First Class

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Yesterday was Orientation and I met my fellow classmates. I was incredibly nervous and really anxious...funny how the shoe changes foot from "teacher" to "student" and I really appreciate what they go through. Of course, the teacher leading us through the exercises was quite reknown, having been the only instructor in the program to actually work with Strasberg...she had many interesting stories to tell and actually orginated a role of one of the central characters in "South Pacific". Eccentric but warm with a very clipped voice, she led us through a series of exercises designed to relax us and to help us portray simple actions on stage in a non-dramatic way.

Tonight's class on "Film and TV Acting" was wonderful. It really gave us an opportunity to get to know one another...many students come from abroad...three from India, some from England, Norway, Germany....two from Canada and a smattering of Americans as well.

The teacher had each of us go on stage one at a time and while the camera was filming, we were to talk about who we were, why we were there and then he wanted us to share one life-changing event with our peers. Many of them were heartlfelt and quite profound.

Being 51, and having a treasure trove of emotional experiences already, I felt I had a lot to offer and even started to cry as I recounted a sad moment before my mother's passing. It will be interesting to see the final copy of our first exposure to the camera. Next week we are going to "audition" for a commercial and begin a scene study.

It was a wonderful way to "break the ice" and after class I walked with a few people down Broadway excitedly talking about the intensity of the evening.

The sheer madness and volume of the city never seems to stop...here we had just spent four hours until nearly ten-thirty and out on the streets, the throngs of people continued...all going who-knows-where and the energy just electrifying.

Tomorrow I have my first ten hour day session so I will close off early and hopefully be in some sort of shape to recount a day that includes, Movement, Singing and Scene Study (and I might even sneak off to the village after for a drink!)...time to let down what's left of my hair and join this mad party scene they call "New York"!

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