A practical practice

“Life is a theatre set in which there are but few practicable entrances.” 
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Who am I as an artist, and why am I here?

This is a very valid question, but one that is surprisingly difficult to answer. 
Who am I as an artist? Why am I here? Perhaps it's easier to start with that last question. 
I am taking IB drama because I want to. 
Sure, I've always fantasized about becoming an actress and/or going to Broadway, but truth be told I know that that kind of life would never suit me. I need my space. So to be blunt, I took this course for fun, because I enjoy acting. 
But although many people may scoff at the arts, claiming they have no real 'use' (and trust me, I know plenty of people who do - drives me nuts too), I disagree. Everyday, people act. We are all actors, to varying degrees and with varying amounts of conscious recognition of what our actions are. Everyone has a facade that they present to society, mannerisms they adopt in public and certain ways they must behave to blend into society. If that's not acting, I don't know what is. 
So it's very useful to be able to slip into any character required, to present yourself in any way that the situation demands. One could even say it's a vital skill for survival in today's world. 
So who am I as an artist? A human being. Someone here for the ride, with a bit of skill, a smile, and hope for a change of rhythm from the purely book-academic studies; to have fun and learn a few things along the way. To become equipped to take on the world, and at least have the option of bring able to appear to fit in wherever I go.

Don't go so fast...

"Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels."

- Bertolt Brecht

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/bertolt_brecht.html#qGtBe0LmutDGzA15.99