I didn't plan on being a theater kid. Just like catching a cold or falling in love with a new favorite pair of shoes, it sort of snuck up on me. But before I knew it, I was singing showtunes in the shower, memorizing lines in the cafeteria, and carrying around a binder full of audition songs and sides to practice. And I have loved every second of it.
If you can't help but recite song lyrics from "Hamilton" and "Heathers" while driving on the highway or obsess over meeting Aaron Tveit or Sutton Foster, here is a list of 15 things that you must know all too well.
1. Breaking out into casual synchronized dance.
"Hi, how are you? My name is--" [She then busts out into a kick, ball-change, Charleston, stomp.]
2. Checking your email every 20 seconds before the callback list or cast list comes out.
"THEY SAID IT WAS GOING OUT THREE MINUTES AGO THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG!"
3. When you get the role you wanted.
All those hours of practicing and doing countless acting exercises to get into character for your callback finally paid off -- without a doubt, the best feeling in the world.
4. What happens in the dressing room, stays in the dressing room.
Beyoncé dance parties after inhaling a little too much hairspray are a must.
5. That feeling of anxiety mixed with excitement when you hear "places!"
Props? Check. Costume? Check. Breathing? Maybe not so much...
6. Having to be in love with your platonic best friend while on stage...
...And running to the bathroom to wash out your mouth as soon as you're off. Sufficiently traumatized.
7. Having to say "I can't, I have rehearsal" all the time.
But you don't mind because you get to be with your awesome cast instead!
8. That feeling you have by day three of Tech Week.
You haven't left the theater in seven hours and haven't broken character since noon so you're walking around with a thick British accent even though you're from New Jersey and now refer to everyone as "dear." You have officially gone crazy.
9. Feeling like a boss at every party because of your dancing skills.
From many years of dance classes you know how to break it down with confidence. Everyone else is "whipping" and "nay-naying" and you're just sitting there "ponying" and "pirouetting" like a boss.
10. Being put on vocal rest the week before a show.
Learning how to mime is a necessity because it is just too easy to lose your voice during run-throughs.
11. Knowing every word to your favorite musical...
...And not being shy about showing it.
12. Getting to do things you would never get to do otherwise.
Dancing on a table in public while singing? Check!
13. Being able to wear crazy costumes from all different time periods and styles.
Who needs Halloween when you've got a whole room of full-length ballgowns, tutus, and duck outfits?
14. Being eskimo sisters or brothers with almost everyone in your theater group.
That stage kiss got a little too steamy...
15. Making the best friends ever.
No one else will sing through all of "Les Miserables" with you or practice the triple-time step with you until 3 a.m. They have seen you sleep deprived and sweaty, and they have quizzed you on your Latin homework before running onstage to make a cue. They know you and understand you better than anyone else, their success is yours and yours is theirs. From the curtain rising on opening night to when it falls after the final bow, these people are not just your friends -- they are your family.
