ALLY'S semester abroad

Another OPenin' Another show

What a whirlwind of a week! On Monday and Tuesday, my group had the privilege of extra time to polish up our show and to work on some details. On Tuesday evening, some friends and I ventured to Brick Lane to a curry house for some delicious Indian food! On Wednesday we entered the gorgeous Hackney Empire Theatre for the first time and were taken aback by the size, the beautiful detailed proscenium, and the ceiling filled with twinkling stars. This Off-West End theatre was built as a music hall in the year 1901 and Charlie Chaplin is known to have trod the floorboards of the Hackney! The four tier theatre seats 1,275 people and is one of the largest theaters in London. On Wednesday afternoon we packed into the dressing rooms, excitedly put on our costumes, set our props, and headed to the raked stage for the technical rehearsal. On Thursday we were given the morning off- so I spent the morning stuffing my face with french toast and bacon at The Breakfast Club with some friends- a salvation for any American in London longing for crispy bacon and maple syrup (Brits aren't a fan of maple syrup). The dress rehearsal went smoothly and we sailed into show day with excitement. It is always bittersweet to have the opening and closing performance on the same day, but the positive response of the audience after our first show had us ready to correct any mistakes and make the evening show even better. During the evening performance, I looked out to the audience and could not believe that 3 tiers were completely filled with people! All the silly name games and concentration games that we have been playing over the last few weeks proved to be magical in our final show- when a sound cue was missed that marked the beginning of our movement sequence in the last scene, we stood on stage for a few beats in stillness until suddenly all 50 of us raised our arm at the exact moment and began the choreographed piece together. It was an amazing moment! At the end of the show, we sat on stage as the Artistic Director if the National Youth Theatre, Paul Roseby, addressed the audience and commended our work with the first ever Epic Stages course. He said that there is a true renaissance with theatre and that the NYT mission to provide social inclusion is no more relevant than ever. With NYT courses traveling to Saudi Arabia to provide opportunities for young women to perform, and the NYT original play about Pope Joan being performed in a church in Piccadilly prove the power of theatre. Theatre is political, it is important, and it is a wonderful thing to be part of NYT- move over Helen Mirren! In our society so riddled with technology, it is rare to have hundreds of people sitting together in a room, watching, observing, and just thinking. I am very proud of the work that my group devised and for our ability to share a story with such a massive audience. As we packed up our belongings and exited the Hackney Empire, our directer recited a Chinese proverb; "If you have only two pennies, spend one on bread to give you life, and one on a flower to give meaning to your life." The rest of the "meaning-givers" and I headed to the pub to celebrate the conclusion of the most intensive course I have ever endured. Our final day Saturday was spent picnicking at Toynbee Studios and saying difficult good-byes to friends. I am so grateful to everyone back home that made this opportunity a reality for me- for those of you who attended my fundraising events earlier this summer and for those who donated money toward the course fees, I am so incredibly appreciative for receiving the experience of a lifetime. For the first time in fourteen years of doing theatre, the sayings that "theatre is a process, it is not all about the show" and that "there are no small parts, only small actors" rung true for me for the very first time. This ensemble experience was fantastic, and the end result of a wonderful piece of theatre was truly a result of our hard work- not just the focus of the course. I am now gearing up for my senior year and excited to learn more about the theatre scene in New York, and most importantly, to start making my own work now that I have the skills and confidence to do so. Thank you everyone!

Words of the Week: Warning- Brits are vulgar!

Faff: to spend time in an ineffectual way
To lie- in: to sleep in late
Cock- up: a blunder, a confused situation
Tits- up: a situation where everything goes wrong ex) a technical rehearsal!
Baubles: a hair tie or hair band
Fit: attractive
Collywobbles: to have butterflies in your stomach
Tosh: nonsense
Minted: wealthy

The penultimate week.

Things have switched into high gear! The ensemble finished creating the show in the beginning of the week and we have been busy rehearsing ever since! On Tuesday we had a Question and Answer session with Evette Griffith, Rachel Tyson, and Liz Littlewood about probably the most important topic for theatremakers... fundraising. We learned a bit more about pitching project proposals, how to apply for funding through the Arts Council, Trusts & Foundations, and networking. Most of all, I learned that America does not have anything equivalent to the Arts Council (a national development agency for the arts in England) and most funding back home is private and solely philanthropic. I now know so much about how to go about funding a project here in London, but I have a lot of research to do when I return to the States! After a full day of rehearsals on Thursday, I made my way to Upper Street in Islington to cross another "to-do" off my exploration list. I spent about ten minutes drooling at the window display at Ottolenghi before choosing English Beef for dinner and a scrumptious vanilla bean cupcake topped with a strawberry for dessert. Yotam Ottolenghi is an Israeli-born chef, restaurant owner, and writer of cookeries. You may recognize his cookbook "Plenty" which adorns many kitchens, and is sold at Anthropologie! On Saturday we were awarded with a surprise afternoon off- gasp! All our hard work has been paying off. Despite the stormy weather (see picture below), I trekked to Southwark to visit the beloved Borough Market. The market is situated under the train tracks off London Bridge and dates back to 1014. The Southwark location was prime for the market since many large boats carrying goods were unable to actually pass under the London Bridge and into the walls of London. I settled for the "Chicken of Aragon" pie from Pieminister, made of chicken, smoked bacon, and tarragon topped with mashed potatoes and gravy- a true English delight on a cold rainy day! After perusing the many stalls of Turkish delights, olive oils, and French cheeses, I made my way home through the rain. In the evening, I met a few NYT friends at the Duke of York's Theatre in Covent Garden to see Henrik Ibsen's timeless play "A Doll's House." The play was written in 1879 and challenges the 19th century norms of marriage. The play concludes with the lead character Nora leaving her husband and children to discover her true self- a very arguable idea at the time (and today for that matter). The play was banned in Britain for many years and producers challenged Ibsen to change the ending of the play so that Nora would come back through the front door and be her husband's "most prized possession" again. Ibsen declined. Despite the controversy all over the world, it is now one of the most performed and poignant plays of all time. The set was a remarkable moving house, which allowed for the audience to see the characters' journey's through all the rooms, like a doll house. Actress Hattie Morahan's performance as Nora Helmer was incredible. I have studied this play, written about this play, performed Nora in scene study classes, and have dreamed of being in a production of this play- it was amazing to finally see the play on stage. Today was my final day of freedom before the dreaded Tech Week begins. The day began in the lovely Regent's Park and then onto Marylebone High Street to Daunt Books- it was an amazing bookshop that I could have spent the whole day in! I stopped into Natural Kitchen for some lunch and was so happy to find A&W root beer- a rarity in the UK. I then passed through the Marylebone High Street Farmer's Market and ogled all the beautiful flowers.The next adventure was through a bustling Hyde Park. I then wandered through Chelsea with all its perfect townhouses, flower boxes, and cobbled streets aligned with Bentleys. I soon found myself salivating in the tea and confectionary section at Harrod's. Next stop was the Saatchi Gallery off of Sloane Square, which was opened in 1985 by Charles Saacthi in order to exhibit his contemporary art collection to the public. I finished the day in the best of ways- with a cheeseburger. I tried endlessly last semester to find Tommi's Burger Joint, and when I finally did it was closed for renovation. I stumbled upon the new location today and just had to knock another thing off my list! It is hard to believe that in five days I will be performing at the Hackney Empire and in just seven days I will be in New York gearing up for senior year!

British slang of the week:
To be "on" in a game = to be "it"
Playsuit = romper
Tap = faucet
Pavement = sidewalk
Car boot = car trunk
Brill = brilliant

ONE MONTH DOWN.

Another week down! On Monday, our group explored lucid dreaming, dreams within dreams, recurring dreams, nightmares...and used these dreamy ideas to devise interesting scenes. On Tuesday, the company MonoBox, created by former NYT students, brought in hundreds of plays for us to peruse and offered advice on how to find audition speeches. In the afternoon, we had a masterclass with the co-founder of the Theatre de Complicite company Annabel Arden. Accompanied by the sounds of drums and singing bowls, Annabel taught us how to move through the space as an ensemble. She taught us an exercise from the famous Lecoq school about levels of tension in our body- by exploring different ways to walk and carry ourselves, we found the most energetic positions for performance. The evening panel was led by playwrights Tanika Gupta and Michael Wynne. They offered very helpful advice on how to begin writing a story, how to approach character names, and the differences between writing for the stage and screen. Wednesday was filled with umbrella dances, dream sequences, Swedish fairytales, and Victorian ghost stories- surprisingly, we have been successful so far in stringing all these random inspirations into fluid scenes! On Wednesday evening, I ventured to the Old Vic Theatre with two of my friends from the course to see Tennessee Williams' 1959 play "Sweet Bird of Youth" starring Kim Cattrall. "Sweet Bird of Youth" follows Chance Wayne and his return home to St. Cloud. He is accompanied by faded movie star Alexandra Del Lago (Cattrall), whom he hopes will help him to break into the movie business and impress his hometown friends. Chance goes to St. Cloud in hopes of regaining what he had in his youth, primarily his old lover. Chance's past haunts his visit and he soon finds that he is no longer welcome in St. Cloud. The set was fantastic, and besides a few slips from the supposed Southern dialect, the acting was great. After the show, I met Kim Cattrall at the stage door- she was even more beautiful in person, and so very sweet. She thanked me for coming at least three times, took a photo, and signed my program. She told me "If you can find any other job, do it. But if you love to play, then [acting] is the greatest job in the world. It is hell until you make it." It was so wonderful to meet the woman who has taught the world about sex, the city, and how to be fabulous. On Thursday our umbrellas magically turned into katana warrior swords, and we choreographed an entire fight sequence complete with Matrix style flips to add to our devised piece. In the evening, we learned about how to program a venue, take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe, and how to approach directing. On Friday we returned to the Russian folktale of the Fire Bird, and used some human puppeteering to create an image of the bird. In the afternoon, I was fitted for my costume! The day finished a little early and I settled in at Yumchaa for an afternoon of tea. I then went to Soho to meet up with my flatmate Helene from last semester who is in from Geneva! On Saturday, we had to present an 8 minute pitch for a project to a panel of real funders to be evaluated. My group presented a proposal for a cultural theatre festival to bring knowledge of art forms from around the world to London. We planned a day of Indian puppetry workshops for children and adults, culminating into two performances. We planned an entire budget, marketing scheme, and figured out all the details in between- we received good feedback! After a stressful week, everyone dressed up and headed to Camden to celebrate our friend's birthday! On Sunday I finally explored Brick Lane Market, located in the center of the Bangladeshi community in East London. The Market was filled with food from all over the world, street musicians, vintage stores, furniture, art...I even stumbled upon an animal farm with donkeys! Brick Lane is also home to some of the most famous street art- I spent the morning trying to search for legendary artist Banksy's pieces through the crowd. I had Beirut street food at Yalla Yalla- hommos dip, pita, tabboule salad, sambousek jibne, falafel and elderflower lemonade- yum! Before departing Shoreditch, I also explored Spitalfields Market which opened in the thirteenth century. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, many people flocked to the Spital fields for shelter. In the 1700's Huguenots fled religious persecution and settled in the area around the market. The market also survived the London Blitz, and today stands as a combination of the old food stalls and modern restaurants. The history in this city is just so amazing. I can't believe that tomorrow is the beginning of week 5!

British Words of the Week:
Aubergine = eggplant
Plaster = band-aid
Lippy = lipstick
Torch = flashlight
Brogues = oxford style shoes
Dungarees = overalls
Port-o-loo = port-o-potty
Fringe = bangs

halfway point.

Week three has come and gone. On Monday we began to devise theatre with the help of Arun Ghosh, a music composer, who watched our ensemble routines and added music to either fit our movements or to create new pathways for us to explore. Tuesday we brushed up on our Shakespeare with Russell Layton, who led us through some scenes of Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. In the afternoon, we met with Alison De Burgh, Britain's sole female Fight Director, to learn how to punch, kick, and gauge eyes out on stage! The evening panel consisted of Becca Manley of the Theatre Company "Clean Break," Steve Winter from the Old Vic, and Mark Londesborough, the Creative Learning Director for the Tricycle Theatre, who spoke about how to facilitate and use theatre as a form of social inclusion and outreach. I was especially moved by the Theatre Company "Clean Break," which was formed by two female prisoners in the year 1979. The company aims to educate and enable women offenders to achieve education and employment through creativity in prison. "Clean Break" has produced numerous productions addressing the issue of women and crime. On Wednesday, my group worked with Joel Scott, co-founder of the renowned London theatre company Punchdrunk. Inspired by some gory Swedish folktales provided by Joel, our group created songs and devised a shadow puppet show. On Thursday our instructor introduced some kinesthetic exercises to broaden our range of responses on stage. Walking on a grid, we responded with gestures and sound when met with a fellow ensemble member. We joined with another group of 25 performers in the afternoon, and created some wonderful images and story lines with the use of bright yellow umbrellas! Dragons, butterflies, flower gardens, and tales of love emerged. The panel on Thursday evening was about Health & Well-Being for actors. With a nutritionist and psychotherapist leading the discussion, we learned how to stay energized through our exhausting sessions, maintain positivity as struggling performers, and how to cope with the rejection that accompanies the industry. Friday was another fun day of story telling. Looking at tales, songs and mummer's plays from Victorian England, we created musical pieces and vignettes- I was happy to get to sing a solo! On Saturday the group spruced up some ensemble images in the morning, and spent the afternoon with writer and filmmaker Carolina Giametta. She spoke about how to effectively pitch project ideas to panels of fundraisers. We split off into groups, and will work this week creating a pitch that will be evaluated next week by real funders! After an exhausting week, I made my way to the Apollo Theatre with fellow NYT members Ellie and Jason, and sunk into my seat in the balcony to watch the long-awaited show "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." The show is based off of the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon and is told through the perspective of the fifteen-year- old protagonist Christopher Boone. The story begins with Christopher discovering the slain body of his neighbor's dog, and follows his in-depth investigation to uncover the murderer. His quest is sometimes heightened and other times hindered by his mild form of autism. The set and lighting design captures Christopher's thought processes and takes the audience inside the mind of a person with asperger's syndrome or autism. The marketing scheme was brilliantly executed; the walls of the theatre were decorated with math equations, Christopher's drawings (similar to the book), and all the prime-numbered theatre seats were labeled (Christopher is obsessed with prime-numbers). Overall, the show powerfully conveys that Christopher is a gifted mathematician with dreams of visiting space, and that his disability is no different than the flaws of the "normal" characters. I was happy to learn that the talented actor Luke Treadaway, playing Christopher Boone, went through the National Youth Theatre program. Sunday was exploration day! With the sun shining, I wandered on foot through Southwark, South Bank, Westminster, and onwards to Millbank to visit the Tate Britain Museum. My adventure continued through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace, through Hyde Park, and to Piccadilly Circus! I feel like a sponge absorbing so much information and creative experiences- excited to continue onto Week 4!

British Slang of the Week
reception = kindergarten
soya milk = soy milk
brolly = umbrella
hen party = bachelorette party
stag party/ stag night = bachelor party
nail varnish = nail polish

week two.

Monday seems like forever ago! We learned some improvisational games and began to devise stories for our final show. Tuesday started out wonderfully with a masterclass with Swiss performance artist and teacher Lukas Angelini, who taught us how to utilize space as a performer and how to focus energy in a room. We learned some exercises from the teachings of Tadashi Suzuki, a Japanese theatre director and philosopher. We also did some interesting exercises in pairs, in which one person closed their eyes and the other led them around the room with their hand placed on their back to build trust and awareness of the space. During the break, I grabbed some much needed coffee from the cafe. The lid was not properly on, and I soon found myself in the Emergency Room receiving my first souvenir- a scar on my chest! I was more upset about missing the afternoon session with Lukas. I was back in action for the evening question & answer panel on "Outdoor Work." Martin Green, the head of ceremonies for the 2012 Olympics, spoke about the ins and outs of producing theatrical work in outside venues. On Wednesday evening, the producer of the world renowned theatre company Complicite spoke to us about working internationally and how to fund projects. Thursday was another exhausting day of yoga, ensemble games and improv! In the evening, the creators of the acclaimed television series "Merlin," "The Village," and "White Queen" spoke about producing for television and film, casting, and script editing. I am learning about so many facets of the business that I have never considered, and have a new interest in working as a script editor. Friday we learned about the casting process in the UK, and I am finding it very different from New York. London apparently still does black and white head shots, and becoming part of Equity is almost just a matter of joining. Maybe I should stay here. In the afternoon we met with Cathy Owens, facilitator at the National Theatre, and NYT resident director Kane Husbands to learn about how to teach theatre and facilitate workshops. We did different exercises to learn about the roles people play within groups and how to handle the many emotions that seem to emerge within rehearsal spaces. In the evening, I went to the Noel Coward Theatre to see Michael Grandage's production of "The Cripple of Inishmaan." It was a truly amazing play with some fantastic acting. Oh, and Daniel Radcliffe was the title role! Saturday morning producer Sunita Pandya spoke in depth about the role of producers. I am so glad to have seen so many shows last semester because I knew about all the venues she mentioned. In the afternoon, Charlotte Ward of the EMG agency spoke about marketing for the theatre arts. We looked at some past marketing schemes in the West End, and worked in small groups to create pitches for shows that are in the works. I had a great time planning promotions and hot air balloon events for the big West-End show "Around the World in 80 Days," which is set to premiere in 2014. On Saturday evening, my group ventured to Russell Square to see a very wacky, sight specific production of "The Comedy of Errors." The show was riddled with bad pop songs from the 90s and hula skirts. Regardless, we all had a good laugh and a fun night out. Today I slept in and enjoyed a late breakfast at an internet cafe that doubles as a bicycle workshop, it was really cool. I wandered about in the sun and ended up at Five Guys! It was a fantastic week, can't believe I am 1/3 done!

i HAVE ARRIVED. AND SO HAS BABY GEORGE.

It has been a whirlwind of a week! After a stressful jaunt through JFK searching for the correct terminal, I said my goodbyes, boarded the plane, and crossed the pond. On Sunday, I settled into my room in the posh neighborhood of Islington and geared up to face the heat- London was experiencing a heat wave of sorts! With no air conditioning in sight and no recognition of "iced coffee" in any cafe, I resorted to dousing myself in ice cubes. The National Youth Theatre began on Monday at Toynbee Studios. I feel as though I have come to fat camp as opposed to a theatre course, our instructor has us jumping around for hours on end, doing multiple sessions of yoga, and push-ups on command throughout the day! On the first day, we also played numerous name games and concentration games to get to know each other. On Tuesday, after our physical routine and yoga, a panel of professional theatre makers and theatre company owners came to speak to us about how to start up a theatre company and raise funds for the arts. On Wednesday, we focused on movement (as if we hadn't been moving enough) and learned some group balance poses to strengthen the ensemble. In the afternoon, we met with a professional stage manager who spoke with us about the role a stage manager plays in a production. I spent the evening reminiscing through Covent Garden and enjoying the weather. On Thursday, our group focused on story-telling and worked on some improvisational scenes. We also learned some clowning games and added some playfulness into our otherwise competitive routine. In the afternoon, we met with a lighting designer who taught us about the different types of stage lights, how to choose colors, and how to set up lights. The evening panel consisted of casting directors from the Royal Shakespeare Company and top theatrical and television agents in London, who spoke to the NYT group about audition technique, how to market yourself, and how to find work. Friday morning my group met with a sound designer who taught us about the different types of stage mics and the importance of sound in theatre and film. In the afternoon, we had an amazing voice masterclass- I learned about the different resonances, how to breathe properly to project on stage, how to release tension in order to allow sound to emerge, and different articulation exercises. After yoga on Saturday, we met with a costume designer who will be working with the group for our end show. He has worked on the films Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter. He spoke about the ins and outs of costume design and showed us his very impressive portfolio! In the afternoon we had an acting for screen masterclass. I had so much fun and was glad to have received very good feedback on my screen test. To end the week, we did some relaxation exercises from the Alexander Technique...amazing. The group then went out for a pint to celebrate our week of hard work! Sunday is my day off- but I spent the day gallivanting through Camden Market, Primrose Hill, visiting Big Ben, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, and St. Paul's. It has been such a crazy experience so far since this is really my first time being immersed in British culture. I am starting to think in a British accent! My brain is on overload and I couldn't be more eager to learn. And tomorrow starts another long week full of excitement!

My new vocabulary:
Star jump = jumping jack
Press up = push up
The shop = grocery store
Mirror ball = disco ball
Pedalo = paddle boat

aNOTHER DOOR OPENS.

I knew after spending four amazing months in London that someday in my life I would return to the beautiful city. I have pictured myself traipsing about in Regent's Park reflecting at my days at Regent's University, wandering the market in Covent Garden in years to come, and even as an actor gracing the stage in one of the many beautiful West End Theatres. When I began my love affair with London in January, I knew it wouldn't end when I made my way to Heathrow Airport in May. Little did I know that my opportunity to return to England would arise after just one week back home in America! Last week I learned that of hundreds of hopefuls, I was selected into the National Youth Theatre's new summer course entitled Epic Stages. The program was founded in the year 1956 as the world's first youth theatre organization. The program has nurtured such actors as Helen Mirren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Craig, and Orlando Bloom. The six-week summer intensive aims to teach skills in stage management, stage fighting, scriptwriting, lighting, props, etc. The course also prepares the members with CV workshops, showreel demos, and marketing and promotion skills. In essence, this course trains the next generation of theatre-makers with the tools of how to create and effectively produce their own work- amazing! The members act as a working theatre ensemble, honing in on their skills and creating a collaborative piece of theatre throughout the six weeks. The course culminates in a performance in a West End Theatre. Yes, you read that correctly! As senior year is approaching, and the post-graduate "real life" is looming, I feel that this course would supply me with the knowledge and confidence I need to pursue a career in the theatre. The cost of the course fee is 2,000 pounds. In addition, I would also need to acquire the money for a round-trip flight back to the United Kingdom, the accommodation fees, and food for six-weeks. After spending a semester abroad, my parents have gravely informed me that the money tree in our backyard has died. Alas, I am still hopeful! The National Youth Theatre encourages and requires the accepted performers to raise as much of their personal course fees as possible in order to learn the importance of raising money for the arts. I am planning a Golf Tournament to raise funds for my return to the UK, and also a Cabaret Show in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for more details and how you can help make this remarkable opportunity a reality. In the meantime, I will continue my job search in New York City- one interview down, two to go this week!

P.S. The above photo is of the movie that I may or may not appear in as an extra. Keep your eyes peeled for me in the crowd of the magic scenes! I am excited to be making my debut on the silver screen May 31st.

P.S.S. The prospect of leaving again is so exciting; but bittersweet as this week in New York has been filled with beautiful sunsets, yummy food, and amazing friends!

farewell.

I had a pretty easy week of finals- I can’t complain about having to analyze screenplays, films, and performance reviews of shows! I actually enjoyed all the assignments. On Monday, Nicole and I walked to Covent Garden for a frozen treat at “Snog." On Tuesday, we ventured to Southwark to Borough Market, the Anchor Pub, and walked over London Bridge. On Wednesday, a group of my friends met at Yumchaa Tea in Camden for an afternoon of tea, scones, and chatter. We then wandered through the markets in Camden Town along the Regent’s canal. On Thursday I completed my last exam! The weather was beautiful- Nicole, her mother, and I went paddle boating in the Regent’s pond overlooking the park. We then walked through Regent’s Park admiring the picturesque flower gardens all the way to Camden, where we had some street food and sat along the canal. That evening, a group of Regent’s study abroad students went to O’Neills Pub in SoHo for a night full of dancing and live music. Nicole and I woke up early on Friday to watch the sunrise from the top of Primrose Hill. After a nap, I made my last trip to Borough Market with my friend Omnia. We had some delicious iced lattes at Monmouth Coffee and tasted Turkish candies, falafel, cheeses, sausages, and pasta from the food stalls. I then walked to the Shakespeare Globe Theatre to see The Tempest. After years of hearing about watching a show as a “groundling,” I was ecstatic to finally be standing in the yard leaning on the lip of the stage. I have never read The Tempest, so the play kept my attention for the full 2 hours and 45 minutes even though I was on my feet. I was lucky to be there on such a sunny, beautiful day- a rarity in London! Helicopters flew above the open-air theatre and took on characters of their own. It was amazing how the actors coped with the outside noises- Caliban referred to the above planes as spirits within his speech. The actors also interacted with the audience, tapping their heads, pointing, and even falling into the crowd and surfing. The whole experience was celebratory and made Shakespeare accesible and fun. I decided to walk all the way home from Southwark- I went across the Millennium Bridge, to St. Paul’s Cathedal, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and through Regent’s Park. I was taking in the beautiful weather and saying my final good-byes to my favorite places all the while. The evening was full of memories over packing and trying to fit all my belongings into my suitcases. The next morning, I met my friends in front of Baker Street Station to say farewell. Courtney, Catherine, and I descended to the underground and made our way onto the Picadilly line toward Heathrow Airport. While waiting for my flight, I thought a lot about my semester- the last three months have really been life changing. This experience taught me a lot about myself as a person, performer, student, and citizen of the world. It re-affirmed my love for performing, for writing, and inspired me to continue on with my dreams. I made some awesome friends and memories that I will forever cherish! At a workshop at the National Youth Theatre, I thoughtlessly wrote on a questionnaire that in 5 years I would be living in New York City performing and writing within the entertainment industry. So now I am ready to start turning these things into a reality and to have a really awesome senior year!

The flight went fast, and I arrived to JFK to a smiling Crosby. We then surprised my best friend Polina by showing up to her birthday party! It was so fun to see all my new York friends. Today, Crosby hosted a birthday party for one of his friends, complete with all the fixings for Cinco de Mayo- pulled pork and chicken tacos, homemade salsa, mojitos, and even flan! I ran into a friend on Bedford Avenue who joined the roof party. Ah, New York. It is a relief to have the cars driving on the correct side of the road, have internet on my phone, and to be back on US currency!!! This week will be full of food, friends, and hopefully finding a job :)

I want to make a shoutout to my bestie Justin West, who appeared in the New York Times yesterday stating that his set design was “very compelling.” So proud!
http://theater.nytimes.com/2013/05/04/theater/reviews/mark-nadlers-im-a-stranger-here-myself-at-york-theater.html?_r=1&

FINAL DAYS.

Things are wrapping up here in London! Final papers and exams have commenced, but I am determined to spend my last few days in London with a smile on my face. On Tuesday I met with a friend of a friend for lunch in sunny Covent Garden- she is a children’s book author and very involved theatre. It was nice to hear that my aspirations in theatre and writing can culminate into a living! On Tuesday evening I went to the Phoenix Theatre to see the newly opened production of “Once.” Unlike the rest of my class, I did not leave the theatre bawling, just a bit of a lump in my throat. The music was absolutely fantastic, but perhaps the hopeless romantic in me wanted the story to unfold differently. On Wednesday, the Music Society at Regent’s all went out for a celebratory and farewell lunch at Ping Pong. I was so happy to have dumplings! That evening, Nicole and I headed across the street to the Crown & Anchor for some ciders and some much needed relaxation. Thursday it was surprisingly 70 degrees here in London! I had some iced coffee at Kaffeine with a fellow Pace student who is currently studying at Westminster College. It was nice to make a new friend that I will be seeing back in Manhattan. On Friday, Nicole and I awoke at the crack of dawn and made our way to Trafalgar Square in hopes of getting tickets to Macbeth starring James McAvoy. Unfortunately, the line began to form at 3am, so we were two hours too late. We went back to sleep, and spent the rest of the day shopping on Oxford Street, eating frozen yogurt, and wandering through Regent’s Park. At night, we headed to Ye Olde Cheshire and Cheese, one of the oldest pubs in London. The Fleet Street establishment was rebuilt in the year 1667 after the Great Fire of London. The pub is huge, with four stories each dedicated to personalities of the early 19th century. Charles Dickens was a frequenter of the pub, using the pews as a place to write. The pub even has wood chips scattered about the floor to keep the authenticity of the tobacco spittings of the day. Definitely a must if you visit London! Thanks to Graham for the pub suggestion!!! On Saturday I spent the day at the famed Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for an Improvisation Masterclass. I had a great time learning a few new theatre exercises and getting a bit more comfortable with improvisational scenes. It was so good to be working on scenes and putting all that I have been learning and observing about theatre to use. On Saturday night, a bunch of study abroad students at Regent’s gathered at The Monarch pub in Camden for a last weekend in London celebration. The Monarch starts the evening playing music from the 50s and goes through the decades as the night ensues. I had such a wonderful time! Nicole and I began today with a Full English Breakfast. We decided to spend our last Sunday in London doing some touristy things- we visited Downing Street, Parliament Square, Big Ben, and went to an afternoon service at Westminster Abbey. The next six days will certainly be bittersweet.

P.S. I want to make a shout out to Crosby who just learned that some of his photographs will be featured in a museum in Russia this summer! So proud of you <3

the countdown begins.

The universe it telling me that it is time to go home. My boots have a broken zipper that even the cobbler cannot fix, I have worn a planet-sized hole through my last pair of jeans, split a seam in my black pants, and the housekeeping woman threw away my towel, toiletries, and hairdryer while I was at school. So basically I will be wearing oversized bright blue corduroys and have wet hair for the next 14 days. But all that aside, it was a great week. On Monday I went to the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the musical "Billy Elliot" as a class assignment. After a long day of classes, I was apathetic to seeing a show about a boy ballet dancer and a miner's strike. As soon as the safety curtain rose, my tiredness faded and I sat on the edge of my seat. For the following two hours I laughed, I wiped tears from my cheeks, and continually tapped my toes. It was an incredible show that I would highly recommend. The twelve-year-old Redmand Rance playing Billy was so remarkable that I am even thinking of digging up my old dance shoes and taking some classes for fun in the fall. On Tuesday I acted in a student film- I played a bartender who was assaulted on the job and stabbed to death. It was an interesting experience that ended with me covered with red food coloring and on the floor. Hopefully it will never be seen. In the evening the Student Union organized a fashion show on the back campus of Regent's. You must understand that everyday at Regent's University is a fashion show- never before have I seen so many pairs of Prada stilettos and full-length furs in a classroom. So it was no surprise to find that the school rented a tent of epic proportion to house fashion designers and spectators for the show. The gowns and designer duds were undoubtedly from the students' own enviable wardrobes. On Wednesday I finally polished up the last of my prints for my final project in the darkroom. Thursday marked another celebration at Regent's with the Spring Party. The "wedding tent" on back campus was adorned with sparkling lights, a live jazz band, a photo booth, and catered food. No big deal. On Friday I met up with my good friend Nick Strzeletz from high school who was visiting London this weekend with the Georgetown a capella group. I met up with the singing scholars in the swanky Marconi Lounge at the ME Hotel. Nick and I had a great time reminiscing on our past European adventures with the Madrigal singers to Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. It's amazing how time flies!I was lucky enough to have "The Chimes" serenade me upon my departure. On Saturday, Nicole and I made our way to the Los Locos Club in Covent Garden where we met up with our friends from school to forget about finals and de-stress on the dance floor. Today was back to the grind of things in the library- I am one presentation, one paper, and one final away from summer! I want to send some love my friends in Boston and all those in the States who are experiencing the aftermath of the catastrophic events on Monday. Do some extra acts of kindness, and let's all keep some faith in humanity during these difficult times.

homesick in the homestretch.

“Arts Week” commenced at Regent’s College and artwork, music, and theatricalities have abounded. On Monday, I partook in a musical performance by singing a solo in Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” with an accompanying harmonica! After classes, I went to Tuke Hall for the opening of the photography display, in which one of my photos was exhibited. Everyone was dressed so nicely and sipping wine, I felt really cool. I jetted off to the Almeida Theatre of Islington with my class to see “Before the Party.” The show was about a wealthy family trying to maintain appearances during a time of war and rations amidst a deep family secret that may ruin their reputation. During the interval, my friends and I bounced across the street to the famed Ottolenghi’s Restaurant for pastries. I am still drooling over my lemon and blueberry cupcake and double chocolate cookie.
On Tuesday I took a journey to Greenwich in a quest to find access points to the Thames River for my photography project. I was very frustrated that construction prohibited me from accessing the foreshore, but I had a wonderful time visiting the National Maritime Museum. There were so many anchors everywhere! Greenwich is just so beautiful- the air was filled with music and singing voices of the students at the Trinity Conservatory. I also got a glimpse of the beautiful Royal Observatory atop the hill. Next I went way beneath the Thames River through the foot tunnel to cross over to the Isle of Dogs. I stumbled upon the Mudchute Farm, full of horses and sheep- it was surreal to see the animals grazing amidst the skyline of the financial district Canary Wharf. That evening I performed in a staged reading of a screenplay orchestrated by the screenwriting students at Regent’s. On Wednesday afternoon the Music Society performed in a lunchtime concert, where I sang a solo in the James Bond theme song “Nobody Does it Better.” Filming for Season 3 of BBC's "Sherlock" began on my street and fans were bustling all night! Friday was the big day! I auditioned at the National Youth Theatre (Helen Mirren, Daniel Day-Lewis and Daniel Craig are alumns!) for a new summer program called Epic Stages- a six-week intensive program that culminates in a student run production in the Shaftsbury Theatre in the West End. The course is very collaborative- the performers must learn to rig lights, stage fight, build sets, call shows, and market the show as a fully functioning ensemble. The day began with an interview and audition followed by a physical workshop and music workshop. The whole experience was 8 hours and I loved every minute of it! I learned so much, and whatever the outcome may be, I am grateful to have had that experience and to have met such wonderful people. The sun came out today! I am happy to report that I even got a bit sunburnt. Nicole and I walked to Abbey Road where we played chicken with the cars in order to get our snapshot on the Beatles walkway! We walked through the posh neighborhood called St. John’s Wood where we enjoyed some delicious frozen yogurt as we made our way to Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park. Atop the hill we could see the London Eye and the Shard- it was beautiful! We went to the “York & Albany” - one of Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants- and enjoyed sandwiches and cider at an outdoor table. Great way to finish a dreary and rainy week! I have been pretty homesick missing my family, Crosby, New York, and Gerry's Pizza of course! But I know that these three weeks will quickly pass and soon enough I'll be anxious to someday, hopefully return to London...

here comes the sun.

March 31st marked the changing of the clocks here in the UK, and the sun has been fighting with the grey skies all week. I sure hope the sun comes out on top soon. On Easter Monday, I began my final photography project and wandered along the Thames River exploring the access points and the foreshore to see what I could find. I came across a group of historians that found the remnants of a Roman plate and some ceramics from the Tudor period along the shore. I think I was more excited than they were! Although it was still cold, I enjoyed wading in the water with my wellies and searching for treasure on the banks of the river. I pretended I was on a beach somewhere tropical. Tuesdays I do not have classes, so my long-weekend continued! I had my first flat-white at the Australian/New Zealand independently owned coffee shop aptly named "Kaffeine." Wednesday evening my theatre class went to the Hampstead Theatre to see a production called "The Longing"- an adaptation of two short stories of Chekov by British novelist William Boyd. The set was beautiful and the theatre had the most comfortable seats ever. Boyd's adaptation was brilliant and brought a sense of relief that many of Chekov's plays lack- I didn't feel depressed leaving the theatre as I normally do with Chekov. I also quite enjoyed ogling Downton Abbey's Iain Glen on stage as the main character! Friday morning Nicole and I woke up early and journeyed to the Noel Cohen Theatre to queue up for day seat tickets for the West End show "Peter and Alice." Unfortunately, the line already exceeded the number of available tickets by 7am. Instead, we camped out in the library doing homework and later traversed through China Town where we enjoyed dinner with our friends Phoebe and Grace. We were so determined to get tickets to "Peter and Alice," that we woke up at 4:30am the next morning and staked our spot on the steps of the Noel Cohen Theatre hoping to get our ten pound tickets. We met some great people who kept us entertained and brought sleeping bags, yoga mats, and many other comfortable warm things to sit on while in line for five hours. The line grew to about 50 people, but only 26 tickets were dispersed. I was so happy to have a ticket in hand after such a long sleepless morning! Next stop was the New London Theatre on Drury Lane for a workshop with the National Theatre's director of puppetry for War Horse. Despite my dire need for a nap, I was so excited to be learning about the show's origination and about the African puppet company Hanspring, whose work inspired the show and made it possible. I learned about the many stages of Joey the horse and how the model was based off of an African production involving a giant giraffe puppet. Physical therapists helped to refine the design making sure that the hand crafted, life-size horse puppet could safely be operated by actors. Joey the horse was shipped from Africa and made his way to the National Theatre. I then learned about the process of how the actors in War Horse approached puppetry- first with sticks and paper, bringing the inanimate objects to life. Actors begin by coming on stage and telling a story, but puppets must come on stage and first convince the audience that it is alive. I soon found myself on stage as a volunteer with a large paper puppet. After establishing its breathing pattern, I was charged with the task of making the puppet dance. The audience became hysterical when my puppet began a country hoedown, and I was suddenly aware of how I missed being on stage and having the ability to make people laugh. The experience was invigorating. The workshop ended with a visit from the show's horses Joey and Topthorn. I had an even greater appreciation for the actor/puppeteer's ability to operate such a large puppet and make the horse appear so life-like with their convincing horse sounds and gestures. After the workshop, it was nap time. I awoke with a sudden energy and hopped on a double-decker bus to Trafalgar Square to witness London's participation in International Pillow Fight Day. Feathers were flying everywhere, and children and adults alike were laughing and clouting each other with pillows. The mass public pillow fight raises money to buy pillows for the homeless and others in need of a good night's sleep...or a pillow fight. Before returning to the theatre to see "Peter and Alice," Grace, Phoebe, Nicole and I had a wonderful meal with our new British friends that we met in the waiting line. I had a delicious burger at Bill's Restaurant in St. Martin's Square. With a happy tummy, I was ready to see Dame Judi Dench and Ben Wishaw on stage! Anyone who knows me knows about my slight obsession with Alice in Wonderland. The new play by Peter Logan chronicles the meeting of Alice Liddell Hargreaves and Peter Llewelyn Davis at a Lewis Carroll exhibition in New York City, 1932. The show delves into the lives of real-life Alice and Peter Pan's human counterpart, Peter Llewelyn Davis.
Their grief-ridden childhoods are haunted by the whimsical characters they inspired, who follow them into adulthood. The dark scenes of abuse, addiction, death and illness are interspersed with visits from a young Alice and a spirited Peter Pan, who follows grown Peter like a shadow about the stage. The theme of growing up, displayed in Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, is even more poignantly portrayed in "Peter and Alice." Judi Dench was brilliant as a grown Alice, and Ben Wishaw was fantastic as Peter. (A little Skyfall reunion with "M" and "Q" !) The story was heartbreaking- I will never be able to look at the stories the same way again. But I guess that is all part of growing up. I left the theatre wanting to write a play. I waited by the stage door and was finally greeted by a petite Judi Dench, who looked terrified by the PR crowd and the fans that leaned over the barricade. She determinedly signed each and every playbill that was thrust in front of her. As she signed mine, I asked her what advice she would give to an aspiring actor- she sighed, hesitated and looked me in the eyes..."Keep at it, keep at it, and never ever give up." It was a moment that I will "never ever" forget. Today my flatmates and I had a wonderful dinner together- we are all bracing a forthcoming departure next week when three of the girls are finishing classes and moving out. Things are quickly coming to an end here in London...

P.S. The above photo was taken on the street where I live in front of "Sherlock's house" on BBC's television series "Sherlock."

the week of crosby.

Okay, I know I am behind a week! But last week was full of homework, no play, and nothing worth reporting about! But this week was so so wonderful. After two and a half months of sending letters, corresponding through email, and the occasional skype session, Crosby and I were on the same continent and the same time zone at last. He arrived at Heathrow Friday evening to find me with a sign in hand and a color coded week itinerary. And so the adventure began. On Saturday, we went to Drummond Street for some Indian food- the city's best type of food due to the abundant Indian and Bangladeshi community. We then made our way through the snow flurries to Southwark where we perused Borough Market before visiting the Tate Modern Museum. Before leaving Southwark, we crossed the Millenium Bridge and saw the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. We then met up with Marco, my friend from high school who was visiting London as well. Next I led Crosby to my favorite area, Covent Garden, where we ate a late dinner at The Ivy- a swanky pre and post theatre restaurant known to serve celebs and also known for having the best Shepherd's Pie in the city. (I can attest, it really is very good) On Sunday we woke up bright and early to make our way for our 8:00am breakfast reservation at The Wolseley per recommendation by Crosby's brother. (Thanks Graham!) After I got us lost, Crosby had his first London taxi experience... We made it only a few minutes late and I thoroughly enjoyed my first Full English Breakfast experience. Who knew poached eggs could be so fluffy? Crosby said it was the greatest breakfast experience of his life!!! The snow was back and followed us through Hyde Park, where we watched the Horse Guards in action. We found warmth inside the Victoria & Albert Museum, which houses lots of ceramic and design art. We spent the afternoon ogling at the price tags in Harrod's. We settled for an ice cream sundae to share at the luxurious department store, which only set us back $25...but it was delicious! Next stop on the tourist train was The Natural Museum of History, an impressive Victorian-style building with terracotta animals imbedded in the structure. Our favorite section was "Mineralogy," which was full of gems from around the world. We also enjoyed seeing the dinosaur exhibit! In the evening, Crosby's jet lag caught up with him. I met up with my dear friend Desiree, whom I met in Germany six years ago. She hosted me in Germany for choir on two separate occasions and visited the US a few years ago. This week she was in London- such a small world! Monday I had classes and Crosby spent the day resting up. Tuesday we were back on track. We popped into the Paradiso Olivelli Cafe for a delicious lunch. We ventured to the British Museum where we saw mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and an interesting exhibit on coinage and world currency. Next stop was the Aperture Tea Room, a quaint tea house that doubles as an antique camera shop. We made our way down the bustling Oxford Street to The Photographer's Gallery. We then went down New Bond Street to the famous Halycon Gallery, which is currently showing some pieces of Bob Dylan's! I then split off to see "A Chorus Line" with my class at the London Palladium Theatre- I really enjoyed the show. Wednesday we bundled up and walked through the Camden Stables Market, where a horse hospital stood in the Victorian age- Injured horses would go to the stables after pulling barges down the nearby canals. Today, the stables have over 450 vendors and vintage stalls. After the cobble stones started to hurt our already numb feet, we decided it was time for a ride on the London Eye. The sky was surprisingly clear and we got a good glimpse of the sun setting as we descended the giant ferris wheel. We then took a wild adventure to the neighborhood of Kilburn to see a show with my class called "Paper Dolls" at the Tricycle Theatre. The play was created by the Sundance Theatre Initiative and based off the award-winning documentary of the same title, which tells the story of five Filipino immigrants who travel to Israel for work and find a community within a performing drag group. Despite its absurdity, it was really cool to be part of the play's world premiere.Thursday we went to Borough Market, yet again, for a late lunch. Crosby and I went to the National Portrait Gallery and saw the current Man Ray exhibition in addition to the overwhelming portraits of the Tudors, the Stuarts, and the current royals. We made a spontaneous decision to see War Horse and got the most wonderful seats that were so close I could almost touch the puppets. Although I saw the production in NY, seeing it in London is an experience I will never ever forget. I felt like I was on stage and I cried like a baby at the end. Friday we went to the Tower of London to see the prized crown jewels. After waiting in line in the freezing cold for over an hour, the jewels seemed a bit less sparkly. Seeing the war memorabilia and the armor was very neat, but it was much too cold a day to be wandering through the crowds at the Tower. Crosby and I stopped in to the beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral on our way to the Museum of London. Our favorite installation was about the devastation of World War Two in London. That evening we tiredly slumped into the pews at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square to enjoy the New London Singers and the symphony performing the entirety of Mozart's Requiem by candlelight. It was an amazing concert. Saturday morning we wandered through the vintage markets and vendors in Islington. We found familiarity in the 1950's Americana themed diner called "The Milky Way" where we had a delectable milkshake, despite the frigid temperature outside. Next on the list was Romeo and Juliet at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, where we stood as groundlings leaning against the lip of the stage. We enjoyed the modern adaptation of the play along with the snow, rain, sun, and sleety mess that fell onto the open-air theatre. All part of the experience! We rushed to the Houses of Parliament for our scheduled tour- we walked through the astounding Westminster Hall, a banquet hall built in the early 11th century!!! We also saw the Robing Room, where the Queen speaks each spring, the throne of 24 karat gold in the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. The building was more and more impressive as we went through. We walked around the grounds of Westminster Abbey and past the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street. Our adventure concluded at Jamie Oliver's in Covent Garden where we enjoyed our last meal together and celebrated a memorable week over pasta. Now it is back to school and I miss Crosby so much already!

P.S. Another highlight of my week was winning a contest at school and receiving a two foot chocolate bunny. Happy Easter everyone!

My irish eyes are smiling.

I am currently sitting in the Dublin Airport awaiting my flight back to London...back to the grind of things! It was a great week full of adventure and fun in the motherland. On Sunday I was greeted by a statue of Molly Malone and a large leprechaun as I departed from the bus. I began my Irish experience with a full Irish breakfast at The Bank, one of the oldest bars in the city, with my high school friend Kelsey and her housemates. The meal was complete with blood pudding and Irish sausage! I then ventured over to the beautiful Trinity College campus and saw The Book of Kells which are on display. The books are a collection of illuminated manuscripts including the four gospels and the New Testament, which were created by celtic monks in c.a. 800! The books were one of the first things I studied in art history at Sem, so it was neat to actually see the manuscripts in person. Also part of the exhibition is the Old Library which was constructed in the 18th century and houses thousands of priceless books once privately owned or gifts to the college- it looks like the library from Beauty and the Beast. Kelsey and I went to the Bleeding Horse Pub that evening where I enjoyed my first real Irish Guinness. On Monday I wandered around by myself while Kelsey was in classes. I walked around Dublin Castle and the surrounding Dubb Linnh gardens. Because of a governmental event, the castle was not open for touring. I then met Kelsey for lunch and I ate a sandwich called the Paddy Wagon which made me happy. In the afternoon, I took a tour of the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral and learned a bit about the patron saint of Ireland and also about Jonathon Swift, who served as the dean of the Cathedral. I passed by Oscar Wilde's house on Merrion Square which was neat to see. At night, I joined the Trinity Trampolining Team training session and learned a few basic jumps- it was really a lot of fun. On Tuesday, I began my day at the National History Museum of Dublin where I learned a bit about the Vikings and saw some artifacts that dated back as fas as 800 A.D. Next I ventured to the Guinness Storehouse where I learned about the process of brewing stout and I learned the proper way to pour and drink a Guinness. I even earned a certificate of completion for my perfect pint. I was able to search the records of the storehouse and found that a James Considine worked in the distribution department in the year 1884- who knew Uncle Jimmy worked in ! My pint was followed by a bowl of Guinness stew and potatoes, which were so delicious. Wednesday was a rainy lazy day- Kelsey and I hunkered down in a coffee shop and actually achieved some work before enjoying a bowl of carrot and ginger soup at Cafe En Seine. Thursday was the grandest of adventures- I awoke early and made my way to the train station for my day trip to Ennis, where the Considine family hails. Ever since hearing about this little town from my Uncle Pat’s travels to Ireland, I knew that someday I had to visit the Considine Bar in Ennis. The minute I arrived I thought I must have looked a bit lost, but I soon found that people were just so overwhelmingly friendly and approached me to see what I was doing there- after explaining that I was a Considine, I was welcomed home by many. I was also told that the Considines of Clare were a rowdy crew known to start boxing each other after a few pints. Surprising? I first went to the County Clare Museum where I learned a bit about the history of the county. I saw a record book from the first Clare Town Hall Meeting that a Dan Considine had signed. I went on a historic walking tour of the town and ended up at the history society, where a kind gentleman helped me to trace the Considine genealogy and find the parish that our family had belonged to. I was told of a famous cemetery called the Drumcliffe where W.B. Yeats is buried and where the Considines may have a plot. I decided to walk there- and an hour later I arrived- I decided it probably was not a good idea to be alone in a cemetery with only the sound of sheep. I began walking back down the dirt road when I kind gentleman pulled aside and offered a lift- it was either that or be hit by a car on the narrow road as the sky darkened. He was driving so slow I had my plan of tucking and rolling all ready! After hearing I was a Considine, he dropped me off at the Considine Pub. Although it was a bit early in the evening, the few regulars welcomed me to the pub and I received a free pint of Guinness. The bartender then took my picture outside and sent me off on my way to the bus station. It was a really wonderful day, I hope to return here again. On Friday I woke bright and early to greet Sabine at the bus stop! We went to Elephant & Castle for brunch- it is a family owned restaurant with locations in Greenwich Village NY, London, and Dublin- I have now made it a mission to visit all three :) In the afternoon we went to the Dublin Natural History Museum which was really awesome- I held a snake and got to see stuffed hippos and giraffes and even a whale skeleton. We later joined in some of the St. Patty's festivities on Stephen's Green where we listened to celtic music and learned a few Irish jigs. At night we went to the pub Doyles. Saturday we got a pint at the St. Patty's Day Beer Garden- despite the hail that impaled us on the way, it was a good time. At night we went to The Bernard Shaw, (which is apparently a locals bar- we looked out of place with our festive St. Patty's Day gear) where there is an old bus outside that serves as a pizza bar. It was a fun place!
Sadly, a brush with either food poisoning or a stomach bug prevented me from joining in on the parade festivities this morning, but I enjoyed every minute of my mini- reunion with Kelsey and Sabine. Now it is back to school!

midpoint.

I can’t believe that midterms have commenced...how have 7 weeks passed already?! I am currently in Dublin gearing up for a week of Irish adventures and I couldn’t be more excited to be spending my spring break in Ireland. I wandered through Notting Hill on Tuesday in the 60-degree weather, eating frozen yogurt and pretending I was Julia Roberts. Notting Hill is one of my favorite places- they have vintage stores filled with the most beautiful home décor, tea pots galore, and stores filled with just beautiful glass doorknobs. I wish I had a home here to decorate with all my findings on Portobello Road! In the evening, I saw the musical “Chess” at the Union Theatre in Southwark. There were parts that I enjoyed, but overall I was not enthralled about watching a musical about a chess game interposed with a plotline of the Cold War. I still really enjoyed seeing a show at such a tiny, independent theatre. It is amazing what they do here in such small venues. On Thursday I saw a performance at the Royal Court Theatre. The Royal Court is regarded as the UK’s most important theatres because it fosters new writing and provides a place for new playwrights to explore and create their work. The board of directors will read any script, regardless of the writer’s experience, and provide feedback on the play. Many playwrights whose work was first published through the Royal Court have become well-known, such as Caryl Churchill, who got here start there. The production I saw was called “If You Don’t Let Us Dream We Won’t Let You Sleep” by newcomer Anders Lustgarten. The show was about the financial crisis in Britain, however this dystopic world created by Lustgarten is all too poignant to the current financial crisis in America. I thought it was interesting to learn that he had to re-write sections of his play as the crisis began to unravel and these events that seemed so foreign started to actually occur. Despite the grim ideas, he managed to add some laughter and lightness through the characters. I thought it was amazing that the programs are copies of the script- what an awesome way to publicize new work! I still can’t get over how many people go to the theatre, even on a Thursday afternoon, and most of all to watch new work! We need to get these Londoners to New York. In the evening I had a nice dinner with my roommate Nicole before she headed off to Italy! Friday was such a London day for me- I was cooped up in a theatre bookstore perusing plays all afternoon and watching the rain. I am starting to really enjoy the drizzly days here. On Saturday I went back to Notting Hill, but this time for the famous Portobello Market along Portobello Road. My friend Phoebe, her boyfriend and I made our way through the crowded streets and walked through the stalls and the many food vendors. I couldn’t believe how many people were there! We stumbled upon Hugh Grant’s travel bookstore from the movie “Notting Hill.” Sadly, it is now a shoe store...but nonetheless it was very cool to discover. I spent the remainder of the day packing and planning my journey to Gatwick airport and to Dublin. I have arrived safe and sound, and am happily reunited with my high school friend Kelsey. I have consumed my first pint of Irish Guiness and the Irish sure now how to do it right! I don’t like the taste of Guiness at all in London or back home. I don’t have any set plans for Dublin, I’ll just be doing a lot of exploring. I’ll keep on posting this week!

Tea Time.

On Monday, my literature class ventured to Soho to trace some of the epidemics that decimated much of London in the early 19th century. The disease cholera, which began in the streets of Soho, plays a lead role in Charles Dickens’ “Bleak House.” Led by a Cambridge scholar, our tour followed the steps of John Snow- a physician that traced the cholera epidemic of 1854 to a water pump on Broad Street; thus defying the theory that diseases were merely miasmic. We ended the tour in St. Anne’s Churchyard, where we stood atop thousands of bodies lost to the disease- it was surreal. England, sooted with black air and decaying bodies would not have been my city of choice in the early 20th century.

*Fun fact- I asked my teacher about the nomenclature of New York’s neighborhood Soho and the connection to the area of Soho in London. The New York hood of SoHo does indeed stand for South of Houston, but the shortening may have been inspired by London’s neighborhood.
The area of Soho in London was once used as hunting grounds for King Henry VI- before shooting he would shout out the hunting call “So Ho!”

I joined the Regent’s newspaper on Tuesday and I will be in charge of writing articles regarding study abroad for the semester. So basically, I am continuing my blog in print! I am excited to be a part of the paper as it is now becoming solely run by students.
On Wednesday, the music society performed Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere” alongside professional singers in a demonstration for a lecture on music in the Sistine Chapel. On Friday I finally went on my much-awaited adventure to the Betsey Smith Pub with my good friend Phoebe. The place had themed rooms, my favorite being Alice in Wonderland, where flamingos hung from the ceiling! After some yummy appetizers, we indulged in a pot of “tea tail”- a cocktail served in a teapot! We enjoyed the delectable Vanilia flavor with absolut vanilla vodka, Kahlua, chocolate liquer with cream and milk, topped with a piece of chocolate. The best way to enjoy alcohol is with your pinky up! On Saturday I met some friends in Soho where we “queued” for almost an hour in front of “The Breakfast Club.” The food was definitely worth the wait. Since I have been here, I have not been eating big breakfasts- I miss Crosby’s omelets and Dad's homemade waffles! I devoured my plate of French toast smothered in syrup and bananas and topped with a pile of bacon. I enjoyed it so much, I may just que up again next weekend! I went to Leicester Square in the evening with my flatmates to see the movie "Stoker." I didn't realize how much I missed the experience of going to the movies- I thoroughly enjoyed my buttered popcorn. The theatre had four rows, I don't know if that is how all the cinemas are structured here, but it sure made for an intimate movie experience. I was even ushered to my seat! The movie was a bit strange, I think I am still processing some of it. Nonetheless, it made for a fun evening out and some interesting discussions. Today I met with my friend Julia, whom I met three years ago at a barbecue in Sabine’s backyard in Germany. It is such a small world- she is now a student here at Regent’s. We ventured to Covent Garden where we enjoyed some coffee and cookies :) It was so wonderful to see a familiar face, I had a really great time. We reminisced about our beloved Bine and it made me super excited to be reunited with her in two weeks in Dublin! I am now one essay, one mid-term, and one photography project away from spring break!

The world's mine oyster.

Tuesday was one of those days that I needed to pinch myself. The weather was the best it has been since I have been here and I was able to wear my sunglasses at last! I finally made it to Borough Market, which is situated under the elevated tube tracks near London Bridge and dates back to 1014! The Southwark location was prime for the market since many large boats carrying goods were unable to pass under the London Bridge. Today, the market is full of vendors selling fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, potpies, and desserts. I had a pork sandwich roasted in fennel and rosemary that was cut right off the pig on a spit and put onto a ciabatta roll with applesauce. My mouth is still watering. My adventure through the market and along the waterfront led me to the Shakespeare Globe where I decided to take a tour. I remember sitting in Mrs. Hopkins class in high school looking at diagrams of the Globe and hearing her stories about how magical it is. I was so happy to finally be there! Shakespeare and his company began the plans for a theatre, since there were very few purpose-built theatres in the 16th century in London. The performance space opened in 1599 and thrived for 14 years. In 1613, during a production of Henry VIII, a stage canyon ignited the theatre’s thatched roof and demolished the space within an hour. The theatre was rebuilt, but shut down in 1642 under the Puritan’s administration; theatre was considered an abomination and banned in England, thus the building was destroyed. Today’s Globe was completed in 1993 after many years of fundraising and planning under the direction of the actor Sam Wanamaker. It is an amazing space that sits one hundred yards from the original construction. I am really looking forward to seeing the Tempest at the Globe with my class in April! Next, I enjoyed the sunshine whilst waltzing over the London Bridge. I also crossed the Millenium Bridge to admire the sunset and spent some time at the Tate Modern along the Thames. My favorite exhibit took place outside of the museum after dark; eerie videos were projected onto fog that was rolling through the courtyard. Next stop was the”Menier’s Chocolate Factory Theatre” where I met up with my class to see Sondheim’s rarely performed “Merrily We Roll Along.” I really enjoyed the musical- I had never seen it before. At its premiere in the 80s, it was ill-received due to the construct of the play; it accounts the lives of three best friends pursuing careers in the entertainment industry, but the story introduces the characters in the 70s and continues on going backwards through their journey. On Wednesday I began printing in the darkroom- it was really exciting and I am starting to get the hang of it! My next adventure occurred on Thursday evening at the Roundhouse Theatre at Robert LePage’s “Playing Cards: Spades.” It was like nothing I have ever been exposed to- the play is set in Las Vegas and explores the theme of war at the onset of America’s invasion of Iraq in 2003. It began with a rape scene within the military and followed four story lines of traumatized soldiers, helpless gamblers, and adulteress lovers. Needless to say, it was violent and hard to watch; it was certainly not created for pure entertainment. Nonetheless, it was brilliant and had a very powerful message. Even the small theatre space had amazing effects with a revolving stage, moving sets and even a simulated tornado. I am so happy to be seeing such diverse theatre performances and to be exposed to new forms of performance. Friday, I hopped on a bus with five friends and ventured to the capital of Wales called Cardiff. Unfortunately the weather was freezing and the city by the bay was a bit deserted. We did, however, see the castle and enjoyed walking along the water. I can now say I have been in Wales! Today I went to the Photographer's Museum to do some research on my portraiture project.
All day I’ve been looking forward to the Oscars, but, alas, our flat does not get the channel. Even if we did, it would not start until 1:30am. I guess I will go do homework... Have a good night!

one month down.

Exactly one month ago today I arrived in London deprived of sleep and ready to start my adventure abroad- I can't believe how fast time is flying! I am really starting to settle in and get more comfortable with the city. London gets smaller everyday as I run into friends from school out and about and recognize faces in the tube. As I have been knocking things off my to-do-list, I have been getting better with finding my way around. There is still so much that I want to do and see, but this blog helps me reflect and realize how much I have done already. Despite all the fun I am having, my parents will be happy to know that I am actually doing schoolwork over here (it's not all vacation!) I started the behemoth that is Charles Dickens' Bleak House and had a paper and presentation this week and I have another paper next week...and the next. Photography class is also underway and I learned how to create photograms and process film this week in the darkroom. I also joined the Darkroom Club so that I can print some more photos this semester and impress Crosby :) On Thursday, Nicole and I wandered around the shops and food markets in Camden. We then ventured down to Covent Garden for dinner and celebrated Valentine's Day at a swanky lounge called Tiger Tiger in Picadilly with our friend Phoebe. On Friday I spent the whole day in the library doing homework. On Saturday I went on a day trip to both Windsor and Hampton Court Palace. Spring is beginning to make an appearance- flowers were budding and the swans were happily gliding down the Thames in Windsor! Unfortunately admission to the Windsor Castle was not included in the trip, but I really enjoyed seeing the Castle grounds. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited Castle. It is an official residence of the Royal Family and serves as a place for special ceremonies to take place. The Royal Standard flag was flying above the Round Tower on Saturday signifying that the Queen was there for the weekend! It was really cool to see the changing of the guards take place in front of the Castle and to watch the guards march through the crowds down the main street. Next stop was the county of Middlesex, home of the Hampton Court Palace. Unlike Windsor Castle, Hampton Court has not been inhabited by the Royal Family since the 18th century. The Palace was built by for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in an effort to create a palace as glorious as Versailles. The construction of Hampton Court, however, was not continuous so the style is a mixture of Tudor and Baroque. When Wosley became ill-favored, Henry VIII moved in and re-modeled the palace to his liking. The palace was huge- I enjoyed seeing the grand kitchens, wine cellars, sitting rooms, and Henry VIII’s chapel. The gardens were my favorite part- I can only imagine how the gardens would look in full bloom! It was a great day, I am sad that the day trips with Regent’s are now over. Now I have to spend my weekends exploring some more of London, which is exactly what I did today. This morning I went for a run through Regent’s Park and discovered how big the park really is. This afternoon I went to Hyde Park and discovered how ginormous it really is- Hyde Park makes Central Park seem small! The crazies and drunkards in New York City preach on the subways, but in London they congregate on Sundays on Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park to talk about anything to anyone who wishes to listen. I heard about the discrepancies of the EU, the supposed second Holocaust, and the restricted rights of Muslims. This exercise of free speech first began in 1855 with the protest over the Sunday Trading Bill that erupted. Protesters designated a corner of Hyde Park as a point of assembly. Today Speaker’s Corner takes up the paved area near the Marble Arch and attracts quite a crowd each Sunday. Afterward, I walked through the Kensington Gardens, the Italian Fountains, saw the Peter Pan memorial, as well as the fountain erected in memory of Princess Diana. It was in the upper 40s and was the perfect day for a long stroll through the park- there were people picnicking, roller blading, horseback riding, and children playing in the fountain water. After doing some homework at a coffee shop, I went to Westminster Abbey for the first time. I attended the organ recital that was given by a young girl from Newtown, Pennsylvania! I then stayed for the evening service for the first Sunday of Lent and sat in the Quire section- I felt really special. The Abbey was so gorgeous, I wish I could have taken pictures! Today I also confirmed my flight to Ireland for spring break- I am so excited to be spending some time with my friend Kelsey from Sem in Dublin, venture to the Considine Pub in County Clare, and to reunite with Sabine for St. Patty’s Day! Well, I best be off to finish my Bleak House assignment...

THE WEEK OF THEATRICALITIES

On Monday I saw a stage production of Franz Kafka’s novella “Metamorphosis” about a young man who wakes up as a giant beetle and subsequently he and his family loose sight of all normalcy. The actors were all very acrobatic; the bug hung upside down on the set and climbed all about the stage. I know it sounds weird but it was really cool, I promise! Take a look here- http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on/production/metamorphosis/
Next was “Kiss Me Kate” at the Old Vic Theatre directed by Trevor Nunn. “Kiss Me Kate” has never been my favorite musical, but I really enjoyed this particular production. It is such a classic, and to see it in such a beautiful theatre is an experience I will never forget. Everyone was all dressed up and the allure of going to the theatre for an evening out was in full swing. On Friday I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to wait in line for a student ticket to see Matilda! My toes may have been numb, but I successfully left the theatre with my £5 ticket in hand and a smile on my face. My family can tell you that the movie Matilda was a permanent fixture in the VCR when I was a child. I was ecstatic to see Trunchball on stage- I felt like a kid again cheering along for Bruce to eat the chocolate cake to avoid the Chokey. The children in the show were so amazing- they were on stage for the entire show singing, dancing, and moving sets. It made me wonder what the labor laws are over here- the little British actors were so hard at work! I also took a tour of the National Theatre on Friday, which was just so incredible. The massive complex is home to three theatre spaces- the Olivier Theatre, the Lyttlton Theatre, and the Cottesloe Theatre. In addition to these performance spaces, the building is equipped with a pyrotechnical workshop, set workshop, a huge prop warehouse, rehearsal spaces, and marketing & programming offices. The National Theatre has nearly 900 employees, not including the actors and directors that revolve throughout the 25 yearly productions. The most amazing part about the National Theatre is that 1/3 of the arts funding comes from UK tax payers- it just goes to show were the arts lie in the priorities of Brits! (30% of adults in London see shows on a regular-basis!) The rest of the funding comes from concessions, souvenirs, and the overseas success of shows that were born there, such as War Horse (so amazing). The most exciting part of visiting the theatre and going backstage was finding my beloved teacher and mentor Austin Pendleton posted on the callboard backstage! As if all this theatre going wasn’t inspirational enough, on Saturday I ventured to the town of Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of Sir William Shakespeare. I toured Anne Hathaway’s 15th century cottage where she grew up and where she and Shakespeare lived briefly after their marriage. It was surreal to be standing in the home surrounded by furniture that was over four hundred years old, and to sit on the very bench that Shakespeare once sat on. The cobblestone streets of Stratford were lined with original Tudor homes with thatched roofs- I only wish that the sun had been out and the flowers in full bloom. Also on Saturday I went to the city of Oxford. Despite the rain and sleet, I enjoyed seeing the many universities and churches scattered throughout the city. My favorite part of the short visit was going to the official shop of Alice in Wonderland. Alice Liddell grew up in Oxford, as the daughter of the dean of Christ Church, Henry Liddell. It was Alice Liddell who inspired fellow Oxford resident Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland Adventures. Alice frequented the shop over 150 years ago when it was known as “Alice’s Sweet Shop.” Lewis Carroll wrote the shop into “Through the Looking Glass” and the illustrator included two sketches of the shop into the original book. Needless to say, I was euphoric and happily left the store with a tea towel that will become a prominent feature in my tea parties! Today I attempted to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Soho, but the rain led me into a warm Chinese restaurant where I gladly ate dumplings and watched the festivities ensue outside in the cold. I’d say it was a good week.

edinburgh and other exciting things.

I have done so much since I last wrote that I am struggling to remember everything! Last Sunday evening Nicole and I went to St. Paul's Cathedral to an organ recital- the cathedral is so beautiful, I wish I was able to have taken pictures inside. Classes are off to a good start, I am learning so much already. I also joined a music society that meets twice a week and we sing choral music, which has been a lot of fun! Five other girls and I decided to plan a spontaneous weekend trip to Edinburgh, so we hopped on a bus Thursday night and arrived when we awoke the next morning. Friday was very cold and rainy, but we still managed to venture up CastleHill and get a tour of Edinburgh Castle. For lunch we went to The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling first began writing the Harry Potter series. She was very poor at the time, and the owner would allow her to sit near the window and write for as long as she pleased. Rowling's window in the cafe overlooks the prestigious George Heriots school- said to have been the inspiration for Hogwarts- and the Greyfriar's Cemetery- home of Tom Riddle, McGonagall, and Moody's gravestones. After exploring the graveyard, we made a pit stop at the National Museum of Scotland, but we were too exhausted to really explore. Soon after, we went to dinner at a Scottish pub called the Castle Arms. I was the only adventurous traveler in the group to order haggis for dinner (a traditional Scottish dish consisting of sheep stomach) it was much better than it sounds! After a busy day and the long bus ride, the six of us retired to our hostel in New Town. The following morning was unusually sunny, even the residents of Edinburgh were surprised, so we trekked up to the top of Calton Hill. The hill is a mini Athenian acropolis with an unfinished parthenon that was built to commemorate the victory at Waterloo, but it stands unfinished with only 12 pillars. Nonetheless, the view of the mountain called Arthur's Seat, the ocean, and all of the city from atop Calton Hill was breathtaking, especially with the sun shining. Next we went on a three hour walking tour of the city where we learned all about medieval Edinburgh, the plague, the many battles, and even went to the center-city Grassmarket where hangings would take place as public entertainment. After the tour we had some dinner and geared up for an evening ghost tour. Edinburgh is home to many legends of ghosts and poltergeists that lurk in the cemeteries and in the tunnels beneath the city. The tour guide took us into a mausoleum in the dark where she told us the tale about a wealthy woman whose grave was dug up in an attempt to sell her body to the Edinburgh Medical School- the gravediggers were unable to remove her rings from her fat fingers, so they began to cut them off. By the third finger she screamed, as they had woken her up from a coma. She lived another ten years and ensured that her body would be guarded in a mausoleum. After the ghost adventure, the tour guide provided a shot of Scottish whiskey "to calm our fears." The next day we were up bright and early and on the never-ending ten-hour bus ride back to London.

week 1.

First week done and I am officially a Londoner! Well, not quite. I did however invest in a warmer toggle coat and have since been asked for directions a few times. Maybe in a few weeks I will actually be able to navigate others... and speak in a convincing accent! My schedule is sorted out and I am excited for the semester to get underway. I am taking Theatre: Shakespeare's Globe to the West End, Literary London, Theatre: British Musical, Script Analysis, and Film Photography. I will be seeing lots of shows, reading lots of Dickens, watching lots of films, and finally learning how to use my 35mm camera! I went to my first show in London- Uncle Vanya on the West End with Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith from Downton Abbey!) It was fantastic, I truly believe that Chekov is meant to be seen! I did some adventuring on my own this week to Covent Garden, where I got my first batch of fish & chips. I randomly chose a pub from the internet and when I arrived at the tiny tiled corner pub I was surprised to read that "Rock & Sole Plaice," established in1861, is Mario Batali's favorite stop in London for fish and chips. It was fantastic, he was right. I also learned that "Rock & Sole Plaice" was a meeting place for the Fish Fryer's Federation during World War II, where they would discuss the areas affected by bombings and distribute hot meals. The preservation and rebuilding of the city affected by such catastrophes ceases to amaze me. Today I went on a day trip with Regent's to Stonehenge and Bath. The sunshine made its first appearance since my arrival and joined us on our travels through the countryside. Stonehenge was really amazing to see, its hard to imagine how the rock monument weighing tons was accomplished in 2000 BC. The site was all the better with the sun peeking through the lithographs, demonstrating one of the theories of its existence- a solar calendar. I am now able to check one if the seven medieval wonders of the world off my list! Next on the trip was the city of Bath, founded by the Romans in 60-70 AD. The small cobblestone streets were lined with the most beautiful limestone buildings, filled with cafes, tea parlors, and boutiques all surrounding the resurrected ruins of the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple, and Roman Bath House. The tour inside was so unbelievable- the preservation of the stone and the architecture is amazing. I want to go back and explore the city even more! But Alas, there is plenty more to see in England. And I can't wait.

arrival!

January 21st, 2013

I have arrived to a blistery London! The campus looks so beautiful covered in white, but it has been dreadfully cold here. Nonetheless, it is marvelous. Regent's reminds me so much of Wyoming Seminary with its brick buildings and back campus so I feel right at home. The school is located on the inner circle of Regent's Park, yes, where 101 Dalmatians takes place! I walk through the park to get from my flat (sounds so cool) to school. I have four suite mates who are all very sweet- two go to Pace, one is a Brit, and the other is from Switzerland. We have a common area with a television, a kitchen, washer & dryer, and individual bathrooms. Orientation was a lot of fun and I have met some great people so far. On Saturday, Nicole and I woke up at the wee hours of the morning and made our way down to central London to the London Eye. There was a promotion through Time Out London in which the first five hundred people to arrive would ride the ferris wheel for free (usually 17 pounds). Luckily, after about an hour and a half waiting in the snow, we learned that we made the cut. Those who didn't get in began throwing snowballs over the fence from a nearby park starting a massive snowball fight, which helped to pass the time. The London Eye was great- getting to see the Tower Bridge and Big Ben from up above was amazing! Next, I went on a panoramic bus tour of London. We passed all the iconic places of the city including Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. We drove over both the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge. We got off of the bus to walk along the Thames and to also take pictures along the way. The buildings are so beautiful, its amazing how well-preserved everything is. I can't wait to see inside and tour all of these places! On Saturday evening I attended an orientation boat party along the Thames River. I enjoyed seeing the city at night from on the water and I couldn't help but think of Falstaff floating along the river in a laundry basket. Sunday afternoon I went with a group of students to the town of Camden. It is a hip neighborhood full of young people, thrift stores, markets, and coffee shops. Camden is essentially the London version of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Today I had my first class called Literary London which was great! We will be reading a lot of Charles Dickens, John Gay, Daniel Defoe, Joseph Conrad, and Elizabeth Bowen and learning about London through various time periods those their novels. I am excited for my other classes this week as well. Next Saturday I am going on a day trip to Stonehenge and to Bath!