Now just from the title I think it is pretty self explanatory what this post will be about. Theatre is quite possibly one of the least trustworthy careers a person could have. The people that I have met who have chosen this as their path often work two other jobs and are constantly jumping from audition to audition, trying to get a job. However, I can't get enough of it.
I have been in countless productions starting in sixth grade with Disney's Mulan Jr. Growing up, I was always enrolled in a sport and musical instrument. I have known how to read music since I was four and since my current sport was karate, I thought it would be cool to try it out. I ended up getting a very small part, but it sparked the flame inside me. Since then I have done about thirty performances, whether they were class shows, main-stage performances, or Haunted Houses. I have never gotten any big part, maybe that's what I'm waiting for. I currently have the largest role I've ever had in a main-stage show; a grand total of 13 lines in a 3-act play (getting the role strictly because of my hair color and the directors belief that I CAN speak in an Irish accent... I can't).
A lot of things that interest me, like music, theatre and teaching are all difficult jobs to make a living off of, but (as every teacher tells their students) they don't do their job for the money, they do it for the students. Ultimately, the people who follow those professions follow their dreams, and, as nice as it sounds, I really don't following my dreams is the right choice. I would certainly enjoy becoming a part of a community theater organization when I'm older and more grounded, but I definitely do not see myself on -or anywhere near- Broadway.
I enjoyed reading your post: it made me realize just how hard it is to have a big part even after the countless productions you have been in.Good job. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, strong stuff, made me realize a lot about myself actually and it also reminded me that I have to find and memorize a monologue for tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteAnnette dear, I know what you mean. So many shows of being cast as the kid, or the small band player, or the child number 3, or crow. Its kinda sucky but I was so relieved and terrified when I was handed down Jonni. I mean, even my "Pow Pow, I got you!" lines in the Giver felt like a HUGE DEAL to me. But I almost enjoy being a chorus/ensamble part more than being Jonni, because it made me realize, "I am a very very small girl all alone on this very large stage where people are just far enough out to still see you trembling" I did not like having lines and I much more enjoy having a super fun group dance with ribbons that looks AMAZING when you see it in a whole :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I did enjoy killing Sammi Lundsford with you :D
I definitely agree with you Annette about theatre being such a undependable career to get into, but I believe that if you really love theatre you should try to continue doing it in any way you can throughout your adult life, or as long as you are interested in it.
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