So I haven't been the most attentive blogger in the world. In all honesty, I haven't been in much mood for writing the past couple weeks. Be it fiction or non-fiction. My fourth book was "on hold" for a really long time due to this writer's block. But it wasn't just writer's block; it was affecting my creative flow as a whole. If my creativity were a river, it was as if someone installed a dam. And damn did it suck.
Recently, however, that dam broke. Entirely. I came up with a lot of plot ideas and characters and the next several chapters for my fourth book. My creative thought process has returned to my in-class activities, which helps me rethink and redo certain choreography in class to help improve them.
The few weeks while I had that block though... it was rough. It stressed me out, quite a bit. Made me worry about classes and such. It's nice having the block gone though. I can relax again.
Things can get back into motion.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Nay; The Tale
In Nay; An Intro, I wrote that I had a good day. "Actually; nay. It was a great day." This is the tale of that very day, but first it requires some explanation.
In Theatre, in place of midterm written exams, we get interviews with any of our teachers (within the program) that request it. For Carol (Movement/Creation) and Rob (Acting), this happens without question (Terry being the only exception currently, but I know he'll do it for end of semester). Within these interviews, we're told where our strengths lie, what our weaknesses seem to be, and whether or not we need to be concerned about our performance in class.
And now, the Tale itself.
Fridays, for me at school, normally go like this: Theatre Creation class, Voice class, then Acting class. This particular friday, however, was different. Carol was still doing interviews, so in place of Creation class, we had the open studio; we could work on anything we liked, as long as it was Theatre related. I got to work with Katherine, who's my scene partner for an upcoming "Scene Study" in Acting class. We got a lot of progress, which made the beginning of this day excellent.
In Voice class, we're doing work with poetry. I had brought in my poem, and was ready to read. While I didn't get to read it, I did have a blast in this class none the less; as a warm up, we danced and sung and opened up our bodies and voices. And then we all sat down with Terry, as we always did, and we talked. We just talked. This voice class not only lived up to the excellent start of the day, but it helped make it all that much better.
Acting class was cancelled, but because Rob was doing his interviews. I had an hour and a quarter to kill before my interview. I was nervous, and anxious, and worried. But at the same time, I was confident. Partially because of how good my day was so far, and partially because I knew I was improving since last semester.
But before my interview, with the time to kill, I spent forty-five minutes with my classmate Gillian. We were listening to our iPods, trying to come up with a list of potential songs for an upcoming "Movement Piece" project. It was really nice, because it was relaxing, and extremely stress-free in the sense that "this is a project that isn't due for at least another three or four weeks and we're already working hard on it so i won't have to worry about it later."
Now the interview with Rob itself. The big number.
It could not have gone better in my mind. We just talked. Some personal, "what's going on at home" stuff, my work over the semester so far and upcoming projects. I had improved since last semester, and said improvement will continue with all the stuff coming up that I'm getting a good head start on!
After the interview, I was obligation and class free for the rest of the day. I stayed at school for a while, hanging out with some people I see everyday (and love seeing), and some people I don't often see. Even taught some kids how to stop time (yes, that's right, "stop time").
So this was Nay; The Tale. It was the best day I had in a long time. And now, if there is ever a day where I question my theatrical abilities or my place at school, I can just think about Fri. March 13th 2009. And when I think about it, I'll remember how great things can be.
In Theatre, in place of midterm written exams, we get interviews with any of our teachers (within the program) that request it. For Carol (Movement/Creation) and Rob (Acting), this happens without question (Terry being the only exception currently, but I know he'll do it for end of semester). Within these interviews, we're told where our strengths lie, what our weaknesses seem to be, and whether or not we need to be concerned about our performance in class.
And now, the Tale itself.
Fridays, for me at school, normally go like this: Theatre Creation class, Voice class, then Acting class. This particular friday, however, was different. Carol was still doing interviews, so in place of Creation class, we had the open studio; we could work on anything we liked, as long as it was Theatre related. I got to work with Katherine, who's my scene partner for an upcoming "Scene Study" in Acting class. We got a lot of progress, which made the beginning of this day excellent.
In Voice class, we're doing work with poetry. I had brought in my poem, and was ready to read. While I didn't get to read it, I did have a blast in this class none the less; as a warm up, we danced and sung and opened up our bodies and voices. And then we all sat down with Terry, as we always did, and we talked. We just talked. This voice class not only lived up to the excellent start of the day, but it helped make it all that much better.
Acting class was cancelled, but because Rob was doing his interviews. I had an hour and a quarter to kill before my interview. I was nervous, and anxious, and worried. But at the same time, I was confident. Partially because of how good my day was so far, and partially because I knew I was improving since last semester.
But before my interview, with the time to kill, I spent forty-five minutes with my classmate Gillian. We were listening to our iPods, trying to come up with a list of potential songs for an upcoming "Movement Piece" project. It was really nice, because it was relaxing, and extremely stress-free in the sense that "this is a project that isn't due for at least another three or four weeks and we're already working hard on it so i won't have to worry about it later."
Now the interview with Rob itself. The big number.
It could not have gone better in my mind. We just talked. Some personal, "what's going on at home" stuff, my work over the semester so far and upcoming projects. I had improved since last semester, and said improvement will continue with all the stuff coming up that I'm getting a good head start on!
After the interview, I was obligation and class free for the rest of the day. I stayed at school for a while, hanging out with some people I see everyday (and love seeing), and some people I don't often see. Even taught some kids how to stop time (yes, that's right, "stop time").
So this was Nay; The Tale. It was the best day I had in a long time. And now, if there is ever a day where I question my theatrical abilities or my place at school, I can just think about Fri. March 13th 2009. And when I think about it, I'll remember how great things can be.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Nay; An Intro
Today was a good day. Actually; nay. It was a great day.
But right now isn't the best time for me to be doing this, so expect a report later!
But right now isn't the best time for me to be doing this, so expect a report later!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Black and White
The Canadian Improv Games. This nation-wide high school tournament literally shaped who I am today. Back when I was in high school, this extra-curricular activity didn't change who I am, it made me who I am. I played in three regional tournaments for my school, and made it to the nationals in my graduating year. Which, at the time, was my dream. I spent all five of my years at John Rennie High School dreaming about winning the Montreal CIG, and making it to Ottawa to compete with the best in Canada. That dream came true.
Best part was, during 2007, my final year of JRHS and my last chance to be a competitor in the games, a woman named Sandra Chwialkowska went all across the country, visiting schools and students all over Canada, making a documentary about the Canadian Improv Games (during it's 30th anniversary). And not only did she interview the kids, but she interviewed the people that make it happen. Including the national directors, the head-ref (yes, there are referees) of the national tournament, and even David Sheperd, who was one of the founding fathers of improvisation and the CIG, and what it is today.
I went to Ottawa last night to see the big screen premiere of In The Moment, which was amazing. I managed to get a copy of the documentary on DVD a year ago, but it's making it's way through Canada now on select-big-screens, which is absolutely phenominal for Sandra... and for me. Y'see, I'm in this documentary. Sandra interviewed thousands of students, and picked six (or so) for it to focus on. And I'm one of the six. And I have one word concerning that; fucking wow.
It's been two years since my high school dream came true. And I've still been involved with CIG in these years. For the 2008 tournament, I was the coach of one of JRHS' improv teams, and I couldn't've been prouder than my kids. I still am, even though I'm not coaching anymore. Instead, I'm on stage, wearing the black and white jersey of the games' very own referees. I'm the Time-Keeper for the Montreal games.
Tonight is the final round of Montreal's Canadian Improv Games 2009. I don't know how last night of semi-finals went, since I was in Ottawa, but I am confident that both Rennie teams made it to finals, as they tend to do. This year is their year, I feel. Because even though JRHS didn't take home the gold in 2008, they have a tradition to live up to this year. You see, the trophy for the Montreal games is a painting of a matador. Plaques are lined up on both sides of the painting. And the entire left side of the painting is held by John Rennie High School. 2009 is a left-side year for the games, and Rennie hasn't lost one yet.
But that doesn't really matter to me. It'd be amazing if Rennie did it and went back to Nationals and took on the best of the country again, don't get me wrong. But I'm not on a team, and thus my cheer is for "Everyone," as improv has been, is, and always will be about everyone involved.
I'm bringing my camera to the games tonight, so hopefully I'll get some good photos. If I do, expect them soon.
Best part was, during 2007, my final year of JRHS and my last chance to be a competitor in the games, a woman named Sandra Chwialkowska went all across the country, visiting schools and students all over Canada, making a documentary about the Canadian Improv Games (during it's 30th anniversary). And not only did she interview the kids, but she interviewed the people that make it happen. Including the national directors, the head-ref (yes, there are referees) of the national tournament, and even David Sheperd, who was one of the founding fathers of improvisation and the CIG, and what it is today.
I went to Ottawa last night to see the big screen premiere of In The Moment, which was amazing. I managed to get a copy of the documentary on DVD a year ago, but it's making it's way through Canada now on select-big-screens, which is absolutely phenominal for Sandra... and for me. Y'see, I'm in this documentary. Sandra interviewed thousands of students, and picked six (or so) for it to focus on. And I'm one of the six. And I have one word concerning that; fucking wow.
It's been two years since my high school dream came true. And I've still been involved with CIG in these years. For the 2008 tournament, I was the coach of one of JRHS' improv teams, and I couldn't've been prouder than my kids. I still am, even though I'm not coaching anymore. Instead, I'm on stage, wearing the black and white jersey of the games' very own referees. I'm the Time-Keeper for the Montreal games.
Tonight is the final round of Montreal's Canadian Improv Games 2009. I don't know how last night of semi-finals went, since I was in Ottawa, but I am confident that both Rennie teams made it to finals, as they tend to do. This year is their year, I feel. Because even though JRHS didn't take home the gold in 2008, they have a tradition to live up to this year. You see, the trophy for the Montreal games is a painting of a matador. Plaques are lined up on both sides of the painting. And the entire left side of the painting is held by John Rennie High School. 2009 is a left-side year for the games, and Rennie hasn't lost one yet.
But that doesn't really matter to me. It'd be amazing if Rennie did it and went back to Nationals and took on the best of the country again, don't get me wrong. But I'm not on a team, and thus my cheer is for "Everyone," as improv has been, is, and always will be about everyone involved.
I'm bringing my camera to the games tonight, so hopefully I'll get some good photos. If I do, expect them soon.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sleep
Somehow, this week has been mostly good on me for sleep. I've somehow managed to get to bed before 11pm several nights this week, meaning I actually managed to get a decent amount of sleep each of these nights, meaning I was relatively well rested for school. Amazing? Yes. How did the insomniac do it? I've no fucking clue.
Tomorrow should kick some ass though. If I recall correctly, we have a special guy coming into combat class tomorrow morning. And if my recollections are at all accurate and the guy actually is coming in, that means doing some awesome new things. Hopefully some work with weapons. I'm down for learning how to kick ass and take names with a bo staff. Donatello was one of my favorite Ninja Turtles, after all.
Then after combat, it's voice class, and then after voice, I got my hefty hour-and-a-half break, followed by an hour long meeting. I think I might either spend the break with friends, or in the school's gym. It wouldn't hurt to work out some, eh? Get this boy a little more built. Maybe get a little more good-looking. Or something to give myself a little bit of a self-esteem/self-confidence.
Tomorrow should kick some ass though. If I recall correctly, we have a special guy coming into combat class tomorrow morning. And if my recollections are at all accurate and the guy actually is coming in, that means doing some awesome new things. Hopefully some work with weapons. I'm down for learning how to kick ass and take names with a bo staff. Donatello was one of my favorite Ninja Turtles, after all.
Then after combat, it's voice class, and then after voice, I got my hefty hour-and-a-half break, followed by an hour long meeting. I think I might either spend the break with friends, or in the school's gym. It wouldn't hurt to work out some, eh? Get this boy a little more built. Maybe get a little more good-looking. Or something to give myself a little bit of a self-esteem/self-confidence.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesdays Off
Somehow, I managed my school schedule to have Wednesdays off. A lot of people wondered why on earth I would want that day off instead of Fridays (thus extending my weekend). Well, the reason is: I didn't. Pre-Registration folks in the registrar's office managed to give me the Wednesdays off in the first place. I had nothing to do with that. But when I found out, it made sense to me. Because now my "days at school" vs. "days off of school" go in this order:
Two days off (weekend), two days of school (Monday and Tuesday), one day off (Wednesday), two days of school (Thursday and Friday), and then back to two days off (weekend).
Which is nice altogether. But on this particular Wednesday, of the first week of school, it came in handy.
Yesterday I had an allergy test. A simple skin test, where they put a drop of a thing (whatever they test you for), and then they give you a tiny scratch where the drop is. Then we wait and see if there's a reaction. Well I had this test yesterday, for all types of foods and food-related-things. Guess what! I didn't really react to anything. At least on skin wise. But my muscles started screaming at me, so much that it hurt just to move in certain ways. I started sneezing at first, and then those turned into coughing. Nose got snuffly, and I got a temperature. I was hot, but I felt as if I was freezing. It was one of those temperature things where you feel freezing even with three blankets, but with a fourth blanket you feel way too hot, and you can't find a happy median at all. I personally think that this is somehow allergy related, but the doctors were all like "No, no, it shouldn't affect anything but your skin."
Anyway, I ended up not going to any of my classes yesterday because of it, and I'm still not feeling well today. So at least I only missed one day of school for it, eh? I suppose the funny part is that I'll find out if all of this is allergy related or not, as next wednesday I have another appointment with the allergy folk.
Joy.
Two days off (weekend), two days of school (Monday and Tuesday), one day off (Wednesday), two days of school (Thursday and Friday), and then back to two days off (weekend).
Which is nice altogether. But on this particular Wednesday, of the first week of school, it came in handy.
Yesterday I had an allergy test. A simple skin test, where they put a drop of a thing (whatever they test you for), and then they give you a tiny scratch where the drop is. Then we wait and see if there's a reaction. Well I had this test yesterday, for all types of foods and food-related-things. Guess what! I didn't really react to anything. At least on skin wise. But my muscles started screaming at me, so much that it hurt just to move in certain ways. I started sneezing at first, and then those turned into coughing. Nose got snuffly, and I got a temperature. I was hot, but I felt as if I was freezing. It was one of those temperature things where you feel freezing even with three blankets, but with a fourth blanket you feel way too hot, and you can't find a happy median at all. I personally think that this is somehow allergy related, but the doctors were all like "No, no, it shouldn't affect anything but your skin."
Anyway, I ended up not going to any of my classes yesterday because of it, and I'm still not feeling well today. So at least I only missed one day of school for it, eh? I suppose the funny part is that I'll find out if all of this is allergy related or not, as next wednesday I have another appointment with the allergy folk.
Joy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.bmp)