Down but not out

So much has happened since I last wrote for My CENTRE Life! This term has truly been one of the busiest times of my life, and theatre is slowly consuming my life. A few weeks ago I had the privilege of travelling to Chattanooga, Tennessee to participate in SETC (South Eastern Theatre Conference). SETC is a gathering for theater students, teachers, and art advocates from eleven different states in the Southeast.
The conference houses workshops on various aspects of acting and technical production, auditions for companies and schools, and interviews for jobs at summer and regional theaters. I myself am going to be an intern at New Harmony Theatre this summer. Though it was a great learning experience, it was also fun to just be on a trip with my fellow students in the Drama Program—especially the seniors, who will be leaving in May. Compared to other departments, ours is relatively small, so everyone knows each other and we get along well.

In my previous entry, I informed you of my trials and tribulations in heels for Little Shop of Horrors, and I'm sorry to say that they have proven to be my downfall.   Literally! Two weeks ago I had an accident that has left my ankle with a severe sprain and an injured nerve. So, I've gone from "Ronnette" to the affectionately titled "Hopette." Never fear: I'm still in the show! I'll be strutting my stuff in a boot and on crutches in the opening and closing numbers. It is disappointing, but it certainly underlines the risks you take in live theatre (which can be just as demanding—and dangerous—as contact sports). I had a great time in rehearsals as "Ronnie" and I'm still looking forward to a grand week of performances. As an actor, you learn to take these types of mishaps in stride and continue on for the good of the company and the show. That being said, here's my shameless plug for our production:

Come see Little Shop of Horrors at Centre which runs from April 2-5.

It's being performed in Weisiger Theater and the curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. each night!

In this final stretch of the school year, my workload has increased enormously. It seems that all of my teachers want a research paper, presentation, or translation every time I turn around. I'm definitely looking forward to summer! I, however, have good news that helps keep my spirits up under the barrage of work: I'm going to be studying abroad in England next year! During CentreTerm 2009, I am taking a theatre tour in the United Kingdom and then I'll return to London in February for spring term. The courses are right down my alley: Contemporary London Theatre, Shakespearean Texts, The Romance of Arthur, and Museums, Knowledge, and Power.

Though I can't wait to study and experience daily life in London, I'm definitely looking forward to the theatre most of all. Different cultures invent, practice, produce, and view theater in different ways—and much of what is displayed on stage is relative to the current social, political, and cultural climate of the area. England has long provided more artistic license in regards to exploring typically taboo subjects—religion, sexuality, etc. The opportunity to experience and analyze different types of theater will probably be the most exciting element of next year!