Well, before I get to the challenges listed in the title, some positive news (in part as a follow-up to a portion of my most recent post Second Birthdays...And Some Contemplations ): the grade for my physics class has been posted and it is, as I had roughly calculated, a B+. Which keeps my cumulative GPA at 3.24. This also means that I have completed all but three credit hours of my undergraduate degree program. The final three hours needed are an in major class in acting or directing, which I have submitted a "credit for prior learning portfolio" for, in lieu of taking the class. The portfolio has, as of my last check on Monday (12/21/15), been signed off on by the departmental faculty and the dean of the college and now is just awaiting final processing by the advising department and the registrar. The advising office rep had said that she hoped to get it reviewed and such prior to leaving for the holidays. As of my check this afternoon it had yet to show up in the universities computer system. However, I am pretty confident that it will go through.
So I have that going for me. Which is nice.
Now...As for the graduate program candidate challenge(s) de'jour?
1) Reconsidering, after some frustrating financial issues, just how many applications my budget can handle after all.
2) Deciding if - since most of the "preferred program list" are URTA programs - I should/could hold off until I have the possibility to interact with recruiters on February 5th there at the NUAI's.
3) Finding a Spring semester gig here in Fairbanks - that will not have issues with my being out of town the weekend of February 4-7, or with my needing certain evenings free for the tech rehearsals of 'Closer' - so that I can have some income and meet expenses.
As for #2, the website for one program - the University of Iowa - does state that the application deadline is later for anyone involved in the URTA/NUAI process. So there is that, at least. And one of the programs in my top 5 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln - doesn't have a deadline till March. And the scenography program at The University of Kansas has a deadline in April. Of course, UK is, sadly, not an URTA school. Thus there are/will be other challenges there.
If you go back to my post Graduate Schools - The Tactical And The Practical (Part 1 of ??) from a few months back, you can see the sorts of schools I am aiming towards.
Here is an updated list of the "top five", with a little "why there" note (or two) on each:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln --- because the MFA program is listed as Stage Design (Lighting Design, Scene Design, and Technical Direction). Which sounds like a scenographic/theatrical generalist philosophy is in play.
University of Minnesota --- because as their website states "The final creative project is to design a supported production demonstrating ability in these two areas...". Again, sounds like a scenographic/theatrical generalist philosophy is in play.
University of Kansas --- because the MFA is awarded in Scenography, not a specific discipline. And, to quote their website: "... While in the program, students will design at least four realized productions in the University Theatre.
They will do at least one lighting, one costume and one scenic design,
and preferably a combination of two or all design areas for one
production...."
University of Iowa --- because...Well, in part because of how Ron Zieglowsky impacted my life. And since he got his degree(s) there....Plus, it is the home (so to speak) of the Gillette's. And so I have a sort of soft spot for the school.
University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign --- because...admittedly, I miss the Krannert Center. And while it has been years since I was a student there, I *do* still know the school, the town, etc.
Yeah. The examples of "why(s)" for the last two schools on my list are, admittedly, a bit weak. Sigh. And of course I'd also entertain other schools, especially those who might be close enough to NYC to allow for a visit to the city now and then - such as Temple. But the top five list are schools that, based on my research, where I think I might just fit in. And, in candor, I don't think I can afford to pay the application fees to more than three of them. Part of the reason for the title of this somewhat rambling blog entry.
Herrmn.
Well, things to do. So that is all for now. More later.
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My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
Second Birthdays...And Some Contemplations
It's funny. I am uncertain as to how to start this entry.
There are so many emotions occurring within me at the moment. Why is that, I hear you ask? Well...let us start with something that always comes to mind for me this time of year, and on this day especially.
47 years ago - December 18th, 1968 - I was struck by a car. I was a slender little eight year old. According to those who saw it, I flew diagonally over the car, from the right front bumper to the left rear. In the family car on the way to the hospital - this was out on a farm and well before 911 and paramedics - I stopped breathing several times. When I reached the ER I had no blood pressure. No pulse.
I was in hospitals - both in Lake County, IL and down in Chicago - from that morning till early in February, 1969. As for my injuries, the simple list includes: a pelvis broken in multiple places, fractured ribs whose jagged ends tore at my left lung, misc internal hemorrhages, and my left kidney being torn off from the main artery. When I left the hospital, I was minus the lower portion of my left lung, as well as my left kidney. My physical therapy at home consisted - mainly - of "crab walking" from where my bed was to various other rooms in the house to get items, or to do things. And I learned how to be pretty quick on my crutches.
I have some other stories about that adventure. But I shan't fill this entry up with them. That really isn't the point of today.
The point is: I was given, through whatever means you might choose to attribute it to, 47 years more than I might have had. So on December 18th, I tend to get reflective. And grateful.
Every day is a gift.
And, on top of all of those sorts of reflections....Yesterday I took what was - if all things work as I have planned - my last final examination at the undergraduate level. Yep. Physics 175 - Introduction to Astronomy. The second of two science courses (with labs) that are part of the core degree requirements here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Which leaves just 3 credits in performance to complete my concentration within my major. And for that, I submitted - and have received departmental approval of - a credit for prior learning portfolio in substitution for Theatre 221 - Acting II. That paperwork is at the deans office. And once it gets signed there, it moves on to the academic advising office, then the business office/registrar. And then....well, as long as the dean and the academic advising office sign off, I will have all my credit hours. Actually, with the 3 hours from the CPL portfolio included, I will have 168 hours. 120 hours are required for the BA. Shrug.
So. While there are still some i's to cross and some t's to dot, it looks as if I am done with my undergraduate scholastic career. I won't get my degree till graduation in the spring. And I still have projects here on campus - eg: the scenic design for the mainstage production of Closer, my poster presentation for Antigone at Research Day in April, etc. But no classes. Sigh. I admit, I will - in some ways - miss such things. Especially the various studio classes. Lord, I do love those.
I started undergraduate classes at a community college in January, 1979. And now, ~36 years later, I have come to an end of that portion of my education.
Even so...I intend that this blog will remain active, as I head towards new adventures. And I think that, even though those adventures will (hopefully) be grad school ones, I shall stick with the name: Not Quite The Worlds Oldest Undergrad.
Well...that is all for the moment. More soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
There are so many emotions occurring within me at the moment. Why is that, I hear you ask? Well...let us start with something that always comes to mind for me this time of year, and on this day especially.
47 years ago - December 18th, 1968 - I was struck by a car. I was a slender little eight year old. According to those who saw it, I flew diagonally over the car, from the right front bumper to the left rear. In the family car on the way to the hospital - this was out on a farm and well before 911 and paramedics - I stopped breathing several times. When I reached the ER I had no blood pressure. No pulse.
I was in hospitals - both in Lake County, IL and down in Chicago - from that morning till early in February, 1969. As for my injuries, the simple list includes: a pelvis broken in multiple places, fractured ribs whose jagged ends tore at my left lung, misc internal hemorrhages, and my left kidney being torn off from the main artery. When I left the hospital, I was minus the lower portion of my left lung, as well as my left kidney. My physical therapy at home consisted - mainly - of "crab walking" from where my bed was to various other rooms in the house to get items, or to do things. And I learned how to be pretty quick on my crutches.
I have some other stories about that adventure. But I shan't fill this entry up with them. That really isn't the point of today.
The point is: I was given, through whatever means you might choose to attribute it to, 47 years more than I might have had. So on December 18th, I tend to get reflective. And grateful.
Every day is a gift.
And, on top of all of those sorts of reflections....Yesterday I took what was - if all things work as I have planned - my last final examination at the undergraduate level. Yep. Physics 175 - Introduction to Astronomy. The second of two science courses (with labs) that are part of the core degree requirements here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Which leaves just 3 credits in performance to complete my concentration within my major. And for that, I submitted - and have received departmental approval of - a credit for prior learning portfolio in substitution for Theatre 221 - Acting II. That paperwork is at the deans office. And once it gets signed there, it moves on to the academic advising office, then the business office/registrar. And then....well, as long as the dean and the academic advising office sign off, I will have all my credit hours. Actually, with the 3 hours from the CPL portfolio included, I will have 168 hours. 120 hours are required for the BA. Shrug.
So. While there are still some i's to cross and some t's to dot, it looks as if I am done with my undergraduate scholastic career. I won't get my degree till graduation in the spring. And I still have projects here on campus - eg: the scenic design for the mainstage production of Closer, my poster presentation for Antigone at Research Day in April, etc. But no classes. Sigh. I admit, I will - in some ways - miss such things. Especially the various studio classes. Lord, I do love those.
I started undergraduate classes at a community college in January, 1979. And now, ~36 years later, I have come to an end of that portion of my education.
Even so...I intend that this blog will remain active, as I head towards new adventures. And I think that, even though those adventures will (hopefully) be grad school ones, I shall stick with the name: Not Quite The Worlds Oldest Undergrad.
Well...that is all for the moment. More soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
Monday, October 12, 2015
The Countdown To February And The URTA NUAI's Now Begins In Earnest
Well.
I've registered for the NUAI's in Chicago. And I made the choice that the roster will show me as a scenic design candidate. That is because the computerized system that URTA uses lists areas of emphasis alphabetically, even if you enter things in your order of preference.
Sigh. If only they had a heading for scenography. But that would be too much to ask.
So to play it safe, I defaulted to just scenic design. No inclusion of properties. Nor technical direction. Or lighting design.
Even though there will be portions of each in my presentation portfolio. And some costume design items too. In part because at least one of the schools I am looking at requires evidence of work in at least two areas. And another states: "While you may choose an area of emphasis, the intensive three-year program requires you to demonstrate competencies in all areas of design and technology. ...". So I think it is worthwhile to include such items.
Because I am hungry for a graduate program.
Sigh yet again.
The email reply says that processing takes about two weeks. Then I'll be getting my scheduling email, and can arrange for airfare and accommodations.
I know that patience is also a weapon. I do. However, I fear that until I can get my accommodations and all arranged I shall have difficulty wielding that armament.
In other news, the process with Antigone is moving ahead. I have a cast. Rehearsals are underway. And a separate update on all of that will follow in due time.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
I've registered for the NUAI's in Chicago. And I made the choice that the roster will show me as a scenic design candidate. That is because the computerized system that URTA uses lists areas of emphasis alphabetically, even if you enter things in your order of preference.
Sigh. If only they had a heading for scenography. But that would be too much to ask.
So to play it safe, I defaulted to just scenic design. No inclusion of properties. Nor technical direction. Or lighting design.
Even though there will be portions of each in my presentation portfolio. And some costume design items too. In part because at least one of the schools I am looking at requires evidence of work in at least two areas. And another states: "While you may choose an area of emphasis, the intensive three-year program requires you to demonstrate competencies in all areas of design and technology. ...". So I think it is worthwhile to include such items.
Because I am hungry for a graduate program.
Sigh yet again.
The email reply says that processing takes about two weeks. Then I'll be getting my scheduling email, and can arrange for airfare and accommodations.
I know that patience is also a weapon. I do. However, I fear that until I can get my accommodations and all arranged I shall have difficulty wielding that armament.
In other news, the process with Antigone is moving ahead. I have a cast. Rehearsals are underway. And a separate update on all of that will follow in due time.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
Friday, July 17, 2015
"Oh The Wells Fargo Wagon Is-a Comin' Down The Street..."
So...for all my musical theatre contacts, I admit that this post will not be expressly about receiving a package. Though it is about receiving an anticipated communication. So I still feel somewhat justified by the reference in the subject line.
As I have mentioned previously - here and here - I submitted a proposal for a project grant from the URSA (Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity) office here at UAF. The funds would be being used for my production of Antigone this Fall and my travel to the URTA portfolio and interview session in Chicago in February.
I submitted my proposal. And I waited. And waited. radio silence from the URSA committee. Today was the deadline. I admit that I was rather forlorn and anxious this morning. I even put off leaving my house for as long as possible to allow for the committee to send out its emails, since I knew it would just be worse if I got online and found nothing in the mailbox. I had mentally given the folks at the URSA office till 1700 hours local time, since that is when offices generally close on campus. If I had not heard from them by then...well, I would have my answer.
So I left the house and got to the city transit center, where they have an open wifi node. And while I waited for my bus I went ahead and signed on with my tablet to check email. And the first email in the queue was from the URSA committee....To quote:
"... Congratulations! You have received an URSA Fall Project Award. Please read the attached award memo for details. ..."
WOOOOOOOT!!!!!
I admit that I wanted this pretty badly for a number of reasons, ranging from the way this will help with the quality of the production to the simple fact that most of these grants go to folks in the various sciences. Not to mention - thinking tactically here - that there is potentially something worthwhile in being able to say to potential grad schools that I wrote a grant proposal that got a production funded.....
So....yeah.
---Antigone: Dramaturgy, Design, and Performance---
WOOOOOOOOOT yet again!
Lots to do between now and auditions on September 12th. And then the show opens in early December. And URTA's in February. And a poster to present at the universities research day in April...
Yep. I'm excited.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
As I have mentioned previously - here and here - I submitted a proposal for a project grant from the URSA (Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity) office here at UAF. The funds would be being used for my production of Antigone this Fall and my travel to the URTA portfolio and interview session in Chicago in February.
I submitted my proposal. And I waited. And waited. radio silence from the URSA committee. Today was the deadline. I admit that I was rather forlorn and anxious this morning. I even put off leaving my house for as long as possible to allow for the committee to send out its emails, since I knew it would just be worse if I got online and found nothing in the mailbox. I had mentally given the folks at the URSA office till 1700 hours local time, since that is when offices generally close on campus. If I had not heard from them by then...well, I would have my answer.
So I left the house and got to the city transit center, where they have an open wifi node. And while I waited for my bus I went ahead and signed on with my tablet to check email. And the first email in the queue was from the URSA committee....To quote:
"... Congratulations! You have received an URSA Fall Project Award. Please read the attached award memo for details. ..."
WOOOOOOOT!!!!!
I admit that I wanted this pretty badly for a number of reasons, ranging from the way this will help with the quality of the production to the simple fact that most of these grants go to folks in the various sciences. Not to mention - thinking tactically here - that there is potentially something worthwhile in being able to say to potential grad schools that I wrote a grant proposal that got a production funded.....
So....yeah.
---Antigone: Dramaturgy, Design, and Performance---
WOOOOOOOOOT yet again!
Lots to do between now and auditions on September 12th. And then the show opens in early December. And URTA's in February. And a poster to present at the universities research day in April...
Yep. I'm excited.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Monday, June 29, 2015
An Interlude-ette -- 06/29/15
This will be a brief follow-up on my adventures with my grant proposal and my moments of anxiety in that regard.
So, after having some significant anxiety about all things proposal and such ( see my prior entry for details ) I decided to touch base with the folks at URSA in person. After all, I was already on campus and such so....shrug.
Well, the folks there were very nice and understood, given my issue with the online form not taking the application the first time, how I might be anxious about stuff. So the lady pulled out a file folder and verified that yes, my proposal came through fine. So did the letter of support from my primary mentor on the project. So that alleviated my angst somewhat.
I also have to say that, while I only got a glimpse of the collected proposals in the folder, it seemed to me as though there were not that many of them. My ballpark guess would have been about 8-12 total...maybe? Which might well aid my chances of being selected. Or not. I do not want to put any carts in improper positions in relation to their equine partners.
But I do want to keep a positive mental attitude. So...yeah.
Have I said in this missive how much I really, really want this? Truth. I do. Partly due to the project and partly due to the fact that the grant might also cover my costs for the URTA portfolio session next February.
Now, all that said, I have also been working on some back up ideas in case I don't get selected. Mostly back up ideas for the project...still not certain about the URTA situation.
These back up ideas are kind of intriguing to me, and a part of that is how I keep thinking about the phrase/concept that one of my professors used in my Collaborative Process class: Enabling Constraints. That is a situation where you find yourself locked within certain boundaries that initially seem problematic, but by facing them you are forced into ideas that you might never have previously considered. And it's possible that those ideas might be better in some ways than what you had initially intended.
On a different note....I am, as of a few days ago, going to be serving as scenic designer for one of the mainstage shows this coming academic year. The show is Closer. It's a thesis project for a directing major. An interesting tidbit is that the URTA sessions in Chicago are taking place the during the tech rehearsals for the show. So I will definitely need to have all ducks in all rows on that production, since I - hopefully - will be out of town for a couple of days.
Also, some somewhat frustrating news: two of the four faculty members in the theatre department here at UAF are leaving. One to take a gig at a college in New York state and the other to take a gig at UAA down in Anchorage. And one of them was my academic adviser, as well as being the faculty adviser for the Student Drama Association. Heavy sigh. Of course, I do understand that they need to take advantage of various artistic and academic opportunities. And given the fact that the department was faced with possible elimination - and truth be told it still has some things that have to be worked out to stay in business - it makes sense for them to have been looking elsewhere. But I have to be candid, it still makes me frown a bit though.
Well. I had not intended to ramble so. But perhaps my doing so is a good thing, since I really need to keep providing fresh content to this blog. However, it is nearing time for me to board the bus to head home so...
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
So, after having some significant anxiety about all things proposal and such ( see my prior entry for details ) I decided to touch base with the folks at URSA in person. After all, I was already on campus and such so....shrug.
Well, the folks there were very nice and understood, given my issue with the online form not taking the application the first time, how I might be anxious about stuff. So the lady pulled out a file folder and verified that yes, my proposal came through fine. So did the letter of support from my primary mentor on the project. So that alleviated my angst somewhat.
I also have to say that, while I only got a glimpse of the collected proposals in the folder, it seemed to me as though there were not that many of them. My ballpark guess would have been about 8-12 total...maybe? Which might well aid my chances of being selected. Or not. I do not want to put any carts in improper positions in relation to their equine partners.
But I do want to keep a positive mental attitude. So...yeah.
Have I said in this missive how much I really, really want this? Truth. I do. Partly due to the project and partly due to the fact that the grant might also cover my costs for the URTA portfolio session next February.
Now, all that said, I have also been working on some back up ideas in case I don't get selected. Mostly back up ideas for the project...still not certain about the URTA situation.
These back up ideas are kind of intriguing to me, and a part of that is how I keep thinking about the phrase/concept that one of my professors used in my Collaborative Process class: Enabling Constraints. That is a situation where you find yourself locked within certain boundaries that initially seem problematic, but by facing them you are forced into ideas that you might never have previously considered. And it's possible that those ideas might be better in some ways than what you had initially intended.
On a different note....I am, as of a few days ago, going to be serving as scenic designer for one of the mainstage shows this coming academic year. The show is Closer. It's a thesis project for a directing major. An interesting tidbit is that the URTA sessions in Chicago are taking place the during the tech rehearsals for the show. So I will definitely need to have all ducks in all rows on that production, since I - hopefully - will be out of town for a couple of days.
Also, some somewhat frustrating news: two of the four faculty members in the theatre department here at UAF are leaving. One to take a gig at a college in New York state and the other to take a gig at UAA down in Anchorage. And one of them was my academic adviser, as well as being the faculty adviser for the Student Drama Association. Heavy sigh. Of course, I do understand that they need to take advantage of various artistic and academic opportunities. And given the fact that the department was faced with possible elimination - and truth be told it still has some things that have to be worked out to stay in business - it makes sense for them to have been looking elsewhere. But I have to be candid, it still makes me frown a bit though.
Well. I had not intended to ramble so. But perhaps my doing so is a good thing, since I really need to keep providing fresh content to this blog. However, it is nearing time for me to board the bus to head home so...
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Friday, June 26, 2015
An Interlude...Now Enhanced With Anxiety!
I realize that anxiety is, potentially, a waste of emotional energy. That said, I still find the need to vent pressing in on me a bit at the moment. As such please pardon this potentially self-indulgent tangent....
While I believe that I had yet to mention it here, a while ago I discovered that there was a grant opportunity for undergraduate student research at my school, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, for this Fall. And it had a deadline of today. So, over the last few weeks - roughly the 20 odd days or so since I discovered the opportunity - I plotted and worked and figured and planned and came up with a proposal. I'll be candid, the whole anxiety I have at the moment prevents me from going into details about it but the short version is that the grant would be used for the production of Antigone that I plan to direct and design this coming Fall. And I really, really, really want to do it right. So grant funding would be a tremendous help.
So I got all my ducks in a row and entered things onto the online form and clicked the 'submit' button. And I get an error message that said problems were highlighted in red. For some reason the PDF of my presentation had not shown up as attached, and the system didn't like my giving a range of probable hours worked per week. I fixed those and then clicked 'submit' again. And I got a confirmation message and a confirmation email. But...
...My brain has decided that now it wants to work over my self-confidence, and has me questioning if things went through the way that they needed to. Especially since the form says that you can only submit it once, and I got the error message so I clicked the 'submit' button a second time. And now I cannot clearly recall if I rechecked all the other required fields prior to the second click.
Yes, logic tells me that since I got the response email AND I didn't get the red flagging on any of my other fields that such worries are nonsense. And I also know that, as of the roughly 45 minutes ago that I submitted the form there is nothing I can do now but wait, no matter what errors may or may not have occurred. It's just...
It's just that the idea that I might miss out on a potential golden opportunity because of stupid glitches, or clumsy errors, has me stressed. Add that atop the inherent generalized anxiety that occurs when one submits a resume, or a proposal, or such and...well, the result is my current state.
I've wanted a great many things in my artistic and academic careers. And I've been disappointed any number of previous times. So by rights I should be able to deal with these feelings. And I will....eventually.
I just want this. Badly. Really, really badly. In part because it has aspects that apply to the next phase of my academic career, my efforts toward graduate school. And in part because this project will, basically, be my last big "hurrah" as an undergraduate. And I'm honest enough about my ego to admit that I want to go out on top.
So now it is just a waiting game until the recipients of the grants are announced on July 17th.
..........Is it July yet?
More soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
While I believe that I had yet to mention it here, a while ago I discovered that there was a grant opportunity for undergraduate student research at my school, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, for this Fall. And it had a deadline of today. So, over the last few weeks - roughly the 20 odd days or so since I discovered the opportunity - I plotted and worked and figured and planned and came up with a proposal. I'll be candid, the whole anxiety I have at the moment prevents me from going into details about it but the short version is that the grant would be used for the production of Antigone that I plan to direct and design this coming Fall. And I really, really, really want to do it right. So grant funding would be a tremendous help.
So I got all my ducks in a row and entered things onto the online form and clicked the 'submit' button. And I get an error message that said problems were highlighted in red. For some reason the PDF of my presentation had not shown up as attached, and the system didn't like my giving a range of probable hours worked per week. I fixed those and then clicked 'submit' again. And I got a confirmation message and a confirmation email. But...
...My brain has decided that now it wants to work over my self-confidence, and has me questioning if things went through the way that they needed to. Especially since the form says that you can only submit it once, and I got the error message so I clicked the 'submit' button a second time. And now I cannot clearly recall if I rechecked all the other required fields prior to the second click.
Yes, logic tells me that since I got the response email AND I didn't get the red flagging on any of my other fields that such worries are nonsense. And I also know that, as of the roughly 45 minutes ago that I submitted the form there is nothing I can do now but wait, no matter what errors may or may not have occurred. It's just...
It's just that the idea that I might miss out on a potential golden opportunity because of stupid glitches, or clumsy errors, has me stressed. Add that atop the inherent generalized anxiety that occurs when one submits a resume, or a proposal, or such and...well, the result is my current state.
I've wanted a great many things in my artistic and academic careers. And I've been disappointed any number of previous times. So by rights I should be able to deal with these feelings. And I will....eventually.
I just want this. Badly. Really, really badly. In part because it has aspects that apply to the next phase of my academic career, my efforts toward graduate school. And in part because this project will, basically, be my last big "hurrah" as an undergraduate. And I'm honest enough about my ego to admit that I want to go out on top.
So now it is just a waiting game until the recipients of the grants are announced on July 17th.
..........Is it July yet?
More soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Graduate Schools - The Tactical And The Practical (Part 1 of ??)
In the newest of the variety of developments regarding my ongoing plotting and planning towards my MFA I have to report that I have come across a new program that might be a good fit for my goals and talents.
First, some backstory:
As some of you reading this are aware, I consider myself a scenographer - for reference, here is the Wikipedia entry regarding scenography: Wikipedia - Scenography and another description from a now sadly unmaintained website that specifically covered the subject: Theatre Design - Scenography ....So, with those facts in mind, I have been looking for a program that will allow for artistic and academic explorations in multiple design areas, as opposed to more narrowly specializing in just one.
Now, those sorts of programs seemed to be in surprisingly short supply. I had, through a somewhat random contact during an event that I was working a couple of years back learned about the program at the University of Kansas, which is explicitly an MFA in scenography. It even uses the word on that snazzy piece of paper that you work for three years to obtain. So it went to the top of my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Kansas - MFA in Scenography
For the longest time I thought that it was the only program that might truly fit my plans. Then I somehow - I honestly forget exactly why or how - came across the program at the University of Iowa. And while they don't specifically express their program as a scenographic one, they do make frequent reference to degree candidates having a second area of specialization. In addition, one of the primary focuses of the program there is new plays, which has some appeal. And one my favorite scenic technology textbook was written by faculty there. So that program also joined my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Iowa - MFA in Design
Admittedly, I also still have a soft spot for the University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign. I spent a few really pleasant years in that town during my initial undergraduate experience during the early 1980's, and I love the facilities that the department has available, including one of my all time favorite experimental venues the Armory Free Theatre. And there seems to be some sort of transition occuring that might make what had been a highly focused conservatory program into a slightly more scenographically oriented one...though admittedly, such a change is still somewhat unclear. So I have that program on my list as well. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign - MFA in Design / Production
So that was, excluding such wild hair extreme possibilities as Yale - where one of my professors at one point suggested that I look into their technical direction program - and NYU - because doing theatrical design school in Manhattan would rock - the basic list.
Now, only two of the schools specified above are members of the URTA interview program. Those are University of Iowa, and University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign. But I am working on my planning for a trip to the URTA portfolio review and interview session this coming February in Chicago, so yesterday I decided to start nosing through all the various member program, page by page. And I stumbled on a surprise...
The University of Minnesota.
They are an URTA member school. They have an impressive, four theatre complex that houses the department. They specifically state that, though dependent on state funding, they generally offer assistantships to all students that are accepted into the program - generally three to five students a year - and that would include a tuition waiver as well as a stipend and health benefits. And they make the following statement:
"It is expected that each student would have, upon entry, a primary area of design emphasis (in either scenery/properties, costumes, lighting, or sound technical production). This design/tech emphasis is the main focus of the coursework. A secondary area of interest would be developed through coursework and design assignments. The final creative project is to design a supported production demonstrating ability in these two areas." (Emphasis added by yours truly.)
That last line certainly sounds like the program has a strong leaning towards having a scenographically based approach. Almost like the statement from the University of Kansas when it says:
"Scenography classes are at the core of the curriculum. While in the program, students will design at least four realized productions in the University Theatre. They will do at least one lighting, one costume and one scenic design, and preferably a combination of two or all design areas for one production."(Again, emphasis added by yours truly.)
So yeah....I am adding the University of Minnesota to my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Minnesota - MFA in Design and Technology
Which makes the short list - as of today - as follows:
#1 or #2 - The University of Minnesota
#2 or #1 - The University of Kansas
#3 - The University of Iowa
#4 - The University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign
And yes, I am still uncertain as to the rankings for the top two slots. Kansas has the program specifically structured as one in sceneography BUT Minnesota offers the potential to be funded almost automatically if I am accepted into the program.
Of course, I'd still love to go to school somewhere near to Manhattan...perhaps Temple, since Philadelphia is a short bus or train ride away. But as the subject of this entry says, I need to think tactically and practically. And looking at my skills, my talents, my portfolio, and my finances I think that the schools on this list are my best bets.
Well, that is the update for today. I'll ramble some more later on such subjects as my ongoing scenographic work on Antigone, which the Student Drama Association here will be producing in the Fall, some various other design projects that seem to be coming together, my classes this Summer, and my continuing planning for URTA.
Till then....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
First, some backstory:
As some of you reading this are aware, I consider myself a scenographer - for reference, here is the Wikipedia entry regarding scenography: Wikipedia - Scenography and another description from a now sadly unmaintained website that specifically covered the subject: Theatre Design - Scenography ....So, with those facts in mind, I have been looking for a program that will allow for artistic and academic explorations in multiple design areas, as opposed to more narrowly specializing in just one.
Now, those sorts of programs seemed to be in surprisingly short supply. I had, through a somewhat random contact during an event that I was working a couple of years back learned about the program at the University of Kansas, which is explicitly an MFA in scenography. It even uses the word on that snazzy piece of paper that you work for three years to obtain. So it went to the top of my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Kansas - MFA in Scenography
For the longest time I thought that it was the only program that might truly fit my plans. Then I somehow - I honestly forget exactly why or how - came across the program at the University of Iowa. And while they don't specifically express their program as a scenographic one, they do make frequent reference to degree candidates having a second area of specialization. In addition, one of the primary focuses of the program there is new plays, which has some appeal. And one my favorite scenic technology textbook was written by faculty there. So that program also joined my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Iowa - MFA in Design
Admittedly, I also still have a soft spot for the University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign. I spent a few really pleasant years in that town during my initial undergraduate experience during the early 1980's, and I love the facilities that the department has available, including one of my all time favorite experimental venues the Armory Free Theatre. And there seems to be some sort of transition occuring that might make what had been a highly focused conservatory program into a slightly more scenographically oriented one...though admittedly, such a change is still somewhat unclear. So I have that program on my list as well. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign - MFA in Design / Production
So that was, excluding such wild hair extreme possibilities as Yale - where one of my professors at one point suggested that I look into their technical direction program - and NYU - because doing theatrical design school in Manhattan would rock - the basic list.
Now, only two of the schools specified above are members of the URTA interview program. Those are University of Iowa, and University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign. But I am working on my planning for a trip to the URTA portfolio review and interview session this coming February in Chicago, so yesterday I decided to start nosing through all the various member program, page by page. And I stumbled on a surprise...
The University of Minnesota.
They are an URTA member school. They have an impressive, four theatre complex that houses the department. They specifically state that, though dependent on state funding, they generally offer assistantships to all students that are accepted into the program - generally three to five students a year - and that would include a tuition waiver as well as a stipend and health benefits. And they make the following statement:
"It is expected that each student would have, upon entry, a primary area of design emphasis (in either scenery/properties, costumes, lighting, or sound technical production). This design/tech emphasis is the main focus of the coursework. A secondary area of interest would be developed through coursework and design assignments. The final creative project is to design a supported production demonstrating ability in these two areas." (Emphasis added by yours truly.)
That last line certainly sounds like the program has a strong leaning towards having a scenographically based approach. Almost like the statement from the University of Kansas when it says:
"Scenography classes are at the core of the curriculum. While in the program, students will design at least four realized productions in the University Theatre. They will do at least one lighting, one costume and one scenic design, and preferably a combination of two or all design areas for one production."(Again, emphasis added by yours truly.)
So yeah....I am adding the University of Minnesota to my short list. Here's a link to that programs web page: University of Minnesota - MFA in Design and Technology
Which makes the short list - as of today - as follows:
#1 or #2 - The University of Minnesota
#2 or #1 - The University of Kansas
#3 - The University of Iowa
#4 - The University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign
And yes, I am still uncertain as to the rankings for the top two slots. Kansas has the program specifically structured as one in sceneography BUT Minnesota offers the potential to be funded almost automatically if I am accepted into the program.
Of course, I'd still love to go to school somewhere near to Manhattan...perhaps Temple, since Philadelphia is a short bus or train ride away. But as the subject of this entry says, I need to think tactically and practically. And looking at my skills, my talents, my portfolio, and my finances I think that the schools on this list are my best bets.
Well, that is the update for today. I'll ramble some more later on such subjects as my ongoing scenographic work on Antigone, which the Student Drama Association here will be producing in the Fall, some various other design projects that seem to be coming together, my classes this Summer, and my continuing planning for URTA.
Till then....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Thursday, May 21, 2015
An Epiphinal Moment Or Such - 05/21/15
So.
It is May. The time of graduations.
Tonight, after a rehearsal for a show that I am working deck crew for, I went to get some food before heading back to the University to use the net access here for various things, including some prep work on a show I am directing/designing this Fall (additional details on that project will be in a separate post). And I had a somewhat stark realization.
I have, for all intents and purposes and in one form or another, been doing theatre for - roughly - forty years.
Forty. Years.
And just the other day I came across a button that I picked up a couple of years ago at the local comic book shop here in Fairbanks. It says: "I haven't learned the secret of anything. I'm just old." And in an interesting bit of synchronicity, I just happened to stick that button onto my school backpack this morning...it is staring me in the nose as I type this.
Forty.
The fact that I hit my 'double nickle birthday' in a few weeks has probably also played a role in this reflectiveness and nostalgia. And while I have yet to receive my B.A. - just 12 more months, give or take - I can't help but look back and be grateful. Consider....
*I've been able to work for the Mouse Factory (East Coast Branch), and be a part of the crew for the opening of a new live show attraction...
*I've worked in the shadow of one of the greatest theatre cities in the world (New York) more than once...
*I've toured with educational touring shows that brought live performance into towns whose children had never consider that such a thing might exist...
*I've had the privilege of working with various theatrical artists whose skills have taught me much, no matter their age...
So. Being reflective and all, the song above seemed rather appropriate. Especially since I 1) wore out my cassette of the cast recording of this show back in high school and 2) this was the first show I ever saw in New York. Summer. 1977. So even if parts of the show have not aged well, it still holds a special place in my heart.
Sigh.
The intent of this was not to be maudlin. Just...nostalgic. And grateful.
More soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Musings - 04/29/15
Not a full post...though one of those will be coming soon-ish. Yes, I am back up in Alaska. And yes, I am working towards the Summer and Fall semesters and all that that entails. But for today, just a little reflecting, much of which came to mind between ~ 0030hrs and 0430hrs this morning.
As one who has a history of significant insomnia, I tend to not be surprised by awakening multiple times in a night and being unable to return to sleep for some length of time after each of those wakings. In the past I have often found myself turning to that grand series of tubes which we all tend to frequent, the internet. I would find a documentary on Youtube on a subject that interested me - a US Navy training film on the subject of mechanical computation devices (ie: fire control computers that use shafts, cams, gears, etc to perform their various calculatory functions) for example - and let it play while I laid back down and attempted to fall back asleep. Or I would just stay up and put on one of my process playlists, again from Youtube, and see if I could get any design work done.
The thing is, for mostly financial reasons, my apartment here does not have internet. And I don't see myself adding such access in any sort of near term. So it is definitely a change to certain established patterns.
How do I manage to do email and all and sundry (such as this blog)? Well, I use my student access to the university backbone, and various public wifi hotspots such as are found at coffeehouses, etc. I have a rather handy 7 inch tablet running Android, which lets me do a surprising amount during my coffeehouse visits. And, in addition to what I refer to as my good laptop (which lives on my desk along with my little Bamboo graphics tablet and my printer/scanner combo) I also have what I call my shop laptop, an Acer that is running Windows XP and that was - true story - listed by the company that made it as "beyond its service lifetime" the day I unboxed it and attempted to register its warranty. But it still runs, and there are some older programs on it that are quite handy and that won't load on my Windows 7 machine. So I lug the shop laptop with me about 80% of the time, in case I need to do something that my tablet can't. Of course, when I am at the university I can often get access to one of the terminal units in the 23 hour lab at the Rasmuson Library as well. Which is where I am right now, working on these ramblings, as well as doing some process work for my hoped for Winter Shorts production of Antigone and for my portfolio, and some grad school research as well.
Multitasking.
I seem to have rambled....herrmn.
As I was saying: limitations on net access and their potential effect(s) on how I live my life and do my art.
Some while back, during my Collaborative Process class, one of my professors used a phrase that I find myself harking back to now and again and that I believe applies here. The phrase? Enabling constraints. That is to say those things that are initially seen as potential limitations but can be turned into methods to enable new ways of looking at a situation. And that is what I see happening with my not having 24/7 access to the online world. I must make a deliberate choice to go somewhere beyond my apartment (AKA my studio) to check email, etc as opposed to simply having a tab open in Chrome or Firefox and my leaving it running in the background. And since my transportation methods include 1) city buses 2) my bicycle 3) my feet or 4) some combination of the prior methods, this deliberate action becomes all the more focused by the realization of time constraints imposed by distance and - in the case of the buses - what day of the week it is.
So to have a playlist on while I do things at my apartment, I have to have made the choice previously to download various documentaries, music, etc and have them loaded on a USB drive for later access. And if, as I did today, I grab the wrong USB drive and there is significantly less space on it than I had thought, I need to be more selective in my downloads. I can't just post it to the cloud, or add things as attachments to self-addressed emails. If I want to do production research, or post to this blog or to one of my Tumblrs, or check email I need to make a choice to do that/those thing(s). And recognize going in that if I am using the university backbone and get distracted and miss the final bus run of the night from campus that I will either A) need to make it an all-niter or B) start the walk home.
It's only been a month so far. But it is interesting. I am not saying it is a better version of how to handle such things. Just really, really different.
Herrmn yet again. I seem to have rambled more than mused. I suspect that the insomnia from last night might be partly to blame. That being said, I shall continue to reflect on this and will - probably - end up posting on the subject yet again.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
As one who has a history of significant insomnia, I tend to not be surprised by awakening multiple times in a night and being unable to return to sleep for some length of time after each of those wakings. In the past I have often found myself turning to that grand series of tubes which we all tend to frequent, the internet. I would find a documentary on Youtube on a subject that interested me - a US Navy training film on the subject of mechanical computation devices (ie: fire control computers that use shafts, cams, gears, etc to perform their various calculatory functions) for example - and let it play while I laid back down and attempted to fall back asleep. Or I would just stay up and put on one of my process playlists, again from Youtube, and see if I could get any design work done.
The thing is, for mostly financial reasons, my apartment here does not have internet. And I don't see myself adding such access in any sort of near term. So it is definitely a change to certain established patterns.
How do I manage to do email and all and sundry (such as this blog)? Well, I use my student access to the university backbone, and various public wifi hotspots such as are found at coffeehouses, etc. I have a rather handy 7 inch tablet running Android, which lets me do a surprising amount during my coffeehouse visits. And, in addition to what I refer to as my good laptop (which lives on my desk along with my little Bamboo graphics tablet and my printer/scanner combo) I also have what I call my shop laptop, an Acer that is running Windows XP and that was - true story - listed by the company that made it as "beyond its service lifetime" the day I unboxed it and attempted to register its warranty. But it still runs, and there are some older programs on it that are quite handy and that won't load on my Windows 7 machine. So I lug the shop laptop with me about 80% of the time, in case I need to do something that my tablet can't. Of course, when I am at the university I can often get access to one of the terminal units in the 23 hour lab at the Rasmuson Library as well. Which is where I am right now, working on these ramblings, as well as doing some process work for my hoped for Winter Shorts production of Antigone and for my portfolio, and some grad school research as well.
Multitasking.
I seem to have rambled....herrmn.
As I was saying: limitations on net access and their potential effect(s) on how I live my life and do my art.
Some while back, during my Collaborative Process class, one of my professors used a phrase that I find myself harking back to now and again and that I believe applies here. The phrase? Enabling constraints. That is to say those things that are initially seen as potential limitations but can be turned into methods to enable new ways of looking at a situation. And that is what I see happening with my not having 24/7 access to the online world. I must make a deliberate choice to go somewhere beyond my apartment (AKA my studio) to check email, etc as opposed to simply having a tab open in Chrome or Firefox and my leaving it running in the background. And since my transportation methods include 1) city buses 2) my bicycle 3) my feet or 4) some combination of the prior methods, this deliberate action becomes all the more focused by the realization of time constraints imposed by distance and - in the case of the buses - what day of the week it is.
So to have a playlist on while I do things at my apartment, I have to have made the choice previously to download various documentaries, music, etc and have them loaded on a USB drive for later access. And if, as I did today, I grab the wrong USB drive and there is significantly less space on it than I had thought, I need to be more selective in my downloads. I can't just post it to the cloud, or add things as attachments to self-addressed emails. If I want to do production research, or post to this blog or to one of my Tumblrs, or check email I need to make a choice to do that/those thing(s). And recognize going in that if I am using the university backbone and get distracted and miss the final bus run of the night from campus that I will either A) need to make it an all-niter or B) start the walk home.
It's only been a month so far. But it is interesting. I am not saying it is a better version of how to handle such things. Just really, really different.
Herrmn yet again. I seem to have rambled more than mused. I suspect that the insomnia from last night might be partly to blame. That being said, I shall continue to reflect on this and will - probably - end up posting on the subject yet again.
More later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Update - 03/12/15 (AKA 'Big Movement!')
Well...
As has happened in the past, it has
been several months since my last posting here (circa December,
2014). I started working on this entry a couple of weeks ago, but have been
tweaking and adjusting it a fair bit before posting. While I do feel
some embarrassment from the delay, I have to admit that part of it
was due to my desire to have specifics to share and so I waited until
I did.
Sadly, no definitive news yet on the
potential discontinuation of the theatre BA program at UAF. I had
initially heard that they would be making some form of announcement
in early February and since we are entering the second full week of
that month I had my hopes up...but nothing. I did hear that
there are additional steps in the process which could make it May or
June before the announcement. Were I to be cynical, I might
attribute such a delay to the university president resigning at the
end of the academic year, and if the decision is delayed then he
would be able to avoid any potential backlash. Were I being cynical.
Now my understanding is that no decisions will be made until the
Fall. Herrmn.
It is nearing on two full years since
my last time in a class at UAF. Nowhere near my previous 27 year
lapse. Still, it agitates me. In part because I had plans to be at a
certain place in my academic career by this point. And in part due to
the fact that a variety of those folks who I had hoped to work with
will, by the time I get back in the Fall, have graduated and moved
on.
As I mentioned in the first full
paragraph, I have been working on, toying with, and holding back on
posting this entry for awhile. Besides the above mentioned reasons, I
wanted to be certain of some things that were complete in my efforts
to raise funding. Now, as they used to say in trailers for various
genre films, the truth can be told – the simple, very short
version: I have raised sufficient funds to allow me to return to
Fairbanks and UAF as of April 1st to complete my degree with an
intended graduation date of May, 2016.
The more convoluted version? Well....
As many/most of you reading this are
aware, I have been attempting to find funding - by way of
scholarships, sponsorships, etc – to be able to return to classes
since the Spring of 2013. Several times I had been hopeful about
things, and even posted here regarding them (such as my attempts to
save up the funds from gigs with Summer theatre work, etc). I wrote
these entries in part to help maintain my positive outlook, which I
feel has helped me get through some pretty stressful times since my
return to school. That isn't to say that I have not had times of
depression, such as recently (relatively speaking) when I heard about
the 'special review process' and the potential elimination of the
theatre BA at UAF. Depressive trigger not withstanding, that
announcement did serve as an additional spur to help drive me to find
some way of funding a return to school for Fall 2015.
The struggle for funding reached a
turning point when, during a chat with my brother regarding a
different matter, I was reminded of a potential funding source that
might help meet some of my school expenses. After some online
searching, I found the appropriate website and did some research. And
began kicking myself for not thinking of this option sooner. Because
I found that by using this source I would, after taxes and such, have just enough to pay for my final year at UAF, including
(at that point in my calculations) on campus housing (which, after
having spent the entirety of the 2013 academic year living in what
could be called “unapproved housing” was something of importance
in my calculations, as I didn't really want to have to deal with that
stress again if I could find any way of avoiding it). Of course, things
were not immediately that easy.
After submitting my paperwork I spent
several weeks waiting, with baited breath, the deposit of funds.
Which seemed to take an interminably long while, though in reality it went fairly quickly - roughly a month from initial
discovery/realization regarding the funding source till the funds
were in my bank.
Then came the clearing of some past due
issues with UAF. Simple enough. But...I then discovered that,
because of the amount of time that had passed since my last
attendance (~24 months) I would be required to submit an application
for re-admission. Yeesh. Yet another source of stress feeling worry
that, for whatever reason, the university might not let me back in.
After several phone conversations with the office of admissions, I
was approved for re-admission. But...(are you seeing a pattern
developing here?)...but I will probably not be getting the
residency standing (“administrative agreement”) which had allowed
me to take classes at the resident tuition rate. This is a big issue.
A solution to this issue, which was suggested by one of the
admissions department representatives, was to take classes this
Summer, since all Summer classes are charged at the resident tuition
rate. Also, I could potentially take up to 4 semester credit hours
during each semester of the regular academic year and those classes
would be charged at the resident rate. Which, if I do things just
right, will allow me to graduate in May of 2016. Oh, another But:
my placement scores from 2013 had expired, so I needed to take a new
math placement test to be able to register for the Summer courses I
need/want. Thankfully, in the interim since my last testing the
university has shifted from a location based test to a web based
test. Which allowed me to test from here, rather than waiting until I
got back to Fairbanks. And so, on the third attempt (out of the
permitted five) I got a sufficient score to meet the registration
requirements. As soon as I could I registered for two classes: the
needed math and one of my needed sciences. That still leaves a single
4 credit hour science course needed. Since I will know by the end of
the month – which is when the Fall registration links come online –
if I can get the resident tuition or not (it will have that notation
on a form I need) I can then decide how I will approach my remaining
course needs. Because while I would love to get some additional
studio art courses under my belt if I can only get 4 credit hours at
resident rate then that 4 credit hours is going to have to be my
second required science course (probably Intro to Astronomy, which is
only offered in the Fall). Now, for a final but
– since I will likely only be taking 4 credit hours in the Fall I
will not qualify for on campus housing...So I have been searching for
somewhere off campus that might meet budget limits. And I think that
I have a place worked out, even if it is really at the high end of my
price range and thus stretching my budget a bit. That is still in process, so I will not say any more on
that subject at the moment.
So.
Even with all the various fits, starts, and sundry spasms that have occurred, I am finally on my way back to classes and on the road again towards one of my goals.
As things currently stand my academic
plan for the near term is as follows:
** Depart from St Louis on March 31st
via Alaska Airlines, with stops in Seattle and Anchorage.
** Arrive Fairbanks midday-ish on April
1st.
** Continue to get organized for Summer
semester, which starts in late May.
** Work on my portfolio in preparation for
a hoped for trip to the URTA interviews in Chicago next January, as well as for portfolio
review sessions in the Fall and Spring semesters in the theatre department at UAF.
** Summer semester classes.
** Fall semester class(es).
** Spring semester class – I might
need to take a course in intermediate acting to fulfill a slot in the curriculum for my major. Maybe.
I'll be discussing such points with my adviser and the department head as soon as possible.
** Graduation – Spring 2016!
Now, the above list does not include
work on several projects which I have percolating and have been, at
minimum, doing conceptual work on since Spring 2013. I admit, I find
myself reticent to share too much about those beyond the various
mentions I have already made here in some prior entries...perhaps
there will be more later, once I am back in Fairbanks. That being
said, I do expect to do artistic work in addition to the academic
work required by my math and science courses.
Herrmn. I think that I shall wrap this
entry up now, and get back to packing and organizing and all such
sundry things. I'll post more soon-ish, though it might not be until
I am ensconced in whatever my new housing will be back up in
Fairbanks.
Till then thanks again to all of you
for your support.
My school related fundraising site:
Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum
A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.
My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
Semi-Random Shavings
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