|
TITLE: What Have I Gotten Myself Into? By Jennifer Langley 08/11/08 |
 SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND
|
This is a true story about me and my first audition for the theater, when I was 13.
I walked in the brightly lit lobby of the local theater, out of the rain, my song and poem clutched tightly in my hand. Kids of all ages were everywhere filling out sheets, ready to audition for the parts of the musical version of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”
My dad walked closely, guiding me through the hubbub of people who had auditioned countless times. I was given a sheet. I filled out my name, age, and how many times I had acted, never. I could barely write my name as I sat on the stair steps, the only place that wasn’t filled by young actors and actresses.
After filling out the sheet, I walked into the dimly lit performing room, filled with 200 red upholstered folding seats. I had imagined the audition a million different ways, but I wasn’t expecting for so many people to be watching me.
The small stage was lit with bright lights. A set that had been from a previous play still was set up on the stage, a house with richly white upholstered chairs, and bright green palm trees.
Dad and me sat down in the chairs in the middle of the seats. I could hear kids who had lost the courage to audition, tell the director. I was tempted to be one of them, but I clutched the song, “Phantom Of the Opera in my hand,” and the poem, “Flowers From Memory’s Coiffure”
I shook, and my throat was dry. I knew that I was going to go up there and sing this famous song, and speak these words of the poem. I had prepared and practiced the song again and again at home. But practicing didn’t seem to have prepared me for the nervousness that I felt.
The director got up and spoke. She was kind and made a little of my nervousness go away, it helped knowing that everyone got in that auditioned, but I was still nervous, I had no idea what parts there were for this play.
The director started calling names, and small children started going up on the stage singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” What had I gotten myself into? But I was consoled by the fact that there were other girls my age in the audience.
Soon the older boys and girls went up, they were pretty good! I wanted to shrink down in the seats, and pretend this audition wasn’t happening, this was all a dream, good or bad I didn’t know.
But it was too late, my name was called! “Jennifer Langley!” I knew what to do, I got up from the seat, and made my way to the stage. It was strange, all of the sudden, I felt peaceful, not nervous at all. The bright lights, and the expectant faces staring up at me did not waver my courage. I felt good, I felt ready.
I took out the white paper printed with the words of the “Phantom Of the Opera”
in sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came ...
that voice which calls to me and speaks my name ...
And do
I dream again?
For now
I find the Phantom of the Opera is there - inside my mind...
I sang the song loudly, my voice wavered a little, but I wasn’t bad. I looked over the audience’s heads, looking into the back of the theater. The moment seemed to go so fast.
I took out the poem, and recited the words feelingly, looking out over the crowd. In a moment, it was all over, I felt giddy. I walked down the steps; the lady attendant whispered that I was very good!
I could hardly believe, it was all over. I returned to my seat and sighed with relief. Dad gave me a hug, and I settled down to watch the other kids.
Two days passed, I went back to the theater to hear what part I had got. I went upstairs to the dance room. Mirrors covered the wall, and the floor was a light wood color. I was a little late; I took off my jacket hurriedly, and set it by the wall.
All of the kids that had auditioned stood in a circle. The kind director welcomed me into the circle. We all were instructed to introduce ourselves to each other. I wasn’t nervous, or anxious to hear what part I had gotten.
I viewed this all as an adventure, a new thing to try. There were kids that were my age and older, and small kids. Later after doing singing practice, we all sat down in a circle. I had become a little acquainted with the girls my age, and felt a little more comfortable. Now that the moment came, I was excited to hear what part I had gotten.
The young kids were told first. The parts of Pages, guards, servants, and even trees were given. Then the larger parts came, the Empress, the Emperor. I sat there, seeing all the parts given, my turn came closer, scripts were given, and the name of the character written in them by the owner. The director turned towards me, "And Jennifer, you are the Princess"
The Princess!! Such a wonderful part to play! I hadn't gotten the part of a tree after all. Princess Melissa, it sounds well does it not? But, I must admit, I was a bit scared.
The boy, who’s name was Corey Souza, looked equally scared. At home, I told my family what part I had gotten. They all laughed, but I assured them that it was probably a small part, and the prince and I were barely in the play.
But, I opened the script. I fanned through the pages. Princess, Princess, Princess, was all over the script. I had TONS of lines, and the Prince equally so! I didn’t think anything could be worse, but, there was. Three solos, two of which were with the Prince. All love songs too!!
I couldn’t believe this had actually happened. I had gotten one of the lead parts. How was this possible, I had never acted before, never sang on stage!! I was sure that I was going to get the part of a tree!
Those months were the most exciting that I can remember. Full of rehearsals, friends, learning, and regrets. But I loved every moment of it, and I would never go back and redo it.
But sometimes I asked myself, what have I gotten myself into?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.