How I spent my summer vacation studying abroad: A Q & A with Fountain School of Performing Arts acting student Daisy Rayne
Daisy in the Czech Republic, June 2024
Daisy participated in an advanced study abroad seminar which students in theatre, history and music a firsthand view of baroque culture in 膶esk媒 Krumlov, a town largely intact from the seventeenth century. The State Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses a fully functional Baroque theatre and costume collection.聽聽
Q: What led you to your major:
A: I've always been interested in the arts, but it wasn't until my high school drama classes that I considered pursuing acting as a career. I learned about the audition process through Drama Fest in grade 11, auditioned in grade 12, and secured my spot in the program when I started university in 2020!聽
Q: What led you to the Cesky Krumlov study abroad opportunity?
A: I needed two more course credits to graduate, and was planning on taking courses in the summer. But Jure Gantar recommended this trip, and it was just what I needed! I'm so glad I took the opportunity; it was an experience I'll never forget.
Q: Describe a typical study abroad day?
A: In 膶esk媒 Krumlov, you'll聽wake up to the sound of church bells outside your window. The day starts with a breakfast buffet at a local cafe, and then you'll head back to the castle (the same castle you stay in during the trip!) for a lecture on Baroque Culture. After class, there are plenty of stores and museums to visit, or you could just walk around and take in the beautiful town! One of my favourite spots to eat was the kebab place around the corner.聽
Q: What is a memory from your time there that brings you joy?
A: Getting ready for the Five Petalled Rose Festival with everyone as we tried on our historical dresses for the first time. We even decided to have a lecture in our costumes despite how hot it was that day!聽
Q: Tell me about a big accomplishment during your time there.
A: Personally, I have never travelled outside of Canada before. Going on this trip showed me that it's not as scary as I thought!
Q: What do you think is a strength of the Fountain School study abroad program?
A: We had many curated tours of the town and castle, including tours unavailable to other tourists. I was honoured to see so much of the town's history, and learning about it in class at the same time made it even more special.
Q: Favourite class or faculty and why?
A: Both Jure Gantar and Austin Glatthorn were amazing instructors. They were interested in their research and wanted to see us succeed. But I'd like to give a shoutout to Ladislav, the castle administrator/coordinator who allowed us to see so many things in the town.聽
Q: Most rewarding part of your time away?
A: I made so many new friends and met so many new people.聽
Q: Three adjectives for your Cesky Krumlov experience?
A: Beautiful, historic, inspiring
Q: Looking ahead, what's your dream job?
A: Actor, director, creator.聽 I don't have one dream job, but as long as I'm doing something artistic, I'll be happy.
Q: What's next for you?聽
A: I graduate in the fall, and I'll be starting my acting career! The first thing I'll be focusing on is a play I wrote called "Golden," which will be present at the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival.
Q: Any advice for those considering going?
A: Do it! It can be expensive, but I encourage you to talk with Jure (or anyone moderating the trip) to look at opportunities to apply for funding. I'm a person who can get stressed about money, but it was well worth it. Trust me, you won't regret it!
