Opening Night!

It's HERE! Yet another opening night of a crazy funny show in which I am performing with a cool cast of talented actors. We have been rehearsing and working hard for over a month to put on an eventful dinner show. Really, a lot happens. Somebody gets murdered...and one of us did it. Muhahahaha.

Even though I anticipate it every time, whenever the day of the final dress rehearsal arrives, I just get really excited that all of the work and dedication to the project pays off. We no longer rehearse after that day. We perform! I usually cannot wait for people to see the show and laugh as hard as I do. I laugh at rehearsals...usually multiple times when the play is hysterical and campy.

So, on the day of final dress (yesterday), I woke up, went to work, and was just really happy that whole day...yes, even at my restaurant job. I reflected a bit, and realized that it was because I had a deviation in that schedule that I had had for several weeks. I was a part of another show before the current one had closed (Note: I joined the cast of Clue: the Musical at the same company and had back-to-back rehearsals that night). It's strange. I never had to not wait for an audition or have no time in-between projects. The thing is, I liked it. I liked it a lot! 

When a show is nearing its opening performance, I get excited and full of energy. Then it's suddenly all over and as actors, we go into some real withdrawals. No matter the show, it's weird not going back to rehearsal or a performance. We just deal with reality for a while before the next opportunity arrives. I don't have to experience that this time, which is most likely why I was so joyful yesterday. 

I believe that, as artists (especially those with non-artistic day jobs), we strive to keep making art in any way we can. Even if it takes several months to a year for another project to come our way, we still have that desire. Yes, it's nerve-racking and we get impatient after waiting, but that all ceases when we are able to do what we love.

I am very open about wanting to start a professional acting career soon. However, I live in a place where that is not really possible. At the same time, we have theatre. We have a couple of companies that produce full seasons of shows and special events. I found my love for community theatre by going to see local shows and eventually performing in them. 

We need to preserve community theaters across the country, even the world. They are so important to everybody because those of us who can't exactly make it in the business right now can still get experience and find that pleasure by simply being involved. I am glad to have found a place in another theatre environment, especially after being used to my college theatre program for four (and-a-half because I took Script Analysis as a high school senior) years before having half a year of not performing post-graduation.

I am happy. I am determined. I am still aspiring to go there. I am ready to make some people laugh for the next four days!