The high school is definitely a time I would prefer never to go back. It's not that I had a terrible experience, I just didn't really do much other than do school work and work at my job. I would go and do it all over again if I got another chance to be a member of the Drama Club. Some of my fondest memories and friendships began in my high school auditorium. Here are just a few of the many reasons why I miss drama club:
1. They were my second family.
I spent an unreasonable amount of time with them, especially during tech week (the week where everyone's true colors come out because you're still in your school at midnight and have to be back in school in six hours.) Even when we weren't rehearsing, I always found myself surrounded by them; whether it was at lunch, in class, in the hallway or when they came to your place of employment. Some of them were even my family in the shows. Shout out to all my von Trapp siblings out there.
2. I made some pretty ridiculous memories.
Ridiculous in a good way. When you spend that much time with a group of people, you're bound to make some pretty interesting memories. Whether it was getting laryngitis the night before opening night of a show, breaking my foot and only getting the boot off the morning of opening night, laying on the floor of the stage and pretending to be an Indie Rock band taking their cover picture, going to Eat n' Park after every show and so many other memories are unforgettable.
3. Being in the spotlight feels amazing.
I'll admit that it's not for everyone but I love the feeling of having everyone's eyes on me. Standing on that stage on the night of a show is a feeling I just don't have words for. It's one of the best feelings in the world. Some people get their adrenaline kicks through jumping out of airplanes but mine is definitely the feeling of excitement the moment before my cue is said and I run on stage.
4. Bows.
It feels so amazing when you know that you put your best effort into the show and you take your bow and people are clapping and standing, and your family in the audience is yelling "Go Emily!!" Then you get to give credit to the people you wouldn't be able to put on the show without like the director, the people in the booth and the amazing musicians in the Pit.
5. Everything I learned.
Every time I entered the auditorium, I felt as though I was going to learn something new. My school's drama club let the students do everything. The students ran sound and lighting helped make the set and even the costumes. I learned so much about the way theatre works and I have a new appreciation for all the people behind the scenes.
I can never fully describe how much my high school drama club experience meant to me. When I first began my freshman year I forgot every word of my monologue and by my senior year I had a lead role in the musical. I owe a lot to--who I became as a person--drama club and I will forever be thankful to all the people who helped shape me.
