And now it's done.

We closed the show on Saturday, and, let me tell you, I'm spent!

What an experience, my friends. People asked me "how was it?", and I just couldn't explain it. It was like when I gave birth to Baby 16. It is one of those things that can't be compared to any other. The amazement of finally fulfilling a dream of a lifetime, of having people like what you have performed for them: I don't have vocabulary for that kind of awesomeness. 

The run down of all the great things I learned that I can apply to work on a production team:

- The dance ensemble are already busting their asses. Try to keep any changes you have for their hair and makeup to NONE. One style for the whole show, if you please.

- Actors really do want to help bring your ideas to life. All they ask is that they can be comfortable. Try to make hair and makeup designs as quick and easy as possible.

- Quick changes are a bitch.

- The script gives you a tonne of information. USE IT!

- Go to some rehearsals, so you get a good idea of what the actors will have to do.

The run down of the emotional growth:

- This was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

- As much as I love to sing, I had an intense fear of singing in front of people. NOT ANY MORE!!

- I really enjoy acting! It is very liberating!

I guess I'm still processing it all. The friendships and commitment to a common goal, being surrounded by people who teach you new things about others and about yourself, the sheer joy of bringing a story and music you love to life--I don't know how to describe it in a way that feels sufficient! I'm hoping the words come to me. Until then, I guess I'll just have to enjoy waking up in the middle of the night, smiling to myself as I remember all of the great fun I had.

Just Past the Half Way Point

Ten shows down, my friends! I'm really tired, more than a little beat up (musical theatre is PHYSICAL! And not just the dancing!), and in love. I love this. I love singing, acting, and, yes, even dancing! I love it so deeply, even more than I thought I would. This was what I was waiting for in the process--sharing a story and some great songs with people. Exploring behaviour I would never do in real life (like yelling at Ty, who is a lovely person). Being loud, noisy, singy! In most areas of life, it's best to be quiet. Not on the stage, most of the time! I can be who I was as a child, before my anxiety disorder took horrible shape. I wanted to become a combination singer/actress/dancer. And now, I'm doing it!

It is worth it, folks. Every bruise (I've finally learned how to carry a chair without letting it smack against my legs), every pain, every yawn. Following my dream is worth it. My dream was not really to be famous, it was to sing/dance/act. And I've been doing that for the last week and a half. And it's been amazing!

I don't think I can do more than one show a season as an actor (I am not nearly as energetic as my fellow cast mates, and the family is missing me); but, even if I never perform again, I have lived a dream and loved it!

A special thanks goes out to everyone in the cast of this show. They have, down to each person, helped me to adjust, learn and thrive out there. The operative word in community theatre is Community. Everyone really does want to help. It's not just a cliché, it's more than the truth. People helping right and left, so that all of us enjoy the process as well as the show. 

Are you thinking about sticking a toe in your dream pool? I really think you should, in whatever way feels right to you. Don't wait, don't let the fear stop you. You don't have to be the best. You don't have to become rich or famous. EVEN IF YOU FIND OUT THAT YOU HATE IT AND WANT TO DO SOMETHING ELSE. Just give it a go.

What a RUSH!

Well, folks, opening weekend was FANTASTIC!!! Yes, I made mistakes (but, not a lot, shockingly). Yes, I had butterflies in my stomach the size of Smaug. But, performing this show in front of an audience was so exciting, so emotional, so amazing! 

I won't lie: up until the Thursday before, I was thinking that I probably belonged backstage. That this acting business was just not for me. I was scared, my feet and legs were in such pain that I could hardly walk into the house when I got home.

But, then, AN AUDIENCE. AND THEY CLAPPED AND CHEERED. It hit me--this is why we do it. This is why it's all worth it: all the pain, all the work, all the practice. We do it so that people can see it and have a good time. It was AWESOME. 

Three shows in to the 16 show run, I know I will do this again.