I was not prepared for Seattle.

This summer, I studied theatre at Central Washington University. I will be back in Ellensburg, WA the next two summers as I finish a graduate degree in theatre production.

The university is located in the desert that marks the central and eastern parts of Washington. Of course, the popular imagination (at least us folks down South) considers Seattle a cold, rainy place. The home of Starbucks, right?

I spent only a day in Seattle: July 18. Went with some friends to the pier, ate fish and chips, walked around...it was wintry cold and rainy. Like Greenville in December. Needless to say, I was not prepared. I zipped my jacket to my chin and braved the weather the best I could. But it was hard. Cold. Hovering near the heat indoors.

As we learn about respect this year, you will hear me talk about the fact that students, teachers, actors, designers must always come prepared; ready to work, ready to engage, good to go.

How do you prepare for a drama class? Prepare your body, first: don't show up hungry, be dressed for action, have a pencil in your hand and socks under your shoes (oh Drama IV Honors...you will be "dressing out" three days a week). You must also prepare your mind: be ready to think, ask questions, consider and debate. Students who prepare their bodies and mind for class will excel. They will be ready for anything.

Which is good...because in this drama class, you should expect anything.