Well, yesterday was the first day of classes. Will I have munchkins or muggles? Only time will tell. The day went pretty smoothly, considering last year at this time I was freaked completely out of my head and so nervous I was probably visibly shaking. One thing did surprise me yesterday, however. I had several students, all of whom I worked with last year throughout both productions in the theatre department, come by to say hi, to chat, and to even exchange hugs. It was really nice to feel so welcomed back. I'm not sure I've ever worked in a place where I've felt so welcome.
Anyway, lots of things are happening. We're implementing big changes in the department's production schedule and structure. Jack, who usually directs the shows here, is on sabbatical (does that mean he's at home, or off somewhere exotic? . . . No, he's actually here, and I bet he'll be here almost everyday, even though he's not teaching any classes. Well, let's face it, the department wouldn't run nearly as smoothly without him), so, since Jack isn't teaching, Sabine is directing (the other new professor from last year). This is exciting. And the big thing right now is that we're having mega auditions for the show (we're doing The Importance of Being Earnest). In the meantime, the fledgling Student Theatre Association, the new student organized and run theatre club, is also having auditions for their first ever production. This is also very exciting, since I think it's great that these kids can have the chance to organize their own performances. I even suggested that they think about running Monologue nights or Improv nights. Sigh. I'm getting all nostalgic over the Cooper Dramatic Society.
Anyway, we're having a big theatre meeting with all the majors and minors, and anybody else we can rope into coming, on Monday, where we'll be announcing our big changes. It's going to be interesting to say the least. I hope the kids are going to be as excited as the professors. Only time will tell.
