I have always known I wanted to be on stage.

I loved watching movies and musicals and I adored all the people I saw on stage. I never knew if that meant being a dancer, being a singer, or being an actress, but I knew the stage was my calling.

Through middle school and high school, all I did was perform on the stage, and I loved it! The lights, the energy from the audience, and the adrenaline that shot through me as I performed all contributed to the performance high I felt each time I step foot on the stage.

Although I was focused on performing, I always thought I had a strong appreciation for the people backstage. A lot of my friends chose to participate in the tech side of theatre rather than the onstage side, and they enjoyed it. I loved watching them build sets or hem costumes to make sure all of us looked good.

I never really heard them complain about their jobs. They usually just talked to me about what I could do to help them or what they needed me to do so I was out of their way. I loved the collaborative relationship I would have with the members of the backstage crew.

College gave me a brand new perspective on how a show works from a technical standpoint. I was required to take a class all about technical theatre and the many parts that go along with it. It was during this class that I realized there was so much more going on behind the scenes of shows and theatre companies that I never knew about. There is so much thought and planning that goes into every second of a show that helps make it so exciting.

One of my requirements for this class is to work backstage in some form for one of the mainstage performances at the university. Although my job was very small, I could see the impact of my work on the show. I also learned things about being a part of the technical crew that I never knew, such as the longer arrivals and the work that goes on while the performers aren't around.

I think I have definitely developed a deeper appreciation for the work that too often goes unnoticed, and that is a blessing to me.

Overall, the most important lesson I've learned from changing my perspective is how easy it is to be so focused on yourself that you forget the incredible work of others happening around you. For example, if you are so busy developing your business, you might not ever take the time to appreciate the work of a rising musician or doctor that may impact you later. When you can, try to experience things that are outside of your comfort zone. You just might learn something that will enrich your life!