Rachel Caduri

Maria Horne

Method 2

6 May 2015

Method Reflection Paper

This semester has been an absolute journey. I have learned so much about

myself and grown so much as a person. This semester was definitely less stressful

than last semester and so it allowed me to really focus on the work I was doing. I

began this semester with a meeting with Nathan discussing my future in the

department, and he mentioned that he lost the person he had seen in me when I first

auditioned. So, this semester I really wanted to focus on myself and finding the joy

in life and in the work I was doing instead of getting overwhelmed. I have a long way

to go in that journey, but I know that I have come a long way since last semester.

This evening, after my vocal jury, Nathan again confronted about my current path,

asking me if I really feel this is the right option for me. This is not something anyone

wants to be told, but for me personally it just reaffirms my belief that this is in fact

the right path for me and that I am stronger than one man’s opinion. As I said, I

know that I have come so far from where I began this semester, and just because

someone else doesn’t see that progress doesn’t make it not true.

In all honesty, method started out as one of my least favorite classes last

semester, but it turned into my favorite class. It was the class where I gained the

most knowledge, and it was knowledge that was actually applicable to the work I am

doing. As I mentioned many times, I really liked the videos we watched in class as

well as the Stella Adler book because it coupled well with the things you were

teaching us in class.

Another thing that this class made me realize, is that I have a passion for

directing and it is definitely something I would like to pursue. Most of the learning I

did in the class came from watching others work. I noticed that when other groups

were working on scenes I wanted to work with them on a more in depth level. I also

really enjoyed working as an observer/director on “Uncle Wiggly”. When watching

the final presentation of that scene, I noted many similarities in my thoughts to what

you had expressed over “Savage”. We were no where near complete, though the

work is never complete because you can always do more, but I was very proud of

how far my actors had come since day one.

This class also helped me become more aware of others and myself as an

actor. When I watched other scenes I found myself noticing things like being

attached to furniture, or carrying tension in certain places. This class has opened my

eyes to so many things for myself as a person, and as an actor. It was not an easy

class or journey, but I am better for it.

I want to thank you, Maria, for all you have taught me this year. I mean this

with the utmost sincerity when I say that I look up to you as a role model and

mentor. Not that this is information you don’t already know, but you are one of the

most caring, dedicated, and knowledgeable professors I have had the pleasure of

studying under in my four years of college. I only wish I had the opportunity to sit in

on the process of “Savage” because I know the knowledge I would have gained

would be invaluable. I hope the opportunity presents itself again, but I do look

forward to your special topics course and the possibility of retaking or TAing your

class. Thank you again for a wonderful year!