I started participating in theater at the age of 8 years old. When I was younger, it was just a fun summer camp activity while my parents were at work. But, as I grew older, theatre became a much bigger and more important part of my life. Participating in theatre has taught me so many special lessons that have and will continue to help me be the absolute best person I can possibly be.
The following are just a few of these special lessons that have shaped my life for the better (also some pictures from shows that I was in.)
1. Rejection is inevitable.
This is a lesson that many of us theatre kids know very well. Rejection is inevitable, especially when you get out into the real world. You either fail at getting the role you want or don't even get a role at all. It's a terrible feeling, but it is one of the most important lessons I've learned from theatre. It has taught me to be tough, but also to work hard enough to not have to face that rejection.
2. Believe in yourself.
Before every audition, I would always tell myself that I was going to do great and that I wasn't going to crack during the high notes of my audition song. Believing in yourself is so crucial in both theatre and life. You have to have the confidence to show the directors how much you've improved. There is absolutely no reason to not believe in yourself and your talents. If you don't believe that you can make that presentation in front of your entire college class, is it really going to be that successful for you?
3. Family and friends are the best support system.
Our family and friends come to see every musical or play that we're in, and not just one performance, but every single show. I've learned that family and friends will do almost anything to see you happy. They will always be there for you during the good and bad. Remember to thank them for the little things that they do to put that smile on your face.
4. You don't always get what you want.
In theatre, it can be difficult to get the part that you want because you may not fit the role. You may also not be what the directors are looking for, and that is something you have to learn to deal with. The dream role you want may not even be the right role for you. This lesson is true in life because you may not get the promotion that you've been wanting because there is someone with more experience or who is younger and more fit for the title. It's another tough lesson to learn, but it has taught me to trust the process!
5. Trust the process.
As performers, we learn to trust the process and understand that even though we did not get the lead role last year, we may get it this year. It is important to realize there will be a good outcome from all those dancing and singing lessons, even if you may not get that outcome right now. In life, we are constantly looking for good outcomes such as awards, scholarships, Christmas bonuses or promotions. Sadly, and more often than not, you are not going to get these little gifts, but just know that you are doing great and your work will pay off eventually.
6. Live in the moment.
The absolute worst thing about being in a musical is that the process feels like it's going slowly. But then, in a blink of an eye, it's closing night, and you're crying with your friends because the seniors are graduating. Life really does go by so fast, and it is completely out of our control. Make sure to enjoy every single moment. Enjoy those butterflies right before the curtain opens on opening night, you may not have as many left as you think. Try not to think about what's next or what's coming in the future. I promise you, it is a much nicer and more enjoyable way to live.
7. Don't judge a book by its cover.
As theatre kids, we get the opportunity to be someone else for a good three months and live life in our character's shoes. This gives a chance to see life in someone else's perspective. It also teaches us to be more accepting of others. I have realized that I do not judge people as much when I am walking down the street, and I would never want anyone to judge me without knowing me.
8. Be proud of who you are.
Growing up as a theatre kid can be difficult, especially for some boys. Yes, we can sometimes be a strange group, and I'm sure people judged my friends and I for singing musical songs at the lunch table. But I loved every second of our singing at lunch, so who cares what they think? Always be proud of who you are, there is absolutely no reason not to.
9. Being vulnerable is OK.
From the beginning of your theatre lessons, you are taught to pull from your emotions and tell your character's story through your experiences. This can be very difficult and very emotional for the actor, but it makes the performance so much better. I've learned that it is OK to be vulnerable, show your emotions and speak your mind. Your boyfriend is never going to know that you're upset if you just say "I'm fine."
10. Always reach for the stars.
In theater, you almost always have to work your butt off to get the lead role. You have to do the singing lessons and the dancing lessons and the acting lessons and soon enough, $1,000 is completely wiped out from your bank account. At first, it seems like all of the classes are useless and a waste of precious cash, but they really do help. You have to do everything you can to be Elle in "Legally Blonde," such as watching the movie and the musical over 50 times (maybe even coloring your hair blonde). All in all, this lesson is so important in life, and it really does pay off in the long run. Always try your hardest and it will always go in your favor.
I can honestly say that being a theatre kid has been the best decision I could ever make for myself. I have met my best friends and developed a little theatre family that is always there when I need them. I could not ask for a better experience, and I am so grateful that I got the chance to perform as much as I did.
For you theatre kids still in high school, enjoy every moment, it goes too fast. And for those who are still pursuing theatre in college and after, know that I will be in the audience cheering you on and wishing you the best of success — on and off stage!
