My dearest theatre,

Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have helped me find myself and love myself.

I first came to you when I was eight years old. Of course, the first musical introduced to me was “Wicked.” I fell in love instantly. I just knew that someday I wanted to be like Idina Menzel, even if it wasn’t my career.

I always wanted to be in plays and musicals, and the opportunity finally arose when I started my freshman year of high school.

I remember walking into the drama room one day during lunch, and tons of upperclassmen greeted me. They had come up with some silly joke about hindsight 20/20 mixed with 420.

They convinced me to pay my dues and sign up to be a tech for our fall production “Boys Next Door.”

I did the best lights my mom had ever seen. She came to see the show three or four times, even though I wasn’t actually in it. She was so proud of me for putting myself out there and joining something.

Theatre, you’ve helped me with my anxieties. You made me put myself out there. You’ve set me up to both fail and succeed.

I remember when I finally got cast in a show. Seeing my name on the ensemble list was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

I was so excited to finally get a costume and be able to learn lyrics and dance moves instead of hiding in the shadows of backstage or up in the light booth.

“Grease” was an amazing, beautiful show, and I’m so glad it was my first.

As I put in more time and dedication to you, I got more out of you. I went from duet musicals and monologues to solo musicals and leading small groups.

I went from ensemble to named character.

I went from member to secretary.

I will never forget when I finally performed my first solo. I was so scared that I couldn't stop shaking, but my group was there to support me.

It hasn’t just been you, theatre, that has been there for me all these years. My troupe director, Sarah Shepherd, has been one of the best people I’ve ever met.

She loves me and supports me like I’m her daughter. She’s always there for me. She’s always on my side.

Theatre, you’ve allowed me to take charge of the appropriate setting. Directing a show allowed me to be bossy without people getting mad at me. Well, people were still mad, but they couldn’t do anything about it.

You have helped me tremendously. I went from a scared, mousy freshman to a strong, young woman ready to take on the world.

You gave me presentation skills, public speaking skills and the confidence to be who I really am. You gave me a home, in the drama room and the auditorium.

You gave me a family when my own was falling apart.

You gave me unconditional love when I needed it most.

Thank you, theatre, for saving my life.