People come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but those who love theater often stick together in a pack; or cult, depending on your definition of a friend group. I've found that many of my closest friendships have grown from a mutual love of theater, and I wouldn't trade this for all of the front-row tickets in the world. Theater nerds aren't usually too discreet about their interests and there are a few signs of a definite mutual devotion to theater within a friend group.
1. You mention "Lin," and everyone around you instantly knows you're referring to the one and only Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Your first-name-basis status with Lin probably extends to other famous Broadway stars, such as Audra, Idina, Norbert, etc. If you don't know who these people are, take a worthwhile 10 minutes out of your day to look them up on IBDb (Internet Broadway Database, for all you plebeians).
2. You casually mention a video you saw on Broadway.com recently to the group and at least two people react excitedly because they've seen that same video.
Broadway.com is love, Broadway.com is life. Theatermania is good too.
3. You all worship Aaron Tveit and the ground he walks on.
Tveit may be "filming a television show" and "making actual money" or whatever, but you all know he really belongs back on the Great White Way.
4. The Tony Awards are your version of the Super Bowl. Game time snacks, viewing parties, and all.
To paraphrase James Corden from this year's ceremonies, "The Tony Awards are the Super Bowl for people who don't know what the Super Bowl is." Well said, James. I concur.
5. You are not embarrassed to discuss your 400+ song Broadway playlist in front of your pals.
They better be okay with it, because the next time you drive them somewhere, this playlist will probably be pumping in your car.
6. Though none of you want to admit it, you're all secretly super stoked for the upcoming "Wicked" movie.
"Wicked" is one of those mainstream, touristy Broadway shows that theater nerds might feel ashamed for liking. But when this movie is (hopefully) released in 2019 after you've all graduated college, you can guarantee that some contingent of your friend group will excitedly reunite and see this movie together.
7. You and your friends accidentally refer to everything you try out for as "auditioning," even if it's a formal job interview.
The way I see it, all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. Although that line sure sounds familiar...
8. You all know more about who is currently performing on Broadway than who won most major sports championships this year.
Some of you may like sportsball, but it's really not that important to your overall well-being. Also, side note, you're definitely a theater nerd if any of you have ever yelled, "Sports!" in response to someone in the group mentioning a sport.
9. Nothing strikes more fear into you or your friends than hearing the words,"the cast list is up."
Side effects to this statement may include heavy breathing, lightheadedness, and a sudden doubt that you have any theatrical ability whatsoever.
10. Whenever someone references a Broadway song, at least three of you immediately start singing that song without even thinking about it.
It's scary how quickly the words to "Springtime for Hitler" came back to you after not listening to "The Producers" for a few years. But really, they never left.
11. You all take advantage of your college's drama department and see as many shows there as possible.
Whether it's to support a fellow thespian, feel artsy and cultured, or take out a hot date, you see shows enough to know exactly where the theater buildings are even if you're not a drama major.
12. Mealtime discussions often center on what the next show might be, who is auditioning for the current show, what other/better show choices could have been, etc...
It may seem repetitive, unnecessary, what have you, but overanalyzing every aspect of the audition and casting process is something ingrained into the fabric of all theater nerds. We can't help ourselves.
13. You're all obsessed with what Broadway bootlegs have been posted on/taken down from YouTube.
Even the nerdiest of theater nerds can't see all of their favorite shows in person, which is why we go bananas over a mere one minute clip of our favorite shows that someone illegally filmed and posted on YouTube.
14. No matter if you're aspiring performers, dedicated techies, or a mix of both, you all know that you could never fall out of love with theater.
Yes, "Hamilton" is amazing and a good start for anyone not currently a theater nerd, but there are so many amazing shows and talented performers out there to discover, both on Broadway and at your school. Loving theater is a wonderful way of life, and luckily my friends have often inspired me to love it more than I ever thought I could. I can't imagine my life or my lifelong friends without this bonding factor.
