The lights hit your face, your caked-on stage makeup seems to stick to your skin, and you have blisters on your feet from your characters shoes. The theatre is full of ups and downs....
Up: The adrenaline rush of performing
They say that there is a "runner's high" well I'm pretty sure actors have that too after they finish a performance. It feels like you have just conquered the world. The energy after a show is crazy; everyone can breathe a sigh of relief and release the worries they were holding on to. It feels fabulous!
Down: When the run of a show is over
The whole cast became a family during those long rehearsals. It feels so weird to not see your cast and crew members every day.
Up: The lasting friendships
Even when a show is over, some of the friendships remain. Theatre has a way of cementing solid friendships. You find people just as weird and crazy and weird as you, and those are some of the greatest people you will ever meet. I have met some of my best friends from theatre.
Down: Competition and Rejection
This is the hardest part of the theatre world. You have to compete against some of your closest friends, and it puts tension on your friendship sometimes. Not only that, you are constantly being rejected. You didn't get the role you wanted or ,even worse, you didn't get cast at all. You devoted so much time rehearsing a monologue and/or a song for your audition all for nothing. You gave it you're all and still came out defeated. It feels like you will never be good enough.
Up: Growing as an actor and as a human
After being rejected from a role, you have to work harder, not only at your acting, but at loving yourself. This can be a great growing opportunity, though! You will learn so much about yourself by seeing how you handle the aftershock of casting news. That rejection can even push you to be an even better actor and land the next role. Using disappointment as a motivation is a great way to make you feel better. Then when you do land your dream role, it tastes so much sweeter.
