First Year

 First Year

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       July 13, 2024

 

Author  Kristina Ross

Distributor:      Allen and Unwin
ISBN:                 9781761470653
Publisher:         Allen and Unwin
Release Date:   June 2024  

   Website:   https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Kristina-Ross-First-Year-9781761470653

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 The direct and personal style of writing in First Year instantly transports the reader into the world of Maeve. She is a personable young lady whose passion is acting. She shares with us her experiences of the first year at Drama school in Melbourne. The school was notorious for being tough and demanding, while Maeve was just about to learn the pitfalls of friendships and first love.

For those who don’t have an intimate knowledge of what is taught at a Drama School, this is a fascinating introduction. We feel almost as overwhelmed as Maeve with classes for, Voice, Movement, and Neutral Mask to name a few. The physical demands on the student seem overwhelming, and running around a room for long periods of time was a common exercise.

Maeve was only seventeen when she first auditioned for a place in the Drama School. Her parents were disappointed with her choice of career but supported her in her quest. I think they believed that at such a young age she would be overlooked for more mature students.

She was accepted and was one of the youngest students to enter the school. She was fortunate in having such a caring family because they paid the rent on a nearby flat. All Maeve had to do was learn and study and she did that. She attended lectures and plays where she marvelled at the ease in which Shakespearian lines were delivered, and this inflamed her desire to perform.  

As she gradually built-up friendships with others in first year, she began a social life and although the young woman was sensible, she understood that her first love would not be a lasting one.

For anyone entertaining the idea of auditioning for Drama School this is a no nonsense, entertaining story of what may follow if you are accepted. For those who want an entertaining read this is good value.

Fiction