"All The World's a Stage"

Today, I would like to discuss a topic that excites me to my core: theater. I'm not talking about a movie theater, but the aspect of live-acting theater. The stage, the set, the cast and the audience. That is the theater that I love.

I've been in acting for quite a while. Now, keep in mind, I am not anywhere near as good as I could be. But I like to think I am at least a halfway decent actress. I remember my first play in second grade; I was the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio at a public theater in my town. I wanted to be the fairy so bad, so that I could wear the blue dress and tiara, and when I realized I got the part, I was thrilled! Until opening day, that is.

The seats were filled with eager, proud parents and cameras. The stage was empty and the curtains drawn, but it wasn't long until the lights came up and I was on that stage, in front of all of those people. Stage-fright to the extreme, let me tell you.

And then the lights came up, and I was standing on the stage, and I wasn't afraid anymore. The lines came to me with the snap of a finger, and my confidence boosted each time someone in the audience laughed. I didn't have to be myself anymore, I could be someone, anyone else that I wanted to be. And it was always encouraging when people from the audience came up after the show to tell me I did a good job.

Ever since then, I've been involved in plays throughout my elementary, junior high, and high school career. I've been a stage manager, assistant director, worked backstage. But my favorite part always was and always will be being on the stage, in front of everyone, playing the part and having a good time. Acting was always my niche; it was what I did in the family. My sister did sports, my mom and dad worked, and I acted. I'd like to say I wasn't a pain in the butt sometimes with how dramatic I was at home, but that would be a lie.

Being in college now, I really miss it. I tried out for a play at the beginning of the year, but I didn't get the part. And quite honestly, I just don't have the time. I plan on being in at least one more play before I graduate, so wish me luck! If it's something I love enough, I will find a way. I encourage anyone who is even thinking about being involved in a theater production to do it; you won't regret it, and the friends you make there will last you a lifetime.

Lights. Camera. ACTION.