Once Every 25 Years...

A new and exciting thing is occurring in the McCarthy Arts Center at Saint Mike's! 

What you ask?

NEW SEATS! 

Over Christmas break, new seats will be put in both the Recital Hall and Mainstage space. One of the really cool things is that the seats were being taken apart during finals week and we could stop by and check out what was happening. Naturally I took some pictures. 

Final image of the old seats

The Recital Hall empty - while a band practices!

One of the MOST AWESOME THINGS (definitely a QUIRK AND PERK!) that could have possibly happened was that we could take the seats! They were just going to be recycled and it was our opportunity to have a piece of McCarthy history! This was particularly interesting to me since I wrote my History thesis on the Saint Michael's Playhouse, now housed in McCarthy. I had also spent most of my time at Saint Mike's roughly in the Mainstage working on the play, during class, or during the summer season of Playhouse. These seats have been in the building since it's opening in 1976. It'll be great to have an update for my last semester here at Saint Mike's!

The man of the hour: Richie!

I do have to thank one of my best friends Richie for helping me to get the seats from McCarthy to my townhouse. He offered his car and services to and from the theater and my house. Even slipping on ice didn't stop this guy. I am forever grateful to have a friend like him, for other reasons included. :)

Be sure to check back for an update once I return to SMC! Everything will be bright, shiny, and new!

Katelyn :)

"Break a Leg!" The Early History of Saint Michael's Playhouse as a Regional Summer Theatre: Thesis Presentation!

Many things have happened already in December that are making it a pretty great month!

One of the most crucial events, particularly to my education, is that I finished and presented my thesis! I had the task of writing a 40-page thesis by December 7th, when I would present on my topic. You can check out the presentation below, recorded by the wonderful Alex! She's the best - she even picked out my outfit thank goodness!

Here's me presenting on my topic: An Early History of Saint Michael's Playhouse. Enjoy!

One of the great things about my thesis in History was that I was able to combine my interests in Theatre, my other major. Choosing Saint Michael's Playhouse, which I interned last summer with, enabled me to look further into the background of how the SMP originated. It's also great to see how far the theatre has come. I will also be lucky enough to intern with Chuck Tobin, the artistic director of the SMP!

My parents, my faith family, friends, and classmates were there to support me and I was so overjoyed that so many people were there to appreciate my hard work! It paid off and I received an A- on my thesis! I am more than satisfied and grateful that my efforts proved a great result! 

Working on this project demonstrated to me that I was capable of producing such a work of large size. While looking at graduate schools, I've been noticing that a similar piece of work is necessary for the capstone of those projects. I now know that I can do it! While daunting while it's happening, you definitely feel accomplished afterwards. It's a great feeling!

It also makes Christmas break that much more enjoyable! Be sure to be on the lookout for more blog posts about my semester wrap-up, what I'll be doing this break, and what's next!
Wishing you and yours a very merry Winter Solstice, (shortest day of the year!)
Katelyn :)

Excitement!

Today blogosphere I come to you bearing exciting news! I MADE IT ON THE SAINT MICHAEL'S LIBRARY WEBSITE! It features my most recent post, which you can find here. Check it out on the library website by going here! 

Or look at this picture!

LOOK AT THE HIGHLIGHTED PART!

In other news, I've successfully registered for my final (GASP) semester at Saint Mike's. I will be taking the following courses: 

This schedule allows me to have Thursdays 'off' which I will be filling with an internship! I will be working with Chuck Tobin in preparing for the summer of Saint Michael's Playhouse! Lots of fun and exciting things. 

I will also be stage managing our Spring Mainstage Production: Godspell! I've worked on this show twice in my life already and I can't wait to see what this time will have in store for cast and crew alike! 

And finally, things I need to complete by the end of the semester:
- 40 page thesis (20 pages already done woohoo!)
- Class presentation on Medieval Vaulting in Cathedrals
- Final presentation and 8-10 page paper on Christ iconography represented in church portals and architecture
- Presentation of my directing scene! December 9th woohoo!

So far - that looks to be it. I know it's a lot but my goal is to be done with 3/4s of it by Thanksgiving! It will make being home all the more special. 

This past weekend was Academic Preview Day - I loved giving tours to all the prospective students! If this applies to you, don't hesitate to contact me! 

Hope your Monday is spectacular! 
Katelyn :)

Library Living

My time this semester has largely been spent in the library doing research for my History thesis. On Monday, I submitted a 20 page draft of my thesis. Needless to say my brain has decided to go on sabbatical for the past few days to give me a chance to recover. 

My next task is to get a hold of more research for my final papers and presentations for my other classes. WHAT?! Crazy I know how time flies. Luckily for me, I am able to use the wonderful resources and reference librarians that work in Durick.  

How do you get a meeting with the librarians? Easy! Simply send them an e-mail or sign up for an appointment here! You can pick a date and time that works for you! You can also see which librarian has the research specialty you desire: i.e. Medieval Studies or Biology. I've worked with a few and they are definitely so helpful! They might even show you where the section of books you need - a tour of the things you'll find useful!

This is my favorite spot in the library to read articles!

Walking through the bound periodicals!

Walking through the library I stumbled across this cool piece of art!

Shout out to Mr. John Payne - he helped me find the bound periodicals I needed to give my paper another facet of research! He's going to help me with finding research for my Medieval Studies final presentation and paper and I'm super stoked! It's really great when you find someone who's interested in the same subject as you and leads you on a treasure hunt to find what you need! 

Any questions about the library or other resources at SMC? 

Sign up for our Knight Chat TONIGHT! Check out the page here :) Yours truly will be answering questions along with other bloggers from 7:30 to 9:00 PM!

Hope to see you there!

Katelyn :) 

Applying Class to Vacation: Medieval Studies in Pittsburgh

Recently I traveled to Pittsburgh over our October break to check out Carnegie Mellon University for their graduate student program. I'm debating on my options for post-graduation (WHAT NO!) and this was one of the first steps.

While I was there, I went to visit the Carnegie Mellon Museum of Art and Natural History. I can tell you that I was very impressed and could have spent hours (in fact I was there for six hours) looking at all the exhibits that were there. I'm taking this class called Castles, Cathedrals, and Cities for my Medieval Studies minor and little did I expect to see what I learned in class apply to what I had been visiting for enjoyment. 

One of the coolest things that I got to see where a bunch of portals that were cast from churches in Europe. In my Castles, Cathedrals, and Cities class we had been talking about the importance of these portals, tympanums and lintels (directly above the doorway) of cathedrals in the Middle Ages. I was awe-stuck by the sheer size of the doors and just sat to look at all the different pieces that pulled my eye. 

A cast of the Bordeaux Cathedral Portal

We also have been talking about the different kinds of armor available during the time, how it's made, who needed it, things like that. Being able to walk around in armor, ride a horse, get back up after being pushed to the ground is something that has to be taken into consideration when it is made. There are a bunch of different techniques and decorations that can be used in creating armor. 

Armor from the 16th century, Austria

Overall my trip to Pittsburgh was very informative and enabled me to learn lot. I am very glad to be back at SMC because there is no place like it on earth. 

Hope this gave you a little education on what it's like to be a Medieval Studies minor! Feel free to ask me any questions about it.

ALSO! Prospectives: check out the Knight Chat tomorrow at 7:30! Click here to sign up!

Katelyn :)

Dessert and the Divine: DELICIOUSNESS!

Hey everyone! Something I'm involved with on campus is VITA, Saint Michael's Campus Ministry. Along with the wonderful Emily, we run Dessert and the Divine. We meet once a month to bring together all that's been happening in other VITA events and socialize about how our time at Saint Mike's is going. It allows me to take time out of my busy schedule to reflect on what's happening in my life and relate to others at SMC going through a similar college experience.

Check out the spread!

Last night was our first meeting of the semester. I baked about 70+ mini cupcakes that we used as an activity. Emily made delicious butter-cream frosting, dyed with food coloring to signify different parts of our lives: Red = God, Purple = Academics, Yellow = Friends, Green = Family. We decorated cupcakes accordingly and discussed what our thought process was. It opened up my eyes to see that I've got a lot on my plate (literally!) this semester and finding a balance will be key between God, school, friends, and family. 

My delicious creations!

Dessert and the Divine is a low-key commitment, much like many of our VITA weekly events. It's great to have a huge turnout but also nice when we have small-group discussions. We had a great group of people and I look forward to more discussion and deliciousness next month!

This weekend us VITA Team Leaders have the opportunity to visit our Campus Minister Anna's house for apple-picking, kayaking, dinner, and smores! Hopefully I can get all my work done to enjoy the gorgeous, crisp fall with my friends.

Any questions let me know!
Sending warm thoughts, 
Katelyn :)

Directing Scenes - A Director in Training

Something that's been really exciting this semester is that I've signed up to take Directing. Offered every fall, it's a requirement for Theatre majors, particularly why I'm taking it. I've also had an interest in directing, but never knew how to start. This class is already showing me ways to direct and what goes into the directing process. 

During the first week of classes, we chose scenes from a hat that we would be directing for our final scene. I was privileged enough to pick Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Other plays from the class include Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple, Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Glass Menagerie, and Christopher Durang's For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls. We're focused on contemporary classics so all the names sounded really familiar to me, but I hadn't actually read any of them. 

Monday we had auditions for our scenes - we had a great turn out! Today during class we picked our casts, trying to spread out all of the men since we had 15 parts for 7 men who tried out. I luckily got the cast I wanted and I'm super excited to work with them! 

Putting together my scripts and such for my actors!

The next step in the process is to do a scene analysis - involving research and background for the characters and scene. It'll be an adventure that's for sure! It's good to know the details before the rehearsals start happening so that I can help my actors in providing them what they need to fulfill their character's goals. 

Hopefully I'll keep you guys updated as the process continues. This is one of my favorite classes this semester - I just love the variety of classes I'm taking this semester: 

- Directing with Cathy Hurst

- Castles, Cathedrals, and Cities with Terryl Kinder

- Judaism with Rabbi James Glazier

- Senior Seminar in History with Douglas Slaybaugh

They're each challenging in their own way. Already four weeks into school and I'm ready for all the semester has to offer!

Also...do you know what day it is? 

Have a great rest of the week!

Katelyn :)

It's Time to Begin Again

I'm sitting here in my Townhouse enjoying a beautiful Vermont morning preparing myself for classes this week. It's crazy to think that tomorrow will be my 'last first day of school' (until I decide whether or not I'm going to grad school). I also realized that most, if not all of my classes are with upperclassmen. 

I'm so excited to meet all the first-years and help them make their experience at Saint Mike's the best it can be! Being in a leadership position in both VITA (Campus Ministry) and Drama Club, I really want all to feel welcome and get involved! I'm working with a great group of people for both of these clubs and looking forward to a successful year ahead!

Some tips that I use whenever it's a new school year:

1) Prepare everything the night before. That way you're not rushing around in the morning frantic that you can't find a notebook and pen or that shirt you really wanted to wear that might not be unpacked yet.  

2) Show up to your classes about 5 minutes before. That way if you don't know where your classroom is you've got some time to figure out where you are!

3) Eat breakfast! This is usually a hard one for me as I was not a breakfast person until recently. My stomach was usually never awake when I had class at 8:30, but it was rumbling by the end! Alliot is open at 7:15 for breakfast!

4) Take notes. You'll get a syllabus or view it online at eCollege. Professors give you an outline for the course so you know what to expect!

5) Have fun! Get excited about learning new things, meeting your peers and professors, and being at SMC! I love getting to know a new bunch of people and studying together makes for a good time. 

Have an AWESOME first day wherever you are and I can't wait to hear some stories about your first day!
Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks of Starting Your First-Year at Saint Michael's

One thing I love about the end of summer is that I get to see all my friends again! For some of us, it means coming up early to prepare for many First-Year events. There are so many people who want to make this experience a great one for you: VITA (Campus Ministry), RAs, IT Helpdesk, Orientation Leaders, Sports teams and more! 

There is so much going on in the first few days that it may seem overwhelming but there's nothing to fear! Things to remember:

Everyone is in the same boat as you. It's probably your first time sharing a room with someone you don't know. It's probably your first time away from home living on your own. 
It may sound cliche but it's true. If you're feeling anxious or excited, someone else is feeling the same way. 

What you can do:
Go to all the Orientation events! They are all put on for you so you can meet your peers and have a good time! One of my personal favorites is the hypnotist. 

You're here for an education. First and foremost you are a student. However you study you should be focused on accomplishing your tasks. Because you are on your own, it's up to you when you do your work. 

What you can do:
Do what works best for you. If you do your work, your grades will reflect that and your professors will notice. Find a study buddy who will help you focus on your work. Also know your resources: the Writing Center, professor's office hours, and the Tutoring Center. 

Try new things and meet new people! There is a club activities fair in the beginning of the school year. 

What you can do:
Check out a bunch of different clubs that you might be interested in. SMC has a lot going on and it's a great way to meet your peers who share similar interests. 
Get to know your floor - your RA will have floor meetings where you can learn things and chat about how your semester is going. 

Don't pack everything but the kitchen sink. Those outrageous heels from prom? That old practice jersey? Not particularly beneficial. 

What you can do:
What I recommend is weather-appropriate clothing. You won't need your heavy winter clothes until after Thanksgiving. Rain jacket and rain boots on the other hand? Always a good investment. 


In my opinion, the sense of community at Saint Mike's is the greatest perk to being a student here. It really makes your experience here a special one. Don't be afraid to chat to anyone, faculty, staff, or your peers. 

I can't wait to see you all when you come on move-in day! If you have any questions feel free to comment or e-mail me! Wishing you well on your packing!
Katelyn :)

What's New at the Zoo

Has it already been two weeks A MONTH since my last post? Yikes. This is what happens when you have a summer internship at Saint Michael's Playhouse. We were told before we arrived that each day would feel like a week, each week a month, and so on. I wasn't sure how believable this would be, but boy have I been surprised. 

You saw my last post boasting about my endeavors for Fiddler on the Roof and we're in the thick of Tuesdays with Morrie. Compared to the huge cast Fiddler had, Morrie is a quiet change with only two actors. We've been building our third set for Rumors (opening July 17 and running through the 27th) behind the set for Morrie due to its small size. It's a welcome arrangement since the set for Rumors is two intricate stories. 

Since I last wrote that we've started Rumors - we're in our second week run now. It's sad that it will be over soon since we have changeover in just a few days. It's truly beginning to feel like the end is near. I'll be ready for a mini-break (I'll have a week at home before heading back to SMC for training week and orientation) but I wish that I could just bottle this summer and keep it forever. 

I've learned so much from all the great people here at the Playhouse and I now have a better idea of my career aspirations. It's also crazy to think that this time next year I'll hopefully be employed in the real world DOUBLE YIKES. 

I'll keep you posted on my future endeavors as they happen and as I begin my final year here at Saint Mike's. What a long, strange trip it's been! (That 70's Show anyone?)

Sending my love to Florida where my family is in Disney (without me!), 
Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks: Living in Burlington for the Summer

After living in Burlington for the past two summers working for my favorite IT Helpdesk, I decided to apply to a few internships and see where they would lead me. Turns out I would just be moving a building over into the Michael and Margaret McCarthy Arts Center here at Saint Michael's. 

After my theatre internship abroad, I wanted to get an internship in theatre stateside. Luckily Saint Mike's hosts Saint Michael's Playhouse, an Actor's Equity theatre company during the summer. I was accepted with other thespians to work in the box office and in the shop for the summer. While I took a huge paycut, I really wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on experience for potential future employment opportunities. 

I moved into Ryan Hall with my friend Julia, also in Playhouse, and was thrust into what summer stock is. So far we've put up Fiddler on the Roof, closing this Saturday (6/29) and started the processes for Tuesdays With Morrie, our next running show from 7/3-7/13. 

Two pieces of scenery, a well and a counter were made by myself and fellow interns Julia (well) and Lexi (counter). It was difficult at first but definitely super rewarding afterwards!

Luckily for me, this summer just happened to be my 21st birthday! I celebrated on 6/21, my golden birthday, with my boyfriend Jake, best friend KK, and Playhouse friends. Needless to say I enjoyed myself thoroughly! 

 Playhouse has certainly kept me busy, but we also have fun! On our day off, staff and interns put together a putt-putt course where the only requirements were that you couldn't use an actual putter and that you must wear plaid or argyle. I used my vacuum cleaner (was mildly successful) and though I didn't have plaid or argyle, I donned a dress and wore my sunhat! Afterwards, we created a slip-and-slide behind a row of houses to cool off. Definitely a great way to spend a day off!

And now, I am sitting in the box listening to Fruma Sarah singing "Tevye's Nightmare". She's phenomenal! I seriously love this crazy busy physically and mentally challenging summer and can't wait to see what more is in store! 

Sending you well-wishes today, 

Katelyn :)

Places To Go, People To See

As of tomorrow,  I'll be working at Saint Michael's Playhouse in VT. I've spent the last three weeks in CT and it's been a relaxing change of pace from my hectic schedule. What I feel now is that I don't spend enough time in CT, being around family and friends from home.  The past weekend alone fulfilled a lot of socialization for me and while I think myself to be a social person I've relished in my solitude while I have the opportunity.

While I've been home I've:

- Dyed my hair

- Had a spa date with my friends Brittany and Danielle

- Went shopping with my friend Brianna

- Went to a surprise party for my friend Heather's 21st!

- Witness my godparents' wedding vow renewal for their 25th wedding anniversary!

My mom, brother, and I all dressed up!

The bride and groom with their maid of honor and best man!

 

My gorgeous godparents just after saying "I do!"

That being said,  I'm really excited to be starting my summer internship, making new friends,  making (meager) wages,  and being in VT for the summer. After spending all of my undergraduate summers at Saint Mike's, I could not imagine a better way to use my time. 

Saint Mike's is one of my favorite places in the world, especially during the summer.  Campus seems to be dormant and yet so much is going on beneath the surface. It's a different feel from the school year,  more relaxed and laid back.  It's what I wish after graduation would be like; hanging out with your friends within a walking radius and having a good time.

I can't wait to be back,  though I'm not looking forward to the hot dorm rooms... luckily McCarthy is air-conditioned!

In other news, I got a new phone! I named it Buzz Lightyear for my love of Disney/Pixar and it's the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and space and all that good stuff. 

Also, I've been avoiding packing but since I leave tomorrow morning, I should probably finish up. 

Until next time in Vermont, 

Katelyn :)

Every New Beginning Comes from Some Other Beginning's End

Similar to my post after graduation last year, I shall honor some lovely seniors who have greatly influenced my time at Saint Mike's:

Bev: Oh how I adore you. Your speech at graduation was wonderful. I loved the shout-out to Lightbody (aka I hope he made it to hear it!). I've enjoyed our work shifts together at IT and I will definitely miss you and our online-shopping, whether or not it's worth buying $135 rainboots... Emory and Hotlanta are lucky to have you not matter how in debt you'll be.  I'll be glad to add you to my arsenal should I ever need a lawyer! 

Raquel: I've also enjoy our work shifts together! You say the darndest things with that witty sense of humor. You are a magnificent person and I am honored to know you - especially when you belt out song with that fantastic voice of yours! I can't wait to see where life takes you :)

MUFFIN: Though we lived across the way, our paths rarely crossed. Still, I am glad I got to see you in passing! I wish you well in your endeavors for firefighting - you are such a dedicated and outgoing person and my fingers are crossed for you!

Anthony: I had missed you so immensely after being abroad! I was so glad we had a class together so I could see you on a regular basis. I am honored to be following in your footsteps as Drama Club VP. I was glad to be around my best friend who shares my brain! Just like you put on a show with minimal rehearsals, you will direct your life with full effort, enthusiasm, and class. Can't wait to see you when you come visit Playhouse!

Jake: Thank you for putting up with my insanity this semester, from a late-night trip to the ER to making dinner after I got out of rehearsals. I also enjoyed getting addicted to Doctor Who and Sherlock thanks to you haha. I'm glad that I was around for your final semester at SMC and I'm so proud of you constantly working on your thesis which turned out to be great! You know I love you and I know you can do whatever you set your mind to. I'm glad to be along for the ride :)


For my roommates: Although most of us were just two ships passing in the night, I loved living with all of you! I would do it again in a heartbeat :)

Allyson: I'm so glad you asked me to live with you this semester and reintroducing me to such amazing people! I will certainly miss hearing you singing around the house and the crazy shenanigans that ensued many a night in 403. I expect you to visit before you get a real-life job haha :)

Caitlin: Woohoo names! Our side of the floor was clearly superior - I'm so glad that I got to live with you this semester and get to know you better. It seems like so long ago that we were in class with Rose and Hope; I would've never guessed we'd live together! I already miss the guitar-playing! Mexico is lucky to have you and maybe I'll come visit for Spring Break next year! 

Sam: Finally after Dead Man Walking and student teaching, I'm glad we finally got to hang out! Sitting out on our porch people-watching and enjoying the good weather was one of my favorite parts of the year. I also enjoyed being the communication between you and Cait when one of you was in the kitchen, the other upstairs haha. I miss you all so much! 

Anna: As the only two non-education majors, it was nice to have someone who understands haha. You make me aspire to bake more (especially from scratch!) and everything you made smelled and tasted DELICIOUS! It was also great to have someone else who understands the difficulties of being lactose-intolerant haha. You are also so stylish! Loved all your skirts and dresses :) You're such a great person and I know you'll go on to do fantastic things! I hope you enjoy Colorado!


To TH 304:
Thank you for eating all the extra food/baked goods I brought over and letting me eat your food. Many a night I was glad to overhear some interesting conversations, exclamations over video games or reddit, or discussions off the beer wall or brewery-related excursions haha. 



Thank you SMC Class of 2013. You have impacted my life and made it more than I could imagine. SMC will not be the same without you. 

Sending you all my love and appreciation, 
Katelyn :)

Finals Week: Done with Junior Year!

So I wrote this post on May 6th. It's now May 24th. Just goes to show that life gets a hold of you and you get busy. Being busy is good in my mind but I shall make time to blog again! 
Enjoy the post below and expect further posts in the next few weeks to catch up :) 

____________________________________________________________
So it's a crazy thought to think, but I've finished my junior year at Saint Michael's! The spring semester always seems to go faster than the fall semester. I had two finals on Saturday and I'm just waiting to hear back on grades from two of my classes. 

I've even started packing! I'll be here working Senior Week where seniors have a bunch of fun things planned - it enables me to hang out with my senior friends and go to graduation without having to take a ticket. It really shows me how fast time goes!

Next up for me is going home for a few weeks which will be really nice. It'll give me a chance to relax a bit before coming back to VT to work with Saint Michael's Playhouse for the summer - I'm SUPER EXCITED! We have a really good group of people interning from Saint Mike's and I can't wait to meet other interns from other colleges.  

I can't wait for all these auspicious things to transpire - I'm sure there will be delightful things to share! 

Katelyn :)

Crunch Time

If you've been following my blog, you will notice how my life has revolved around our Saint Michael's Production of Dead Man Walking. I am writing to you now to say we are finished! Crazy! Of course this is not without some technical difficulties along the way. As a stage manager you must be quick on your feet when things like these come your way. I have learned much about this process in our last week of shows with savings seats, filling in an ASM for an actor, and turning the projector on during the middle of the show (don't worry it was intermission!). 

Encouragement from Sister Helen!

A pretty full house!

All of my hard work with my great ASM team Shelby, Tina, and Lexi has paid off. I've been nominated for stage managing for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival! HOORAY! I am so honored and will make the most of this opportunity!

Congrats to Evyn and Zac, alternates Jordan and Dustin!

In other things, this week is the week of more craziness, only this time it's academic related. I'm finally able to focus on final projects and get these things out of the way!
Academics in the next two weeks:
- Rough Draft for Moliere to Modern Drama - handed in!
- Final Presentation for Deviant Women - presented!
- Final Draft for Moliere to Modern Drama
- Research Project for Stagecrafts
- Response Paper for Deviant Women
- 10-page Paper for Historian's Craft
- Presentation for Historian's Craft

Needless to say I made the smart choice to limit my social media usage. I'm using StayFocusd, an add-on for Google Chrome that will block certain websites from my view: i.e. reddit, facebook, twitter, tumblr, etc. I'm only 'allowed' 5 minutes a day and while I scramble to read messages and notifications, I know that if it's really important people who need me can get in contact with me. It's very freeing actually. 

So far so good...we'll see how the rest of the week goes! We've got the following events here at SMC:
Thursday - Spring Concert with MACKLEMORE!
Friday - Talent Show
Saturday - PDAY!
My friend Brittany is coming to visit us from Stonehill and I'm super excited! With all the work I've been doing, it'll be great to have a break but also focus on the work...fingers crossed.

Sending you some SMC love, 
Katelyn

So You're Gonna Be a Senior...

This phrase has been coming to mind more and more this week. Let me tell you why:

1. My senior friends are in the library writing theses, planning solo week for Student Teaching, and applying for jobs left and right. 
- I DON'T WANT THEM TO LEAVE!

2. My friend Katie and I went through housing a few weeks ago to get our townhouse for next year. We're in the 200s with our friends Kayley and Taylor and a few doors down from our friends Alex, Marci, Mary, and Megan! I'm so stoked!

3. I ran and was elected as the Drama Club Vice President! AHHHHH! I'm excited for next year and the possibilities and opportunities the Drama Club will have and we have a rockin' E-Board!

4. I've finished going through advising for my Fall Semester Senior Year. WHAT?! I've figured out my classes as follows:
   - History Senior Sem
   - Directing
   - Judaism 
   - Castles and Cathedrals

5. I'll also be doing my Theatre Senior Sem project over the summer for our Fall Mainstage: The Contrast. Updates to follow!


While all of this seems overwhelming, I know that there are some obstacles I've got to hurdle first. Meaning our last run of Dead Man, numerous presentations and projects, and final exams. It will be such a relief when those projects are completed!

Hope you're enjoying your Monday!
Katelyn :)

A Prelude to Dead Man Walking

If you didn't know, a show called Dead Man Walking has taken over my life since January. I'm currently stage managing the production with three ASMs, over 26 cast members, our wonderful production team, and more! 

We've sponsored a visit from Sister Helen herself. You'll hear more about this later. I'm actually doing a presentation on her for my Deviant Women class. I can't wait to see how it comes out!

Sister Helen and I! I was SUPER STOKED!

There was a faculty panel on the death penalty - featuring professors from the Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, Global Studies, and Peace and Justice departments. While I was in class, luckily Saint Mike's recorded it and put it on Tegrity, one of the many awesome things that professors can use to record discussions, classes, and more. I'll be watching it for my presentation. 


Tomorrow we start Tech Week - be prepared for some ranting-type blogs about how things are going, a reflection of my sanity. I've been in McCarthy for the most of the day, prepping for Tech, doing a paper tech with the designers, getting cameras checked out by the local camera shop (thank you Jon's Darkroom!)


If you're going to be in the area for Accepted Students Day (Class of 2017), come check it out! Here's a link to the event!

So far, so good. 
Until next time, 
Katelyn: Stage Manager, Catch-all, and Unsung Hero. 

Apply and You Shall Receive!

There is so much good news that I have to share with you readers!

Hopefully you've seen my previous blog post about getting a summer internship. Most recently I've had two phone interviews that didn't really pan out but gave me a better understanding of how to present myself in that situation. It was great to have a chance to talk to my potential bosses and get their input. 

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Chuck Tobin, the Producing Artistic Director of the Saint Michael's Playhouse. I applied for both production and administrative internships via the Playhouse and was anxious to hear about the results of my application. 

Well I have good news! I'VE BEEN OFFERED AN ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNSHIP! HOORAY! 

This will be my first US working-in-theatre experience and I'm excited! Although it means taking a pay cut with more hours, the knowledge and experience I will gain will benefit me in the long-run. 

So I guess this means I'll be living in Vermont again for the third summer in a row - CRAZY! 

I did wish that I would have the chance to go on vacation with my family since I miss hanging out with them ever since study abroad - with the time the internship is run I'll have time before and after to go home for a few weeks and enjoy it while I can. 

I'm so excited for this experience to begin! 




In other good news: I'm now an official Saint Michael's Tour Guide! Thanks to my best friend Alex - I got my butt into gear to apply! I've wanted to be a tour guide since sophomore year and finally one of my SMC dreams has come true! 

Definitely look out for me Class of 2017 at the Academic Preview Days April 13th and 20th! I'll be shadowing tours as well as being a member at the Theatre table! Come chat! 

Here's hoping that there's more auspicious events in the future!
Katelyn :)  

Are you MOVEd? My Spring Break in Kentucky

While I was abroad I applied to do an Extended Service Trip with MOVE, the Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts here at SMC. At my first year here at Saint Mike's I got accepted to go to Buffalo, NY with a great group of people and work in the Nativity Miguel schools. 

Some of the boys, my friend Allyson and I (we now live together!)

Our SMC group that finished 150 wings! BUFFALOVE '11

I was nervous about accepting the trip to Kentucky since I wasn't sure exactly where I would be handling the semester of stage-managing, two 300-level History classes and Stagecrafts. I was hoping for some down-time but after talking with people from home, I decided to go!

Coming back to SMC and meeting our group was great - we had a few meetings before we left where we discussed packing, our jobs, and getting to know each other. 

The night before we left we had a reflection with all the other service trips and then dinner at Carrie's house! SMC faculty and staff are so accepting - and Carrie made a delicious spaghetti dinner!

The next day we got up at 4 AM to meet in the MOVE office for our flight. Needless to say I got maybe four hours of sleep after double-checking I packed everything. 

Airport after airport, we arrived in Kentucky a day before registration for CAP (Christian Appalachian Project) where we napped and enjoyed dinner a Charley's - AMAZING ROLLS! 

Sunday, we met Antonio, the bus driver for the Tennessee Tech University baseball team. Turns out they were staying in our hotel and had a game that day against Eastern Kentucky University that was just down the street! We decided to go after Mass and make up 50-75% of their cheering section.

Before that we traveled to Mass at St. Mark's. There was a service group from their parish going to North Carolina for the week and they got a blessing.  This is relevant because we stood out like a sore thumb in our jeans and t-shirts. The priest saw us and invited us up after hearing that we were also going on a service trip. Our goal was to be subtle participants in the back...not so much. 

We then drove to the Laurel Lake Baptist Camp for registration and orientation. We met many different people from many colleges: University of South Florida, University of Notre Dame, College of Saint Mary, North Dakota State University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, College of Mount St. Joseph, and Eastern Illinois University. This gave me the opportunity to meet other college students that I never would have!

SMC Girl Power!

We also found out our crews: check out THE PURPLE CREW!

Top row: Tristan (Mount St. Joe's), Matt (NDSU), Jake (Long-term Volunteer), Jake (UNC-CH),
Kaytlyn (Notre Dame), T (Volunteer), Jess (Long-term Volunteer), Simone (UNC-CH), ERROL (leader)
Bottom Row: Amanda (SMC), Me!, Alex (College of St. Mary), Victoria (Eastern Illinois) 

We worked on a house that had burned down a few years ago: we mostly did demo of front and back porches, the remaining siding and insulation, and parts of the roof. We then did sheathing (aka putting parts of OSB on the framing of the house). 

The owner checking out the final touches for our week!

We had a great time bonding as a crew as well as getting to know the owner of our house. I was so privileged to meet and work with all these wonderful people. I was not expecting this trip to affect me as much as it has and I think about it everyday! 

I definitely recommend to anyone in the SMC community to apply for an Extended Service Trip - you get to meet and bond with AWESOME people and work to better others' lives. I feel truly blessed to be able to have had this opportunity!


Carrie also blogged about her experience in Kentucky; check it out here! 
Check out the Christian Appalachian Project's Workfest blog here- with a video including yours truly!
While there is always more news to come, I've got to be getting on with my spring cleaning!
Until next time, 
Katelyn :)