RIP
People who know me
well, know that I went to school at Southern Oregon University for theatre,
when I was only 18. I say only 18, because now that seems so young.
I wasn't prepared for the adventure ahead of me and honestly I wasn't super-passionate
about theatre but one of the reasons I went was because I loved being immersed
in the culture. To this day I have a soft spot for thespians, and I have
so many fond memories that are fading with time. I just found out that
the theatre world lost a wonderful man, Jim Giancarlo.
Jim was one of my
first instructors fall term 1995. He taught "Movement for the
Actor." The class focused on how to use your body to project your
character. Acting is similar to dance, in that it involves choreography
and when you are playing a character, you have a different choreography then
you would as yourself. Unfortunately, I was so uncomfortable with my body
at 18 that the class made me miserable. I was also extremely hot-tempered
and stubborn. Jim would try to work with me, and looking back I realize
that he really wanted me to learn what he loved. I wouldn't doubt if I
wasn't one of his most challenging students.
A few years later I
decided to take his musical theatre history class. Ever since I did "Pirates of Penzance," in middle school I
loved musical theatre. I shared Jim's enthusiasm for musical theatre and because
of the class, I started to look up to him and respect him in a way I hadn't
before. I could have been maturing a little bit, but I really think his
passion for theatre was infectious and I was finally understood who he was.
I am so sad for all the people in his life, including myself, who were touched and inspired by his teaching. He was a wonderful man and he is so lucky to have known so many people and spent his life having so many adventures. Losing an old mentor, from my previous life has made me realize how much time has gone by and how different my life is today. I will always remember my theatre days and keep them close to my heart. It also tickles me that his musical company was called "Trenchmouth* Musical Productions."
I am so sad for all the people in his life, including myself, who were touched and inspired by his teaching. He was a wonderful man and he is so lucky to have known so many people and spent his life having so many adventures. Losing an old mentor, from my previous life has made me realize how much time has gone by and how different my life is today. I will always remember my theatre days and keep them close to my heart. It also tickles me that his musical company was called "Trenchmouth* Musical Productions."
*Trenchmouth is a common term for ANUG, which is a gum disease commonly found in
soldiers during war.
No comments:
Post a Comment