Taking the Scenic Route

So. Wow. What is going on? Where to begin?

Well, as the title of this post suggests and as you might already know, I have sidestepped the path that I had all etched out in stone for myself. It wasn't the easiest decision. I thought "come on! It's time to get going, life!" I was all set to grab an internship, make no money and let this crazy bohemian life begin. But you meet people and you learn things everyday. Things change, and you have to just roll with it.

I have decided to get an associates in sign language interpreting. On one hand, I find it completely absurd that this is going to take me three years! I just got my BFA in three years and now it's going to take me three years to get an ASSOCIATES? What a shame that so many precious years will be spent sitting in a desk. I honestly wish there was another program in Saint Louis, but there isn't. So, here I am. I am doing the student thing again. Fighting with loan companies, finding a parking spot in ten buck two, carrying around a bunch of books and remembering to do homework. I don't know about anyone else, but you get your diploma in the mail and you can't even imagine doing it all again. Well, I did. And, the negative things that I mentioned above not withstanding, I am glad that I decided to do it. I didn't enjoy my undergraduate school to be perfectly honest. It's nice to finally feel good about walking into a classroom. I am not stressed. In fact, I have already finished my homework for three of my four classes for the entire semester!

There are a lot of reasons I decided to do this. The first one being that I am obsessively communicating with my hands. I love sign language. I love signing to music. I love signing to people who have no clue what I am saying and I love being the only one that can communicate with people that do. It is an exciting extra set of skills that I am glad to be getting. The second reason is that I think I will fair well in big cities (New York, Chicago etc) as an interpreter and a director and will have the ability to make money in two flexible ways. I would love to interpret theatre as well. I would get to meet some great people, and it would be something that I definitely enjoy on two levels. Well, there is more, but I am rambling...

Anyway, the point of this blog "Becoming a Director" would be to discuss how this will aid or defer my path to "become a director". Well, let's talk about that for a second. It will certainly defer my path, but when I finally do move and work in a city, it will afford me the opportunity to work only part time and make enough money to live in the city. Yes, it does set me back by several years in my educational goals as they pertain to theatre, BUT not to worry. I am continuing to do work in theate. Namely, I continue to work with Hotcity theatre.

First, I will be representing Hotcity at the Clayton Art Fair on Saturday the 10th from 9am-1pm or so. You should come by. See Equus. I am not involved in the production, but it will still be a great show. :) Second, I am slowly working to develop Hotcity's educational program.

A little more about the educational program: I am trying to decide on a couple of things- my target audience, budgeting and costs (and who should pay them), and the overall design of the program. My thoughts as of now are to target elementary and middle schools, and to do a week long after school program (maybe two weeks?). Focus on theatre and art as a way of developing self expression, creative thinking skills, problem solving skills, reading skills and social skills. Ideally I would make time to educate about theatre, play games and conclude with a small performance. Thoughts from educators and theatre professionals in this matter would be much MUCH appreciated.

Anyway, I think that is all for now. Just thought I would share a bit. Sometimes my brain is a jumbled mess. :)

Cheers!