Today, we’re launching another new blog on Edge. “Picture This” belongs to our photo and assistant video editor, Allison Kessler, a junior theatre and communication arts major.

I just finished my sophomore year here at Gannon, and wow, it went fast. Like last summer, I am staying in Erie because there is so much more to do here than in my home town of Lucinda, Pa.

I enjoy living here because there are more theatrical experiences waiting to be had. There is the Erie Playhouse, which produces 12 to 14 shows each year. There is also the Station Dinner Theatre, and although this is farther away from campus, it is not hard to find someone to carpool with. Gannon does not produce shows during the summer, but they are affiliated with Shakespeare Summer Nights, a group that puts on two Shakespeare shows each summer. With this group, I am participating in “Richard III” and “Return to the Forbidden Planet,” which is a musical based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”

Right now I am rehearsing three shows: “Gypsy” with the Erie Playhouse, as well as the Shakespeare Summer Nights shows. Later this summer, I will be a part of another show, “Cotton Patch Gospel.” Of these four shows, I am most excited for the last one. This hokey musical is being taken to Edinburgh, Scotland to perform at the International Collegiate Theatre Festival this August. You will definitely hear more about this show as the time to perform comes closer.

I still have a lot more free time than I did during the school year, which allows me time to run for exercise. I forgot how calming I find running. A great thing about living on campus is that there are six different parks within walking distance. It is refreshing to run alongside trees and flowers, making me feel almost at home again where I can run outdoors every day. Running down to the Bayfront or even taking a drive to Presque Isle to run is worth the view.  Now that the ice has finally melted, you can see the beautiful waves of Lake Erie as you run.

Though the city itself may be beautiful to run through, the weather is not always predictable. I have found that I am part of a rare breed, as I like running in the rain. If you don’t, the Carneval Athletic Pavilion is open all summer and is a great resource if you prefer to run indoors.

I am ready to make this summer one filled with adventure and experience. I hope all of you make the most of your summer. Have fun but not too much fun… well ok, go for it!

Have a great start to your summer.

Allison

Want to know more about theatre and communication arts? Check out our other posts about the program here.