The Moment Your Cast Turns Into Your Family | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Moment Your Cast Turns Into Your Family

The bittersweet adventures of starting strangers and closing your final curtain call as friends.

8
The Moment Your Cast Turns Into Your Family
Alexa Hansen-Beeman

There was a gut-wrenching yet incredibly electrifying feeling inside me when I nervously searched for room 192.

I had stayed in the car because I didn't want to be too early yet I didn't dare arrive late. I hadn't acted in a large role for almost a year; I hadn't even read the script. I wasn't studying theatre; I didn't consider myself good enough. But there I was, waiting in the parking lot anxiously sweating before our first read-through.

When I saw the cast list, it was through a blurry text message photo. I had to zoom in and squint, but there it was: my name. I was in the car with my then-boyfriend when my hands weren't big enough to cover my smile and my eyes began to well with tears.

I was so incredibly excited.

For the past four years, my life was intensely dedicated to theatre: acting, directing, producing, working backstage. After graduating, I had to say goodbye to my thespian family which I worked so hard to build. When I got to college, there was a part of me missing. A part of me that wasn't being exercised enough, and it was finally beginning to fill again.

I had auditioned for my first college show in the fall, only to find I had not made it past callbacks. When I saw auditions were being held again for the spring, I drove to campus on a Saturday morning with my best friend. We parked and debated whether or not to go through with it. Something pushed me to try again.

That's the moment which throws me back into my beaten gold Hyundai debating if I should wait another five minutes before leaving my safe zone to go looking for our rehearsal space. I knew of only one other name on that cast list. Everybody knew each other or knew what they were doing. I was walking into unknown territory.

Then I did it. I got out of the car and found the room.

And I survived. I was extremely meek and to myself, but I survived. We laughed reading through our script and it was easy to see individuals morph into their new roles. Nothing magically clicked during that first rehearsal — the nerves never disappeared, everybody was still a stranger. The journey ahead was nothing I could have predicted from that first rehearsal.

I can't pick a certain time, place or date where it all changed. I can't even remember a specific timeframe. There was a day where I was still second-guessing my worth of being in the show next to such incredible actors and under genius directing, and then there was a day where these actors who seemed so distant from myself became a part of me.

I'm not sure if it was the first 30 rolls of sushi, if it happened during frolf, laser tag or the hours at IHOP but some time in between each character break in rehearsal, laughing fits causing us unable to start a scene again, arguments over games at warm-ups and not knowing our lines, we unknowingly created a family.

I think where it's easy to realize you accidentally bonded with an initial group of strangers is where you get a break from your constant rehearsals and you find yourself actually missing it. Though completely incidental, you could never imagine your life without your fellow cast members.

You don't only look at your cast different but you look at yourself differently. By creating these bonds and getting more comfortable, you all begin to build each other up. You want everybody to be the best they can be. You don't just care about their character, but them. You see the talent and goodness in each individual as they find it in you. It goes past the show alone. You find yourself with a whole new group of friends, a whole new sense of self and you leave with pride in knowing you created a remarkable piece of art.

Then the journey comes to an end.

It's your closing night. Eight shows done and the last applause is heard. You look around your cast, surrounding the stage, taking one last bow. Your stage husband, who feels like your real husband, the stage bestie who unknowingly pushed your acting more than anyone, the mutual eye-roller, the one who sported leggings one too many times, the first person who ever talked to you in the cast, the unapologetic one, the one who taught you to give second chances, the one who lit up the set with their smile and laughter, the one who showed you past enemies could be great friends. Your smile has never been so big and your heart has never been so full.

It's in that moment you realize who these people have become. It's in that moment you realize it's all over. It's in that moment you wish you could rewind and relive it all. It's in that moment that your cast has turned into your family.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14159
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6170
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4566
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4008
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments