Drama delivers

Three days a week, the walls of self-consciousness and comfort are broken down in an exploration of the art of theater. Three days a week, the walls of self-consciousness and comfort are broken down in an exploration of the art of theater. “I can be myself, happy and worry-free for a good one-and-a-half hours, ” said Hong Gu, one of the promising actors to spire out of Katherine Pellman’s theater class.

“This acting class lets the students get in touch with themselves and break down the barriers of self-criticism through establishing an environment with common admiration and respect, empowering them and building their self-esteem,” said Pellman, who has a background in theater, working on the stages of Broadway. The creative scene at South Seattle Community College is a small and somewhat hidden one. Only a few students, it seems, are even aware that the school has such a class.

Another one of the actors, Conor Hogan, who has a decade of theater experience, said each student is encouraged “to be free to feel, think, do, say, act, sing and dance. Collectively,” he added. “we create an environment absent of judgment, criticism, stereotypes and negativity. This class has a strong communion I’ve felt in no other class in my lifetime.” Ahmed Abdinzak said he hesitated at first, but is now confident that he made the right choice. “Through the acting class, I have improved my communication skills, public speaking skills, my ability to work with others and I have become more confident.

Acting incorporates so many of the important social skills of life,” he said. Pellman’s band of actors will present a performance at the end of the spring quarter. Carly Hutchinson, who is currently playing the arrogant lifeguard in the play, said the class sharpened her imagination and her focus. “It has helped me grow,” she said, “not only as an actress, but also in everything else. It has made me stronger.” Pellman said acting can return to the adult the ability to play and to go beyond the literal; to act upon creative impulses. “Acting also trains your communicative and interpretive skills, your spontaneity, focus and determination. All skills needed out there in the real world. All in all, it’s about making connections with yourself and the people around you.”

In the past, there was established an arts and leisure committee that worked continuously on promoting campus creativity. “This committee must be reestablished.” Pellman said. With a stage and the facilities to support an extension of the drama program, it seems more could be done to push the creative environment on school grounds.