There’s a 95 percent chance that if you’re reading this, you’re a hopelessly devoted theatre kid. There are many symptoms that come with this diagnosis, including, but not limited to, spontaneous singing, heightened self-confidence, a better physique from countless reps of choreography, and an improved vocal range. Whether you’ve been involved in theatre from the womb (fetuses can feel rhythmic vibrations, and I’ll be damned if I didn’t have perfect rhythm from the beginning!) or just started it as a hobby in high school, chances are you’ve stuck with it for a reason. After all, we’re all in this together, folks, and here are 10 reasons why:
1. The get that feeling you get on stage.
We've all been there. You're the only one on stage, and you just connect with the piece you're performing. No, you don't just connect. Your whole soul connects on infinite levels with the lyrics, the beat, the persona of the character you're portraying. In fact, they should rename this song with your name, because your life is now this song/ monologue. And in that moment, even if only temporary, your life is complete.
2. You’re the odd man out at auditions.
One of the best pieces of advice I've received at auditions is to try something new, something risky, with the character/ piece-- something that isn't what everyone else is doing. The director has more of a prerogative to notice you because you're doing something new and interesting with the character. The second best feeling in the world? When this new, risky move works out in your favor. And suddenly, you've expanded your character. Boom!
3. Your resume could easily expand into two pages.
When you've been performing for more than 10 years, you easily have more than a page of roles and experiences to credit yourself.
4. While some kids’ role models consisted of athletes and family members, yours consisted of Bernadette Peters and Barbara Streisand.
When you grow up watching "Hello, Dolly!" and "Gypsy," who else could possibly be your role models?
5. Glee was either your life on television or your most hated enemy.
"Glee" either made your life or made you wanted to stab your eyes out with a rusty spoon. Harsh? Maybe.
Absolutely true? Duh.
6. 'I have rehearsal' is an appropriate excuse.
Many a theatre kid has received lucrative offers to skip rehearsal, to attend a party or go to a movie release... Or even get caught up on sleep (What's that?). However, having rehearsal is a legitimate excuse, and it's one that your friends will get used to. Social life = rehearsal.
7. You’re always on time.
Call time is the new bae. Review this mantra if you're ever questioning what time you need to be at rehearsal/ call: If you're early you're on time, if you're on time you're late, and if you're late, you're unacceptable.
8. Memorizing lyrics, choreography, and all that jazz is a piece of cake.
Studies that show kids involved in music, theatre, and performing arts are performing better in school than kids not involved in the arts have to raise a glass to the amount of memorization a theatre kid is expected to accomplish. Eight songs, 10 dances, and a whole script of lines and blocking? Bring it on.
9. The most unlikely of people come out of the woodwork at auditions.
There's always the expected competition people at auditions -- those kids who have been preparing since they discovered what the show was. However, some of the most unlikely people seem to come out of the woodwork at auditions, including the people you would never expect could do much of anything in the performing arts world. It's truly theatre magic to see people come out of their shells and excel in performing.
10. But, through it all, your theatre cast has become your family.
One big, loving, hyper, performing family who knows too many inside musical jokes for their own good... What else could a theatre kid want?
