Spencer: A Theatre Kid
His Dreams of attending the Purple and White world of NYU: lies within the power of his college essay
We theatre people are a unique bunch, probably a bit different than the common folk. Sure we might have a certain degree of quirkiness within us, some more than others, but it is because of that difference that we have the innate ability to become, create and embody unique and unusual characters. We are artistic yet smart and can fashion magnificent pieces of live artwork that can move people in emotional and entertaining ways. This is why the theatre and the language of theatre is the most meaningful part of my life.
Since the beginning of recorded time, language and art has always defined a culture. It is who we are. It is what we are.
Whenever anthropologists study an ancient society, most often what is left of these past peoples and their civilizations is their art and their language. Language as expressed through writings, and their art as expressed through the theatre, music, paintings and sculpture, is the cornerstone of ancient as well as current societies.
Theatre is the very important unifier to any society. Theatre is a means of expression of the joy, the sorrows, the longings, the exhilaration, or the angst of humanity. It keeps individuals connected through the strings of commonality, yet creates a place to communicate dissimilarities.
I have been part of this wonderful community ever since I was a little boy. It is the art of theatre that allowed me to become the person that I am today. Since my earliest memories at age two, of kicking up my heals to the Rockettes on television, with pacifier in mouth and blanket in hand, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I have been a performing artist and steadfast advocate for the arts. I once was this super-shy, introverted child, and now I am a fairly confident young adult.
I have a deep connection to, and affection for, the theatre and it’s community. From those in front of the lights, to those behind, we are a group of fun-loving, talented, and interesting artistic individuals who come together with a singleness of purpose. Everyone feels so connected. Being involved in the leadership of the theatre program both within school and as a state representative has kept me even more connected. I am proud of being an active presence in my local theatre community, both in and out of school.
Theatre is encompassing of so many of the arts that humans share. Whether it be the earnest expression and movement displayed in dance, the inspired use of language in writing, the nuances of brilliant acting, or the beauty, melancholy or frivolity of song, theatre is a true representation of the human condition. Theater is all about skillful thespians interpreting thought-provoking stories as told through the language of the playwright. It continues to withstand the test of time. From the earliest writings of Greek tragedy, to the English works of Shakespeare, to the marvelous American works of Rogers and Hammerstein, the world continues to embrace theatre’s entertainment value and ultimate significance.
I have always been an exceptionally hard-working involved student and plan to continue these efforts during my university education. I eagerly look forward to learning from seasoned professionals, who share the kind of motivation and passion that I do for the theatre, while hopefully adding my creativity, imagination and enthusiasm to an already thriving university community.
It is the art of theatre that allowed me to become the person that I am today. I constantly learn so much from the sophisticated, intricate language and phrases used in plays and songs. Through the use of language, superb pieces of exceptional writing continue to move us in ways we never thought possible.
In today’s world, the way we communicate our language is vastly different. We communicate in phrases, shortened phrases, abbreviations, tweets, texts, and Facebook. Yet no matter what form communication takes, it is all language.
One thing that is paramount to language and communication; we must all agree on the meaning of the words that we use to share our thoughts, whether shorthand or normal everyday language. For example, my Aunt Sharry is not too “hip” to the abbreviated language we sometimes use today. She thought that “lol” stood for “lots of love!” We all thought this was kind of cute until she texted a friend to say “sorry to hear about your mother’s passing — lol.”
