Whether it was the high school stage, or the professional one, theater’s influence carries on in many aspects of my life. Here are 11 things being a theater kid has taught me:
1. Self-confidence
Theater, despite it’s fierce competitiveness and the many moments I’ve laid in bed at night asking myself, “am I good enough for this?” has also taught me a lot about my self-confidence. I’ve learned to be the best me I can be, to walk into an audition room or any new setting with the mindset of: “No one else can do this certain thing the exact way I can, and my way makes me worth casting because I am fierce."
2. Body-positivity and confidence
Theater kids, dancers in particular, are notorious for stripping in down and baring it all, partly thanks to quick changes and the revealing nature of dance clothes and some costumes. But while body image can always be a struggle, I have also learned to really appreciate what my body does, particularly because I am a dancer. It is my tool, my instrument, I demand so much of it and it performs day after day, doing things that make me really proud. Strong is the new skinny.
3. There’s a theater kid in all of us
While many of my friends are fellow musical theatre majors, or were high school theater kids, my “normie” friends (those who have no connection to theater) love to come to see me and shows and support the arts, because no matter what your major or career or interests, theater can make anyone happy (or give them the feels, because let’s be real, "Les Mis" makes no one happy).
4. It’s a family
From my high school cast-mates, to my current Musical Theatre class and program, to professional shows I’ve been cast in, any theatrical community I’ve been a part of has been there for me in ways that go far past just the artistic work we are doing or working towards. There’s a deeper emotional camaraderie that grows and develops, which is why many of my closest friends and mentors I’ve met through theater.
5. Follow your dreams
Being a theater kid has taught me to set a goal, have a dream and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t accomplish it. I’m not only talking about being a professional actor or dancer- “any dream will do,” as Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" says. Theater builds you up and teaches you to support your dreams, it doesn’t tear them down.
6. Hard work pays off
Set your dream and prove the naysayers wrong by busting your butt in the studio with your voice teacher, in rehearsals and at lessons, at auditions, and improving and seeing results for your hard work. Channel your inner fire into personal drive to accomplish your goals.
7. Outside perspective
Being a theater kid has made me extremely empathetic. The world isn’t black and white, and constantly analyzing characters and plays, and getting into the head of the antagonist and “villain” of a work has made me sympathetic. In my daily life, I am constantly seeing another side or perspective to a situation or a person.
8. It's OK to cry
I’ve learned not to be afraid of my emotions, to not bury them down. It’s OK to feel, for some days to not be as good as others, to let a song or a scene or a work affect you and touch you deeply enough to hit a personal chord. Emotions aren’t scary and having a good cry every now and then is healthy.
9. Singing is good for the soul
Singing is an endorphin release, and every time you sing doesn’t have to be beautiful and pitch perfect. In fact, it’s OK to let loose and belt out some tunes in the car with your friends, or to have a dance party around your apartment with your roommates and release some pent up energy.
10. Making memories
In high school, many of the varsity athletes would opt to audition and be in the show senior year because of how fun and memorable their classmates had said the experience was. Some of my fondest memories from high school were being in rehearsals and doing shows with my closest friends, and now in college getting to do what I love every day as a Musical Theater major has made my college experience all the more exciting. I will look back on these four years with love.
11. Being yourself
At the end of the day, haters gonna hate and I’ve definitely experienced snarky comments and the typical mean girl bullying in regards to being a “theater kid." I’ve just learned to shake it off and to love myself and love what I do. I'm silly and fun and I dance and sing in public places even when I probably shouldn't and I love that about myself.
Thank you, theater, for giving me an outlet, inspirational song lyrics to belt out and relate so deeply to and a family and a community to feel loved and supported in.
