There’s something about opening night, spending hours in rehearsals, having a 10-second costume change, putting as many bobby pins in your hair as possible, having mic tape residue for a week after closing night, and saying “Thank you five.” Theatre. An actor's playground. A place where you will remember most every line you said, and every dance you were taught. A place that will hold memories from every cast, and every show you ever performed in. An atmosphere that will hold memories today, and memories for years to come. I was once asked what theatre means to me. Here are a few of my favorite things about theatre, and what it means to me.

Auditions.

We all know, probably one of the most anxious aspects of theatre, however, one of the most memorable are auditions. Most every actor/actress remembers auditions from different shows. Moments where we were tough on ourselves, and freaked out about learning choreography in less than ten minutes. However, we remember that these experiences helped us grow stronger as actors, and prepared us.

Rehearsals.

The hours upon hours you spend blocking scenes, learning music, and learning new choreography. Rehearsals are always special. I loved and still love every time I attended rehearsals. It’s a time where you get to see the cast and work on the production. People also create new ideas and explore their character. Seeing an entire cast work on a production for months is something beautiful and definitely like no other.

Thespian competitions.

Even though I was only able to attend my senior year, theatre competitions hold a dear place in my heart. The countless hours performing monologues and songs over and over again. The encouragement from parents and our teachers will be something I will always remember. Going to the competitions as a group and encouraging one another was one of my favorite parts and memories of my Senior Year.

The final high school show.

As a senior, it is one of the most emotional experiences. Your final time on stage at your high school. It is definitely filled with a roller coaster of emotions. Going around the circle at the cast party and telling each other what an experience it has been. Then saying, “see you later,” to the group you will leave behind.

Obsessing over shows with your castmates.

Whether it’s about a journey to the Emerald City, a French Revolution, a blood eating plant, Harvard Law School, a colorful coat, or one of our Founding Fathers, it is always fun to learn about new musicals and sing them with your friends.

Theatre family.

Whether you were in a show together last week, or ten years ago, you are always part of a theatre family. There is such a special bond within a theatre family. They are the ones who always will support you and love you. They always challenge and encourage you to do your best in everything you do. The cast, directors, the musical directors, the costumers, the choreographer, the crew, and everyone else who pulled a show together, hold such a dear place in my heart. I have definitely made a lot of my lifelong friends through theatre.

I can honestly say that every 525,600 minutes of theatre have meant the world to me. Even though life seems like pandemonium at times, I always will have my love and memories of theatre. Whether on-stage or off-stage, forever and always, a theatre kid I will be.