Growing up a theatre kid, I've experienced many different runs of the same show. But they all bring the same rush of crazy adrenaline that keeps you coming back for more. Like any performer will tell you, the feeling you get on opening is one you can never replicate. The rush and excitement of finally performing fills the green room as everyone is hustling to make sure all their costumes and props are in place. But, the bittersweet sense of accomplishment of knowing you're about to perform your last show will engulf the whole performance space. Both are incredible experiences, but each in their own ways. To put it into perspective, here's a timeline of the contrasting thoughts as a performer on the opening night of a show vs. the thoughts on closing night.
7 p.m. to one hour before show.
Opening night: OK, time to double check all my costumes and props, thank goodness I got here early to prepare! I'll run lines a couple of times to double check they are in my head and spend the rest of the time prepping my hair and makeup even though I already did it! Gotta check the house, see if we're filling up yet! Let me get in my costume just so I'm very ready when they call places. Get pumped, everyone!
Closing night: Alright before we warm up let me finish my burrito, I literally haven't eaten all day. I'm starving. (Makes a reference to a line in the show.) Yup, there we go -- ran lines, I could do this show in my sleep. Last time in this dressing room with this cast, I love you all so much.
8 p.m. Places!
Opening night: Yes, here we go. I've been ready and dressed for this moment since 7 p.m. so let's kick some butt and take names. OMG, here we go.
Closing night: Crap -- is it places already I'm legit not even in costume yet. Let me break the record for quickest change and hope I make it to my place in time oh god.
8:10 p.m. First entrance.
Opening night: OK -- alright I know my cue, but when is it coming? Let me just stand right in front of the stage managers and wait for her cue because I don't really know what comes before my cue line -- omg, here we go.
Closing night: (Recites the whole scene before cue.) I know this show inside out. I literally could probably do this scene even though I'm not in it. Let me just let the stage manager when to let me in. This is the last time I am going to be in this space saying these exact lines with these people. Let do this crap. Play it cool. You are great. Let's go out with a bang.
9 p.m. Intermission.
Opening night: Phew, that was such a rush. I think I fumbled over my lines and I looked an audience member in the eyes was I not supposed to do that? Let me redo all my hair and makeup to make sure I'm ready for the second act.
Closing night: Guys, that was our last run of the first act -- I'm so sad. Let me just chill out and take in all this so I can cherish the second act. Slayed that first act, it's so great to have everything so ingrained in your head. I could do this show in my sleep. Act Two, let's go.
10 p.m. Curtain call.
Opening night: We made it. Crap. Did I bow at the right time? How long do we smile and wave? Can't wait to do this again. Time to see all my family that came to see it, yay I can't wait!!
Closing night: We made it. This show was so good, this was the best run of the whole show. I'm gonna miss this so much. I'm smiling way too much, I don't want this to end.
Regardless if it's the first or 500th time running a show, the feeling never gets old. Being in theatre has been such an essential part of my life, and these are the moments I will cherish forever. Forever a theatre kid.
