I recently read an article about the fact that athletes are put up for the whole school and world to see while thespians (theater kids) are very overlooked. I agreed 100%.
I cannot tell you how many times I explained to a friend that I had a hard night because of rehearsal. Or I am super tired because of theater. Or, always my favorite, telling someone how hard it is to do a certain show. And the response is usually, "But it's just a play, it is not that hard."
It's disheartening to feel that some sports could be seen as better than theater. To see people poke fun at theater kids. It is disheartening because I know all these people have watched television. Or High School Musical, Little Mermaid, The Lion King and maybe even fangirled over Hamilton. It is sad to see the thing I love the most be completely overlooked and disrespected.
In attempt to show you how hard some thespians work, I would like to share what an average day is for one:
1. Wake up at a normal time for school
2. Go to school and often get assigned projects, homework, etc.
3. Rehearsals after school that generally last until 7-8:30 (Especially if your director talks a lot).
4. Eat and shower by 9-9:30.
5. Homework until I finish (11-2am, somewhere around there).
6. Sometimes, most of the time, staying up to memorize lines, work on characterization, music and more.
Saturday's are also made for 10am-7pm rehearsals.
My goal isn't to say, "Athletes do not work as hard as theater kids do. Look at my crazy schedule." Because the truth is that athletes have a crazy, busy schedule as well. What I am trying to get across is that theater students work their butt off. We work until it's the best it can be. We create a show and a story built to make other people happy. We stay up for ridiculously long hours to balance our lives, and to make this theater the best it can be. Some shows are draining, as the characters have emotional personalities. Some shows are physically draining, but all shows have a purpose.
Theater gives me joy. The stage is where you can see a show and forget about life for a couple of hours. I will never understand how this could be something someone disrespects.
I do not understand how the school system can put the athletic department on a throne for everyone to see. Then they allow students to make fun of the theater program and the students that take part in it . Although my school has immense support for our troupe, it is so sad to see how many people make fun and joke about our craft. Theater is important, and it should never be overlooked.
