Life is crazy right now, both in regards to the world as well as my own life. I am entering my junior year of college, my sorority chapter is constantly growing, and my jobs are becoming more and more demanding. Through all the heartache this summer with regards to the world, it helps to step away and get a dose of happiness, so that's exactly what I did.
On August 28th, the Viner Thomas Sanders performed his show, Ultimate Storytime, in Worcester, MA. I was lucky enough to not only get a ticket to the show, but to get the VIP package and the opportunity to meet Thomas. Thomas Sanders is a performer, and amazing one at that. He is well known for his vines that involve narrating people's lives and doing Pokemon pranks with his friends.
With his hilarious and positive comedy, I was inspired to meet the man who has made me smiles for years. I bought the tickets when the show was announced, and I waited all summer to meet him and to see his acclaimed show. When the day arrived, I was nervous. I had never been to the venue before and I was going to the show by myself, but I decided that I would push past my anxiety and keeping going.
I arrived to the show and waited in line. I met two girls there, both high schoolers, and we immediately clicked. They loved Thomas like I did as well as other YouTubers. We finally got called in to meet him and I waited in line while I saw those in front of me greet him. I was taken aback. Thomas was actively talking to and making conversation with each and every person. When it was my turn, I had one of the girls behind me take a video of me talking to him.
When I say that he was one of the nicest people I have ever met, that is not an exaggeration. We talked for almost two full minutes, when most meet and greets are just a quick greeting and a picture. He asked me my name and he continuously kept using it, remembering my name. He asked me questions and was so humbled that I bought tickets as early as I did. He even apologized to me for talking quietly because he was on vocal rest. Yet he spent time and deliberately kept conversations going. Through his videos I could tell he was kind, but meeting him in person was something completely different. He hugged me and talked to me as if we were old friends, and that quality is hard to find in a person. If acceptance were a person, Thomas is that and so much more.
After meeting him, I quickly met one of his friends Terrence. He was giving out the signed posters and he was super sweet about it. I went downstairs and it was similar to a club area. There was a small stage, open floor, and a bar. As I waited for the meet and greet to get over with, I saw Leo Anderson, another member of the show. He pitched the concept for Ultimate Storytime and is one of Thomas's closest friends. He was wearing a flower crown, pink shirt, and he was just casually walking around. I approached him and asked for a picture with him.
Now me asking for a picture and approaching him with confidence was completely out of my comfort zone. I have severe anxiety, and going to a show by myself at a venue I've never been to seemed like a recipe for disaster. But walking into the venue, I felt the welcomed. I could feel the love and acceptance in that room, and I was not afraid to be myself. I got out of my comfort zone, and it was one of the best things I had done.
I talked to Leo for almost twenty minutes, just about anything. He complimented my septum ring, and I suggested that he should get one. The next weekend, he posted a picture of himself (on Snapchat) wearing a presumable fake septum ring.
But still...coincidence? I think not!
While I was talking to him, another cast member interrupted us. Her name is Nicole and she had tupperware of food in her hand. She was looking for a microwave, and she seemed desperate. She was one of the cutest people I have ever met. She introduced herself and made conversation, then left on her quest for food. After talking to Leo, I met Jay, another cast member.
Jay was one of the chillest and sweetest people I have ever met. She plays the "bad guy" in the show, yet her character's story is much like her own. As a genderfluid person, she was able to tell her story in a way that impacted many. We talked about pronouns, the show, Salem, as well as Beyoncé. Although the whole cast was on vocal rest, each one took the time to talk to me. Jay and Leo were hanging out in the audience, making connections and learning about the area. I not only felt accepted, but I felt at home.
The meet and greet reached an end and the show began. I won't give away any spoilers, but what I can tell you is that this show was one of the best I have seen. The characters, music, and message each had an impact on me. I felt empowered and inspired throughout the show. I saw my struggles in the characters' struggles, my journey in their journey, and my story in their story.
Ultimate Storytime started out as an idea and Thomas told me that he never imagined that people would actually buy tickets to the shows. He was humbled by the fact I bought a ticket to go, and he and the rest of the cast continue to be humbled by the support and love they have been given.
Ultimate Storytime started out as a way to celebrate the end of summer before my junior year of college. I never envisioned the experience having the impact it did. I made friends, found acceptance, and felt loved that night. The day started out riddled with anxiety about unfamiliar surroundings and uncertain outcomes, but the cast of Ultimate Storytime eased that anxiety. I have never felt more valid, safe, and loved at a show. Ultimate Storytime was a temporary escape that now has a permanent place in my heart.
