Theatre

My experience with the theatre was first one of interest. I wanted to be an actor, just because I thought it would be fun and I thought I was good at it. Overconfidence, as I would soon find out, isn’t exactly unheard of at thirteen. My mother suggested an acting academy over the summer between my 8th and 9th grade years, and in accepting that suggestion I ended up going to TBA’s summer academy. On my  first day, I was completely unreceptive. It was a loud initiation, to say the least, and not only was I holding my hands over my ears most of the time but I was too self-conscious to participate in most of what they asked me to. However, as the month grew on I learned to love that, and still remember it fondly.  

Moreover, in my acting as I took classes and such I became much, much, much better. After my third academy, whence I had grown so much that myself as an actor was a totally different person. For this, I received an award from the academy, but most of all I recieved a wonderful reputation that allowed me to begin acting outside of academy with a great deal of effectiveness rather soon after my third academy, and that’s where I am today. I’ve learned a great deal in the process, including how to paint and build sets, but most of all I’ve learned how to stand in front of an audience and confidently say what I’d like to say without a tremble or mite of concern.

Three billy goats

My first play, I played an old man among three. As it was my first, I really wasn’t very good. However, it was a great deal of fun and placed me squarely in the mindset to do that again the next year, and the year after that.

Wind in the Willows

My first big part, and my second play. I played the part of Mr. Toad, and ended up doing so well that it cemented a certain reputation for me within the company. This aided in my being placed in the Advanced Academy the next year

Pericles, as performed by Ms. Gower’s 1st grade class

It’s truly a unique sight to see a bunch of 14-18 year olds play first graders in a shakespeare play, and one of his more confusing ones at that. Truly a joy to be in, and the cast which thus far  I have best bonded with and hold most dearly. 

Something Wicked 

My first halloween play, and the first non-academy play I was in. A fourth-wall breaker about a showing of MacBeth gone wrong. I played the part of the stage hand, and as I remember it my most memorable action was going to the back, opening the breaker box, and closing it again a few seconds later as loudly as possible.

Julius Caesar

I played Decius Brutus, he who convinces Caesar to go to the senate meeting where he would be stabbed. It’s regarded by those who knew me and saw it as the best acting I’ve done, as I was given the chance for a good role to work with and the opportunity to properly flex my acting muscles. Personally, being the slimiest senator imaginable was quite fun from my perspective. Mayhaps that says something about me, since I am a method actor.

The Witch of Greythorn

I played a judge, the high judge of Scotland. It gave me the opportunity to navigate a stage in the dark while being given night blindness by the candle in front of me, and not die doing all that while in an extremely flammable robe. Oh, and having to do all of that while singing a song which is used as a vocal exercise, but in bad latin. Come to think of it, that play may have been scarier for the actors than the audience.