Quarterly Reviews 2020-21
Self-Reflection: October 07, 2020 (First Quarter)
I am grateful to be back on campus for my final year of my concentration. Due to the nature of theatre, it is most beneficial to me as a concentration student to be on campus and experiencing what it is like to direct and produce shows in person. However, during the distance learning period and through the summer, I was able to direct an online production of a play and further expand my interests in theatre and understand what my final project will look like. I also had thoughtful discussions with my advisor, Ms. Thorndike, about how my final project will be executed and presented. As I begin to truly envision what this will look like, I believe that it will be best for me to focus my final project on directing. I will be working under Ms. Thorndike as an assistant director for the production of "Talking With..." and I am also hoping that we will be able to all be in person second semester for the possibility of a musical.
Although my concentration path has changed over the course of these four years, I am very glad that I have decided to continue my concentration though my senior year. My hard work and determination in working in multiple areas of the theatre helped me realize my passion for directing and making executive decisions in the theatre.
As Ms. Thorndike is my advisor for my concentration and also my regular advisor, I have been using our mutual free periods and advisory time to have brief meetings with her about my final project and my concentration requirements in general.
I am excited for the year, no matter how different it may be, and I am excited to further explore directing this year.
Self-Reflection: December 02, 2020 (Second Quarter)
I am on the road to finishing my last first semester at Foxcroft strong in regards to my concentration. Even though my time at Foxcroft was shortened due to my sister's softball schedule, I still believe I made the most of my time on campus by making important connections and moves in the right direction to finish strong. During in-person learning, I was able to participate in the Fall Variety Show not only by performing two songs by also emceeing the whole concert. I also assisted (for six hours beforehand and one after) with setup and sound technology. Although everything was only put together in one day, I believe it was one of the most enjoyable outdoor concert experiences I have had because of how everyone made the most of the situation.
Another change from my anticipated course was my participation in "Talking With..." which I planned to perform on the stage at Foxcroft before leaving. Unfortunately, we did not finish blocking in time for me to properly film my piece, so I had to perform from home. I was proud of my performance even if it was a bit different than my original plan. My other notable contribution to "Talking With..." was the three monologues I blocked for the show. I was given the opportunity by Ms. Thorndike, and we collaborated after class to discuss which monologues we preferred and what actors we would work best with. The three monologues that were completely my original work were "Twirler" (Mary J., '23), "Clear Glass Marbles" (Heidi D., '23), and "French Fries" (Cameron H., '23). All three actresses were so great to work with and were all eager to get started right away. Even though I couldn't be there in person to watch their performances, they all delivered moving performances on video that were equally as enjoyable.
In regards to my involvement, I am planning on singing for Lessons and Carols accompanied by Mr. Dombrowski. I am recording the video this week and I am very eager to share it with the community. I have been working hard on my outline for my final presentation and am having weekly meetings with Ms. Thorndike, while also staying in contact with her though emails and text messages.
Self-Reflection: March 23, 2021 (Third Quarter)
As I mentioned in my last self-reflection, I was involved with Lessons and Carols and had a great time singing for the event. I have also been working hard in theatre and blocking certain scenes, as well as working towards a final goal for my final presentation. Although I felt like I had a rough time in February devoting specific time to my project, I am getting back on my feet to end off March on a high note. I am excited to present my final project findings to my committee next week in person, and be able to hear Teagan's presentation as well (if possible)!
The production is underway. We started blocking 25th Annual last week and are deep into character study and working with our music and how to move on stage. I am blocking a twenty-page stretch in the middle of the play that includes two songs and three scenes. I am very excited to hit the ground running when we get back to school - even if there is a lot for me to do next semester and I may be booked until the day of graduation.