If you've grown up doing theater, you know that the experience of telling the audience a story live is unlike anything else. The adrenaline rush you get as the curtain lifts and the audience getting to me your character for the first time in the show. The moment I got cast in my first community theatrical production in Peoria, "Bye Bye Birdie", my world changed. At 10 years old, I finally got my chance at getting up on stage. I was able to express myself in a way I never had before. I continued to do theater growing up and through college, and hope to start again soon. I've certainly learned a thing or two in those instances.
Theater taught me how to handle rejection, which is a lesson I am still learning. You are never going to get everything you want, and you are never going to get cast in every role you desire. I learned how to make the most of every chance I did get to get on stage. Some of the roles I didn't necessarily want but got cast in turned out to be some of the best and most fun.
In college, I performed in "Godspell", which is not a musical I had planned on auditioning for initially. However, I changed my mind and auditioned, and it turned out to be one of the best theater experiences I've ever had. I also learned how to appreciate the special moments in which I did get cast in the role I wanted. The moments that you reach a goal or get to jump on a chance you were hoping for should not be taken for granted but relished in.
I learned how to relish in the temporary production times. Sometimes in life, you get an opportunity to have a really happy season. I was never happier than when I was preparing to take on a challenging role and in a show, even if I was at school from 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. sometimes because of rehearsals. Let's not forget the homework that had to happen afterward. The week of production was always especially thrilling. When a show ended, it was usually sad. It taught me to be thankful for the happy times and good seasons that don't last forever.
Theater taught me the importance of community. In theater, you gain friendships with people who are absolutely themselves and don't apologize for it. Theater communities are a safe space to be yourself. Those sorts of friendships and relationships are incredibly important in navigating life. We are not meant to live life alone, and having a solid support system is a nurturing way to do that. Some of the best people emerge from theater communities, and they know the importance of storytelling and how it can heal hearts and make connections.
