good morning, starshine

Oct 18, 2009 10:05

Considering how much I enjoy talking about myself, I don't think I've ever actually done this meme.

HENCE:

The problem with LJ: we all think we are so close, but really, we know nothing about each other. So I want you to ask me something you think you should know about me. Something that should be obvious, but you have no idea about. Ask away ( Read more... )

memery

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Comments 25

poor_choices October 18 2009, 14:17:05 UTC
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE EXACT SPECIFICS OF WHAT YOU DO

ENLIGHTEN ME

that is totally a question and not a demand

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 14:26:55 UTC
THAT IS A VALID DEMAND QUESTION.

Well, I am in the second and last year of an MA in Theatre History and Performance Studies. I am also on a full assistantship with the department, which has gallantly placed me for two years with THET 110, our Intro to Theatre class.

As a TA, I have to
1- Show up to every class
2- Give at least one lecture a term
3- Help write the exams
4- Oversee all grading for my block of 80-something students. Everything from logging an attendance check to grading their essays and exams- it's all on me.

Ostensibly, this all required 20 hours a week, which is a big fat lie. Some weeks, it's nothing more than showing up in class and telling students to stop texting during class, but then they take their midterms on Monday, so I will enter the first round of Grading Hell of the semester.

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wendy October 18 2009, 14:53:57 UTC
This was going to be my question too! Does that mean you want to go into acting?

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 15:02:15 UTC
I always say that if someone would hand me a steady career in acting on a silver platter, there's nothing I would rather do. As this is not the case, however, I will remain an occasional amateur. ;)

What I'd really like to do is work in some sort of classroom outreach program with one of the theatres here in town- I love working with kids and I love theatre, so being able to combine the two would be amazing.

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bohemiabythesea October 18 2009, 15:12:41 UTC
Slightly connected to the question(s) above:

Do you look at contemporary theatre as well?

And one more, if I may:

Would you stay at uni, given the chance?

I feel terribly intrusive asking this, btw, given that I only friended you recently...

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 15:34:02 UTC
I am terribly ill-versed in contemporary theatre. I always blame it on my English degree- as an undergrad, there was no one forcing me to read ANYTHING outside my comfort zone of novels by dead white English guys and Early Modern Theatre. I've tried making an effort to catch myself up, but I always have the nagging doubt that's the reason I read very little contemporary literature in general- how do I know it's good if it doesn't have a hundred years of people SAYING it's good who know what they're talking about ( ... )

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bohemiabythesea October 18 2009, 15:46:39 UTC
Yes, I can see how contemporary lit's lack of coming with valuable references is a bit of a risk factor sometimes, and I've seen enough crappy contemporary plays to want to tell everyone "just stick to repertoire, morons!". But I've read and seen some amazing stuff as well. Hasn't stopped me from being a giant snob, though - I'm, apparently, quite hard to please when it comes to theatre.

I don't know that much about US-American higher education systems, but you would have to take classes in a PhD programme as well, no? But you're right about the job market and the giant monster project. And one shouldn't do it just to stay in school. Your posts just sometimes sound as though you were really happy in an academic environment...;)

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 15:59:30 UTC
One of my good friends used to work at the 'edgy' contemporary theatre here in DC, and she forced me to go to all of their season. It was a much-needed kick in the pants, as it opened my eyes to some wonderful theatre. :)

Yes- if I stayed on for a PhD program, I would have two more years of classwork. If I really could just stay on as I am now, it would be great! But I know that's not the case and I've seen too many disillusioned grad students to want to take that step without being SURE.

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beckaandzac October 18 2009, 15:16:47 UTC
How did you end up in the DC metro area? Do you sing in the shower, and if so, what kind of stuff? HOW ARE YOU SO AWESOME? (I think that is a valid question.)

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 15:45:31 UTC
I came to DC because my sister (and brother-in-law, and cousin) was here! I liked what I knew of the area from visiting her, I liked HER, and I knew a few people from college would be coming this way as well. I'm terrified of starting new social circles- the idea of going to a town where I would drown in a sea of unknown people is awful to me. I need a base of people to start from, or I can't do it. Plus, I like DC! I like the way that it has so many perks of a big city without making me feel overwhelmed. I like the theatres, I like that my favorite bands come here, I like being in a place that MATTERS so much ( ... )

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erkunden October 18 2009, 15:42:33 UTC
Where is your favourite place to go in DC? Do you think you'll stay in the city after your Master's program is over?

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 15:50:06 UTC
I can easily tell you what USED to be my favorite place- Olssen's Books, right by the Shakespeare Theatre. I used to go there all the time and sit in a table by the window and people watch while eating awesome food. The summer of the Draco!Hamlet (200...7?), I was there all the time and could would get a kick out of seeing the actors walk past on their way to the theatre. I used to live ten minutes away on the D6 bus line, so it was a favorite place to just GO when I needed to get out of the house. Actually, I probably still have a great fondness for that area because of how often I used to be there.

I really love DC and I don't want to have to move! I chose the program I'm in now because I could stay in the area and the sort of job I want is definitely available here- I just have to get it. Somehow. *is determined*

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emma_elicit October 18 2009, 16:49:54 UTC
Why do you call your sister Sister?

When can we hang out again? Can that hanging out involve a trip to Staunton?

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sadcypress October 18 2009, 17:26:18 UTC
... you know, I'm not entirely sure how we started! It was back in high school, and it's totally mutual- when people meet us for the first time, they haven't a CHANCE of getting our names, since we only call each other Sister. I think it may have to do with our mutual overexposure to Shakespeare and Jane Austen- perhaps we tried addressing ourselves on familial relations for kicks one day, and it stuck. That's definitely happened to me before (I only use the word 'dude' because of something similar), so it seems likely.

We DO need to hang out! And go to Staunton! We should consult our calendars and DISCUSS. :D

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emma_elicit October 18 2009, 18:17:41 UTC
Sounds like something you would do. ;)

I think this is an excellent idea. If a weekend works best, I can talk to the people at work and get someone to take Friday and Saturday for me. We should cisic to go with us. And many other people.

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