About a week before taking off for this lovely country, I remember talking to my parents about my concerns about making friends. “99% of the friends I made at MHC were through an extracurricular,” I explained, “Project: Theatre or Chorale.” After some discussion of other bonding experiences that study abroad would offer, I started pondering what sorts of extracurriculars the Rothberg International School would offer. I decided (and my parents and Ian can attest to this) that I would be okay doing a choral group but I’d try not to get into a leadership role, and I probably shouldn’t do theatre: it would (and does) eat my life.
But then came academic orientation.
The next-to-last slide announced that Beit Hillel was producing, as their annual English musical, Les Miserables...a show that I have always wanted to do. So what do I do?!? I need advice, dear readers. Whether I audition or sign up to work crew, I’d be happiest with a larger role, but that would also mean less time to enjoy living in Israel. The performances are also the weekend that my parents are visiting. At the moment I am audition coach extraordinaire for Alison and Zev, and that’s certainly something I love!
Possibly the best solution: talk to the director and see if there’s something I can do on a drop-in basis; assistant directing, behind-the-scenes work, etc. I’m afraid it would just be hard for me not to feel like an expert as I usually do. (MHC friends know what I mean – I do my best work when I’m in control of my own world, be it stage managing, directing, music, etc.) I look forward to hearing your opinions, and I’ll keep you posted :)
