This is a Part of Me
I have heard these words sung by Katy Perry countless times but it wasn't until recently that I really connected the lyrics with something specific. Ever since 6th grade, when I decided that pretending to be "cool" was not worth the trouble, I have always placed a priority on doing what I want to do in hopes of encouraging myself and those around me to be happy. Supporting others to be authentic reminds me that our world works best when we all bring our own unique qualities to then spread joy and acceptance. As a teacher, I have been continuing to embrace every student and every personality. So as I look back on the last several years, I do firmly believe I stay true to who I am and through all of the ups and downs, however there is one part of me that has been taken away.
Not intentionally of course, but when I eagerly accepted my first real teaching opportunity, one of my hobbies had to take a backseat. Something that I started during my first week of high school that quickly became a life-changing experience for the next decade. Something that pushed me to take risks even when I didn't even know what it was going to lead to. Something that taught me so much about how to work alongside so many others in a professional manner. And lastly, something that boosted my confidence in more ways than one.
That something is theater. During my first year of teaching, I experienced so much joy and so much fulfillment because all of my hard work and hours of studying/preparing had paid off. It truly was an incredible feeling and I am grateful that I always find something else to love about the teacher role. I have been gradually introducing more strategies and ideas that make this amazing job even better. My goal is to genuinely look forward to each day that has the potential to be the best day ever. Without realizing, everything that makes teaching better stems from theater.
Creating engaging lessons, providing opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge in unique ways, encouraging students to use their "powerful" voice, or even just cheering them on as they achieve their small victories are all a bit easier with a theater background. I have been taught to make big choices to properly entertain (or maintain the attention) of your audience (or students). Not to mention, this year specifically I have been striving to show off my ability and love to edit together videos in hopes of building up the school's community and making everyone smile.
So you may be asking why I mentioned that theater, that still influences my job in so many ways, has been taken away. Despite the several shows that I have been an audience member for, I have not been involved in a theater production since last year. To be clear, I am so grateful to have had so many unforgettable experiences from high school roles to graduate school opportunities, but I wanted more. Specifically, the role of the Stage Manager has always had a special place in my heart.
Teaching is more than a full time job, uses up a lot of my energy and there are a few days a week that all I want to do after the students leave is go to bed. However, there are still some nights that I am itching to do more. Since June, I have been searching for possible stage manager listings that are close by and flexible with a full time job. That's when I found the Windham Actors Guild in NH who were looking for exactly what I was offering! As always, everything fell into place and I am so excited to announce that they accepted me to be a part of their future productions!
In just a few days, I start a brand new production with brand new people and I couldn't be more excited! It may be a lot to balance teaching and theater but I couldn't pass up on this incredible offer. As always, there is some stress but I am confident that this is where I am meant to be and that if it ends up being too much, I will know that for future years. Teaching does make me so happy in so many ways but theater does too so I am eager to do both at the same time! If you are reading this, don't be afraid to keep up with your hobbies, even if you do have the job of your dreams!