Sidewalks and Stanislavski

Sidewalks. What a profound creation! My southern counterparts, we are sorely lacking in the sidewalk department. While we have wide-open spaces to roam (I can't help but think of the Dixie Chicks' song "Wide Open Spaces" anytime I use the phrase), the joys of side-walking are coming alive in my heart.

Sidewalks provide safety and security while allowing freedom to engage nature and people. I liken sidewalks to God's moral will, which was one of the subjects addressed in this morning's sermon at Northridge Church. When we dwell in the safety and security of the moral will of God, we are given freedom to engage life without fear of failure. I like sidewalks because they have boundaries yet trail ahead  endlessly making the next turn one of my choosing, but it must continue on another sidewalk.

I actually had the thought yesterday as I was walking, "All these Rochestereans that drive to the beach [at Lake Ontario] don't know the sidewalks they are missing!" Even this morning chatting with a girl, Kristin, at church I mentioned the joy the sidewalks are bringing me. Her response, "I have never given the sidewalks a second thought!" I quite enjoy exchanging perspectives with new friends.

I am technically living a 15 minute walk from the Lake Ontario beach in a northern suburb, Irondequoit. Yesterday was my first solo journey to the beach... it was wonderful.

The sidewalk along Lakeshore Drive

Overlooking Lake Ontario

You might note the book joining me at the beach yesterday. It's a study on the works of Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a 19th/early 20th century Russian actor and director who developed acting techniques and theories which have become foundational in the scholarly study of acting. Why am I studying theories and 'systems' of acting? As I enter graduate school I'm required to take several diagnostic tests within a two day period prior to the beginning of classes to evaluate my level of performance in all areas related to music theatre. Acting is one of these exams. So, Stanislavski and other counterparts are becoming my acquaintances.

The majority of my days in Rochester consist of practice and study, study and practice. This is the daily life of an artist. I am eternally thankful for the past two years I've spent without study, because maturity in age and life experience truly translate to academia. There is a fervor and excitement to grow in knowledge and character.

If you are of a praying nature, you may begin even now to pray for God's glory on my diagnostic exams in August. Here is the list of exams:

Music Theory
Music History
Aural Skills
Diction
Acting Placement
Voice Leveling Performance