I love the theatre. My first (only) professional role was in the 5th grade at the Barn Dinner Theatre. I played Ngana, the daughter of Emile de Becque in South Pacific. to this day, I can sing every single word of every single song of that show. It was my DREAM to play Nellie Forbush at some point but it never happened. The show ran for two months I think, but I was 
hooked for life. It was a great way for me to act out my crazy imagination and I was pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.
I had the good fortune to audition and win a spot at our only arts based high school – it was like Glee 25 years ago. I spent the first half of my day at my home based high school with my core classes and before lunch was free to go and head downtown for the rest of my day. It was intense – on average we did 8 productions in the year (most schools do 2, tops) and we all spent a lot of time there with rehearsals going well into the evening more often than not. We were a close group, did things we shouldn’t have and produced some of the most amazing shows ever. Many of us (them) went on to live the dream and a couple have even made it in the “big” time.
I miss acting in the literal sense. Of course, I’m “on stage” every moment of my life – once a ham, always a ham. You would think that I would have kept it up but I have auditioned exactly ONE time since leaving high school. I would never have imagined that would happen, but it’s funny how life can get you sidetracked from the things you love.
I always wondered which of my girls would be the one to become interested in the theatre. They are all very dramatic as I’m sure you can tell from this little space. Many thought it would have been Mackenzie with her fiery red hair but in fact, it is Sydney who is my budding thespian. She started acting lessons a couple of years ago (under the direction of a good friend of MY former director), has auditioned for a few productions and is in her first year of drama classes in middle school as well as the drama club after school. I love running lines with her and helping her with audition monologues. It won’t be long before she lands her first role. My goal is to do a show with her or any of the others who finally get bitten by the bug.
But you have my word that I’ll never be a stage mom.
Kristen
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I KNEW there was a reason we were hitting it off so well… When we get together maybe we could do a karaoke of “Honey Bun” together.
Yes!!! And we can move right into Bloody Mary after a couple of cocktails! We’ll be FABULOUS!
Kristen Daukas recently posted..All the World is a Stage
Aaaaaah…so not only are we fellow gingers, we’re fellow drama queens!!! I*knew* I liked you for a reason!! I did theater all through high school and college, and even managed to squeeze in a couple shows around my daughter’s schedule. Also? I sang “Bali H’ai” for a community theater anniversary show. Now pass the Bloody Marys.
I haven’t met too many gingers who WEREN’T drama queens.. the difference is that we’re just really good at it.. I’m jealous that you’ve made the time to do shows post-school. I really need to make that a 2013 priority.