Sometimes it is good to step aside from your usual work and
do something different. When I was asked to direct a children’s production at a
local elementary school, I was not surprised. Before becoming a writer, I was a
professional musical theatre actress and some people in my hometown remember. At
the time, I could not imagine doing anything else for my life’s work. I trudged
to auditions, humming or all-out singing down 42nd Street in preparation for any number
of auditions, or taking the tiny part so I could work with the people who might
offer me the bigger parts one day. To put it simply, I was driven and heading
to Broadway. Due to a few decisions, I ended up changing gears, returning to
college, and pursuing another love, writing. I have not looked back and cannot
honestly say I miss working in musical theatre, though I hope to be on this
side of the stage someday writing a great musical.
With that said, I was always taught one should ‘give back’
to the communities that nurtured them. When someone asks me to direct a school
production, I usually try to fit it into my schedule, no matter how tight that
schedule may be. I feel our children should get our absolute best. If I am the
best person at the time to help them put on their yearly Drama Club production,
I make it happen.
Last night, I was reminded why I do this. What looked essentially
as a ragtag team of overactive 9-year-olds a few months ago turned into a cast
last night. They remembered to slow down when they were speeding up, they made
up lines when they freaked out and forgot what they were supposed to say, and
the technical crew worked together to move sets before the lights came up on
each scene. I am as proud of them as I would be of my own children.
I’ll have to remember this last bit when the tech crew asks
if they need makeup before they go backstage (in the dark), when most of them
forget who goes in which order during curtain calls and I have to grab a mic
and call it out, or when the music starts before the children are even in the
auditorium. No, tonight, when the curtain goes up, I will stand in the darkness
doing what I do - helping them make the memories of their Fourth Grade Drama
Club Production happy ones.
My hope is that everyone steps out of his or her day-to-day
life every now and then to do something different. The joy you get in return
may surprise you.
