Student Blogger: Makena Magalong

This journey is a roller coaster ride that I’m meant to enjoy for its highs and lows, and more importantly, one I chose to be on.

The “integrity” part of “academic integrity” goes far beyond just schoolwork and begs the question of students what values they exercise in their personal lives and as it pertains to their independent work, as well as what they seek to gain from their academic pursuits

Just as authors experience writer’s block, actors experience….acting block? Blocking block? Whatever you want to call it, the experience of encountering a lack of motivation, increases in stress, and a dread for the thing you’re supposed to love is something I’m sure most theatre students can relate to.

In any case where your passion is integrated into your work, it can be easy to forget to take a break. I love theatre so much, so it can be difficult to remember that it’s still work, regardless of how much I love the outcome of it. In that, it’s hard to remember that rest is important, and that even though I’m choosing to study and pursue theatre of my own volition, it’s still valid when I need time away from it. 

As a theatre major with a passion for stationary and a love of organization, if there’s one thing I know, it’s planning. Life as an aspiring actor can be busy on the best days and absolutely insane on the worst, so it’s important to have a clear idea of where you are and what you need to do to get where you want to go on a daily basis. 

If you’re anything like me, audition season is both the most exhilarating and most stressful time of the year. Juggling in-person and virtual auditions, and trying to stay on top of the most recent casting call is overwhelming to say the least, but by preparing an audition book that you’re comfortable and confident in, the stress of material prep can be alleviated. Armed with my own book and a pack of sticky tabs, I’ve compiled some tips to help you build your book!

Hi, I'm Makena, a current college freshman pursuing a BFA in Acting for the Stage & Screen. I love theatre in all forms and can't wait to share all I'm learning from my theatre program and experiences.