Student Blogger: Madi Spear

Some days feel like you have a foot in two different worlds. My journey at school has been unique since one day I rehearse my belt in Right Hand Man and then rigorously practice for Mozart’s Queen of the Night aria. Yet, I have found my work in both disciplines is incredibly fulfilling as I gain experience and perspective.

have learned how to be rejected with grace and dignity. I proved to myself that hearing the word no is not the end of the world. It starts with some small experiments on getting rejected. What can we as artists do to face our rejection head on? 

It’s not often as a performer we can send our doppelgänger into our performances either. People will know! It goes the same for your papers. 

There are some parts of 2023 I want to take with me and some I want to leave as I step into the new year. I decided to compile some of my MT Ins and Outs for 2024.

I wouldn’t take back any of my extracurriculars; I had to learn how to stay on track. By expanding life skills l gave myself the tools to combat burnout.

My plans changed when my mom told me the story of my first trip to New York. I was thirteen and fresh off the plane in New York then said to my mom, “I’m home”. I’m pretty sure thirteen year old me was onto something. 

I have managed to get my time management skills down to a formula. Sometimes my schedule runs to the hour, minute, or second depending on the day. I have a running to-do list in my notes app too. In times of really high stress, it helps me to check my to-do lists to recenter. I’m reminded of my priorities. Following along how I manage to keep everything organized. 

Seeing every aspect of a creative process made me a more empathic actor. I understand the words of a playwright and the intention of a director because I have been in their shoes. I also had special interest in musicology, so I pick up on trends within a musical landscape. In my experience, being a performer and “insert title here” has helped me remain well rounded. 

Our hearts beat as a unit for a few months. It was so special to start my semester with my cast; they’re a special group who help me remember why I love performing. It leads me back to feeling so hopeful this semester. I have so much to be grateful for.