One End Leads to the Beginning of Another
Instead, I now feel confident I can sustainably balance involvement in theater at the same time as teaching. I only experienced college-level productions so now being included into a more mature setting with people that take it a little more seriously, I couldn't be happier. I have been waiting since 2019 to receive the pure joy during and after a performance. The countless hours we put into our project went without any sort of response for months for it all to change for a few days. Although the applause inside of the auditorium did fill me with satisfaction that's hard to describe, the bigger swell of happiness I received was after the final bow.
Once all of the actors head out to the lobby, they are greeted with a wave of excited fans that are there to cheer and love their friends or family members who just contributed to an incredible performance. I did have a few friends (and even my sister and cousin) come out to support me which did fill me with gratitude, however, it was nice to see complete strangers add to the unbelievable amount of love in one room. Our performance weekend was not perfect but it was truly magical and something I hope to never forget!
The hardest part of the whole process wasn't the fact that we were painting the set right before opening doors or that the rose glass covering shattered minutes before starting the show or even when I was stuck in the middle of the dispute that formed between my director and lightning designer. Instead, it was the inevitable end of it all that always seems to creep up and since there are so many other emotions tied with the process, sadness doesn't always bubble to the top before it's all over.
Thankfully, I thought ahead so I wouldn't have to sit in the sadness for too long! And I know I have written a blog post about the very subject of living in the moment instead of being dragged down by the past or too consumed in future plans, but with this, I did enjoy what was right in front of me while also giving my future self something too look forward to! :) I was so excited to see a company that is super close to me was starting a production of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (one of, if not my favorite musicals of all time). I originally interviewed for the director position which I was quickly rejected but I remained professional and eager to help out as a stage manger instead.
One quick zoom interview in a staircase later, I received the offer and was told we start two days after my current show wrapped up. In some ways, it would have been nice to have a little bit of a break between the two but at the same time, I am so, gosh-darn thrilled to be involved in this musical too. It's a whole new company with a new director and brand new cast but about a fourth of the people. It's a minimalistic show in terms of the technical elements but has so much more to it than just the words on a page.
Sitting in the read-through the other day made me get all giddy that I have the opportunity to not only work with some amazing people, but also it's awesome feeling so much genuine joy from being in that environment. Everyone is so friendly and eager to get to know each other and we all share the common idea that even though we are weird, that's a strength! So, I do miss my former cast and I created such strong bonds with each of them (including my amazing director), I know that this will be just as incredible. Here's to new beginnings!