There is some part of me that would be happy to curl up with books about theatre for the rest of my life. I have curled up with them for seven years, so it's a familiar practice. I read them like storybooks. Once upon a time there was a man who led ten thousand people in an outdoor play to reenact their revolution. Once upon a time, there was a man who made a two-hour silent play in a cathedral. Once upon a time, there was a woman who would repaint and rebuild the theatre itself, to fit each play. Once upon a time, there was a man who led his actors on long night runs, across farm trails, under the moon. Once upon a time...
Hutchinson Hall, UW drama building
The school of drama is built in what was originally a women's gymnasium -- so it's still got those flying ceilings, wood floors, and tall narrow convent windows that open onto huge trees. The first time I went in this building, into room 201 with its high ceiling and goldenwood floor, I burst into tears. I realized -- some people are learning theatre in surroundings like THIS. I am kinesthetic, so when the space is right, all kinds of things are right for me. I'm sure the architecture is at least half the reason I keep feeling pulled me toward this school.
Turns out, the nearest cafe -- the Ballmer Cafe -- is right across the street in the business building. The buildings could not be more different. The drama teachers have, for offices, quiet tall-ceilinged old rooms with white walls, heavy dark doors, and dreaming shelves of books. The business teachers have offices that look like Microsoft -- industrial, windowed, matter-of-fact, normal-ceilinged, buzzing with computers and phones, with black business desks & gleaming computers.
My worlds, across the street from each other.
I'm not sure I will apply; I am discouraged about my chances of getting in. But I would sure love to experience it.
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