“You should be an actor!” is what family, friends and even some of my students tell me. I used to act when I was younger and loved being on stage, so I have been exploring my theatrical abilities by taking a college level acting class during the spring 2011 semester. Considering that I am an English professor at the college where I was taking the course, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Interestingly, it was a great experience!
Signing up for an acting class was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a while. I’ve learned so much and have truly enjoyed every moment. I’ve performed a monologue from “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show,” written a drama analysis on “The Cherry Orchard,” performed a radio story, which I plan on posting as a podcast in the near future and ended the course with the ultimate challenge for me.
My professor assigned me and my classmate a scene from John Patrick Shanley’s play, “Women of Manhattan.” Bille, played by Lisa Claypoole, is a native New Yorker, and Rhonda Louise, played by me (Tanya Harris), is from the Deep South. The setting is a Billie’s apartment and an evening without men. They are both “slightly” inebriated as they tackle friendship and relationship issues. I’ve never been drunk let alone had alcohol before, so this was a major undertaking for me. My character also has no filter when in comes to how she feels, so she uses some profane language, which is absolutely out of character for me. I had a lot of fun with this role and am saddened that the semester has ended. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to taking a future acting classes and developing my skills. There’s something invigorating about acting and being on the stage; time to set a new goal! I wonder what it should be? Got any ideas?
Please check out my scene performance on Youtube. Keep in mind that my scene partner and I are both novices, so please be gentle with us yet provide constructive criticism. Thanks
Best regards,
Tanya aka Anonomz
Journey of Anonomz 