Theater kids are probably one of the most misunderstood minorities in the young adult world. In college and high school, we are few and far between and when we bring up our passion to the other kids who are into video games or (shudder) sports, we often get stared at like we have three heads. However, I think we are some of the most unique, talented people there are and we have a very exciting world going on in our heads at all times. To give you a peek inside the crazy mind of a theater kid, here is a basic day in our lives.
Waking Up: "Good Morning Baltimore"
Every good day in the life of a theater kid starts with this song. Whether you actually live in the Baltimore area or you're not quite sure where it is, you wish it a good morning every day because this song is just so darn catchy. Tracy Turnblad is a dream role no matter what "type" you are. I really wish I got as many good morning wishes as Baltimore does every day.
The Commute: Showtunes
Whether it's a quick walk or long car ride to work or school, you can make it a little better by listening to songs from your favorite Broadway cast recordings. If you close your eyes, you feel like you're in the middle of a huge stage, belting out the song for an audience...and then you realize you're just on your way to another day of school. Oh. Someday, you tell yourself. Someday.
Math Class: How am I going to use this when I'm on Broadway?
You try to pay attention, you really do, but you can't see yourself using any of this stuff in the future. Your low grades are all due to you spending the whole class telling yourself, "I'm not going to need to know this when I'm on Broadway." And there's the fact that your favorite Broadway stars are posting cute Instagram selfies of the cast backstage, about to start the matinee, and you can't stop wishing you were there. It's the hard knock life, for sure.
English Class: Shaking it for Shakespeare
Usually, we theater kids do a little better in the more creative classes. You're at least interested in writing yourself a character you'd like to play, and ever since "Hamilton" came out, you have a dream of starring in your very own show that you wrote yourself. Lin-Manuel Miranda must have paid a little attention in class, and therefore, so will you. Oh, and if we're reading Shakespeare? You've been misunderstanding his plays since you could read. You're an expert.
Lunch: Stick to the Status Quo
Everyone else is just eating and chatting away, not realizing the potential there is right now for some sick "High School Musical" meets "Fame" choreography. You can see it all in your head--the jocks mingling with the skaters, the cheerleaders doing flips on tables...you make mental notes of all the ideas you have so one day you can put this in your musical.
History Class: History has its eyes on you.
History has always been extremely relevant to the theater. So many shows tell tales of the past that really happened, or are at least based on real events in past time periods. Theater is one of the most beautiful ways to have someone's story told and to connect us to our predecessors in life. With the introduction of "Hamilton," this subject has really gained even more importance. In this class, you love to impress your teacher with your knowledge of the American Revolution and ponder which founding father would be best to write the next show about.
Theater Class: Your time to shine!
You love having a chance to act and spend time with the few other kids at school who really do appreciate theater. It's a little hard at times, though, because you always forget that there are actually people who can't seem to understand "down is up" or "cheat out." Ugh.
After school: Rehearsal!
You're a theater kid. Of course you have rehearsal. At last, you're surrounded by everything you love: singing, acting, dancing, and people who you can talk theater with! Rehearsal can be fun or it can be really stressful, but either way, you love every second.
After rehearsal: Showtunes and homework, but mostly showtunes.
Every theater kid knows that any attempt to be productive usually turns into singing and performing for imaginary crowds. It's just so much more fun than homework or chores. Our whole lives are about disappearing into other worlds. The best part of the day is when we can do that for a little while.
At the end of the day: It's another day over.
At the end of the day, it's time for "Les Mis" references...and sleep. We tend to dream about performing on Broadway...strange, right? We'll get there one day. Just keep going through just another day...(OK, I'll stop the musical references now.)
