So…Why Theatre?
This is a pretty common question among people these days. Why theatre? It’s not always the “popular” option. Theatre can be a really scary choice for a lot of people, so many hesitate to join Drama Club or sign up for auditions. For those of you reading this who are thinking about joining a show or taking that arts elective in school, I want to give you a little bit of advice and hopefully ease some of your fears if you have any.
Signing up is the first step. If you look on any sign up sheet, you can see who else is joining. Is your best friend Jenny going to do it as well? Even if Jenny isn’t doing it, Drama is an excellent place to make new friends, because these are people with similar interests as you. They all are just as nervous for the audition as you are, whether they admit it or not. If you ever feel afraid, know that you are NEVER alone. Also know that if you do the show, these people will become your family. I’ve never been in a show where everyone wasn’t close by the end. It’s inevitable because you will end up spending most of your time with these cast members by the end.
The next step is auditions! There are different types of auditions like dance calls, cold reads, and singing auditions. Basically, they are going to evaluate how you sing, dance and act (depending on if you do a musical or not), in order to cast you in the role you fit best! NOTE: if you are casted in the chorus, do NOT think it is because you are horrible. The show wouldn’t be the show without the chorus. They work the hardest and you can make your part your own even if you don’t have a specified name. Also: if you are not casted, do NOT give up. I repeat: DO. NOT. There is a role somewhere for you just waiting to be auditioned for. Just give it your all every single time!
Rehearsals: Rehearsal time is a learning period for everyone in the cast, not just you. It’s okay to mess up here. Make your mistakes now and don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is the prime time to get to know some of your outgoing cast members that I talked about earlier. You will find friendships unlike any other and will form a trust with each of them that you can’t find anywhere else. You will come to love even the ones you think that you won’t. Plus, you get to dance and sing and goof around with some of the best people on the planet.
The Show: THIS IS A CRAZY WEEK BUT I PROMISE YOU WILL SURVIVE!!! Just get plenty of rest and look over your songs as you prepare for the big day(s). On opening night, you may be nervous. The answer? Talk with some cast mates. Maybe they have some fun warmups that are tradition that you haven’t learned. However crazy it is, it may help to ease the nerves if you have any. This week is filled with all sorts of fun things like costumes and makeup and it’s everyone’s favorite week because you finally get to show it to everyone and see it put all together after working so hard and becoming so close with all of these wonderful people!!
Most of all: HAVE FUN. This is the entire point of theatre. If you aren’t having fun, then what is the purpose of this?
So, why Drama? Well, you receive: A new set of friendships, the opportunity to sing and dance for people and entertain, and finally you get tons of crazy memories that you’ll remember forever! Who could ask for anything more?