As my first article, I chose to write about the thing that means the most to me. And to some that may be sports, or school, or their dogs or something. But to me, it’s theatre. Theatre is a very, very important part of my life. Although I’m in the theatre department at my high school, I’ve only actually been doing shows for a little over a year now.
Growing up I never really had my “thing.” Some had music, some had dance, and the other 70 percent had sports. Now don’t get me wrong, I actually really enjoy sports and I wasn’t bad, but I just felt as though I didn’t belong. About a year and a half ago, I played soccer in my sophomore year for the first time for my school team. I really did like it. The season ended and in May of my sophomore year, I decided to audition for a community theatre that my two best friends had been going to. I made the show, but I’m not going to lie, throughout the rehearsal process, I wasn’t sure if this was going to be my “thing.” The show opened and the second I stepped through the black curtain onto the stage, my life truly changed. This rush of energy filled my body and I couldn’t get enough. I got off the stage and could not wait to go back on. Since then, I’ve been in multiple shows and made lifelong friendships doing the thing that I love most.
The family I have made through theatre is a group that I cannot compare to anyone else. I am eternally grateful for them and what they do for me. With that being said, a year and 11 shows later, I have learned what it truly means to be a theatre kid. Here are just a few things you’ll understand if you’re a theatre kid:
You constantly find musical references in your day to day life and you think they're clever: “Hey Sara, I don’t have enough money, can you cover me?” “With a thousand sweet kisses, I’LL COVER YOU.” “Guys, we have one more day until our final.” “ONE. DAY. MORE.”
Being trusted with the aux cord and letting everyone in the car down when show tunes come on. I mean, yeah, you’re the only one singing along, but you’re having a dang good time doing it.
Character shoes, Pedinis, jazz shoes -- you basically own everything Capezio has to offer.
No, don’t worry; I’m not talking to myself. I was supposed to be off book for Act II by tonight, so I’m frantically trying to shove an hour's worth of material into my head and have it memorized so I don’t get reamed, thank you very much. Now stop looking at me like that.
You know of at least one couple that were lovers in a show, dated and then broke up after the show closed. The show ended, they ended, c’mon.
You’ve been in a show that at least 10 people caught “the plague” a week before opening. And multiple times it has been said that your theatre should be sponsored by Halls, honey, and throat coat. And NO DAIRY.
Hell week. Enough said.
Pre-casting shows in your head when you find out what’s up for next season. And being right 90 percent of the time
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“I can’t, I have rehearsal.” When are you going to understand that at this point, don’t even bother trying to make plans with me -- just assume that I have rehearsal because it’s more than likely that I do.
You’re basically a kid in a candy store when you go see Broadway shows.
Thirteen isn’t just a number. Rent isn’t just something you have to pay every month (or not). Heather isn’t just a name. And spring and summer aren’t just seasons. Theatre changed the simple things in your everyday life. You also know how many minutes are in a year, no thanks to school.
