“The stage is a magic circle where only the most real things happen, a neutral territory outside the jurisdiction of Fate where stars may be crossed with impunity. A truer and more real place does not exist in all the universe.”
― P.S. Baber, Cassie Draws the Universe

Perhaps it’s because I’m recently coming off of a show and I’m just feeling all of the feels, but I would like to have a little chat about what theatre means to me because it is without a doubt one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I am constantly amazed and inspired by this beautiful art form that I love so much.

The challenge of taking someone’s words, creating a complex character, embodying someone else’s thoughts and feelings, being ultimately very human, and making something happen on a stage is a process that fascinates me. There are so many things to think about (and to not think about) when you’re acting, but when you let go and create someone who is uniquely you and not you at the same time, something that is truly magical can develop and grow.

And then, you’ve rehearsed and rehearsed, and all of a sudden, there’s a real show and a real audience. An audience can be a weird thing. They’re unpredictable, and they have a special kind of energy that keeps you going. A live audience changes everything, and often the energy of the audience fuels the energy of the show itself.

I think that theatre people are such a special kind of people, and it's because they have to be. Putting your whole self up in front of an audience requires a whole lot of bravery. It’s certainly not easy. It’s hard work physically, emotionally, intellectually, and everything in between, but that hard work all pays off when the final product can effect a change in someone and make them think or feel something.

I am so lucky to have the opportunity to study theatre in college. I feel very lucky to be doing something I’m passionate about every day. I have so much to learn, and I’m incredibly excited about learning it. Through all the ups and downs, rejection, stress, self-doubt, and whatever else theatre has thrown my way, it’s all worth it when you are up on that stage and can get someone to feel something, anything, deeply. And that’s all that really matters. Theatre is spontaneous and sensitive and powerful and personal and real and so full of life. It’s so beautiful. Nothing makes me happier. That is all.