First day of school done! For some reason – – on that first day of school – – I have to be the very first person in the parking lot. Of course then I am the one that sets off the security alarm because I can’t remember the pad code to turn it off. But custodians come, give me my first warning of the year and on I go. Grocery bag in hand, it is time to stock the pantry in my office with foods that are good for me (likely to go uneaten all the way through graduation) and “fun food” that will likely be gone before the end of the day. So goes meal planning in the office.
Step two: I look at all of the syllabi that I completed months ago during a rainy theatre free day in NYC. I am impressed with the scope, magnitude and range of the plans – – if only I had gotten the year right at the top of the form I would be feeling good. However, I am optimistic . . I would like to take my class, I think.
Three periods of teaching today: 2 Plays and Playwrights and 1 Theatre History. Each Plays and Playwrights around 30 students so that works. Theatre History with over 60 – – that does not work – – but it will work. More then enough students to earn our own zip code – – but no sweat!
Mission #1 for the first day is to find at least one face in the crowd that looks totally with the program – politely challenging me to bring my best game on. Don’t get me wrong, I am totally here for the entire class, but in the early days of school it is me and that one face that must do battle. But “face” don’t worry. I will win. You will love and more importantly, respect theatre – – just give me a few months.
Day is done. Voice is shot. Cough drop adds punctuation to day one.