Open Campus Day in Conservatory is a success: “Acting via a webcam from in front of a mirror does not work.” (Antwerp)
“The past two years have been difficult,” said Stefaan De Ruyck, head of the Conservatory. “We have worked hard to provide a balanced offering. This was partly through distance learning, but the practical subjects were taught here. Dance, acting and music are interactive. It was also quite an adjustment for the students, first during the corona period with all the associated measures and then switching back to ‘normal’. I have a lot of admiration for the way they dealt with it.”
la lune blanche
On Saturday there were also students from the Conservatory on stage, although the missing dance department was largely absent. Stefan De Ruyck: “They perform in Brussels, as part of the Europalia culture festival. Of course you don’t pass up such an opportunity, although that is of course a shame for the visitors in Antwerp.”
Musically, there was a lot to experience, ranging from jazz to cabaret and electronics to, at the other end of the spectrum, classical music. For example, pianist Toon Mallants and singer have their own interpretation of ‘La lune blanche’, a poem by Verlaine.
“It had been a while since I was in front of an audience. Quite exciting, but above all a great experience,” says Meinse (20), a second-year student who lives in the center of Antwerp. “I was in sixth grade when the coronavirus hit. The practical courses were largely taught on campus. I thought that was great because it was not easy to do that safely, but at the same time in a nice way. Here men worked with small groups in large rooms and plastic screens where necessary. Elders clearly with a mouth mask on singing. That seems rather strange to me.’
Socially, Meinse was not yet able to really enjoy her student life. “I saw my classmates regularly, but going to a cafe was out of the question. Fortunately, that is now possible again,” she beams.
pearl fishermen
In the drama department we find Sainabuh Johm (24) from Antwerp. “I’d like to come to college, if I pass the entrance exam at least… I’ve been taking drama classes for a few years now – hopefully that helped,” she laughs.
About the post-corona era: “I’m happy that we can do more with less and above all to be† As an actor, being on stage is super important. I just had an info session here and now I’m going to watch the open lesson.”
It is run by teacher Sara De Roo (known for her roles in the theatre, ‘De Parelvissers’ and ‘Loft’) en provided by third-year students, including Dutchman Koen Van Slooten (26) and his Antwerp friend Helder (20).
During the show moment, six upcoming actors will perform as a couple from even three pieces. stand by it’loops’ and don’t drown out each other central. “This is our daily fare and we want to pass that on to new students today.”
The past two years were not easy for Koen and Helder. “It was difficult to work out how we were going to move forward and partly it was also a few missed years. Although we were also lucky: in the context of our lessons we could often be on stage together in the Conservatory. Wants to act through a webcam in front of the mirror, that doesn’t work.”
Better thanks to corona
Before you can study an entrance exam at the Conservatory, you have to learn an entrance exam. During the Open Campus Day, prospective students could already show their teachers what they are capable of.
One of them is César De Jonghe (18), from Sint-Pauwels in East Flanders. “I would like to come here to study jazz guitar and in half an hour I have to show what I can already do.” In that respect, corona was a good thing for him: “During the lockdown I had a lot
free time and because of that my guitar playing has become quite better.”
His comrade Tijl Decatte (18), from Brussels, is not entirely sure about his choice of study. “I’m still hesitating between jazz and pop and here to get more information. Walking around here a bit and listening to the opinions of the teachers has already helped me a lot.”
They are unanimous about the post-corona era: “You have to play music live. We are very happy that this is now possible again. The more often you are on stage, the richer your experiences become.”
Percussion
Ruth De Maeyer (17 from Kalmthout is here with her mother Anja Smets53).
Why does she opt for percussion? “I have been working on this since primary education, in evening school. It appealed to me because it is an instrument that is not often chosen, especially not by girls. It quickly became a passion.”
Kalmthout is a stone’s throw from Antwerp, but Ruth will probably go into a flat. Mama Anja: “Her sisters and brothers have already shown her. And if she’s going to study here, I think it’s a must because there are a lot of evening activities in the Conservatory, from rehearsals to concerts. Although our house is now gradually emptying…” (mibl)