Joining my high school theater troupe was one of the best decisions I've ever made. As a freshman, I was shy and did not know how theater would impact me during my four years. By senior year, I learned more about myself through theater than I could have ever thought was possible. Through all the fall dramas, spring musicals, and state competitions, Troupe 23 broke me out of my shell by exposing me to new forms of theater and encouraging me to perform. I grew a deeper appreciation for the time and effort theater professionals put toward their productions.
However, performing on big stages and winning medals were not my favorite memories. I always think back on the time spent with my theater friends during long rehearsals, interrupted by delusional laughing fits and the cramped bus rides to New York City. I can't imagine a better group of talented people to eat McDonald's with at 1 o'clock in the morning after arriving in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bonding with my theater friends was my favorite part of performing in Troupe 23. I miss seeing those faces every day, and I would give anything to perform with all those talented people one more time. I gained much more than confidence when I joined my theater troupe; I gained life-long friendships. I am so thankful for my theater friends and here are 10 reasons why they are the best.
1. The Jam Sessions
Every car ride is its own Broadway show. It doesn't matter how bad of a singer you are, when "Defying Gravity" starts playing, you belt it with your besties!
2. The Support
Theater friends will always be your number-one fans. They know all the hard work and dedication you put into your performance, and they'll cheer like a proud mother at every curtain call.
3. The Stories
Your theater friends will always have a story to tell, but their ability to make things dramatic will leave you with a story that's only 75 percent true. Still, you'll never forget.
4. The Outfits
Their outfits are always ready for the stage, mostly because their closets consist of performance black and jewel tones.
5. The Inside Jokes
Inside jokes about the character/plot/script are critical to making it through a long rehearsals, but only you and your theater friends will understand what makes them so funny.
6. The Unconditional Love
The mix of emotions during tech week can lead to involuntary outbursts of frustration and excitement, but after all of it, your theater friends will still love you.
7. The Singing
You'll never pass up an opportunity to hearing your musically inclined theater friends sing, and when they sing in your presence, you can't help but smile!
8. The References
Your theater friends will use their knowledge of theater to make references to every single show they know, every single day.
9. The Entourage
Together, you and your theater friends look ready for any dance break that comes your way. And walking into cast parties as a squad makes you feel unstoppable.
10. The Individuality
You never have to pretend to be someone you're not around your theater friends. They understand that everyone has their weird quirks, so they'll never belittle you -- if anything, they will encourage you to embrace them!
