Post by asburycreek on Jun 24, 2010 15:27:15 GMT -5
~History~
Founded in 1825 by James and Abigail Asbury, the Conservatory originally served as home and school to musicians from wealthy families all over the United States. Though its classic prestige has stood fast over 185 years of talent and determination, the descendents of James and Abigail have worked hard to amend the main focus of the Conservatory, ensuring that other performing, visual and literary arts could be studied by both young men and women in an encouraging, stimulating environment.
~The School~
The former home of the Asburys, the 23-room main building of the Conservatory has a welcoming, yet formal feel to it. The main floor is home to the administrative offices of the Headmistress and guidance counselor, along with a reception area in the lobby. On the second floor, the academic classrooms can be found, with English, history and languages in the East Wing and math and science in the West Wing. The classrooms (except for the science labs) are set up in a circular fashion in order to promote student interaction and are equipped with state-of-the-art presentation equipment such as projectors and Mimios. Also, a large, round table is used in each room instead of desks along with comfortable office-style chairs (comfort makes you concentrate more, I think). However, there is plenty of space around each table to allow for a safe and speedy exit in the case of emergencies.
~Campus~
In order to provide space for all of the arts offered at Asbury Creek, there are several outbuildings on campus.
- The Gates Theatre is located to the east of the mansion and is home to the Drama department. Its ornate stage is situated at the front of a dome-ceilinged hall with a rich, burgundy curtain cascading across its mouth that is tied back with thick, golden cords during performances.
- To the west of the Conservatory is the Physical Education Building which houses the gymnasium, tennis court and Martin Natatorium. (Feel free to let me know if your character needs any other facility and I’ll create the sub-board. I just wanted to do the basics for now.)
- The Bachmann Performing Arts Center is located to the left of the Theatre. Dance and music students can be found here rehearsing, performing and just hanging out. The main floor is home to the Wilson Recital Hall and Poole Dance Studio. Upstairs, you can find two rehearsal halls and three smaller dance studios used mainly for practice by students. Finally, located on the third floor are practice rooms, each equipped with a piano and full-length mirror. Students have access to the practice rooms 24/7, under the observation of security cameras, of course.
- To the right of the Theatre is the Rembrandt Visual Arts Building, which houses the Film, Photography, Art and Fashion departments. In this building, there are editing rooms, dark rooms, private studios and instruction classrooms, all equipped with lots of natural light (except the dark rooms, of course) and comfortable seating in order to provide for optimum inspiration.
- The Jenkins Library can be found to the right of the Phys Ed Building. It’s collection of books is huge and is organized by the Dewey Decimal System. Most of the books in the library are modern (published in the 20th and 21st centuries), but older books can be found in the basement in motorized shelves (this is a REAL thing. No joke.) in order to conserve space. Computers can be found in the center of the library on the main floor. Students volunteer to serve as clerks for the library and can pick up on some juicy gossip by observing.
- To the left of the Phys Ed building is Morgan Hall, aka The Student Union. This is where the cafeteria is located and where your characters can go to relax.
- Behind the Conservatory (to the north), are the Gardens. Absolutely beautiful and fragrant in the spring and summer, the Gardens are a place of serenity and inspiration. On occasion, recitals are held there and often times, art students will have class outsides in order to connect with Mother Nature’s artistic side.
~Students~
The students at Asbury Creek are the best at what they do. Not only are these students determined to hone their craft, they also have a love for their art that runs so deep, its not so much an emotion as a sense—a part of each student.
~Administration~
The administration is extremely encouraging toward the young adults at the Conservatory. There is pretty much no dress code (in order to preserve self-expression) and a high level of trust between authority figures and students. While teachers serve their traditional role, they are also more like friends and colleagues of the students, offering advice and a kind ear to anyone that needs it.
~General Info~
The goal at our site is to create a fun, stimulating environment where you can create your characters and play them while improving your writing skils.
At this time, we are a small site, so please bear with us as we get on our feet.
OUR LINK