Why do we do it?

So, the other day I was talking to the parent of one of our theatrical productions cast members and the conversation went something like this…

“So, I’ll bet you’re going to be glad when this is all over next week!” Now, I’ll admit this – I was, indeed, looking ahead to what’s next but not for the reason(s) the parent might have thought! Frankly, I’m ALWAYS looking ahead to the next big show and as I run a rehearsal I frequently see or hear a young actor or actress give a line a particular way or create an action or an ad lib and it reminds me of a character in another show. In fact, on more than occasion this past few months I’ve found myself penciling up mock cast lists and matching roles to specific kids. It’s just a part of the creative process.

Now, the conversation continued without the above “side bar” and once I said “No, I’ll be pretty sad when it’s done because while I may be looking forward to some down time, I’m going to miss my cast!

Every cast is different and unique in it’s own way. Some casts are just real jewels, others aren’t but the one thing they all have in common is that they’re made up of kids that want to act and want to do so to the best of their ability.

That’s why we music and theatre educators do what we do. We live for the experience of making a differen

ce in the lives of a group of kids and watching them grow into those roles and develop their acting, singing, and dancing skills in the process. If we’re very lucky, we get to see some of those same faces show after show and they become like members of our own family.

For me, I look forward to those moments in a rehearsal when silly things happen and a comedy of errors takes place and we all laugh together while playing off the absurdity of the moment. There are very few days that I walk away from a rehearsal without something funny to remember or a special moment. Now, THAT’S why I do it!