Being a part of a family usually means being in a group that involves your close relatives. However, there can be multiple kinds of families. One in particular that is very prominent, at least in my life, is a theatre family. Spending weeks on a show can really bring a group together, and lifelong bonds can form. There is just something about throwing a bunch of performers (and techies) together that really resonates. Going through rehearsal after rehearsal and performing show after show is amazing. Then the show is over and a sudden emptiness starts inside you.

As the curtain comes down for a final time, here are some thoughts a performer might have.

1. "I'm never going to work with these people again"

2. "What am I supposed to do with my life now?"

3. "I'm never going to get as good of a role ever again"

The truth is, all shows have to come to an end, but that doesn't mean the relationships you have made have to. That doesn't mean the experiences you've shared cease to exist. Think about all of the jokes you've made and every game of never have I ever that you played backstage while you should have been getting ready. Think about every costume that wouldn't fit you or every prop you went searching for because you couldn't remember where it was. Think about your costars who always have your back if you miss a cue or jump a line.

Being a part of a theatre group is so much more than just getting on stage and performing. Yes, the relationships seen on stage are important, but what goes on when the actor exits the stage. What people don't see are the hugs everyone gives or the quiet applause we give as our costars hit the big notes or as they get a standing ovation. They don't see the unglamorous side. They don't see how big of a mess we make in our dressing rooms they don't see us bicker over using each other's makeup. But the truth, is family members fight and we are a family.

So, the time will come when we have to hang up our dance shoes and put our costumes back on the rack. The time will come where we have to leave our character behind and simply be us again.

These memories will never go away, and you can always take them with you wherever you go. So thank you to anyone who I have ever worked with, because you mean the world to me and I will hold onto what we have forever.

Until we take our next bow together.