Lessons from London

A blog post is long overdue, I know. 

The big question is still looming: Have I been accepted to school? The short answer is No. Not yet at least. June is the month. Let the manic post-box-watching begin. 

If I don't get into RADA, at least I'll be in good company. Thanks Gary Oldman!
I'm also on the lookout for a LAMDA reject to commiserate with.  

In the meantime, instead of a lengthy catch-up on my recent adventures, to celebrate my 6 months in London, I present, for your entertainment, a list of 20 things I've learned (or re-learned) from this amazing city. 

1. Never buy more than you can carry

I would've taken a photo of myself
carrying the weekly shop, but...

2. The best weight loss program is poverty and public transit.

No thanks. I still have a walk, a train, a walk,
a bus and a walk between here and home.
(Which has taken care of 20lbs, thank you very much!) 

3. Happiness is a clean public toilet, preferably free of charge.

Not this one. Not especially clean and not free. 

4. Public naps are completely acceptable. Well, almost. 

5. If I don't get into theatre, I will probably run back to film.

The film crews are loving all of my job locations. 

 6. It really doesn't matter what you wear 

as long as you wear it with confidence.

7. Zebra Crossings (crosswalks) and walk signals are for tourists. 

That's Zeh-bra, not Zee-bra, you tourist!

 8. The best seat on the bus is on the top deck, right above the driver: 

A full window view and extra leg room!

Yeah, I took a selfie on a bus.Moving on.
 Look at that leg room! 

9. A two mile walk is not really THAT far.

I will always choose this over a
 26 min crowded Tube-strike bus. 

10. Somehow, someway, everything always fits.

I don't understand. 

Mid-List Sub Category: "Heard on the Underground"  

a. Never take yourself too seriously, especially at work. 

"Oh yes. Something about closing doors. Um, yes. Mind the doors.  
They're going to close! Ish. Maybe. There they go!" - Leyton Station

b. Trains are like jeans, not yoga pants

"If you are not getting on this train, please stand back from the doors. 
The sides are NOT expandable."  - Mile End Station

c. Health and Safety is paramount.

"Please stand clear. We can't move until the doors are closed and you're all nice and safe. Thank you." - Liverpool Street Station

d. Toes are also important

"Please mind the closing doors. Pull your bags in. Pull your clothes in. Mind your toes. Fantastic." - Piccadilly Circus Station

11. Inspiration will show up in the unlikeliest of places. 

12. Cheekiness is always an acceptable form of communication.

13. Homesickness takes strange forms.  

14. I don't have to know when my next journey will begin. 

15. Being "JUST a Temp" is actually pretty awesome. 

Thank you, Miranda Hart. 

16. Oompa Loompas are taller than I imagined. And more Irish.    

I thought I was just going to see Windsor Castle and then this happened.

17. With the right motivation, I can accomplish anything. 

If you want to see fear, watch a bus stand after the trains stop. 

18. The things I think will never happen, will happen. They already have. 

I have seen all of these plays and more.
I still cannot believe it. I actually live in London.

19. "There is nothing more freeing and empowering 

than learning to like your own company." - Mandy Hale

20. Friendship can happen anytime, anywhere. 

The stranger at "Richard II" became the friend sitting next to me at "Birdland".

Conclusion: I am a lucky girl!

Drama School. Oh, the DRAMA.

*Note: Maybe you all know this, but I've discovered that if you click on the photos, they get bigger and you can scroll through them! You already knew that? Ok, back to business.*

I've been putting off the writing of this post for a while now. I needed some time to think on things for myself before I put my thoughts out into the world. I have now attended both interviews for the two schools that I have been dreaming about for the last two years. It has all led to this. The results of either of these interviews will determine my foreseeable future. The next year could be spent in the UK, before going home to re-evaluate my life. Again. Or, the next 2 years could lead to a lifetime in this country.

Leading up to my interview with RADA, I had given notice on my house without a replacement. My temp position had just ended and my finances were feeling strained from all of my travels. In my over-emotional state, I was convinced I would be homeless, unemployed and too stressed to interview well, thus not be accepted, never have a proper career and become a useless waste to humanity. I knew and know that this is a ridiculous mindset to have been in, but I was staring at the day I'd been planning for for two years and it didn't look at all how I imagined.

Fortunately, I have amazing friends who helped me to arrange a blessing from one of the priesthood holders at church and it really calmed my mind. I was assured that my Heavenly Father is mindful of me and that He knows the desires of my heart. It's what I needed to hear and I was able to put my other worries out of my mind to focus on RADA.

February 19, 2014
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Never have two statues appeared more intimidating.
I think I'd rather have faced a Weeping Angel at that  moment. 

I arrived at RADA in good time; plenty enough to sit in the foyer and wonder how I had finally arrived at this moment. I thought of all of the people who had sat in this place before me: Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Vivien Leigh, Alan Rickman, Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Alex Kingston, Fiona Shaw. I managed a sneaky photo of the foyer, complete with  a recent article about Hiddleston pinned to the cork board. I felt some relief that I'm not an actor attempting to get in. The competition is even greater for the acting program!

Foyer at RADA

There were four of us to be interviewed that day. Before the interviews began, we were given a tour of the school by a second year student. I was amazed at how big the school actually is. It looks so small from the street, but it's like Hogwarts... it just keeps expanding once you're inside! The largest of the school's theatres has a tension wire grid which we were allowed to climb up to and walk around on! It was a really cool experience.

RADA's Tension Wire Grid
(Credit to http://www.thecablenet.net/rada.php) 

The interview itself was....interesting. It began with light chit chat and I was feeling OK. I knew I had been over-emotional that week so I was trying to present myself as positive, collected and mature, with a bit of humour, which is my usual disposition. They were interested in my past experience in film and framing etc and I spoke of how I came to the conclusion that this is what I want to do. Finally, and quite suddenly, the main interviewer expressed his concern to me about my lack of experience and the possibility that I don't really know what I'm getting myself into. Basically, I felt he was calling me a flight-risk; that I'd get a place, change my mind and that place would be lost to a more deserving student. He apologized for the difficult question, but asked me to defend myself to his concerns. 

I'm sure the fear in my eyes was clearly visible at that moment and I felt myself choking up. When I said I would try to answer his question "eloquently, without getting emotional," he responded: "Maybe you should (get emotional). It might help your cause." What I then proceeded to say, I can hardly remember. I recall saying that I'm not willing to waste my time, let alone anyone else's and that if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right. I admitted that by thinking I understand how much work it is, that I still have no idea, but failing is worse than not trying at all. I explained that I'd been working two jobs for the last two years, just to be able to afford to move here to interview, so I do not take it lightly. I rambled off other things, I'm sure, but when I reached that ever strange point where one no longer has anything to say, I sort of just trailed off. I was trying to think of something eloquent to say to make up for the ramble I'd just gone on, but he stopped me, smiled and said "that's what I wanted to hear." He then declared to other interviewers that they ought to put my out of my misery and walked me to the door. As I walked out, he re-assured me that I'd given a good answer and apologized for putting me through that. I was able to leave the building with composure, but I was holding back tears during my entire walk to the train station. 

I met up with two friends afterwards who were excited to hear how my day had gone. We sat in Kensington Gardens as they patiently listened to me exclaim "I've just moved across a bloody ocean to attend that interview. Isn't that commitment enough? What does he want from me?!" Now that I can look back on it,  I know what he was trying to do. I was so focused on trying to contain my emotions that I forgot that emotions are exactly what they are looking for. These schools are not looking for perfect grades or academic prowess. They openly announce that they want people who are passionate and teachable. That's it. I see now that I had my walls up to keep myself calm and he had to break them down as quickly as possible to see how serious I am.

As upset as I was, I am glad it went the way it did. It was a good reminder to myself of how much I want this. I think maybe I'd forgotten. Or maybe I've been afraid to truly admit it. The tears I fought were not really tears of sadness that the interview hadn't gone as perfectly as I'd hoped. I was frustrated with myself for not showing immediately how committed I am and I was scared that I'd just wasted my opportunity. I've been chasing this for two years. My commitment and passion should be completely obvious to anyone who speaks to me for more than five minutes. Sometimes I think I'm afraid to want this for fear of never obtaining it. 

"There are a lot of people in this world who are afraid of caring, or afraid of showing that they care because it’s uncool, it’s uncool to have passion. It’s so much easier to lose when you’ve shown everyone you don’t care if you win or lose. It’s much harder to lose when you show that you care; but you’ll never win unless you also stand to lose ... don’t be afraid of your passion; ...  just give it free reign, and be honest, and work hard, and it’ll all turn out just fine"

- Tom Hiddleston

I'm happy to say that the LAMDA interview went much more smoothly! It was such a contrast, in so many ways. I had found a place to live, without 4am electric guitar solos, which meant I was actually well rested and my new job had just began. My worldly cares were no longer an issue. I already had a portfolio prepared from RADA, so I didn't need to worry about that. I went to work in Holborn that morning, ate lunch at my friend's place near Paddington, and then continued on to LAMDA in Hammersmith. I did a have a train delay (I HATE the District Line), but I ran from the train station, heels and all, and made it to the school right at 2pm.

March 5, 2014
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

 As RADA, there were four of us to be interviewed that day (all girls!), and we received a tour of the building from a graduate before the interviews. LAMDA will be undergoing renovations to build a new theatre next year, so a lot of the tour consisted of "this will be knocked down. That is going as well..."

CGI rendering of LAMDA's expansion
http://www.lamda.org.uk/support-us/act-now/our-new-facilities

I was up first for the interviews, which was nice. I missed out on chatting with the other candidates, but it was good to go straight in without time to sit and over-think. I could have just as easily pondered past alumni as I did at RADA. Let's see, LAMDA trained Richard Armitage, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Baker, Jim Broadbent, Richard Harris, Antony Head, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Parkinson, Patricia Hodge, Rory Kinnear, Donald Sutherland, and John Lithgow. I'm sure I've listed these before, but it's good to be reminded of the company I'll be in if I prove myself worthy to join this list.

I was disappointed that the program director who I'd met at the open house was not at the interview. I'd been feeling good about the fact that he'd know a little about me already, but he was unavailable for that day. The Technical Director and the Director of the Stage Management program led the interview in his stead. They were both very friendly and gave me a few minutes to introduce myself and talk about my portfolio before they started with their questions. That was a nice ice-breaker and it gave me a chance to present myself properly. RADA had prepared me for that! The man asked me some general theatre questions similar to ones I'd answered on a questionnaire at RADA, and then the woman asked me some specific stage management questions. I felt quite proud of myself that I could finally explain the difference between the Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager!

The irony, though, is that I was able to explain the Stage Management hierarchy, but when she asked me what the process of rehearsing an actor's movement is called, I went blank and guessed "Cues?" When she responded that it's "blocking," I scoffed at myself. "Oh, it's the same as film. I'm over-thinking this, aren't I?" I was able to relax a little after that.

My favourite moment was when she asked me how I would go about sourcing a 1900s armchair for an onstage prop without using the internet. I mused about antique shops and then added "But I'd probably go to a library first." I was about to continue on about speaking to experts etc, but they both stopped me and said that "a library" was all they wanted to hear. I laughed and assured them that "I love a good library. You will have no problem getting me into one."

LAMDA was not without its own intense moments, though. When she asked me what my biggest/proudest accomplishment has been thus far, I asked "In life?!" I thought for a few moments and, in the end, I couldn't think of anything better than that exact moment. After a year of trying to get into film and then being really depressed and full of self pity, I had spent the next two years planning to get into that room. I explained how difficult it had been to face myself and ask what I really wanted from life and how I was going to accomplish it. Even typing in  a Google search for Stage Management programs had been nerve-wracking, because I knew that if I started down this path I would have to see it through. Really, I could have just said to her that sitting in that chair was my proudest moment, but I think it would still have required a little explanation!

Now, the wait begins. I've yet to hear from RADA, but the shortlist is  the best result I'm expecting at the moment. Both schools will continue to take applications until the end of March, so there are very few places that will be offered before they finish interviews.

The good news is that I received a letter from LAMDA yesterday and I've been placed on the shortlist. I'm excited for it, but I'm also dreading that it's just more time to have my hopes up and then dashed with rejection. If the answer is "No", I'd rather know right now! They've stated that I should have an official result in mid-June: 2 1/2 months more of waiting. (FYI, acceptance rates are 1 in 5. Those are my odds.)

So, dear readers, you are now subject to 2 1/2 more months of dealing with me dealing with the unknown. Not to worry though; given my track record, that'll only be 2 Blog posts to read! I do have some interesting ideas for fun posts though; less about me and more about London. Let's just say that The Underground can be a very entertaining place! 

Slow Progress & Tender Mercies

Since my last post, I've had a couple of days where the reality of being in a huge city, with no job, has felt really heavy. It's hard to know where to begin and I felt as though I'd used up all of my motivation energy in just getting here. To my own credit, there has not been a day where I've not accomplished at least one task that contributes, at least a little, to moving forward. Somedays, it has just been to find a stationary store in which to buy push pins and a calendar to plan with. (I love having a calendar on my phone, but sometimes you just need to write things out.) Other days, it has been more pro-active, such as going to a recruitment agency, like a grown up. Weird.

High and lows are to be expected, I know. The last couple of days have felt low. I've tried to focus on the fact that I've accomplished part of my goal, just by getting here, and now I live in an amazing city. I went for a walk in Kensington Gardens on Monday, thinking that I would enjoy the peaceful scenery and contemplate life. Well, my local train station had no power and I spent most of my walking time on the streets, so by the time I got to the gardens it was getting dark, I was cranky at public transit and it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as I'd hoped.

A peaceful bench in Kensington Gardens. I should have just sat there for a while.... 

Today, I made the decision to be positive and pro-active. I planned to go to the LDS Employment Centre, which opens at 12pm.  I completed the online registration forms in the morning and then I decided to check on the open houses for the two drama schools that I'm looking at. First, I checked on RADA and had a little moment of despair. In the two weeks since I've been here, the Open House has been announced and completely filled. There will be more in the new year, but it put me into a little bit of a tail spin. Attending these open houses has been the driving factor in coming here when I did. I've been checking for confirmed dates almost religiously over the last 2 months, and in the last two weeks, I missed it. I took a deep breath and checked on LAMDA. There is an open house this weekend, so I crossed my fingers and sent out an e-mail of inquiry. In a moment of defiance to "the world", I then registered for online applications to LAMDA and saved the RADA application form to my travelling USB stick to have printed later in the day. Take that, world. 

Determined not to let myself stay cranky, I stuck to my plan. I found a copy shop close to the South Kensington station, printed the application forms and then went over to the employment centre. Luckily, it is in the same building as the church, so I at least knew how to find it! The church building is quite multi-purpose, actually. The main floor foyer serves as a small Visitor's Centre, with the gym and the chapel on the same level. There are a couple of floors for classrooms, offices and the employment centre.

I trudged my way up the stairs to the 3^rd floor and soon remembered that the Brits don't count floors in the same way as Canadians. Call me a traditionalist, but the first floor is the one on the bottom. Here, it is: Basement, Ground, 1^st , 2^nd, 3^rd etc. So the 3^rd floor is actually the 4^th floor to my brain. I digress... A Senior missionary couple greeted me enthusiastically as I entered the empty room. Their shift was ending, so after a brief chat, they passed me along to the incoming volunteer, a Caribbean woman, who was very fun to talk to. We went over my CV and discussed my situation. I talked about theatre and my struggles with knowing how to approach it. She was very encouraging and suggested I send an e-mail to a few of the “umbrella” companies that own the theatres, asking how I could apply or when to expect C.V.s to be accepted. (I've been stumped by many theatre groups posting that they usually take resumes of interest, but aren't anymore, but will be soon. How does one respect that, but still show interest?)

She also gave me list of job finding websites and suggested a few that would be best to begin with. I asked about electronic retail stores and photo labs that would be easier for me work in without much training. I still feel the weight of finding work, but it feels better having a few places to start from. I don't like the idea of “pounding the pavement”, but it has to be done. Starting is the hardest part. I do need a wardrobe update though. (See? I'm making delays... I'll go out when I have the right clothes....) There is a store here called “Primark” that everyone says is really cheap but doesn't look it. I said to her that I need to go to Primark to get some good walking/dress shoes and dress pants. She laughed that I already knew what Primark was! So, that is tomorrow's plan. I hate shopping and I hate job hunting and now I have to do both. Maybe shopping in London will be more enjoyable than in Canada. Here's hoping.

Hyde Park LDS Chapel on Exhibition Road, South Kensington

Now to the real point of blogging today. (Still with me?) Two sister missionaries were sitting by the desk on my way out and started talking to me. I said that I'm new to the city and the ward etc. They're both nearing the end of their mission, so I warned them that going home from a mission feels really weird! I joked about being old, having been home for 5 years now (wow), and then we laughed about the age change bringing out so many missionaries who look 12. They then offered to give me a little tour of the church and tell me more of the history of the area. I agreed. The church was built in 1960, but has only been a Visitor's Centre for 2 years. In fact, when they both got their mission calls, it wasn't made entirely clear that they would be VC sisters because all of the final details were still being worked out!

They showed me a little video on a fancy touch screen TV (aren't we tech-savvy Mormons?) It was about the history of the church building itself. The building is on the same street as the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, just down from the Royal Alberta Hall.  I have been wondering how the church managed to get such prime real estate! The spot where the church is now located used to be a high end residential row and, at one point, was owned by a wealthy doctor, his Russian wife, 2 children and 6 servants! Unfortunately, the building was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and was never rebuilt. When Pres. David O McKay made the assignment to find property for a chapel, there was not a member of the church living within 7 miles of the spot that was proposed, but the decision was made to buy this little historic area of land. There are now 3 wards that meet in the building, as well as fulfilling the other uses that I've mentioned earlier.

World War II bomb damage on the wall of the Victoria & Albert Museum. 

When the video finished, one sister asked what I liked about it. Almost without thinking, I answered that it shows that good things can come out of such horrible destruction. She agreed and then said that she can relate that to her life; we can feel like we are in the middle of a bombing in our life and then we later realize that God was always aware of us and that He always has a plan. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I'm sure I looked at her in shock for a moment. I could easily be cynical about her comments and think that she probably says that after each of the hundreds of times she's shown that video to someone, but it really touched me. I was suddenly so emotional. I tried to contain it as we talked more about life's surprises and blessings, as well as the joys of being a missionary. I thanked them for showing me that clip and said that I really needed it today. They gave the ever so humble missionary answer, deferring credit away from themselves.

As I exited the church and started walking towards the train station, I had to hold back tears, just as I'm doing right now as I write this. There was no lightning bolt sending down a little charred piece of paper with a list of instructions, and I still feel very unsure of pretty much everything, but I do know that I'm not forgotten. 

I haven't put as much spiritual thought into this big move as I probably should have. The scriptures teach to “study it out in your mind” and then ask if it's right. Well, I did a lot of studying... and then I just did it. I basically looked at the sky and thought "If it's wrong, you'd better stop me." He didn't, so here I am. The thing is, I did the same thing when I moved to Vancouver. When I did stop to pray about it, all I could feel was love, that if this is what I wanted to do, then He was OK with it.

I think a lot of religious people, Mormons included, can get really caught up in the idea of “THE PLAN.” They fear making the “wrong” decision will affect eternal salvation. OK, some decisions, yes, but not all. I like to think of life as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. There are many paths, more than one of which can be right. God gave us each a brain; I think he expects us to use it.

The problem is, I may have been using my brain a little too much, over-thinking, as I tend to do, and it's making me a little crazy.  I've been so worried about having all of the answers and making a plan and finding a job “right now”, that I've just been giving myself unnecessary stress. Today was a reminder that I don't need to have all of the answers. All I need to know right now is that I haven't made a stupid decision in coming here, that it isn't a complete waste of time and money, and I will, someday, achieve all that I want to, if I'm willing to work for it.

Exhibition Road: The Science Museum on the left, Victoria & Albert Museum on the right.
LDS church visible with golden spire on the right. 

As I walked down Exhibition Road and looked at the amazing buildings, noticing for the first time the damage from WWII, I just thought about how lucky I am. I thought about my first week here, sitting in church and finally asking “Well, I'm here. Am I supposed to be here?” and feeling an overwhelming “Yes.” I don't know why the answer is yes, but for now, that will do. I know there are more ups and downs to come, but in this huge, amazing city, where I don't know anyone, I am not forgotten and I am not alone.

Epilogue: I got an e-mail from LAMDA on the train home; there is a spot available for me to attend the open house. Not forgotten :-)

Staying Alive: Part 2

In case you're wondering again, I'm still alive. It's been far, far too long since my last post. Over three years, in fact. Here's the thing: I didn't feel like I had anything to say. I made the ever common mistake that believing if something "big" wasn't happening in my life, that it wasn't worth speaking about.

Let's get updated; this could be a long one.
I moved back to Alberta from Vancouver and I couldn't find work right away. I spent 6 months unemployed. I did a short, independent internship as a videographer, but otherwise, I spent that time living in my parent's basement and watching a heck of a lot of TV. I was yet another unemployed victim of an arts education. Yes, part of it was my own doing. I couldn't afford to stay in Vancouver and moving back to Alberta made finding work in Film/TV that much more difficult. And then I travelled. Let's be clear, I don't regret that at all, but it did cut into the funds a bit.  I could go on with reasons/excuses, but the important thing is that the last 3 years have felt pretty rough. When I did find work, it was definitely not my ideal, but being there really forced me to evaluate my life and decide what I really want to make it.

When I was still at Capilano, I had a really good talk with one of my teachers, Seanna, who seems to have a gift for seeing in others what they cannot see in themselves. I was second guessing my decision not to return to Capilano for 2nd year. (This doesn't mean I dropped out. The Motion Picture Production Program is designed to have drop off points, as you don't exactly NEED film school to work in the industry. I graduated with a Certificate, just not a Diploma or Degree.) She agreed with my decision not to come back and said "I've never heard you say you LOVE film. You like aspects of it, but maybe its not just film. Maybe you'll end up as a Stage Manager or Tour Manager. I just want to see you at reunion and hear you say you figured it out; the thing that you LOVE." Say all that you want about the value of the arts, but everyone I have met who's made it their career has done so for the right reasons, which can't be said about very many careers.

I didn't think much of this conversation immediately. When I travelled the UK that Summer, I went to 2 plays, Wicked and The Lion King. I was absolutely blown away by what is possible on stage and thought to myself that maybe Seanna had a point. It was amazing, but I still had film on the brain and when I went home, that was my pursuit. As I've said, it didn't exactly work out. But a year later, after a bout of "Megan is so depressed and full of self pity", I had to wake up.

This moment came in an unexpected way. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Josh Groban at his concert in Calgary in September 2011. No, Josh Groban did not give me any fantastic advice or change my life. He was very nice and funny, but my moment of revelation came before I even saw his face. I remember  standing "backstage" with my friend and and marvelling at the stage design while watching the people file in. There was an absolute energy in the stadium that I couldn't quite place at first. But then it hit me. This is how I felt the last time I was on a film set. That almost indescribable feeling of excitement and creativity. It had been so long since I had felt it. I'm sure this sounds like a cheesy moment in a bad romantic comedy, but that feeling of finding something to care about doesn't just apply to falling in love.

So, I enjoyed the fantastic concert and went home with trepidation and excitement. When I later sat myself down to Google "Stage Management", I had no idea where it would lead me. When I was at Capilano, I found that I really enjoyed being a 1st AD, but there is no specific stream of education for that. I needed to know if I could even get a proper education before I talked myself into a change of career path. The first result that appeared on my screen was for a school called LAMDA, aka The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. And no, this is not referring to London, Ontario. This is London, England. I almost didn't click on the link. I knew if I did, I would have even more fuel for my desire to live overseas. Well, I clicked on it and after 2 years of research and inner wrestling, I am moving to London. I am not going to school....not yet.

I am moving on a Working Holiday Visa and may work in the UK for up to two years. (If you're considering this, look into SWAP. They have been so helpful! They also partner with BritBound for full support in settling down!)

I am also looking at RADA, aka The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, also located in London. The schools have open houses in December and I will be going to check things out in person. My working holiday is actually more of a reconnaissance mission with the added perk of being able to travel as I've always wanted to.

It must be said that these two schools are very prestigious, and thus expensive, and I have to daily convince myself that I am talented enough to be accepted into one of them and smart enough to find a way to pay for it.  If I don't believe that, then there is no point in trying.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Armitage, Anthony Head, 

Kim Cattrall and Ginnifer Goodwin. 

Tom Hiddleston, Matthew Macfayden, Jessica Raine,

 Athony Hopkins and Alan Rickman. 

So, as you can see, if I prove myself worthy of either of these schools, I will be in no small company. The actors and technicians I will get to work with will go on to be well known for their skills and training.

When I dropped off the "Blogosphere" in March of 2010, I had every intention of working in film for the rest of my life. I never expected to find myself about to move my life across an ocean. And who knows, maybe things will work out for theatre and I can move between the two industries. Actors and directors do it all of the time, why not technicians and administrators?

Stay tuned....