Drama Biog Blog Thingy
The first indication that I would pursue perfoming arts was in a kinder nativity play. I was to be an angel 
And of course, it was a complete stretch. Although I was sick with Chickenpox and supposed to stay away from the other children, the Kinder teacher pleaded with my mother to allow me to perform. Apparently I was the only one who knew all the words and sang louder than any other angel (not at all precocious!). Well, I performed - spots and all. My parents and neighbour suppressed hysterical laughter throughout the entire performance. I was indeed the loudest and very bossy on stage, leading the other angels (a couple of little boys dressed in white sheets with tinsel halos).
I was forever the exhibitionist when I was younger, playing “make-believe” with family and friends and making family sit through a number of “home-performances”.
This love for performance led on to many experiences within and outside of school (prim,sec,tert). The first of these was Dance (especially ballet). From free physical expression to music, to technical training, professional performances and overall appreciation of the artform continuing into early adulthood.
Then I tried singing - school choirs, productions, Aust Girls Choir, private tuition, exams, amateur productions, university musical procuctions, concerts, recording, collaborative works, etc - ongoing training and development in classical, contemp/music theatre and alternative genres/styles. Hoping to gain “employment” and paid more for it than mere profit-share Anyway, this is not a CV…
Acting/Drama seemed to be a natural progression from previous experiences and interests. I began my “exposure” to Drama in high school. However, I might just say here that I believe Drama, Dance and Music are inextricably linked (although specific skill/technical training is required for each, they all inform/enhance one another). The high school drama room was a space for lots of things (much of it seemed little to do with Drama…or was it?… until VCE). Throughout high school I performed in the musicals (directed by our Drama teacher). Although “performance”/outcome-orientated, these were great experiences - building confidence, developing skills, showing off skills and making friends across year levels. Drama in the classroom really became interesting for me during VCE. I found the excursions, discussions and writing (both reviewing and creative) really made me think about the elements of Drama and how they might be most effectively used.
During Yr 12 I was also trying to complete a part-time Muscal Theatre Course at The National, St Kilda (however, the dreaded glandular fever put a stop to this). This course was most beneficial for me at that age. I believed I was doing “the real thing”, away from school, amongst a range of adults. Also, it was utilising and developing my three areas of interest; Drama, Dance and Singing (music) in a way that school didn’t/couldn’t. It was here that I began to realise how linked they actually are.
Post-school, I completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Monash Uni (Major Drama, minor English- wanted to do music rather than English, but realised I was crappy at music theory, and was vaguely thinking of teaching methods as a crutch for a failed performing arts career). Although the academic side of Drama is valuable and interesting, I craved more practical experiences of performance (one might say “play”?). I did a number of Uni productions (course-related/student theatre). After graduating, I stopped academic pursuits for a few years - worked in diff. jobs, including a long stint in the medical environment. During time away from Uni I performed in a number of shows (mainly musical-related) and worked a few times as a Stage Manager for a Music Theatre Program (for adults with intellectual disabilities). There were a couple of valuable experiences of collaboration - both writing and performing new works. These revealed the hard work required, and educated me on what to do/not do when involving other people.
I clearly still want to “perform” and develop my understanding and skills in Drama/theatre. I believe teaching Drama will simultaneously inform/develop my students AND myself. Hopefully it will be a reciprocal learning environment There’s still heaps to learn. My experiences in education and performance/arts have enriched my life, but also humbled me somewhat from my “exhibitionist-angel” beginnings. There’s more to it now than just being the loudest