Three years, eight shows, hundreds of rehearsals, thousands of hours of practice and sweat, and one final bow.
Thus is the life of a thespian, which is, an actor/actress. The above mentioned statistics sum up my BHS Musical Theater experience. I was in West Side Story as Betty, a Jet girl. All Shook Up as ensemble. Crazy For You as Irene. Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother. Oklahoma! as Gertie Cummings. And finally, Beauty and the Beast as Silly Girl #1, affectionately referred to as "Regina".
So much time was spent in rehearsals, learning lines, lyrics, and choreography. After all the time that was invested into shows that are now past.. I feel empty. Fairly satisfied by what I have accomplished, but still empty. And terrified.
Life is changing, time is passing. I am graduating high school in less than six months and it feels like yesterday that I walked in as an overwhelmed sophomore. I thought I was so grown up then... look at me now. I'm going off to college soon and will be living on my own, no parents to give me a curfew or to tell me to do my homework. Independence... and responsibility. More than I can even comprehend at this point.
Musical was my high school time keeper. Sophomore year's shows were to get my feet wet, test the waters. The waters felt very good. Junior year was the ridge between immaturity and maturity, or so I thought. I got both of the parts I wanted, and I thought I was unstoppable. Senior year hit a bump in the road, and my musical experience became less than desirable.
A cyst in my left vocal chord? How could this happen? Just as easily as one snaps his finger, my dreams were dashed. Singing was no longer a viable option, and musical became torture.. but I stuck with it. And with the passing of the shows, so passed time. Before I even realized it, it was over. I stepped forward in a line of seniors and took one final bow. Final. Such an incredibly scary word. Last. End. Final. The life I have known up to this point; gone.
When they announce the shows for next year, it won't impact me. Sure, I will come see them... but go through the audition process, possibly callbacks, choreography, dress rehearsals, mic checks, green room, opening night jitters, and striking the set? No.
I'm done with Bountiful High School Musical Theater.
And I survived.
