Student Blog: Magic (And Work) To Do

"How did you do it?" I kept asking myself before returning for my second semester of college. "How did you set all the right alarms, wake up on time, know where to go, remember all the rehearsals, and manage all your school work all at once?" And the truth is, I don't know. But I made it through the first, and we're back for the second! ... And there sure is a lot to do.

Over winter break, my friends and I got the long-prayed-for email that we were cast as Players in our school's production of Pippin, to begin as soon as we got back. As expected, we began rehearsing as soon as we got back. Since mid January, we've been rehearsing roughly every night, which has been a big transition from my daily routine last semester. As this is my first college show, the process has been very exciting, but also a new level of work. While still hard - it's been incredibly fulfilling. It's been super interesting getting to learn new skills like circus tricks and partner lifts, as the show uses lots of spectacle! Still in rehearsals, I'm really loving the process and am adapting a lot to the schedule and work style of my director - and it's a good thing, because with all this magic comes lots of work!

As for academics, something I really like about my school is that you don't have to wait until you're an upperclassman to take theatre and performance classes, as I was able to start classes like Basic Performance and Intro to Theatre my first month of school. I'm taking these classes second semester as well, plus new ones, like Voice and Movement and Jazz Foundations, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite classes. As a "dancer last," I've found dance classes frustrating in the past, but the environment of my current one is so positive and supportive, I've felt myself growing and understanding the material while also becoming more confident!

Starting the new semester at the start of the new year has also really inspired me to recommit to myself in a lot of ways. I'd been having a bit of a hard time as of late, and made a pact with myself to stay on top - no skipping class or rehearsal out of laziness, no skipping meals just because the dining hall feels far, always ask for help. Finding new ways to care for myself and letting others care for me has been huge this past month, and I'm already feeling a big shift in my daily mindset. Practicing self care and strong mindset is really important, ESPECIALLY for performers, as our field deals with emotionally intense and energy draining work. If you haven't yet today, drink some water! Compliment yourself!

Overall, it's been a bit of a busy period coming back to school, but I'm really happy with how things are going. My classes, while still classes, are the most fun and interesting parts of my day, and I love getting to take those skills from the day into my rehearsals at night! I definitely think I'm starting to get the hang of this college thing, and really feel like I'm "on the right track!"

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