As my semester at the London Dramatic Academy soon comes to an end I feel it is more than necessary to reflect on my time and experiences here thus far. Let me start off by saying that this has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors I have taken on in my educational career. I have made a deeper connection with my goals and dreams and most importantly I have made the work I have been doing part of my development as an actor. As much as this is an educational experience, it is also a personal experience that has shaped my overall personality and commitment to education and acting.
When the opportunity was presented to study abroad I was hesitant, afraid, and in some ways I felt unprepared. I didn’t feel I had the knowledge and equipment to go off to another country and study Shakespeare and British acting. I had had one Intermediate Shakespeare Acting class with Professor Carol Davis and had studied some Shakespeare text when I was in high school. Professor Davis reminded me that I DID have the experience and training and that this study abroad program would build upon what I had already been exposed to at F&M and more.
Studying and training at the London Dramatic Academy has made me a better student, actor, and beyond what I could possibly write about. I feel that when I return to F&M I will be able to share my experiences with fellow students, and that I will be able to bring back what I have learned, into the classroom and group discussions. Studying theatre and acting is not by any means “simple” or “easy”, I won’t go on about my philosophy about what I think studying theatre and acting is about, but I will say that it is a study that requires self-discipline and self-assessment. The work that you put in is the work that you get. Many people have a misguided notion about what they feel the work of an actor requires or what it should be and most are wrong. LDA has helped me develop a greater appreciation for the work that I am doing as an actor; it’s become extremely more meaningful and special. Being able to immerse myself in the culture and being IN THE MOMENT led to spontaneous acting choices, a stronger sense of communication, and being aware of the space around me.
I also learned that not everyone feels the same way, let me explain. There are those students who care and are highly invested and then there are those who think they can wing it and glide by. I was surrounded by students who put their blood, sweat, and tears into their work, as I did, and actually took this program seriously. But, I was also surrounded by students who I feel didn’t even want to be here. As much as it disappoints me I know that I will witness this at some degree where ever I go. This didn’t detract from my learning experience, but it made me that more appreciative and satisfied that I love and value what I do so much and I couldn’t ever see myself giving less than my all and everything. I feel rich with culture and knowledge and being able to share this with others.
My future aspiration to become a Professor of Theatre has also been encouraged and I am eager and excited to be able to inspire and influence students, just as I was by the many professors at Franklin and Marshall and the tutors at the London Dramatic Academy. As previously mentioned in one of my past blog post, go study abroad! I am looking forward to being back on campus with fellow friends and being back at my home away from home.
Cheers!
