I grew up performing in musicals and plays with local community theatres. This has fostered a lifelong love of the theatre in me for what will probably be the rest of my life. I can honestly say that participating in these shows have provided me with some of the best memories of my life. And not only that, but I also know a lot more about life from doing these shows as well. So, here are some of the lessons from the theatre that I carry with me throughout my daily life.

1. Don't touch anyone else's props.

This is a sacred rule in the theatre. If you see any props backstage, sometimes it can be incredibly tempted to touch them, out of pure curiosity. However, you should NEVER touch anything backstage that is not yours. For me, this translates in real life as "mind your own business." Don't touch things that are not yours, and do not ask about things that are not yours to know about.

2. Do not gossip about fellow cast members.

This is another important rule in the theatre, and in life. Nobody likes a gossiper, especially in the theatre. During a show, it is you and your cast members duty to put on a wonderful performance, and this is easiest when everyone is kind to one another. You should also remember to be kind to the people in your everyday life!

3. Remember to include everyone.

I have been in shows before when people who do hard work for the show are not credited how they should be. This makes me a little upset, because, if someone helped out with the show, they should receive the same recognition as everyone else. For example, the ensemble of the musical is just as important as the leading role. The same goes for daily life. The janitor in the school is just as important as the teacher.

4. You will not get every role you audition for.

I have learned this one the hard way, as many actors have. I have auditioned for many shows in my life, and sometimes, I do not receive the role I want. Sometimes, I am not even cast in shows. Sometimes in life, you will not get something you really want or something you worked really hard for. For example, you may not get that job you applied for and was hoping to get. This is an important lesson to learn in life, and I believe that the theatre has given me thicker skin for all of those rejections in life.

5. There is always going to be someone better than you.

You have to remember, that no matter how good you think you are for a role, or for anything, there is always someone better. And even though you are talented, someone more talented will eventually come along. This is true for anything. No matter what you do in life, someone will always be better at it. Always stay humble in everything that you do.

6. Don't be a sore loser.

I have learned this lesson throughout my life in the theatre. Like I said, sometimes you will not get the role you want. And this is OK, because you went out and auditioned, and tried your best. That is all that matters. Just because you didn't get a role, does not mean you are not talented. There will be many other times, and you should never give up. The same goes with life. Try not to be jealous of the things other people receive. Your time will come.

7. Always be open to constructive criticisms.

When you do not get a role you want, ask why. Ask what you could do to improve for your next audition. When you are cast in a role, ask questions. Ask for critiques. Constructive criticisms are just a way for you to be better. This is true in life as well. Whether be in a new job, or in a new relationship, ask questions, and be open to advice from others.

8. It's OK to improvise.

If theatre has taught me anything, it's that it is OK to improvise. If you forget a line or a lyric, just make it up. It may be scary at first, but you will get the hang of it. In life, things will not always work out how you plan. When this happens, just make it up as you go. Everything will be OK in the end.

9. Confidence is key.

In theatre, and in everything, confidence is all you really need to succeed. In my opinion, if you are confident in yourself, you will be successful. Always hold your head up high, and remember that you can do anything.

10. THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

This is probably the most memorable lesson I have learned. No matter what happens during a show, or in life, keep on going!