Like athletes getting mentally prepared for a game, I get mentally prepared for a theater performance. I do what I can to focus up. People have their own ways of stretching, meditating, and even humming. My way of getting focused is sitting down and listening to music as I collect my thoughts and breathe. I have my own playlist on my phone that has many songs, but when I have to, I narrow it down to a select number. 11 in this case. Music always brings my mind and heart together as well as my soul. Once I am ready to take the stage, the only thing that matters is the audience and I give it everything I have, and it all starts with getting mentally prepared. So not necessarily in any order, here are my 11 songs that I listen to before a performance.

I do what I can to focus up. People have their own ways like stretching, meditating, and even humming. My way of getting focused is sitting down and listening to music as I collect my thoughts and breathe. I have my own playlist on my phone that has many songs, but when I have to, I narrow it down to a select number. 11 in this case. Music always brings my mind and heart together as well as my soul. Once I am ready to take the stage, the only thing that matters is the audience and I give it everything I have, and it all starts with getting mentally prepared. So not necessarily in any order, here are my 11 songs that I listen to before a performance.

1. "Layla" by Eric Clapton

With the familiar guitar riff at the beginning, this song defines the term "Classic Rock" for me. Rock rhythms and lyrics that tell a story. So good. So good.

2. "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC-DC

Who does not love a little AC-DC to get pumped up?

3. "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky

The only classical music on my list, but one of my favorites that is super moving especially towards the end because it gives me a sense of joy. If you love classical music, you will fall in love with this piece.

4. "Future Days" by Pearl Jam

A slower songs, "Future Days" puts me in a trance because of the acoustic guitar with piano and lyrics that get my heart in the right place.

5. "Every time We Touch" by Cascada

Perfect dance song to let loose.

6. "I Am Robot and Proud" from the level Hills n' Spills in the game Sound Shapes.

A more mellow and peaceful tune, You cannot help but smile whenever you listen to this one. For some reason, it makes me feel like a kid again. So much nostalgia rushes my mind.

7. "Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance

Do I really need to explain this one? Fine. It is the key change towards the end that I love the most about this song.

8. "7 Nation Army" by The White Stripes (Glitch Mob Remix)

This one is relatively new. The original song is pretty good because at most sporting events, you will hear this song. However, it was the new Battlefield 1 trailer that brought my attention to this song. Listen for yourself.

9. "Mr. Night" by Kenny Loggins

This one is just fun. Orginially written for the movie "Caddyshack," this song will get you moving and leave you smiling.

10. "Show Must Go On" by Queen

My favorite Queen song of all time because this is one of the last songs recorded before the legendary Freddie Mercury's death. This song should be listened to by all performers. No matter what, the show must always go on.

11. "Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons

If you listen to the lyrics closely, you will understand that you can relate. We all have obstacles and trials that we go through in our lives. But once we conquer them, we will feel like the title.

If you are a cast mate and you see me sitting and I am either dancing or sitting still with headphones, I am just getting ready to do what I do and perform for the audience. These are the songs I listen to most when focusing. Well I guess it is that time once again. Thank you places.