In September, my roommate, Katie, and I took advantage of our freshman status and acquired tickets for the immersive learning project A Circus in Winter. I felt overly excited to attend the show based on my love for theatre, but I was apprehensive because I had no former knowledge of the musical. What type of music would be showcased? Would it be any good?
When the show started and the first number had concluded, I knew: this was going to be amazing. The show felt extremely unique to me, but Ball State managed to make unconventionality work. With musicals, writers almost have to create an unbelievable plot for the audience to feel interest in the performance, and although the concept of A Circus in Winter was an average, realistic story, Ball State presented it in such an entertaining fashion that I could not look away. I enjoyed the instrumental music most. The idea to have the musicians on stage with the actors caused the atmosphere to feel very intimate, and the guitar and banjo supported the earthy, country theme of the show. Also, the actors contributing to the music as they worked or moved about the stage was fascinating to watch.
The show was casted very well. Because I did not personally know the students in the roles, I associated them with the character they were actually playing even more, and I could never see where the actor would seem like themselves as opposed to their character. Because there is no point of reference, the actors had to create their characters out of thin air. I suppose they had detail from the novel, but mostly, they were allowed to determine who they wanted this person to be, and it seemed that they made all the right decisions.
As the show concluded, I almost felt choked up from sitting in the audience. I felt so much pride in Ball State. To this day, it amazes me that my school was able to create such a masterpiece. I have never attempted to write a musical, but I know I have never been able to finish a song, and A Circus in Winter has two acts of songs. It makes me interested to know what other incredible projects are underway on campus and will I ever be a part of one. I remember the experience as both entertaining and inspiring.
To relate this experience to 201, I think A Circus in Winter exemplifies the power of perseverance and the determination to overcome all obstacles. In Greek literature, perseverance is essential for the stories to unfold as they do. In The Epic of Gilgamesh it is Gilgamesh’s determination to obtain eternal life that drives the story and causes him to act as he does. This is seen in The Odyssey when observing the actions of Odysseus and Telemachos. It is Odysseus’s desire to return home that allows him to overcome all the obstacles in his path, and this is true for Telemachos. He wants to uncover the secret of what happened to his father; therefore, he sets out on a dangerous journey; that determination acts as a catalyst. More recently, the story of Agamemnon showed his dedication to his people, and his determination to perform as a leader fueled his decision to sacrifice his daughter, and that occurrence resulted in the story.
I greatly enjoyed my first viewing of a show as a college student. A Circus in Winter will definitely be an unmatched experience. The show was not the most stunning performance I had had the pleasure of seeing in concern to the performers, but the show was the most effective and, therefore, truly incredible.
Malia Manor Matt Hartman Honors 201 29 October 2011 I had gone to see the acclaimed musical Cats at the end of July 2011; a count y close to Evansville, Warrick County, was putting the show on as their summer feature, and I had a childhood friend who would be performing. After the show, I waited in the rush of people with my sister, Zoe, and finally, I spotted my friend. I congratulated him on his job well done and we anticipated our upcoming experience at Ball State; we both would be attending. Right as I turned to leave, he had many more excited spectators to attend to, he said: “Malia, they’re doing Rent at the civic theatre this fall. You have to try out.” Rent has never been my favorite musical especially the stage version; however, Maureen, the exaggerated diva/lesbian, has always been a dream role of mine. Her dynamic is almost opposite to me, but that sort of challenge and opportunity was exciting. Determined, I practiced for the audition. The week of, all I could focus on was Maureen and proving that I was meant to play her. Tuesday of that week, I had dinner with Adrianna Howell someone I now consider a great friend. Naturally being obsessed with Rent, I told her about the audition that upcoming Saturday. Only a few hours after dinner, I received a text from her inquiring about the audition; she wanted to audition too. I can whole heartedly say it was a great experience, and Adriana made it all the more so. The initial audition was terrifying but in the best way. That is true for all auditions. Adriana and I both progressed into the callback phase where we had a blast and bonded. When the cast list reached our email accounts, we were overwhelmed with excitement and the potential “what if’s.” Neither of us received the role we set out for, and initially, the reality of the show was difficult to face. However, once we moved on, we could reflect on the experience positively. Earlier in the semester, I wrote a journal over the element of disguise, and this experience is where that element has been incorporated in my life. In my theatrical journey, I have always been a character actress portraying the very less than normal people. My first role was Steel Magnolia’s Ouiser, the hysterical, rich friend in the group. She provided the opportunity to be southern, inappropriately minded, and humorous. I then played George’s Mother in Sunday in the Park with George where I stepped into the shoes of an ancient woman who suffered with dementia. Following was Adelaide from Guys and Dolls. She was my most treasured experience. It was my first main lead in a musical, and I was lucky. Adelaide was the type of character who people anticipated; her Rhode Island accent and less than quick thought process made her entertaining to watch. After Guys and Dolls, I stepped into a much more serious role, yet it was the most challenging disguise to convince people of. The audience sat on the stage as we performed; there were no mikes, limited set, and only six people in the cast. The show, titled The Heidi Chronicles, challenged me to harness my outgoing nature and play the average and struggling Heidi Holland. Sometimes, it is much easier to put on a disguise because you are not exposing yourself, you are exposing the character. With Heidi, I offered myself to the audience; there was nowhere to hide. Maureen offered another opportunity to walk in different shoes, in her case they would have been black, spike heeled boots, and I would have viewed the world from a different perspective: Maureen’s perspective. Although it disappointed me not to receive the role, I am a firm believer that the director must decide to complement their vision, and I was not who the director saw wearing Maureen’s shoes. In the meantime, I will be portraying Malia with no script and no disguises.
Matt Hartman
Honors 201
29 October 2011
In September, my roommate, Katie, and I took advantage of our freshman status and acquired tickets for the immersive learning project A Circus in Winter. I felt overly excited to attend the show based on my love for theatre, but I was apprehensive because I had no former knowledge of the musical. What type of music would be showcased? Would it be any good?
When the show started and the first number had concluded, I knew: this was going to be amazing. The show felt extremely unique to me, but Ball State managed to make unconventionality work. With musicals, writers almost have to create an unbelievable plot for the audience to feel interest in the performance, and although the concept of A Circus in Winter was an average, realistic story, Ball State presented it in such an entertaining fashion that I could not look away. I enjoyed the instrumental music most. The idea to have the musicians on stage with the actors caused the atmosphere to feel very intimate, and the guitar and banjo supported the earthy, country theme of the show. Also, the actors contributing to the music as they worked or moved about the stage was fascinating to watch.
The show was casted very well. Because I did not personally know the students in the roles, I associated them with the character they were actually playing even more, and I could never see where the actor would seem like themselves as opposed to their character. Because there is no point of reference, the actors had to create their characters out of thin air. I suppose they had detail from the novel, but mostly, they were allowed to determine who they wanted this person to be, and it seemed that they made all the right decisions.
As the show concluded, I almost felt choked up from sitting in the audience. I felt so much pride in Ball State. To this day, it amazes me that my school was able to create such a masterpiece. I have never attempted to write a musical, but I know I have never been able to finish a song, and A Circus in Winter has two acts of songs. It makes me interested to know what other incredible projects are underway on campus and will I ever be a part of one. I remember the experience as both entertaining and inspiring.
To relate this experience to 201, I think A Circus in Winter exemplifies the power of perseverance and the determination to overcome all obstacles. In Greek literature, perseverance is essential for the stories to unfold as they do. In The Epic of Gilgamesh it is Gilgamesh’s determination to obtain eternal life that drives the story and causes him to act as he does. This is seen in The Odyssey when observing the actions of Odysseus and Telemachos. It is Odysseus’s desire to return home that allows him to overcome all the obstacles in his path, and this is true for Telemachos. He wants to uncover the secret of what happened to his father; therefore, he sets out on a dangerous journey; that determination acts as a catalyst. More recently, the story of Agamemnon showed his dedication to his people, and his determination to perform as a leader fueled his decision to sacrifice his daughter, and that occurrence resulted in the story.
I greatly enjoyed my first viewing of a show as a college student. A Circus in Winter will definitely be an unmatched experience. The show was not the most stunning performance I had had the pleasure of seeing in concern to the performers, but the show was the most effective and, therefore, truly incredible.
Malia Manor
Matt Hartman
Honors 201
29 October 2011
I had gone to see the acclaimed musical Cats at the end of July 2011; a count y close to Evansville, Warrick County, was putting the show on as their summer feature, and I had a childhood friend who would be performing. After the show, I waited in the rush of people with my sister, Zoe, and finally, I spotted my friend. I congratulated him on his job well done and we anticipated our upcoming experience at Ball State; we both would be attending. Right as I turned to leave, he had many more excited spectators to attend to, he said: “Malia, they’re doing Rent at the civic theatre this fall. You have to try out.”
Rent has never been my favorite musical especially the stage version; however, Maureen, the exaggerated diva/lesbian, has always been a dream role of mine. Her dynamic is almost opposite to me, but that sort of challenge and opportunity was exciting. Determined, I practiced for the audition. The week of, all I could focus on was Maureen and proving that I was meant to play her. Tuesday of that week, I had dinner with Adrianna Howell someone I now consider a great friend. Naturally being obsessed with Rent, I told her about the audition that upcoming Saturday. Only a few hours after dinner, I received a text from her inquiring about the audition; she wanted to audition too.
I can whole heartedly say it was a great experience, and Adriana made it all the more so. The initial audition was terrifying but in the best way. That is true for all auditions. Adriana and I both progressed into the callback phase where we had a blast and bonded. When the cast list reached our email accounts, we were overwhelmed with excitement and the potential “what if’s.” Neither of us received the role we set out for, and initially, the reality of the show was difficult to face. However, once we moved on, we could reflect on the experience positively.
Earlier in the semester, I wrote a journal over the element of disguise, and this experience is where that element has been incorporated in my life. In my theatrical journey, I have always been a character actress portraying the very less than normal people. My first role was Steel Magnolia’s Ouiser, the hysterical, rich friend in the group. She provided the opportunity to be southern, inappropriately minded, and humorous. I then played George’s Mother in Sunday in the Park with George where I stepped into the shoes of an ancient woman who suffered with dementia. Following was Adelaide from Guys and Dolls. She was my most treasured experience. It was my first main lead in a musical, and I was lucky. Adelaide was the type of character who people anticipated; her Rhode Island accent and less than quick thought process made her entertaining to watch. After Guys and Dolls, I stepped into a much more serious role, yet it was the most challenging disguise to convince people of. The audience sat on the stage as we performed; there were no mikes, limited set, and only six people in the cast. The show, titled The Heidi Chronicles, challenged me to harness my outgoing nature and play the average and struggling Heidi Holland. Sometimes, it is much easier to put on a disguise because you are not exposing yourself, you are exposing the character. With Heidi, I offered myself to the audience; there was nowhere to hide.
Maureen offered another opportunity to walk in different shoes, in her case they would have been black, spike heeled boots, and I would have viewed the world from a different perspective: Maureen’s perspective. Although it disappointed me not to receive the role, I am a firm believer that the director must decide to complement their vision, and I was not who the director saw wearing Maureen’s shoes. In the meantime, I will be portraying Malia with no script and no disguises.