I wanted to write about the fourth part of this series, dear drama students, i recognize you a mile away. This one is near and dear to my heart! This is a four part series of posts (this is part one). Click here for the other posts: Dear Music Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away, Dear Music Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away
Drama Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away
I love arts students. They are fun to be around and never fail to entertain you, that’s for sure. Dear Music Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away Honestly, they are pretty easy to spot. These are generalizations and just for fun, to be honest. I asked for a little help from the people who know–teachers, artists, dancers, musicians and directors. These are just tongue-in-cheek descriptions. Let’s see if you agree with us.
Drama student, I can recognize you a mile away
- are expressive and look for a “stage” everywhere (Our daughter used our front porch, small kitchen between the sink and the stove, the four and a half feet right in front of the television and even performed at the end of our bed.)
- carry their script with them wherever they go and practice any time they can find or even when they are told not to
- girls wear stage makeup as their street makeup, defending it because “It is the BEST quality makeup ever made!”
- everyday clothes are a kind of character–they like to make a statement (it could be a logo from a musical or maybe their current show shirt or a vintage skirt from the fifties)
- perform an audition for you even when there are no auditions ( actors are always “on”)
- speak as different characters, use accents, change their posture and gait to suit the character they are performing at whim
- carry several plays to read whenever they have a chance or even when they are told not to
- speak as different characters, use accents, change their posture and gait to suit the character they are performing at whim
- carry several plays to read whenever they have a chance
- lug around character shoes, rehearsal skirts or jackets, pencils, hi-lighters, water bottle
- techies’ pockets carry nails, glow tape, screws, hot glue gun, left over gels for lighting equipment
- clothing is splattered in a recent set’s paint colors and left over saw dust is permanently engraved in the creases of their jeans
- own A LOT of black clothing
- change their hair color several times each year–usually something bright and bold
- many love literature or language arts class (that only makes sense)
- look at themselves in any window reflection or mirror whenever there is an opportunity
- LOVE attention
These kids are very busy and like it that way.
What is most interesting about arts students is their popularity hierarchy within themselves. For instance, if a guy is a tenor and he can sing as high as a female, that makes points for him. The same goes for a girl who can climb a tall ladder and focus a light on a set. Additionally, if you are first chair violinist, you are popular, too or at the very least, respected. If a guy is a bass singer and he can dance, that’s another biggie. If a girl can tap the heck out of a combination, you are considered “cool”. You get the idea.
However, if you are too serious about your art, the opposite is true. Although revered, your friends may not even think to invite you to social events because they assume you are more interested in dancing or rehearsing than a pizza. My daughter was so busy in theater and music while in high school, a lot of her friends forgot about her–it was tough to maintain friendships during that time.
And anyone who is comical or can make everyone laugh automatically accrues popularity points with everyone no matter which art form they love.
Like most interests, there is a fine line to balance. What is too much and what is not enough?
To be honest, I appreciate this hierarchy somewhat, because it makes room for everyone in the arts. This popularity has nothing to do with beauty or brawn. It’s all about talent and hard work. Everyone is an artist if they allow themselves to be. Look for them. You’ll see.
Which art do you enjoy the most? I’d love to hear from you dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net
Purchase my new book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 here.
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Do you recognize your drama students in this description? I’d love to hear about them. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.
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