Oh broadway dance is gonna kill me. BUT I LOVE IT so much. It is real intense, I regret eating beforehand EVERY TIME. Sadly, I can't eat any other time, so I just have to suffer. It's such a great class and I'm learning so much. The dance we are learning isn't necessarily focusing on any hip-hop, but all the music has that feel. SO GREAT. I love going to class every single day.
My acting classes have been going great as well! Nancy Wagner is such an amazing teacher and I'm finding the book she assigned a great accompaniment to the class! I read about the method in the book and then I practice it in class. It's working out quite well. The method includes character objectives, obstacles, tactics, etc, while adding a bit of something else. I don't really know how to explain it. I've been taught the whole 'what is your character's objective' before, but not in this way. I'm also working using a bit teamwork with a classmate, Karissa Bedford, exploring more into the method. She says she wants to start a workshop, she'd definitely be great at leading it. :D
I don't know if you couldn't tell, but I'm learning an awful lot! :D I can't express that enough.
I don't really have anything to say about Arsenic and Old Lace auditions besides the fact the set it coming along rather nicely...I wasn't in rehearsals ALL week. :P Going back to the stage tomorrow.
Sorry for the late post...I guess these will definitely be a bit more sporadic than I thought, but they'll still stick to once a week. :)
:D
Aaron
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
CITA AWESOMENESS!
So these past two days were spent over in Spring Arbor, where we attended the CITA (Christian in Theatre Arts) conference. At this conference, we were able to see performances from other schools, as well as take a bunch of workshops! It was a great trip, and I learned a lot about myself and about the art of being a Christian actor!
One of the performances was Taylor University's- "We Will Not Be Silent". It was a traveling show they did that focused on German students during the second world war. The students were of the few who tried to stop Hitler from the inside. It was a powerful piece, with great performances by all of the cast. It was a little long for a one act, but that didn't stop me from joining the standing ovation!
Moving on to the workshops, I decided to sign up for the following three: 1.) Auditioning, 2.) Playwriting Process, and 3.) The Artistic Journey of...something, lol. (It was a great workshop, so just cause I forgot the name, don't judge it already!)
The Auditioning workshop was great! I want to someday take more classes on primarily the audition process. The instructor was mainly a director, so she explained to us what was expected, what was observed, and what can get in the way of an actor getting the part. We got a lot of paperwork, so if you'd like a copy of this information- just let me know and I'll scan and email them to ya.
The Playwriting Process workshop was alright. I like to write, so I thought learning more about it would be something worth doing. I guess the workshop in itself showed me exactly how much work it would take to write a play...something I definitely don't have time for at the moment! So halfway through the workshop, I definitely thought this information would be helpful for later. :P
The Artistic Journey workshop was the best of them all. I learned so much about being a Christian actor in secular plays. Especially secular plays that may have 'worldy' material in them...It was amazing to watch as these two artists explain what they have learned from their experiences and how we as actors have a great opportunity to witness through even secular shows. Once again- if you'd like the paperwork I received, please let me know!
So CITA is definitely worth one post, don't you think? The rest of the week was good, just busy. More rehearsals, more homework, more work in general. :P CITA was a great way to get away from it all. So, hope you guys have a good week!
God Bless!
Aaron
One of the performances was Taylor University's- "We Will Not Be Silent". It was a traveling show they did that focused on German students during the second world war. The students were of the few who tried to stop Hitler from the inside. It was a powerful piece, with great performances by all of the cast. It was a little long for a one act, but that didn't stop me from joining the standing ovation!
Moving on to the workshops, I decided to sign up for the following three: 1.) Auditioning, 2.) Playwriting Process, and 3.) The Artistic Journey of...something, lol. (It was a great workshop, so just cause I forgot the name, don't judge it already!)
The Auditioning workshop was great! I want to someday take more classes on primarily the audition process. The instructor was mainly a director, so she explained to us what was expected, what was observed, and what can get in the way of an actor getting the part. We got a lot of paperwork, so if you'd like a copy of this information- just let me know and I'll scan and email them to ya.
The Playwriting Process workshop was alright. I like to write, so I thought learning more about it would be something worth doing. I guess the workshop in itself showed me exactly how much work it would take to write a play...something I definitely don't have time for at the moment! So halfway through the workshop, I definitely thought this information would be helpful for later. :P
The Artistic Journey workshop was the best of them all. I learned so much about being a Christian actor in secular plays. Especially secular plays that may have 'worldy' material in them...It was amazing to watch as these two artists explain what they have learned from their experiences and how we as actors have a great opportunity to witness through even secular shows. Once again- if you'd like the paperwork I received, please let me know!
So CITA is definitely worth one post, don't you think? The rest of the week was good, just busy. More rehearsals, more homework, more work in general. :P CITA was a great way to get away from it all. So, hope you guys have a good week!
God Bless!
Aaron
Monday, September 19, 2011
Oops. I missed Saturday! A lot has happened though!
So last week was my first full week of school! I finally got to adjust to how my classes will feel over a week, feel how my work schedule will fit in, and got a taste for how rehearsals will go.
Things are going pretty well! God has shown me a lot this last week about the plan he has for me and I learned that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be! What a great feeling! I have so many options and choices right now as a young student- leaving it up to God is a relief.
So you probably want to know how rehearsals are going, right? That's what I thought! Well, this last week alone- we've started learning a new method to develop our characters, how to memorize our lines, and we even blocked the show! Busy, I know!
In Arsenic and Old Lace, we have two directors- well it's more a director and an assistant director (whose in control of acting). The one director, Jerry, does everything a director is supposed to do- and doesn't have to worry about helping the actors develop their characters (which is normally the actors' job) ...The other director- sort of an assistant director- is like an acting coach and does what I said previously- help the actors develop their characters. This is where the new method comes in. We're lucky to have Nancy Wagner- who has studied deeply in this method- the Lessac method. She states clearly that we don't have to use it- just take what we can from it- and it's great that we have the ability to learn and apply to see if it does work for us. (Plus, I have Nancy as a professor- so the ability to use what I learn in class and rehearsal right away can only help me understand it better!) As I understand this method better, I'll probably elaborate on what she is teaching, but for now- I don't feel qualified to teach you anything. lol
We also blocked my scene. And it is epic. I play this little old man who...well, you should just come to see the show to see...can't tell you EVERYTHING now, can I? What I will say is that my scene will take comedic timing, involves a chase, and has some fight choreography- with a cane. AWESOME.
I am already glad I decided to audition for this show. I was going to take this first semester off to organize...well, life in general...but decided to take on the show. What a great decision. I have learned so much from this already- and I've only gone to three rehearsals.
ARGH. There is always so much to say, but I don't just want to splatter you with a bunch of random things- so I'll end it here. Have a great week everyone! Remember to keep God in the center of your life and pray often! (I am working on praying more myself.)
GOD BLESS!
Aaron
Things are going pretty well! God has shown me a lot this last week about the plan he has for me and I learned that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be! What a great feeling! I have so many options and choices right now as a young student- leaving it up to God is a relief.
So you probably want to know how rehearsals are going, right? That's what I thought! Well, this last week alone- we've started learning a new method to develop our characters, how to memorize our lines, and we even blocked the show! Busy, I know!
In Arsenic and Old Lace, we have two directors- well it's more a director and an assistant director (whose in control of acting). The one director, Jerry, does everything a director is supposed to do- and doesn't have to worry about helping the actors develop their characters (which is normally the actors' job) ...The other director- sort of an assistant director- is like an acting coach and does what I said previously- help the actors develop their characters. This is where the new method comes in. We're lucky to have Nancy Wagner- who has studied deeply in this method- the Lessac method. She states clearly that we don't have to use it- just take what we can from it- and it's great that we have the ability to learn and apply to see if it does work for us. (Plus, I have Nancy as a professor- so the ability to use what I learn in class and rehearsal right away can only help me understand it better!) As I understand this method better, I'll probably elaborate on what she is teaching, but for now- I don't feel qualified to teach you anything. lol
We also blocked my scene. And it is epic. I play this little old man who...well, you should just come to see the show to see...can't tell you EVERYTHING now, can I? What I will say is that my scene will take comedic timing, involves a chase, and has some fight choreography- with a cane. AWESOME.
I am already glad I decided to audition for this show. I was going to take this first semester off to organize...well, life in general...but decided to take on the show. What a great decision. I have learned so much from this already- and I've only gone to three rehearsals.
ARGH. There is always so much to say, but I don't just want to splatter you with a bunch of random things- so I'll end it here. Have a great week everyone! Remember to keep God in the center of your life and pray often! (I am working on praying more myself.)
GOD BLESS!
Aaron
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I Love How God's Plan is Always Better Than Mine...
This week was crazy. It's mostly due to my sleep schedule, I'm getting barely any sleep! That hopefully will be adjusted soon...I'm the kind of person that needs a lot of sleep to operate correctly. :)
But while it was crazy (and I am as tired as can be at the moment), I can't tell you how happy I am to be back.
This week our theatre student organization, Kappa Theta Gamma, held its first fundraiser of the year. It was a car wash right next to an extremely busy street, the East Beltline- if you know GR. It went incredibly well. We had the ability to wash multiple cars that day and really gain some funds for this year's activities. It went so well, I think they are planning on doing it a few more times this year. So look out for us!
Then came the start of school. Stupidly, I stayed up till 2am the day before school started. It was partly because my mind has been out of 'school mode'. It still is kinda like that, lol. It was hard to get up the next morning, but I did it and got to class. I really enjoyed all of my classes and love all of my professors. For Old Testament and Literature- I have this woman with an amazing story of how she found God. I am so excited for the semester and learning from a woman who truly wants you to develop a stronger relationship with Him. After that day of class, I- once again- stupidly stayed up till midnight. This time, I had to get up at 5am- to get to work by 6. Due to my rush to leave early, I even forgot the food I was supposed to eat for dinner! It was not a good start to the day. Not only was this a day of classes, but it was also the day of auditions for Arsenic and Old Lace. I really wish I could've gotten more rest. By the time auditions had come, stress was pounding me to accurately deliver my monologue, I was incredibly hungry, and I was having the worst time concentrating.
BUT- as you will see...this is all preparation to show me what God's plan is for me this semester. When I went to audition, I froze. That monologue I said I was going to do from the Glass Menagerie? Well, I stood there- in front of some of my friends and professors - and froze. I kept trying to concentrate, thinking through the first line, but couldn't remember the order of the words. It ended up being alright, I do believe I presented myself pretty well- and got myself a callback.
In the end, I did get a part- an incredibly funny one at that- but it is a rather small one. I don't tell you this to complain (because as I stated, it is hilarious)- but to show you what I figured out through all of this. If you can't tell...I am STILL trying to get everything together even though school has started. Mind you, I haven't been in school for eight months., you really do forget how to 'do school'. With training at work, the homework pile beginning to rise, and my sleep schedule all wacky, I need time to get things in order. If I were to be a big part in the show, I would be constantly on the move, and it would recreate the same day as auditions over and over again. I get the honour to be in this amazing show- with an amazing director, and get the necessary time to get my ducks in a row.
It's great to see how God uses events in your life to make you realize that you have no idea what you need. He only knows what you need- and you need to look toward Him for what that is.
DON'T WORRY. I'm not saying that I won't ever be able to take on a bigger role in a production. I would NEVER say that, lol. I am just saying that I need these first few months to adjust what I need to adjust in order to be able to take on something extra.
I hope you can see what I mean. Well, I'll see you all next week. God Bless!
Mr. Gibbs OUT.
But while it was crazy (and I am as tired as can be at the moment), I can't tell you how happy I am to be back.
This week our theatre student organization, Kappa Theta Gamma, held its first fundraiser of the year. It was a car wash right next to an extremely busy street, the East Beltline- if you know GR. It went incredibly well. We had the ability to wash multiple cars that day and really gain some funds for this year's activities. It went so well, I think they are planning on doing it a few more times this year. So look out for us!
Then came the start of school. Stupidly, I stayed up till 2am the day before school started. It was partly because my mind has been out of 'school mode'. It still is kinda like that, lol. It was hard to get up the next morning, but I did it and got to class. I really enjoyed all of my classes and love all of my professors. For Old Testament and Literature- I have this woman with an amazing story of how she found God. I am so excited for the semester and learning from a woman who truly wants you to develop a stronger relationship with Him. After that day of class, I- once again- stupidly stayed up till midnight. This time, I had to get up at 5am- to get to work by 6. Due to my rush to leave early, I even forgot the food I was supposed to eat for dinner! It was not a good start to the day. Not only was this a day of classes, but it was also the day of auditions for Arsenic and Old Lace. I really wish I could've gotten more rest. By the time auditions had come, stress was pounding me to accurately deliver my monologue, I was incredibly hungry, and I was having the worst time concentrating.
BUT- as you will see...this is all preparation to show me what God's plan is for me this semester. When I went to audition, I froze. That monologue I said I was going to do from the Glass Menagerie? Well, I stood there- in front of some of my friends and professors - and froze. I kept trying to concentrate, thinking through the first line, but couldn't remember the order of the words. It ended up being alright, I do believe I presented myself pretty well- and got myself a callback.
In the end, I did get a part- an incredibly funny one at that- but it is a rather small one. I don't tell you this to complain (because as I stated, it is hilarious)- but to show you what I figured out through all of this. If you can't tell...I am STILL trying to get everything together even though school has started. Mind you, I haven't been in school for eight months., you really do forget how to 'do school'. With training at work, the homework pile beginning to rise, and my sleep schedule all wacky, I need time to get things in order. If I were to be a big part in the show, I would be constantly on the move, and it would recreate the same day as auditions over and over again. I get the honour to be in this amazing show- with an amazing director, and get the necessary time to get my ducks in a row.
It's great to see how God uses events in your life to make you realize that you have no idea what you need. He only knows what you need- and you need to look toward Him for what that is.
DON'T WORRY. I'm not saying that I won't ever be able to take on a bigger role in a production. I would NEVER say that, lol. I am just saying that I need these first few months to adjust what I need to adjust in order to be able to take on something extra.
I hope you can see what I mean. Well, I'll see you all next week. God Bless!
Mr. Gibbs OUT.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
And the "I'm Busy"s Begin...(My First Post!)
Hello everyone! My name is Aaron and I am a soph-unior (I am technically a sophomore credit-wise, but it is my third year in school- which would make me a junior). I go to Cornerstone University, a christ-centered private school in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I am going to be posting at least once a week, talking about the many ups and downs I encounter with classes, rehearsals, work, and shows! I hope you'll join me for at least a few of those posts...as I'd love to take you with me!
School is starting this wednesday...and I'm definitely ready for it. I'm ready for the busy.
I've already been busy enough with the new students coming (I work alongside the theatre department and got to help greet them this last wednesday!), but the busy is really going to begin when classes start this week. I have seven classes this semester (17 credits)...Intro to Psych, Old Testament, Broadway Dance, Writing in Culture, Principles of Acting, Play Directing, and Applied Voice Lessons. That puts 3 classes on mon, wed, & fri and 4 classes on tues & thurs. On top of that I will be working 30ish hours and I will be (hopefully) a part of our 2011-2012 season quite frequently.
That reminds me...our season this year is 'Arsenic and Old Lace', '1940's Radio Hour', 'A Little Princess', and 'The Sound of Music'! I'm excited for all of our shows this year. I am planning on performing in some and working backstage in others (hopefully as ASM...a.k.a. assistant stage manager).
Auditions for our first show, 'Arsenic and Old Lace' are actually this thursday night! I have to prepare a 30 second comedic or dramatic monologue from a contemporary or modern play. That has been a difficult one for me. I have looked and looked and looked for that monologue- in fact, I have spent at least two full nights up till 6am looking for something to perfectly match the show's quirkiness. I'm specifically looking into the Dr. Einstein role, but because I have a young look- I have to make up for it through this monologue. I, thankfully, have found something from 'The Glass Menagerie', but I need to rehearse it a bit more before I decide if it will do. Nonetheless, being a part of the show in any way or form would be amazing- as I have heard amazing things about the guest director. Good thing there is eleven roles for guys. I have a relatively good chance at getting on stage. Who knows...if it's a small part, maybe I can work more in food service (or actually focus on my studies, lol jk I would never do that).
Well for a first post, I don't think I should make it toooo long, lol. Even before school has started, I have enough to talk about to last a long while. By next week I'll be able to let you know the results of this audition, and no matter the outcome, I'm sure the excitement for this peculiar show will still be there.
God Bless!
Aaron Guest
I am going to be posting at least once a week, talking about the many ups and downs I encounter with classes, rehearsals, work, and shows! I hope you'll join me for at least a few of those posts...as I'd love to take you with me!
School is starting this wednesday...and I'm definitely ready for it. I'm ready for the busy.
I've already been busy enough with the new students coming (I work alongside the theatre department and got to help greet them this last wednesday!), but the busy is really going to begin when classes start this week. I have seven classes this semester (17 credits)...Intro to Psych, Old Testament, Broadway Dance, Writing in Culture, Principles of Acting, Play Directing, and Applied Voice Lessons. That puts 3 classes on mon, wed, & fri and 4 classes on tues & thurs. On top of that I will be working 30ish hours and I will be (hopefully) a part of our 2011-2012 season quite frequently.
That reminds me...our season this year is 'Arsenic and Old Lace', '1940's Radio Hour', 'A Little Princess', and 'The Sound of Music'! I'm excited for all of our shows this year. I am planning on performing in some and working backstage in others (hopefully as ASM...a.k.a. assistant stage manager).
Auditions for our first show, 'Arsenic and Old Lace' are actually this thursday night! I have to prepare a 30 second comedic or dramatic monologue from a contemporary or modern play. That has been a difficult one for me. I have looked and looked and looked for that monologue- in fact, I have spent at least two full nights up till 6am looking for something to perfectly match the show's quirkiness. I'm specifically looking into the Dr. Einstein role, but because I have a young look- I have to make up for it through this monologue. I, thankfully, have found something from 'The Glass Menagerie', but I need to rehearse it a bit more before I decide if it will do. Nonetheless, being a part of the show in any way or form would be amazing- as I have heard amazing things about the guest director. Good thing there is eleven roles for guys. I have a relatively good chance at getting on stage. Who knows...if it's a small part, maybe I can work more in food service (or actually focus on my studies, lol jk I would never do that).
Well for a first post, I don't think I should make it toooo long, lol. Even before school has started, I have enough to talk about to last a long while. By next week I'll be able to let you know the results of this audition, and no matter the outcome, I'm sure the excitement for this peculiar show will still be there.
God Bless!
Aaron Guest
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