Coffee and Cream

Are you ready to sacrifice

who you are

for what you will become?

-Eric Thomas

To say the least, it has certainly been a thrilling three weeks. ALREADY three weeks?! This studio truly lives by its belief that "Growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous." In both cases, I have learned that I have a ways to go. 

Summer Conservatory Group "Best"

My Summer Schedule:

Movement 

Voice and Speech

Script Interpretation

Scene Study

Adler Technique 

Shakespeare

Improvisation

Acting for Film and Television

My favorite classes are Adler Technique, Scene Study and Acting for Film/TV. These classes have really exposed my weaknesses as an actor (and person) in surprising and cathartic ways. I equally struggle with being too guarded and too apologetic - possibly partly due to my stoic and overly polite Midwestern roots... but mostly I think its just me. And it is a part of me I'm finding surprisingly difficult to sacrifice in order to grow. 

You would think vulnerability wouldn't be so hard to come by in a group as supportive as mine - but I'm sure I'll get there. I take every class (except for Film/TV) with the same fifteen students with roots sprinkled all over the country and globe. With students from Russia, China, Australia, Sweden, Peru, Italy and the US, we're pretty sure we have the most diverse group. 

NYC is a magical wonderful city. I got to start out my time here with my incredible friend Anne and her adorable puppy Jax. For any other NYC newcomers who plan on moving here, I highly recommend starting out this way (with a friend). I was so overwhelmed trying to choose an apartment from hundreds of miles away. Most subletters like to meet in person before handing over the keys and contract. But there's new listings every day (especially on Gypsy Housing, which is specifically for people in the performance industry) and its not hard to find something once you are here. I got especially lucky as I'm now in a place in Astoria, Queens - connected with friends of Janette and Joe. (Thank you!!) Its beautiful, comfortable and quiet and my roommates are very sweet. And a few blocks away, I can find Katelynn (from SoDak) and one of my Stella classmates.  I feel right at home in "Actoria." This apartment has actually been nicknamed the "House of Actor Dreams" just because so many artists have been in and out working on projects throughout the last however many years. Feels good to be a part of that. 

Also, this town is traditionally Greek, so I'm super stoked about the food. 

When I'm not in classes, I'm either rehearsing with scene partners, reading plays for class, exploring the city, or seeing a show. So far, I have seen The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and On the Town. 

Other life updates: I don't put sugar in my coffee as often (Stumptown is the BEST) and I part my hair on the other side. Crazy. I know. 

I hope all my friends from home are doing spectacularly! Miss you oodles and thank you SO MUCH for continually supporting me. Love you. -Debz

Summer in the City

One year ago I was writing from Italy. Less then 24 hours after landing from that trip, I moved into an apartment with two of my dearest friends. Since then, I began a year of teaching at Dance Gallery, my siblings vacationed in Northern California, my perspective grew from the show Two Rooms, I completed my English Portfolio and Colloquium, experienced DC for the first time, toured with University Singers and competed at KCACTF for the last time, graduated, began working four new jobs, performed, grew from and made friends through two shows with Sioux Empire Community Theater, and moved out of my apartment. My family and friends have experienced enough highs and lows in the last twelve months to make it feel like it's been six years instead of one. 

And now here I am, sitting in Chicago O'Hare, waiting to board a plane to my next adventure. One girl, two carry-on bags and ten weeks studying at Stella Adler Summer Conservatory in NYC. 

This is going to be a summer of learning to trust my heart and my God as I have no clue what's to come. I'm equally terrified that I'll either come home totally changed or that I won't change at all. Does that even make sense? 

Uh oh. It's time to board. Stay tuned! 

All my love,

Debzilla

And PS: Yes, ten weeks in two carry-on bags is rather difficult, but I pride myself on under packing. Though I can't guarantee it'll go the same way back home. ;)