In honor of my last high school show opening this past Friday, I’ve thought about my years in this amazing program. Memories of fun times, moments of crisis, and minutes of stress have all lead me through an unforgettable four years. I’ve been cast and technical crew, I’ve been leads and ensembles, I’ve been crew chief and crew member, and nothing has taught me more than this program. Here are eight of the most “heard” memories from my theatre peers and I from our little corner of the world- the auditorium.

1. “Break a leg!”
   1. It’s not literal. There are times when we really can’t afford a broken leg either (that tap dance number, or next week’s dance call.) But the reverse psychology still works.
2. “Meet you there!”
   1. Whether it’s IHOP, Friendly’s or the diner down the street, you will always know exactly where to meet after opening night. And you also figured out what you’re going to order in the back of your head during that big solo moment you have in scene 7.
3. “The cast list is up.”
   1. The female lead, backup fish #5, the comic relief, or someone beyond. You know that at a glance, this cast is going to be a family through thick or thin for the next couple months.
4. “Holy shift.”
   1. All things technical bring life to your energy. Sound, lights, costumes, hair, makeup, sets, props, design, marketing; without these tireless teams and their efforts, we’d be unheard, un-costumed voices in the dark, with no one in the audience.
5. “Macbeth.” “Shut up!”
   1. This one goes for all thespians, really. In reference to the character is fine, but the show title is off limits. It’s always that one kid who thinks it’s a joke, and it’s all fun and games until they’re the ones tripping over their feet onstage.
6. “I’d never thought we’d do this show.”
   1. Grease, High School Musical, anything Disney is something “beyond my wildest dreams.” These shows, and many more, that you perform as a high schooler are the ones your parents and loved ones remember you watching as a child. Every. Single. Day.
7. “Let’s do the show they did at states!”
   1. This year, it was Boeing Boeing and Next to Normal. The year before, Once on This Island. The show wish list gets longer and longer with every visit to states and nationals, and the soundtrack surrounds you as soon as you get home.
8. “What happens on headset, stays on headset.”
   1. “Lights, LIGHTS!” to “OMG someone pick up the spoon!” Headset is never boring, whether there’s a crisis, a joke, another crisis, or, especially, when everyone starts singing.