite nicely. They're really nice people!

Class was nice. I spent some time afterwards getting to do list stuff done before Spanish class (or, attempting to get to do list stuff done...)

Then, tonight I had my last acting workshop!!! It was a significantly smaller turnout for tonight, but we focused on acting for film and television, and learned some really neat things about what makes film acting different, but at the same time, exactly the same as normal theater. I also started learning how to control when I blink and when I don't.

The gist of it is every detail matters. Every motion, every blink, every gesture conveys something different. When you've got a limited field to work with (that is, whatever the camera may be showing), you have to work with what you've got to still get your emotion across. The other big advice the teacher had was to take a film editing class. As a film actor, you've got to know how to work with the film editor so that your moments show up in the film. You have to know what the editor is looking for and what they can actually use!!! So that was informative and cool. Plus, Andy Sircus from Lord of the Rings was a big focus of the discussion, because he's a great example of an actor who uses holistic acting in film. Yay!! Lord of the Rings!!

After grabbing dinner at Parkside, I talked with my family, and I've been in my room attempting to get things done ever since... I really ought to have done more tonight... I'm feeling kinda guilty...

But at the same time, I'm getting used to the juggling act of college. There's a lot to balance and focus on. It takes some practice... but I'm getting there. I need to find more time for homework, that's all...

OH! I almost forgot to write about one of today's highlights!!!! I got my very first letter in the mail!!! It was from my dearest friend Annie and it was lovely and I cannot wait to write her back. You beat me to the punch, Annchan!!! I've been wanting to write all of my friends letters!

Anyways, tomorrow we throw another ball into the juggling mix. Wish me luck.

Fight on, friends.