Did the morning come too early? Was the night not long enough?

I really believe that everything happens for a reason.

Many times, you may not find out what that reason is, immediately.  However, as I reflect on my time here with Endstation Theatre Company,  I can only think of the multitude of reasons why this experience was necessary for me, and of the countless things I've learned and how they will greatly affect my career and life.  And I know that in the months and years to come, even more will surface.

        I came into this internship expecting to learn great things about acting and administration and just generally what it's like to work in a professional theatre company.  After living here for 79 days -- just about 1 month shy of an entire semester -- I can say that I've learned all that, and so much more! 

        During my time here, I rehearsed and performed The Comedy of Errors and Macbeth (2 of 3 shows that made up the 2012 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival).  I observed rehearsals for the third show, the musical Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

                               cast of Macbeth                                                                                   cast of Comedy

1st dress rehearsal of Big River

I helped run the Playwrights Initiative's Public Reading Series (readings of new, unfinished plays written by resident and visiting playwrights), and also read for two of those plays.  I served as "page-turner" at the season kick-off event, the Broadway in the Blue Ridge Concert, and also at the premiere reading of Unearthed, a new musical and work in development by Endstation Theatre Company.   


I ushered for Big River, delivered season materials to local businesses, and helped gather information on musicals to be considered for next year's season.  And lastly, I was privileged to attend master classes on scene study, voice, movement, marketing/auditioning, and script analysis.

                   

<< visiting a beautiful sponsor vineyard         

        I can't explain how absolutely vital this experience has been for my education.  I've been able to use and apply what I've been learning at UArts in a professional environment, but have also learned SO much here, and know of specific things I want and need to continue learning and working on.  Even more importantly, the relationships I've cultivated here are not just helpful to me on a professional level - I have made personal and lasting friendships.

        I have grown in many ways this summer, and have also realized some personal things that will prove very useful - things like my new-found love of acting (I thought I enjoyed it before, but now I really know how much I love it, and I want more, to dive in even deeper), my passion for music (which has really been with me since I was born) and how much I need to be around it, how much I truly miss dancing every day, and my need to be doing all three together and at the same time.  I really, deeply know that musical theatre is where I'm most fulfilled because I get to do all three.



        

        It's been very special to have worked with Geoffrey Kershner, the artistic director/co-founder of Endstation Theatre Company and UArts alumni.  It was really cool to have that connection and to know that UArts was supporting me throughout the whole process.  I feel very lucky to have gotten this theatre-immersive experience since I focus most of my energy towards dance during the year.        

        Although I'm incredibly sad to leave this place and the people I've lived, worked, and played with all summer, I'm also wildly excited to see where everyone ends up and what work lies ahead for us all.  I leave Endstation with new relationships and skill sets and connections and experiences, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Diane Meck

Class of 2013

Jazz Dance Performance Major

Musical Theatre Minor