Compared to last week, it has been a pleasant respite from the onslaught of making a full bellydance costume to now being a stage hand for a local theatre company.  I am able to show up and work on assignments in an environment that invigorates me.  Being in the dark of the backstage world is comforting and the only distractions I have are the actors talking and being ready for my cues.  While I have stepped into the role as of Sunday, I feel relaxed and prepared to take this on as I have the confidence in my skill set as a practitioner of the theatre arts.  Plus, the show has a beautiful story to tell and its meaning and power is wonderfully executed by the actors and director.  My part is brief but builds upon the power that comes at the end of the show.  I will not give it away, but I encourage everyone to see it.  I & You at Oregon Contemporary Theatre.

Another benefit of not frantically sewing a costume is the ability to see articles and images online that I feel have relevance to what has been discussed in course work.  Portland Center Stage has a production of The Typographer’s Dream which opened recently and with my exposure to typography through my Marketing, Media, and Communications class, I now want to see this show.  Especially since they have a sense of humor.  Aside from the theatre, there has been an ongoing debate about women in the gaming (and other similar mediums) community.  I have been re-posting articles onto the AAD Class of 2016 Facebook group to either initiate debate or rather to bring it to our attention as it has relevance in what we have been discussing in our Art in Society class.  We have not covered much about gender, but when I see “culture wars,” I have to stop and figure out what are they meaning by culture.  Gamersgate is something I am not familiar with but it may have a lasting affect on how people are presented and treated in digital mediums or other art forms, especially when an article comes out about former Playboy Bunnies.

To counter possible negative articles, I keep finding really positive and affirming videos or articles such as comedian and actor BJ Novak reading to kids, http://themetapicture.com/this-man-opens-a-book/ or the video from CNN of a graffiti artist who now sells his works for thousands of dollars, https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153000318221509&set=vb.5550296508&type=2&theater  Being able to identify and relate to articles and opportunities is something I find re-energizing me and making me excited about my chosen path.  I just wish I could clone myself so I can be at 10 different places once, while still maintaining my original self so she can travel.  The clones can do the work.

Now on to Week 5, halfway through my first term of Grad School!!!