Writing Assignment #3 : The “Who am I” paper version 1.0

drmarcreynolds

7 years ago

What You’re Doing (and Why)

You’re building a two-page, bullets-only snapshot of yourself.
Why? Clear self-understanding → cleaner, faster choices onstage. Vague in, vague out.
You’ll write first, then group what you wrote.
Why? We want the way you define yourself—not pre-made categories.
You’ll name three moments that changed you, write one line about who you are right now, and notice how you shift in different situations—then anchor what never changes.
Why? This makes your choices playable and repeatable.
This is meant to be a living document. What you are doing for this assignment is just the start. We will add to it later in this course and hopefully you will continue to add to it over time as an artist.

What You Will Turn In

Two pages, bullets/short phrases only.
Part 1: “I am ___” sprint (20+ minutes, ≥ 30 lines).
Part 2: Your lines sorted into 5–10 plain categories that naturally fit what you wrote.
Part 3: Three pivotal moments (Before → Event → After + what changed).
Part 4: Right now & conditions (one-sentence summary + 3 helps + 3 blockers).
Part 5: Situational flex (3 context pairs with keep/adjust).
Part 6: Core constants (3–5 that never change, with proof + guardrail).
ME ONLY. Not a character. We’ll do a character version later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1 — “I am ___” Sprint (minimum 20 minutes)

Goal: write ≥ 30 lines that finish “I am ___.” One idea per line. No sentences. Don’t organize yet.

Pass A (6 min) — Driver’s License: surface facts a stranger could see/guess.
Examples: “I am 19.” “I am from Boise.” “I am a mezzo.” “I am 5′6″.”
Pass B (6 min) — Social Mirror: what people who know you would say.
Examples: “I am the planner.” “I am the hype friend.” “I am serious in rehearsal.”
Pass C (8 min) — Inner Truths: things you know or rarely say.
Examples: “I am scared of wasting time.” “I am better live than recorded.” “I am kind and learning to be bold.”

Rules: Keep the pen moving. Short phrases only. Don’t edit or sort. Hit ≥ 30 lines across all passes.

Part 2 — Group Your Lines (natural categories)

Goal: show how you actually define yourself.

Sort every line from Part 1 into 5–10 plain categories that truly match your lines.
Use simple labels like:
- Relationships (sister, friend, teammate, daughter…)
- Roles (student, section leader, barista)
- Things I Like (travel, sushi, genuine smiles, chocolate, sleeping in)
- Things I Don’t Like (crowds, being late, vague notes)
- Strengths / Skills (organized, good with harmonies)
- Habits / Quirks (night owl, snack-bringer)
- Fears / Worries (failing in public, wasting time)
- Values / What matters (loyalty, honesty, effort)
  (Use only what fits your lines. Add new ones if your lines suggest them.)
Put each line in one place—the best fit.
If a category has only one item, combine or rename so it earns its spot.
Deliverable: Category headers with your lines under each as bullets.

Part 3 — Three Pivotal Moments (Before → Event → After)

Goal: pick three real moments that clearly changed you—there’s a “before” you and an “after” you.

For each moment, write 5 bullets:

Title (e.g., “The Waitlist Call”)
Before: who I was / how I acted before
Event: what happened (1–2 lines)
After: who I was / how I acted after
What changed: one clear sentence about the shift in me

Part 4 — Right Now & Conditions

One-sentence summary: “Right now, I’m someone who ______.”
What helps me do my best (3 bullets): e.g., 8 hours sleep, clear notes, 10-minute warmup
What gets in my way (3 bullets): e.g., rushing, being late, vague direction

Part 5 — Situational Flex (how I change by context)

Goal: notice how your thoughts/voice/body/behavior shift and choose what stays stable.

Pick three pairs:

Alone vs. Group • New Room vs. Familiar Room • Rehearsal vs. Performance • Authority vs. Peer • High-Stress vs. Calm • Online vs. In-Person • Friends vs. Strangers

For each pair, fill:

Me in A (3 bullets) — thoughts, body/voice, behavior
Me in B (3 bullets) — thoughts, body/voice, behavior
Keep Stable (1) — one thing I want the same in both
Adjust (1) — one change I’ll practice on purpose

Part 6 — Core Constants (what never changes)

Goal: name the parts of you that stay true everywhere. Choose 3–5.

For each constant, write:

Name it (short phrase)
Proof (one real-life line that backs it up)
Guardrail (a boundary you won’t cross)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing about a character. This is you only.
Paragraphs. Use bullets/short phrases.
Skipping the pivotal moments—they show real change.

Pro Tips

Keep verbs strong (invite, claim, test, protect). These plug straight into your acting choices later.
If privacy helps honesty, keep your content private—just show proof you completed it.
Revisit this every few months; you’re allowed to evolve.

Turn-In Checklist

☐ Part 1: ≥ 30 lines, 20+ minutes
☐ Part 2: 5–10 plain categories with lines grouped
☐ Part 3: 3 pivotal moments
☐ Part 4: one-sentence summary + 3 helps + 3 blockers
☐ Part 5: 3 context pairs with keep/adjust
☐ Part 6: 3–5 core constants with proof + guardrail
☐ Two pages max; bullets/short phrases only
☐ ME ONLY (not a character)