Sunset Blvd

The movie, Sunset Blvd. was overall a decent movie. But at times I felt like I was just waiting for something to happen. In a way, the movie was slow moving. I like movies that are more fast paced. Everyone has a different view on movies. I feel like some of the scenes could have either been cut or shortened. When Joe got shot in the end, I was thinking, "Finally! Something besides dialogue!" The movie had a lot of dialogue. I feel like it could had some more movement. It was too wordy in my opinion. It almost needed some silence, some time to take in everything that was happening.

Next STAC Trip

I'm really excited for the next STAC trip. It's been too long since we've had them. There always amazing experiences for me. Being out in the city with friends, going to art museums, seeing shows and just wondering around is a lot of fun. The entire trip is an advanture in a way. Besides the pre-decided destinations like the museums and show, everything is planned on the spot. And honestly, I don't have a problem with that! Just go with the flow and see what happens.

The Terms

Constantin Stanislavsky was a Russian actor who founded the "Moscow Art Theatre." Some of the shows he has acted in are "Othello" and "The Cherry Orchard." Stanislavsky created the "Stanislavsky Method" or "Method Acting." Method acting is the act of the using a memory in the actor's library as a base for experience in acting. Some of Stanislavsky's students were Michael Chekov and Stella Adler.

Michael Chekov was a Russian actor at the "Moscow Art Theatre." There he studied with Stanislavsky. Later, he emigrated to the United States and studied comedy and classic drama at the Suvorin Theatre School in St. Petersburg. He updated Stanislavsky’s acting method, by blending it with yoga, theosophy, psychology and physiology, and adding his own ideas of transformation of actor's consciousness. Chekov was also eventually nominated for an Oscar award.

Lee Strasburg was the founder of Group Theatre. He directed numerous shows here. He too, eventually adapted his own form of Method Acting. He greatly influenced people through the Actors Studio, which he was director of. Here, he influenced several generations of actors.

Robert Lewis was one of the original members of the Actors Studio. He was actively in Hollywood whether it was directing musicals or playing characters. He became a much respected Broadway director. Lewis also taught Stanislavsky's method acting.

Stella Adler introduced Method Acting to the United States. She was a director. Some of the productions she directed were "Manhattan Nocturne" and "Sunday Breakfast." With her experiences she founded The Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting. Of course one thing taught here was Method Acting.

Sanford Meisner was a teacher at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. He was also a founding member of  "The Group Theatre." Meisner was one of the best Method Acting teachers. He eventually came up with a modified version of Method Acting called The Meisner Technique.

Expressionism

     Expressionism was an art movement about death and the disasters humans witness. This is not one of the more uplifting, interesting art movements. It's more frightening and creepy. I am not that into Expressionism from what I know about it. I don't think I could relate to death.
     It makes sense for this type of art movement to be created. During the time it was created, World War I was going on. It was not a good time. World War I marked a change in warfare permanently with the new machine gun technology. Wars were more brutal and frightening, not that they weren't frightening before. So, I am not surprised Expressionism came out of this. Death and human disasters seem be a major part of World War I and Expressionism is the art that came out of it.
    If war never occurred, I think Expressionism would exist because there is still death and disasters. Although it would be a little different because it would be displaying different forms of human struggles. Ultimately, Expressionism expresses human struggles and pain. Whether war caused it or not, it would exist because there is still death and disasters.

Time Flies

I can't believe how fast freshman year is going. STAC Auditions have past and new people are being accepted. The year is already half over. I feel like there isn't enough time in a day, week, etc. Soon, the seniors in STAC will leave and become Alumni and go off to college. One year together simply is not enough. I never paid attention to the speed of time. I'm always saying the days are going by slowly and to be honest, they are. But the weeks, months, and years go by way very fast. So what I am really trying to say is use your time wisely.

STAC Live 2012

Well, being that I am a freshman in STAC, this was my first STAC Live. And, it was really great! Even though we had changes on a short notice, it turned out amazing. We adapted to the changes really smoothly and to be honest, I'm not that surprised. STAC consists of many talented and smart people. I had no doubts; I knew we could pull it off. Based on the audience's reactions, I think they really loved it! We are going to have our hands quite full when auditions come around. A lot of people are going to be auditioning this year.

Again, great job everyone! Great show!

2011

People say that they usually remember the bad things that happen to them and
forget most of the good things. This is unfortunately the way our minds work
and I find this a shame. So, I'd like remember the best thing that happened to
me in 2011. STAC was probably the best thing that happened to me in 2011.
Everyone is welcoming and friendly and we all share the same passions. It's
great to have a group of people really similar to you because you can relate to
them. Even though I was in STAC for less than half of 2011, it left a huge
impact on my life and it will continue to do that for a long, long time.