College students all have unique lives when away at school. Biology majors often spend their time in labs or doing their own research, athletes may wake up sore from yesterday’s workout, and music majors may be nervous about their first live concert. As a student studying theatre, my days at college are unique in their own way. While every major is different and challenging, studying theatre is a daily challenge that we never get a break from. And we absolutely love it.
Whether you are studying directing, technical design, acting, or a variety of other possibilities, our day begins just like any other student: with classes. Acting, directing, scenic design, theatre history, you name it. While history can sometimes be confusing (theatre in the past was often very, very strange), memorizing scenes for acting class can be a challenge, and that miniature set you had to build for production class just doesn’t seem to be right, it is all worth it. Theatre provides students to work on their feet, form an ensemble with the other people in class, and learn in ways that are also outside the classroom. Personally, theatre classes are consistently my favorites every semester.
Between classes, I’ve found myself whispering lines under my breath in preparation for a show. I’ve spent my spare time doing scenic studies or researching acting conservatories to further my education, and I have even been caught walking around my room, practicing scenes. I text my friends excitedly about what shows would work for the next semester and my mind is constantly swimming with ideas for plays I’d like to write. At lunch, there is usually a new script pulled up on my laptop for me to read silently, or I gather with other students to read one out loud. Before heading back to my classes, I remember to drink some orange juice to keep my immunity strong for the next live performance.
After more classes, I have the opportunity to rest before rehearsal starts. Of course, my time “resting” is usually spent reading scripts for class, studying playwrights, and trying to remember which day of the week technical rehearsal starts. There is some time to get a rushed dinner, finish up some last minute homework (because of my schedule, I have to do most of my classwork ahead of time on the weekends), and take some time to myself before the best part of my day: rehearsal.
At Bridgewater College, rehearsals are typically Sunday through Thursday nights from seven to ten PM. However, during the two weeks before the show opens, we often have work calls on Saturday afternoons to help build the set, and we’ll have a ten hour rehearsal (yes, you read that correctly) the Sunday before we open. While it is a lot of work, rehearsals are time for me to destress from the day. I can connect with a character I am actively creating, perform in front of my colleagues, and learn more about the craft I adore. It’s a sacred time when I feel truly fulfilled and excited that I can end my day doing what I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s almost like every day is a slow crescendo of excitement, with every event leading up to rehearsal time. I love every second. And the best part is I get to do it all again the very next day. 
