Author: Minh Ha (Millie) Le

Delightfully chaotic,
Such a ‘Bler: My First Fourth of July

Such a ‘Bler: My First Fourth of July

By |

*Credits to my roommate, Amanda Henderson, for this spectacular photo of the fireworks. She’ll also start posting on the Undergraduate Admissions Blog as well, so stay tuned!!!!! 

THIS SUMMER WAS MY VERY FIRST ONE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and I felt that it was finally appropriate to finally play Fireworks by Katy Perry on repeat. It was a very very very hot day. My morning was spent brunching at Anne Sather’s with some friends from school. Anne Sather’s is a little café near Loyola that has the best cinnamon rolls. Please, just go try them.  

I swear it was unplanned, but we all showed up in some variation of red, white and blue. We also had matching auras of heat the entire time, despite being in an AC proofed café, because it was THAT hot of a day. But it was nice to be out for a bit and under all the festive decorations! I soon retreated back to my apartment though. My roommates were grilling up some sausages for a dinner of hotdogs. I eventually learnt that it was a usual activity on the Fourth of July. I also heard that there was a parade going on downtown!!! 

As the afternoon cooled down, my roommates and I decided to trek to the beach near Loyola. It’s days like these that I feel super lucky to live and go to a university near the water.  

We played frisbee and enjoyed the breezy air for a bit before the big fireworks began. Honestly, it felt like a whole day of fireworks because families would hold little fireworks display of their own! Sparklers and smiles were also found all over. The beach is located between Evanston and downtown, so we were able to catch both the Evanston and Navy Pier fireworks displays. The night before, I had already gone to see fireworks at Navy Pier with my friend, but it was really nice to just have a lie on the sand and admire a freckled sky. 

And it was one of those days where I felt extra lucky, to be here in the United States of America as an international student. 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: 2019 CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE

Such a ‘Bler: 2019 CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE

By |

June was Pride month!

My roommates and our friends took to the streets of Boystown to celebrate! The space was flooded with colours, noise and well, pride. There was everything from a rainbow uniformed marching band to giant dancing (and kissing!!!) unicorn balloons. It was quite extraordinairy.  

Being from a country that doesn’t openly accept nor reject the LGBTQ+ Community, attending my very first Pride Parade was quite a big deal. Dressing up was super fun but it was mainly a meaningful experience because I was finally able to come support my friends as an ally!! I think it is important to do as much as we can to make others feel accepted, equal and at home in their own souls. But in order to do so, we must first be aware of some history and some dos and don’ts. 

Here’s a really great article that I think all allies should read: https://matadornetwork.com/life/dear-straight-allies-please-dont-come-pride-youve-understood-6-things/?fbclid=IwAR0Bo5PXT2NUELKB2xjJM_X3gnrrfF3IZnet5frVCqk1llYPZWcZHKv-yXE 

The first of the 6 points states that THE FIRST PRIDE PARADE WAS A POLICE RIOT, so that just prefaces how important this piece is for those looking to attend a Pride Parade or are seeking other ways to support the LGBTQ+ community. And if you have further questions, don’t be afraid to respectfully ask. 

The Chicago Pride parade is an annual event so don’t worry if you were unable to make it this time round! The event usually begins at noon and goes on for about 2 hours. People attend in colourful attire and even bring chairs and food to station themselves on sidewalks for the festivities. Those walking the parade also often give away accessories such as bead necklaces, merchandise that helps raise awareness and spread visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and ally organizations, and (if you’re lucky) candy! 

Here’s the link to next year’s Pride Parade: https://www.facebook.com/events/639343113200306/ 

Save the date and keep loving. 

*Oh, and the cute blonde in the first photo is my roommate Amanda. She has also started posting on the Undergraduate Admissions Blog as well, so give her scribbles a read!

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: The WNDR Museum

Such a ‘Bler: The WNDR Museum

By |

Here is my latest discovery: THE WNDR MUSEUM. And it is exactly what it sounds like.  

Wander and wonder.  

These are photos from both the first and second chapter of the museum (yes I’ve been to both because I’m that obsessed and up to date with this space. The first picture features an optical illusion room, but to know how we did it, you have to come by and find out yourself hehe (this room is also still in the second chapter so don’t worry) and the second picture features a mirror dance room that has a light up sensor floor. AND YES BOTH OF THESE ARE IN THE SAME BUILDING.  

The WNDR Museum combines the coolest aspects of science and art to produce innovative attractions like these with each chapter! Some other features include an indoor slide, sequin walls, free candy, a balloon room, on site poets, a sound cloud (LITERALLY) and its most famous exhibit, the infinity room. If I am correct, each new chapter centers around a different theme and lasts for around half a year! It is the perfect place to bring together your favourite Museum of Science and Industry and Museum of Contemporary Art fan pals! 

And it is honestly an Instagram aesthetics’ dream. 

As mentioned, there’s are on site poets (probably my favourite part of the museum) who ask you for a word (or several/a topic) and craft a unique piece just for you whilst you browse the exhibitions. At the end of your tour, you can find your poem at the gift shop (for free) and take it home as a memory of this little adventure.  

My first time there was on the last day of the first chapter and coincidentally also the artist Yayoi Kusama’s birthday! WNDR hosted a little birthday party scavenger hunt with colourful spots stuck all around the museum as a nod to Kusama’s famous obsession with pokadots. Some dots had facts and a special dot had her picture. The hunt asked you to find and take pictures of all the facts for a prize, and if you find her picture, you get a special cup of dipping dots (gotta love this spotty party theme!) 

I honestly cannot wait to see what WNDR comes up with next! I hope you join the fan club: https://www.wndrmuseum.com/ 

See the illusion, become the illusion. 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: VOLTA CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Such a ‘Bler: VOLTA CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

By |

One perk about being a summer intern at a performing arts company: performance comp tickets! And so I had brunch and saw the circus one Sunday. And I remembered.  
 
I am quite upfront with you all and do talk a lot about my brain. However, I don’t actually talk about how the introverted side of my brain peakabooed during my first two years of university (probably mainly because it scares me, but it did happen.) But it’s okay. Although (luckily) not everyone experiences it, it’s normal. And that’s why I am here to tell you about my experience and where I’m at as a rising junior. 
 
A fellow artistic intern and I went to see Volta – Cirque Du Soleil. I thought something was wrong with me or i was doing something wrong but the more I practice opening myself up again, the more I realize how much my environment affected my interests for interaction. But in those moments, I was surrounded by a kaleidoscope of spins and wonder. I witnessed passion and curiosity as those before me explored the infinite creativity found in the space around them, and the bravery of experimentation and taking a chance. Leap after leap, I felt my heart drum the walls of my fears down. 

Towards the show’s finale, I found myself watching the crowd more than the performers and I felt this warm buzz I adore. I remembered that: 
– I love it when a group of people come together for a specific purpose  
– I love it when people are excited, celebratory and supportive 
– I love people 

Being away from home, and in a new environment has both its ups and downs. I definitely found more ups but I will never deny that I was not always able to see all of the good parts of what university has to offer. And sometimes all it takes for you to remember is to go out and explore something new. That day I saw the circus live for the first time, and I realized that there was no use in just sitting with my sadness for too long. I need to take time for myself, but I also need to keep in mind that I am here to experience. And experience I will. 

Chicago is one of the best cities for your undergrad years. It has both the hustle of downtown streets and the quiet of a college town. And you never know where you’ll find what you’re looking for, or where you misplaced your inspiration. Sometimes it’s under a striped tent! 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: I’m a rising junior, what am I doing??!!

Such a ‘Bler: I’m a rising junior, what am I doing??!!

By |

I am pursuing a Communication Studies Major and a Theatre minor, and I will be a junior ‘bler this fall! Class registrations occur at the end of every semester, and it is Summer right now, so I’ve been a little on edge for a while.  

I did not come in with IB nor AP credits, having taken Cambridge A Levels in high school. As a result, I have a very set four-year plan at Loyola because of the amount of core education courses I have to complete. In addition to that, my major, Communication Studies is a special little pickle. It is the very reason I so specifically wanted to apply for Loyola, but at the same time, one that leaves me having to continuously navigate my educational and career path. But hey that means I’m always growing right? Why is this so you ask? Well, I turned away a lot of universities that asked me to choose between Film and Digital Media, Advocacy, AD/PR, Journalism etc,  because I wanted to do it all. Well Communication Studies opens a lot of doors for students, such as myself, who have a wide range of interests because it allows the students to explore between the areas. Nevertheless, with such a ‘self-designed’ nature, there are also of course cut off points in order to ensure that there IS in fact enough time to explore all the areas. 

What I had trouble with heading into junior year was realizing I wanted to focus mostly on two areas: Film and Digital Media and AD/PR. I found myself pilling on more film courses, such as screenwriting and screen directing, assuming I’d be able to take them all because of my major’s flexibility. However, after not being able to register for the courses LOCUS because they are either reserved for Film and Digital Media majors, or finding class seats all filled up, I suddenly felt unsure of my decision about this major. I realized I needed a refresher of what my major entails, and so I made an advising appointment! 

Being able to sit down with my advisor at the School of Communication (SOC) and not having to layout my hopes and dreams and really get into the nitty gritty corners of the SOC’s course catalogue alone, I felt more confident with my major decision. My advisor not only explained the extent of my major’s flexibility but also assisted me in navigating around it in order to fit my big interests for film and marketing. She also worked with me to find a suitable plan that allows to still study aboard in Rome as I planned since freshman year. We made sure I had all my required courses in check, and then recoordinated my practical courses as well as my SOC electives. My four-year plan is in super duper sweet shape. 

I find it quite funny that I was so stuck on figuring this out, when there was an individual out there just seeking to help me! And I also plan on coming back with more questions as I continue to navigate my last two years at Loyola, knowing that I will be in good hands if I ever needed. 

More LUC SOC Advising: https://www.luc.edu/soc/undergrad/advisingfaqs/ 

Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions, even when you are SO sure and because you’re a rising junior and you think you’re supposed to know what you’re doing. Good luck! 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: Internship Orientation

Such a ‘Bler: Internship Orientation

By |

Say hello to the official Summer 2019 Artistic Administration/Dramaturgy Summer Intern of Lookingglass Theatre Company (I am screaming this!)  

First order of business: Orientation.   

It was strange because I initially thought I would be working at the theatre. Well, I still am, but little did I know, Google Maps would take me to the John Hancock on my first day. The Lookingglass Theatre can be found in the Chicago Water Tower, often mistaken for the shopping center Water Tower Place. And the Lookingglass administrative offices are in the John Hancock, located only a few steps away from the Lookingglass Theatre.  

Lookingglass Theatre is a Tony Award winning, non-profit theatre company founded in 1988 by Northwestern graduates. One of them is actually a very familiar face – David Schwimmer, or some of you may know him as Ross from the TV series Friends. Lookingglass operates along three core values: collaboration, transformation and invention. And I feel very lucky to get the chance to learn all about them. 

More of Lookingglass: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/ 

All the way on the 13th floor of the John Hancock, I found the home of my theatrical adventures for the next three months. I was given an official desk, which had already been decorated with fairy lights (wow!) On the first day, I was given a tour of the office space as well as the costume shop and the said theatre a few streets away. I met the heads of each department and got to discuss a working schedule that would best suit my summer working experience. The coordinator of my department unfortunately recently left for grad school so there were some bugs to work around but I was ready to begin. 

More snapshots to come. Happy (working) summer, ‘blers! 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: Moving Out

Such a ‘Bler: Moving Out

By |

Yes, I have officially moved out of the campus dorms. Why you ask? I simply wanted to. 

The dorms were more than I could have asked for, both freshman and sophomore year. But I think it is time that I venture out on my own. I want to separate my time on and off campus more, really allowing myself to be completely away from school when I need to be, as well as motivate myself to see different parts of the city instead of gravitating to those closest to my dorm. Apartment hunting itself was certainly already a journey. It seems that staying close to the Redline is the best bet. Despite the above, I still wanted a space near enough to our main campus but not too far from the downtown campus because of my Communication Studies major. 

My new roommates were big help. We all actually met at Mertz Hall freshman year. I lived with one and stayed close with the other during sophomore year. Signing our lease for junior fall and spring, I felt even more grateful for the two years I did spend in the dorms because it made housing plans when I landed on the decision to move out for junior and senior year less daunting. 

Am I nervous? Somewhat. Mainly because I’ve heard a lot from upperclassmen about how the commute time can be tough. I’ll also miss the convenience of the dining halls now that I’ll have to make my own breakfast, pack lunch and plan dinner. These are definitely two clear advantages of living on campus, especially for an individual who is often late like myself. Perhaps this decision is a new way for me to explore time management. Besides, from what I’ve seen, Loyola really knows how to organize great commuter celebratory events! 

I hope this short insight helps any inquiries you have about moving out. Get ready for a lot of new commuter content! Here comes Junior year, and here’s to a new chapter. 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: My Internship Hunt (Sophomore Year)

Such a ‘Bler: My Internship Hunt (Sophomore Year)

By |

This is a story about a girl who thought she wouldn’t make it. 

I knew I wanted an internship this Summer, and I had been preparing since the last. My website, my resume and my research were all set. I then tackled cover letters, letters of recommendations, writing samples and interview simulations as deadlines approached. I was ready, and I was, but not for rejection. 

I will say that part of my calm was thanks to a recommendation from a theatre professor. Having worked there, she really did put in a good word for me. However, I also had a chip of naivety on my shoulder. Up until this, I had never applied for anything non-academic. I had always either founded the organization and was recruiting or got invited for the position. I was yet prepared for the unpredictable reasons behind a “no.”  

I submitted two applications and both of their interviews, though in person, were at B+ level. I waited and not long after received one blunt wave and an invitation to reapply. Perhaps this postponed welcome hurt most because both they and my professor saw a great fit. And though I was in the top two, it was just not my time. I guess that’s something they don’t always tell you about the application process. No matter how great of a fit, there’s a time for everything. Summer internships are highly competitive. That single spot, belonged to someone else this season, a senior, and maybe at a later date, to me.  

Regardless, I was still happy that I submitted to two of the biggest theatres in Chicago despite it only being my second year in the theatre world. It was a long shot, but I made it pretty far. So was I going to stop there? No. I continued to apply! Chicago is a big theatre city, and my professor encouraged that there are still plenty of companies out there, big and small, that would want me. I continued to research and ask for more input from upperclassman ‘blers. I switched recommendation letters and resume components to adhered more to the specific internship. 

My next interview was over the phone. I improved from all my past fidgeting. I used the two rejections as learning experiences and gave this application my all. And now here I am – the new Artistic Administration/Dramaturgy Intern at Lookingglass Theatre Company. But more on that later. 

Good luck. 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: I’m a Dramaturg!

Such a ‘Bler: I’m a Dramaturg!

By |

Each semester, there is an application sent out within the theatre department for production positions. This includes assistant stage managers, dramaturgs, assistant costume designers etc. The positions range from staff directed shows in the Newhart Family Theatre to student led Second Stage Laboratory Show in the Underground Theatre. I had been eyeing this procedure for a while but never had the courage to submit one myself. After being accepted to be a part of We Are the Hopeful, the 2-week Second Stage Design-Led Exploration about mental Health, I eventaully did. Then I grew speechless once again upon receiving the decision letter. I am the Dramaturg for Fun Home the musical in the Newhart Family Theatre this Spring 2020. And it feels so exciting to announce so. 

It means a lot that I was chosen for this position because I never regarded myself too special within the department. I am only a theatre minor afterall. To that, I have been told countless times by both professors and theatre majors that this isn’t a factor taken into consideration. It’s really about how much passion and commitment you pour into your work. And from what they’ve noticed, I really deserve it.  

I will be working very closely to the professors during this time, and will have one credit hour fulfilled. The director for Fun Home will be Mark Lacoco, the head of the theatre department at Loyola. He and my previous Dramaturgical Structure and Theatrical Process professor, Kelly Howe will be my two mentors for this adventure. I’m extra happy because Kelly was actually one of my biggest inspirations towards applying for this position. Her DSTP course got me completely hooked on dramaturgy. I also find this position a good way for myself a playwright to learn how to create a clearer and more unique world within a play. 

So far my tasks include closely reading both the musical’s script and its original root – the graphic novel written by Alison Bechdel. I will be assisting other departments in collecting clues to create an accurate, yet innovative world portrayed in these texts. I will be sitting in many meetings with the director, assistant director and designers of the show to come. 

It is Summer now and our next meeting is at the end of July, but I am exciting to take you along this journey with me. Big things are coming. Happy reading! 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: 

Such a ‘Bler: WE ARE THE HOPEFUL

Such a ‘Bler: WE ARE THE HOPEFUL

By |

As mentioned in my previous post, We Are the Hopeful is a 2-week Second Stage Design-Led Exploration about mental health. Second Stage Shows are student proposed projects that run for either 2 weeks, 5 weeks or 12 weeks and are performed in the basement of Mundelein – a rather smaller but cozier space compared to the Newhart. This does have its benefits and has proven to allow a large extent of creativity and experimentation for the students as it is a black box theatre space. 

We Are the Hopeful was created by sophomore Molly Cornell, a fellow Sophomore majoring in Theatre and minoring in WSGS and Studio Art. And I feel so so blessed to have been given the opportunity to work alongside her on this incredible project!  

HERE IS SOME MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW: http://artsevents.luc.edu/event/9f3b5c0cfccaf3db5839902bacce5faa 

Within two weeks, nine designs scripted, directed and designed seven performances each touching on a different area of mental health. Lab and rehearsal times took place both after class hours and on the weekends. My partner was sophomore Gianni Carcagno – a very very talented designer – and our piece “playing pretend” focused on Derealization Disorder. Derealization Disorder is the repeated perception or experience that the world around you is not real. It is the feeling of being ‘not there.’ The piece consisted of three experiential spoken word poems written by me and was recited by freshman Faith Hood amongst atmospheric and stimulating sound and lighting design. We crafted a piece of abstraction, in hopes to introduce a less talked about reality.  

Other topics, including anxiety and eating disorders, were explored through movement, personal writings, and even audience participation to create the feeling of claustrophobia. It means a lot that we got this opportunity to not only raise awareness about a topic so often stigmatized but also explore our relationship with it as humans and artists ourselves. 

We had the chance to tinker with a lighting and sound board and their respective design programs. We were visited by our design professors as well as other professionals in the lighting and sound design fields. We got to audition and work with enthusiastic theatre majors and non-theatre major performers. But most of all we all stepped out of our comfort zones. Many of us were freshmen or production newbies who had never come close to cue sheets let alone a tech board. I personally am a playwrighting and directing focused theatre maker. Design wise, I was more experienced in costume and sound design coming into the project. Although I was lucky to work with an experienced tech master like Gianni, we coordinated so that we were both exploring new areas. I took on the challenge of lighting design – a venture I had also found less comfort in during the Design II class I was taking during this same semester. 

This was probably one of the most challenging experiences for me as a writer AND DESIGNER (!!!!) I spent many days simply sitting by the lighting board, turning on and off every single light and relearning techniques. I felt quite overwhelmed at times but with these talents, their patience, silliness and encouragement, it felt also rewardingly comforting. I never saw fear in asking for help. And I felt less absent. 

Dissociation isn’t a new friend of mine, and I am grateful for this exploration because art is what keeps me present when I feel like I am not. I’m still learning about derealization disorder – I hope you are too. 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS! 

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: