So... about that internship...

"Theatre Secondment.... Working in an industry position designed/helped decided upon by the head of the drama department. That sounds like it could be cool! I'll sign up for it!" So went my thoughts back when I was initially trying to figure out what courses I should be taking while enrolled at the ASC. Then it turned out they weren't offering any actual secondments this semester. However, they offered internships instead, potentially assistant directing or assistant stage managing. Well, the directing one sounded more interesting to me off the bat, simply because I prefer the creative side of the work to the management/organization side, though both positions are quite important. So, I said, "Sure, I'd like to do that!"

Time passed and it turned out I needed to have a meeting with Herman and Jo--Herman being the head of drama and Jo being his second in command, essentially. And there was one other student wanting to do the same position. It was decided that we'd meet during orientation and there we'd figure out logistics and qualifications for positions.

So, the time came for our meeting last Friday. They told us a bit about what they were offering--assistant directing 3 short plays: a Strindberg, a Chekov, and a Sartre. And Aaron, the other student who'd shown interest, decided he didn't feel he had enough training for such a work-heavy position; he graciously declined. So, the question turned to me: "Are you still interested?"

I must admit I was a bit nervous. I was unsure I was really qualified to say, "Sure, I want to assistant direct for the head of the department, working on shows that, to be honest, intimidate me!" But then I realized opportunities like this just don't come around everyday. And so I said yes. Herman told me to come to class Tuesday and we'd figure out a set schedule of my involvement later.

So, Tuesday came and I went to class. They'd already had a class Monday. Several of the students had their scripts before their summer holiday. Everyone present had a better idea what was going on than I did. Imagine my surprise when Herman said, "Alright, everyone. Today, I'm going to work with the In Camera group here. Dan will take Mckenzie and Adriana to work on The Stronger, and Annie, you can go do some research on The Bear."

I was sitting there thinking, "Wait. What?! This is the first I've even heard the names of the plays we're doing! I haven't even got a copy of the scripts, let alone read them!" And Herman told me to go through The Stronger with the girls, doing a script analysis, being sure to ask questions about motivation, to figure out what's happening within the script, so they are getting stronger handles on the characters, so they can begin finding out the little details. Thus, I went with the girls down to the grassy knoll, and we ran into Lisa on the way, who handed me my scripts (praise God), and we read through The Stronger. As soon as the read through was done, Mckenzie and Adriana began discussing immediately without my prompting. Then, I got my sea legs about me, and my directing instincts began to kick in. I suddenly was remembering what kinds of questions I needed to ask, what kind of things I needed to say to get these two fine actors thinking in ways that would help them find their characters, find their motivations. Director mode turned on. I let the girls discuss as they would and would prompt questions whenever a lull would occur. We talked about the (roughly) 10 minute show for a little over an hour. I was happy with the work, as were both girls. We accomplished a lot and both of them commented that it was one of the most productive sessions outside of the classroom setting they'd had.

Day 1 of my involvement with the Shorts went well. I've now read all three plays (The Stronger by August Strindberg, The Bear by Anton Chekov, and Huis Clos (In Camera) by Jean-Paul Sartre). And I'm wrapping my head around the idea that I'm assistant directing what are all fairly tough classics--any one of which would be a pretty big undertaking by itself, let alone along with the other two. And the actors I was working with today were undaunted, which fueled my own energy. I'm excited for these shows. I'm excited for this semester. I'm in a place that I love doing the kind of work that I love with people who clearly love it too. And they are wonderful people. I don't think I can truly express just how lucky I am right now. Life is so good.

A couple days in...

So.... I made it to Australia.

I listened to Hugh Jackman's Boy From Oz on the plane. Wonderful music. And a lot has happened in the last few days very quickly. And frankly, I don't know how to even remotely go into talking about it all, because I've met 30+ people in the last few days, I've been through some of Sydney, taken a nice evening harbour cruise, eaten tons of meals--they seriously do it hobbit style here--and things just keep piling up. So, rather than attempt a total recap, I'm going to tell just a couple stories.

The birds gather on the roof and the deck in the evening. They're cockatoos. And around a dozen of them show up wishing to bed fed bread. Ross Frazer, my host dad, puts a piece of bread in his mouth and bends towards one of the birds. It takes it right from him, straight out of his mouth. Ross laughs and says, "You see that? Cocky fella, just takes it." He then turns and looks at the other birds, most of which are still sitting on the roof. "Come on down," he says. And he makes calling sounds like one does with a pet. Ross is a 57 year old widower--his wife died just 5 years ago. He fits my image of an Australian extremely well, which surprises me. He fits many of the stereotypes. He curses left and right, is very opinionated, he loves having a barbie (bbq), he drinks a lot, he's got a thick accent, and he is as welcoming and friendly a man as I've ever met. The man's property is large running back into the woods a bit. A waterfall runs into a creek that marks the boundary line of his land. A couple cats run around the yard. Wounded birds are kept in a cage in Ross's yard. He loves the creatures, it's clear. He loves the land. He is a man in tune with his surroundings. And it's wonderful.

Story #2. If running through the Rocks and to the Harbour Bridge and to the Opera House on a scavenger hunt sounds exhausting but enjoyable, then it sounds exactly like it is. Feet sore and flustered thoughts as we're passing historic landmarks and shops and pubs left and right. Going through random streets looking for landmarks, looking for specific items such as coasters from pubs. The ASC group has been split into groupings with the Australian Year 1 students. Thus, there are only 2 other Americans in my particular group. There are 6 or 7 Australians. They've all been here before. I have no time to get my bearings as we meander through the city. And then there we are on the Harbour Bridge. There's the Opera House for the first in person citing. And there's the Australians criticizing the ludicrous nature of the Opera House's structure. And here I am being overwhelmed. And then we're sitting reunited with the full group doing the wave on the steps up to the Opera House. And then we're getting on a cruise ship on a dock right next to the Opera House. And then we're cruising in the harbour, and it's just an open cruise, hang out with whoever you want, chat, get to know people. And I'm sitting outside by the railing talking to Alessandra (an American student who grew up in Brazil--mk), Kara (another American student from... crap, don't remember), and Erin (one of our ASC leaders) and we're just chatting about anything and everything. And we're connecting. And it's great. This is for what must have been several hours, though it flew by. And then we're inside eating. I'm at a table with Erin, Kimberley (the ASC director), Ryan (one of my housemates), and Jo (one of the drama professors who I don't really know yet but will). And again, we're just chatting. About anything and everything. And Alessandra joins us again and then she and I are chatting about photography. And Denning (an awesome Australian) joins us and we're talking about things that we Americans should be sure to do while we're here. And then the cruise is ending and I'm headed home to Ross's place with my housemates (Ryan, as I said, Nick--a fellow drama person, and Santiago--who grew up in Columbia before moving to the States). And I'm sitting on the bus talking to Nick about theatre. And I'm back to Ross's. And I'm writing a blog. And I'm thinking, "God, I'm the luckiest guy in the world, because this is an incredible place and I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be."