As a dance major, it's safe to assume that I enjoy performing. Since I began dancing in kindergarten, theatres have been second homes to me. In addition to my studio's annual dance recitals, I participated in many theatrical productions through community and summer theatre. When I went to high school, I was very dedicated to the dinner theatres and musicals. Every day after school was spent learning choreography in the auditorium. These are some skills that I have learned over the lifetime I spent (so far) onstage.

How to Be Quiet

Any theatre kid will tell you rule number one is "Be quiet backstage." The theatre is where lifelong friendships are made, so silence can be frustrating when all you want to do is talk to your friends. By being quiet backstage, I learned how to be respectful of those performing onstage, and how to better prepare myself to go on. The intense silence before a performance starts is one of the most exciting moments in theatre. As anticipation builds, I take this moment to breathe, say a prayer, and get into character.

Professionalism

Professionalism is an amalgam of characteristics one acquires through experience. Fortunately, I learned these characteristics from theatre and dance. By checking my emotions at the door, refraining from gossiping, showing respect for my directors, instructors, and every member of the cast and crew, and maintaining a positive and hard-working spirit, I learned how to carry myself more professionally not only in the theatre, but in rehearsals, class and everywhere else.

Patience

When think of patience, the saying " good things come to those who wait" comes to mind. I tend to appreciate things more when I wait for them, including a role in a play or musical, or a spot in an advanced dance class. Of course, no one gets these privileges right away. When I had an ensemble part, I learned my music and choreography well and knew that I was still valuable to the show. At dance, I continued to push myself and work hard in my classes until I moved up to the advanced classes. Everyone has to wait for what they want, but they can decide what they do while they wait.

Teamwork

My senior year of high school, my director and theatre teacher, Mrs. Arcurio taught us a Harlequinade saying that I'll never forget. "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." In my opinion, the most beautiful thing about theatre is the accumulation of talents. When you perform with and meet people, you discover how unique each person truly is. No two singers, dancers, or actors are exactly the same, and two performances of a play or musical will be exactly the same. The most beautiful thing about theatre is how a variety of people, each with their own talents, come together to create something that they couldn't have alone.

Theatre is more than a profession, and far more than an extracurricular activity. It's a calling, a way of life, and a place where actors are free to express themselves by portraying someone else. The theatre has forged me and countless others into the performers we are today. This article is dedicated to the theatre kids and kids at heart who always have "magic to do" and are "never fully dressed without a smile." You are the ones who bring the happiness and energy that can only be found onstage into the rest of this world.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers." - William Shakespeare