We've struck gold!

Hello all,

Apologies first - there won't be any photographic evidence on this post, as I can't access my trusty mac (and associated photo technology) here at Hollins University. So I shall attempt to make the words as visual as possible! (and I have used pretty colours to keep you engaged).

Following on from our wonderful day at the Springs, we journied on through the Valley to the very beautiful Roanoke, a relatively big city in Western Virginia. The cast were dropped off at their most luxurious hotel yet - a 4 star Marriott with pool, spa, whirlpool and all the trimmings - so smiles all around. Heather and I continued on to meet our host, at Hollins University, just on the ourskirts of Roanoke. We drove in to a perfectly manicured campus, weeping willows and grand red brick buildings, clocktowers and quads - if Disney made Universities, this would be it! We were greeted by the exuberant and warm Ernie Zulia, Professor of the Theatre Faculty, who was so pleased to welcome us. We then toured the sizeable 550 seater purpose built theatre and campus, and got a flavour of the University. A women's only college, this is a hotbed of revolution and active energy - graduates have gone on to become Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners, and there is a tangible sense of the empowered woman. In fact, back in the 1800s, the students themselves raised the money and then built the theatre! I have been tempted to return to study, just so I can sit in a grand armchair in the sumptuous library, or on a rocking chair on the porches of the halls of residence. Enough to tempt anyone back into education!

The student body of 1000 gals is very active and friendly, and when we took to the stage of the canteen during last night's dinner session to plug the show, most of the students reported that they were already coming to see it! Our boys are in rather a lot of demand though, since it is a ladies only college - so we shall be keeping watch over them.

Heather and I were then checked into the 'Barbee House' (I know - where's Ken?!), a traditional and luxurious guest house on campus, where I believe William Golding has stayed! On our first night, there was another guest staying who had just done some 'educational stand up comedy' for the freshers - a stand up act on how to stay safe with alcohol. We enjoyed a wonderful impromptu performance on the stairwell, and enjoyed her biting political satire!

In twenty minutes I shall be meeting the company who have decided to enter the Hollins University 'Battle of the Bins'. An eco-initiative for students to paint their recycling bins. Best one wins dollars. Our team, led by Adam Isdale, is determined to both win, and decorate a bin with Full Tilt flavours, to forever leave our mark here!

This evening, I shall be leading a workshop with the Drama students, assisted by the cast. We shall work with the students on approaches to ensemble and reinvention work. Exciting. This morning I did an live radio interview for the local station in Sault St Marie in Canada, who seem very excited to see us. So we are certainly leaving our mark, creating waves and making folk smile!

The company is well, happy and getting more bronzen by the day. It is a raging 96 degrees farenheit today. Most have escaped to the pool or the mall to keep cool (not intended rhyme!).

The accent here is its most Southern yet, a real draaaaaaawl, so you must try and imagine my signing off with an authentic, goodbyeeee y'aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrlllllll!

Check out www.hollins.edu for pictures of where we are now.

Our show is tomorrow night, so think of us then!

Cheerio
Emma x