Theatre - my newest love!

Over the last several years I have gotten involved with my local theatre community - and you know what I discovered? I love it!

As a high school student, I always wanted to be involved in our productions, but I was painfully shy and lacked any sort of self-confidence.  I would go to auditions and freeze, never receiving a part, but always working backstage or on the costume team.  I struggled so much during my high school years because I was so worried about what people would think.  I'm grateful that I've grown out of that in so many ways as an adult.  It's taken a few years, but I've finally come to understand that there are areas that simply make me who I am and no amount of trying is going to change it.  It's funny to me that we always want to change the things we can't and never work to change the things we can...

I realized in my new burst of marathon training that I'm doing this so that I can be a better performer.  I am not going to be 100 lbs and size 0, but from my training, I've developed greater stamina, breath control, and a power to my singing voice I didn't know I had, I can dance (rather I can move in some sort of rhythm that looks a little like dance) and sing at the same time for a longer duration, and I'm starting to tone and shape - all great areas to have improved for the stage.

There is a big production coming up and I'd love a role in it.  I'm recognizing there are things I can do and change to help make that a reality.  Not just in exercise of the body, but of my voice and my mind.

I've also discovered how much I love music directing for shows.  My next venture is chorus-master for Fiddler on the Roof.  It has such great music and I'm looking forward to working with a large ensemble, knowing how many wonderfully talented people will be working with me.

Community theatre is amazing.  So many treasure chests of talent that you would never know existed.  Community theatre uncovers all sorts of hidden gems.  Go to your local community theatre productions and you will be amazed at what you find.  You don't need to go to New York to discover good theatre.  Chances are it is practically in your backyard!