When you hear the words “high school theatre”, I bet images of clumsy, irresponsible, loud teenagers come to mind. Although this is very true, there is so much more to high school theatre than many would imagine. Having participated in my high school theatre productions, I’ve definitely learned a lot and had many amazing experiences that everyone should experience in their lives. High school theatre has made me realize I want to keep performing for the rest of my life.

1. Your cast becomes your family.

While working on a production, you’re going to be seeing these people every day for at least two months at a time. Whether you like them or not, you create a strong bond that everyone outside of the theatre realm could never understand. An important aspect of theatre is, (as corny as this may sound) we’re all in this together. There’s nothing more fun than sharing long nights, inside jokes, fun songs, and so many memories with people that are here for the same reason you are. You’ll make many friendships that will stay with you for a long time.

2. It gives you a reason to want to go to school.

Let’s be real: No one enthusiastically wants to go to school when they’re in high school. Knowing you have something fun to do when the day is done will make you want to get out of bed a whole lot faster for school than you usually do.

3. You learn good analyzing skills.

Being a part of a production isn’t just reading lines and singing songs. When given the opportunity to play a character, you get to be someone other than yourself. Whether your character is a vindictive antagonist, an innocent sweetheart, or a naïve soul, you get the chance to delve into the wonders of who this character really is.

4. You take direction from people who've done it all.

My director and vocal coach in high school taught me many lessons on and off the stage. Not only was I taught how to put myself into the shoes of the characters I’ve played, blocking, crucial facial expressions, and so much more regarding acting, but I was taught something much more important: confidence. Performing on stage in front of hundreds of people takes a lot of bravery, and not everyone can do it. In order for you to feel confident, you need that extra push from someone. My vocal coach made sure I could belt those notes fearlessly, and my director never gave up on a single cast member and made sure we were 100% ready to perform. Knowing people believe in you to achieve greatness is truly the best feeling you could feel.

5. You know those catchy lyrics inside and out.

Whether you’re in class, in the shower, or just sitting at home, everyone around you will soon hear (and get sick of really quickly) those same show tunes you can’t stop singing.

6. You get to rock costumes, make-up, and hair!

Now if everyone were to perform in their everyday t-shirt and jeans, what would be the fun in that? Having worn eccentric dresses, crimped hair, wild make-up and so much more, I can personally say looking the part is super fun.

7. Big, cheesy dance numbers become your everyday movement.

Although you may think you have two left feet, you’ll find yourself practicing those full cast dance numbers that no one can seem to perfect, although they’ve been simplified for a group of high school students.

8. You slowly pull in your friends to join you.

Once all of your friends see how much fun you’re having, they slowly but surely get reeled in to share this experience with you, making it so much better.

9. You experience the thrill of being on stage.

Standing beside your cast members right before the lights are about to go up and the curtains are about to open is the most overwhelming yet exciting feeling. Looking around at everyone in costume, and thinking about everyone about to perform what you’ve all spent so much of your time on makes your heart pound.

10. Hard work pays off!

Standing there on stage where hundreds of people applaud you is the most rewarding feeling. Having people come up to you after your performance to compliment you on your weeks and weeks of hard work will make you want to keep doing this forever. The second the curtains close and everyone runs and hugs each other with tears in their eyes, you know you’ve created something magical with all of these people.