Attending Graduate School in Chicago, I'm sure is very different these days. I applied and auditioned for the Theatre School under the Depaul Paul University administration way back in the 80s. To be fair I was delighted to attend The Theatre School. I never missed a class, applied myself to the fullest, and was willing to listen. It was my willingness to listen that gave me points with the teachers.
Why was I so willing to listen? I think it had to do with taking ballet classes since I was fourteen and, let me tell you, you had to listen to the ballet master. If he said your foot wasn't in the correct place, you did whatever you could to get it to the correct place. If he said, "Higher, get your leg higher." You did.
To be honest, I was shocked when I was in my first acting class and I heard how much the student argued with the teacher. In my estimation, the teacher was there to do his or her best to help you become the best you could in the role. So, why argue? Ask questions, obviously, but argue?
When I reached graduate school, I naively thought the arguments would fade and what would replace argument was dialogue, conversations, and a search for meaning in the text so one could bring that to the performance. Yeah, right.
It was in my Shakespeare class that I met Ann, a slim blue-eyed brunette. From day one she struggled with Shakespeare's monologues. Our teacher was a London-born transplant who was an actor going through a messy divorce and wanted a break from England and teach 'overseas'.
I thought he was clear, and concise and gave assistance in dissecting difficult passages in which American ears struggle. Ann did not think that was what he was doing and usually broke down in tears after every class. Our teacher was direct about that as well. He told her, Randall of us, that she wasn't willing to do the work to improve, what she wanted was approval and admiration. Wow, to the point eh?
I think of Ann these days especially when I struggle with hearing critiques of my writing. I have broken down in tears. I've begun to ask myself, How much am I like Anne? Unwilling to hear criticism as a boost up and not as a means for others to tear me down.
Cause if I am that thinned skin, I need to toughen up.
My best, Brie
