The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

As a child I was shy and timid. I was an only child and spent much of my time growing up surrounded by my parents and their friends. This is where I was comfortable. But I felt awkward when interacting with children of my own age because I did not feel like I could relate to them. So of course I was less than happy when my mother registered me for a summer theater camp. I was not interested performing in a play, actually I was terrified. But my mother, with all her wisdom, thought it would be a good thing for me. And in the end, as always, she was correct.

My first day at The Performance Project was the start of a new life for me. I had never been so nervous, and my fears were only reinforced when I saw that everyone knew each other. But of course they did, they had all been doing this their whole lives. And here I was with no experience at all. To my relief though, I was accepted rather quickly. One thing you learn in theater is that everyone is a family and we all look out for each other.

After introductions were over, I thought I had gotten through the worst part. Oh no, certainly not the case. The director had everyone sit in a circle, and then informed us that everyone would get up, sing a solo and perform a monologue. Now I was sweating. These people were nice, but having to sing and perform in front of them was not something I was ready to do. The singing came first. The song we were singing was "Tomorrow" from Annie, since this is the show we were putting on. Luckily I knew the song cause I had seen the movie. I waited patiently for my turn, listening to these other kids. Some were really good, like the girl who got to play Annie, and others were dreadful. I was praying hard that I would not be one of the dreadful ones. Then the moment of truth came. I got up in front of everyone and the director told me what lines to sing. And I sang, rather softly, while she played the piano. I sat down and listened to the rest of the kids. When everyone was done I thought we would move on to the monologues but the director called me up again. She said that she wanted to hear me sing, but louder. I was beyond nervous, but I did my best to push that song out louder. The director informed me that I was belter, girls are categorized as a soprano or alto, which basically means I can project my voice when I sing.

I was so happy when that first day had ended and my mother arrived to pick me up. But to my horror the director pulled my mother aside. I was waiting for her to say that I had to no talent, but instead she told her that I had a lot of potential and would like to have me as a singing lesson student when the summer was over. I was surprised and even more surprised when I was given one of the leading roles in the play, Grace, Daddy Warbucks' secretary, for those of you who know the show. And so began my passion of theater.

After that day I spent the next several years with The Performance Project. I went to camp, took voice lessons, interned, and performed in the adult shows when I was older. Being involved in theater definitely changed my life for the better. I was no longer shy and timid, but confident and outgoing. I was doing something that excited me, because nothing is more thrilling than getting in front of those stage lights and singing your heart out for the audience. This became not only my hobby but my joy. I felt at home when I was performing. Unfortunately I had to start working and put my interests aside. But I still hope to pick it up again someday soon.