March is a time to celebrate all the amazing things theater has to offer to our community.
I began participating in theater at 11, but theater has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My older sister did theater, and I was in awe of what she would do on stage. I loved singing, dancing, the funny jokes and the story actors told. I dreamed of becoming an actor, to be on stage with my sister. I distinctly remember the first show I ever did was “Peter Pan Jr.” at Clear Space for a summer camp. I was terrified to audition. I remember being off beat with the music, my voice cracked and overall I bombed. However, I was still cast and I had a blast. Learning the choreography and songs was challenging but exhilarating. It was the beginning of an addiction, obsession and love.
The summer before my freshman year, I was cast as Cogsworth at Milton Theatre. I thought being on stage was life-changing; that show altered me in a way that I can barely describe. I actually had lines, had a solo, became a loved character and got to play a named role. The friends I made in the cast have a place in my heart right next to that show. It was a new perspective of theater. I began to do theater more. I couldn’t get enough of it. I continued to get ensemble roles, but I also got supporting roles. I even landed a few lead roles. It isn’t about the cast list, but the friends I’ve made. Friends I talk to every day, who have seen me laugh and cry. Friends where our souls have touched.
Theater is where I’ve learned important skills – speaking with confidence, being a leader, having responsibilities, working hard and more. Theater made me the person I am today. Without theater, I would have been too shy to make friends. I would be a loner in the shadows. Without theater, I would have no creativity, wouldn’t act, write, sew, paint, crochet. I would be bland and boring. Theater is important. I believe everyone should have the opportunity and ability to be involved in theater, whether on stage, in a tech booth, behind the stage or in dressing rooms. Theater changed my life and it might change others’ lives. That’s why Theatre in Our Schools Month is so important, because it might alter the entire course of someone’s life.
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