Every person in the world has that one thing that changed their life. Mine is theatre -- specifically, musical theatre. It’s fascinating how musical theatre has the power to teach and entertain through catchy songs and beautiful harmonies.
When I was a freshman in high school, I was goth. I was the weird kid dressed in all black who hung out with the wrong people. During that time I was a member of the chorus. I had been in shows in elementary school, but when basketball got in the way, theatre took a back seat -- big mistake.
Freshman year on the chorus Chicago trip, I was isolated from my “goth gang” and I was forced to hang out with “the arts kids” and that changed my life. They were so cool. I loved being around them, and I enjoyed laughing and singing with them. That’s when I started to crave more, so I found out about the musical at my school . That next year, I was cast in the ensemble for "Crazy For You." That show, I branched out. I started to meet new people, and some of my closest friends today.
I got rid of the all black outfits and started becoming myself. I was happier. Theatre saved me. If I didn’t meet the amazing, accepting people that broke out in song every other minute, I wouldn’t have my best friends today. I wouldn’t have the amazing theatre nerd pictures,I wouldn’t value high school as much as I do. The musicals and dramas made my high school years. I wouldn’t want to change anything, the unnecessary drama, the anxiety before a call back, anything. I wouldn’t change anything. By the end of high school I was in three of the musicals and two dramas and I actually directed my own show (Almost, Maine) which was a dream come true.
Now I still enjoy jamming out to "At The Ballet" in my car, or reenacting when Eponine gets shot with my friends. Theatre made me the person I am today and we are so blessed to have it in this world. The fact that you can go to New York City and see any piece of theatre is an opportunity people should always use. Sitting in the theatre and getting goose bumps from how tight and incredible the harmony is, the feeling of hearing the overture and knowing that its going to be an amazing show. Going to see live theatre is so incredibly intimate and beautiful. Everyone should do it.
My life without musical theatre wouldn’t be the same, I wouldn’t have the friends I have now, the memories I think about and still to this day smirk at; I wouldn’t have an awesome playlist to listen to in the car.
So, to musical theatre: Thank you for the friends of a lifetime, the memories I've made, and for being there when I need a good cry, dance break, or an escape. Thank you for saving me from not being myself. Now, I must be a loser and quote "Wicked": I have been changed for good." Thank you.
