Like Summer Camp, Only Cooler

posted 6th November 2010    Written by: Renee    CATEGORY: All Posts, Events, Renee, Season 3

It looks like we’re halfway into this Stratejoy blogging gig and you’ve all been dutifully following our up and downs, trials and tribulations. I told you how terrified I was to start grad school and teaching.  I told you how money gives me an ulcer.  I told you my hopes and dreams.

So where are we now?

Midterms are over, marking one of the most hectic periods of my life.  This also marks the second half of my first semester of grad school.  I’ve made friends.  I’ve established a routine.  I’ve actually gotten all my shit done.  I’ve taken time for myself.  I’ve battled stress migraines. I’ve discovered the Bruno Mars station on Pandora.  I’ve paid off half my credit card debt. I’m so close to creating the perfect mac and cheese recipe. But the best part?
I signed up to cross something off my life list.
I registered for improv classes at Second City Theatre in January.

This is a goal I had barely admitted to myself… to study at one of the famed Chicago improv theatres.  I quietly added it to my life list with little pomp and circumstance. I told no one. Until one day, I checked out Second City’s website… and realized the week-long class was within my budget.  Then I started telling people. “I think I’m going to sign up for a class at Second City.”  I was worried about the reactions… I anticipated hearing, “Why?” or “Do you think you’ll learn anything?” or “Do you think you’re good enough?” or “What’s the point?”
Instead I heard, “Oh my goodness, we’re going to see you on SNL!” and “I’m so excited for you!”  And boy oh boy did that announcement get a lot of “likes” on Facebook!

Though my Sarah Palin impression rivals Tina Fey’s, I have no aspirations of the SNL stage.  In fact, I have no aspirations of any improv stage.  Improv in front of an audience terrifies me… but I’ve always wanted to try. Whose Line Is It Anyway was my go-to sick day show. I took improv in college but it wasn’t what I anticipated. I wanted more. I wanted to study under the best.

I thought, “Who knows how much longer I’ll be this close to Chicago? This might be my last chance.”

So I took the opportunity.  I’m doing this class for myself.  In January, I’ll spend a week in the city for me.  It’ll be like summer camp, only cooler.

{photo via drurydrama}

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Comments (6)

6 Responses to “Like Summer Camp, Only Cooler”

  • Natasha Hollerup Says:
    November 6th, 2010 at 8:46 am

    I remember talking about this with you on Twitter. I hope you have so much fun doing this, and you are definitely going to be on SNL! Congratulations, again.

  • Alisha Says:
    November 6th, 2010 at 11:32 am

    That sounds awesome!!!! Even if it doesn't go any further than that class, you'll learn a ton that you'll be able to use for the rest of your life.

  • nikki_klecha Says:
    November 6th, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    Proud of & excited for you! Improv may be scary but it's fun fun fun – it's like jumping out of a plane!! (in a good way) :)

  • Heidi Says:
    November 7th, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    dude that is so bad ass! So excited for you!!!! And proud for that matter, it takes a lot of balls to do something like that, especially when you don't tell anyone and are afraid of what those around you might say – it's awesome that everyone was so supportive! Can't wait to hear all about it :D :D :D

  • Doniree Says:
    November 8th, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I'm so proud of you! That's a big jump, one that I don't think I'd ever be able to do (and honestly? am terrified enough of that kind of stage-attention that I bet I won't ever… ha), and I can't wait to hear how that goes for you!

  • Lindsey Says:
    November 9th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    Wow! So fun! Go go, Renee! And talk about conquering fears – worrying that everyone would question you and judge you, and turns out everyone has got your back. Have fun :)

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