The new year is coming, and with it come the rise of the “new year, new me!” promos. As annoying as some of those stereotypical phrases truly are, I do enjoy reflecting back on the year and envisioning an even better future. There are some amazing memories and events that happened this year, and as much as I know that you can’t stop time, I’d love to go back and relive some of those moments again.
1. The First Time I Went to Thescon
Imagine a place where hundreds of high school thespians go to experience Broadway workshops, have the choice to see multiple shows from all over GA, and get together at local coffee shops and pizza places to hangout for three whole days. Yes, I'm almost 100% sure it is a Heaven of sorts. This year marked my first (unreal) experience at Thescon, and with good company by my side, it was just absolutely amazing. I already have a suitcase packed for next year...
2. The Time We All Slayed Dani-YUL
Haha, that's an inside joke, but for the record, we did slay it. This was also my first time at LGPE: one of my best friends killed a solo, Kyle stepped in as music director and got recognized by the guy observing the sight reading, and we got a great score on all our songs. These guys never fail to bless me with wonderful memories.
3. The Time I Painted on Brett's Face as a "Date Night"
Yes, I overuse this picture a lot, but only because there is a funny story/memory to it. Brett and I were planning on going to see a movie or something and maybe go eat food somewhere as a "date night". But of course we were lazy and indecisive and the whole "well what do you want to do.....whatever you want to do" was getting old. So we just popped in Captain America and I started to paint random lines (I honestly think it was supposed to be a flower). He pulled a Jack Dawson and said: "paint me" (as in paint a picture of me). But being me, I began to literally paint his face...and this happened.
4. The First Time I Began To "Play Out"
This became a big deal: I actually started to do gigs and get payed for doing something I love. I went from local to all the way down in Dahlonega and got to meet wonderful people. This experience gave me so much confidence in how I perform and interact with people...it was just a wonderful time that I hope I don't forget.
5. The Time We Got Nominated For 8 Shulers...And WON 2
This is something I will never forget as long as I live. Back in April, we became the first class at South to win not one, but TWO Shuler awards with our production of "Ghost the Musical. I remember getting early release forms to excuse us from school to go rehearse at the Cobb, the amazing mac and cheese we had at that little coffee shop place, and I remember standing in the wings (about to go on live TV) as they announced our second win. We all cried.
6. The Time I Went to Paradise
All I will say is despite the horrible stomach bug, this was the most beautiful place I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. The colors, the smells, the ocean right by your window...um, please take me back. Please.
7. The Time I Played My Dream Role...With My Best Friend
Talk about a Cinderella story...it was such an honor to bring this character to life. She was spunky, fearless and hopeful...things I aspire to be. She taught me so much as an actress and I could never express how thankful I am to have worked alongside her, so thank you, Millie. Also, the odds of your (very talented and handsome) best friend playing your love interest in the show and nailing the role?? High, quite high.
These are just a few of the thousands of memories I got to make this year. And as excited as I am for the year 2017, I have the right to say that I am going to miss all of this so much. The good and the bad. These memories are going to build my life and be the stories that I tell to anyone willing to listen. So with that being said, thank you 2016 for all your beautiful (and not so beautiful) memories, it has been fun.
Hello, 2017.
