A Racing Heart

Thursday night at 7:30 was the opening of my very first show. I was so nervous; I could not be still or even eat. Backstage I constantly felt the need to be doing something, whether it was walking around or running lines with my fellow actors. 9 By 9, the production that my high school drama class put on, was about to open, and I could not sit still.

When the curtains opened for the fist scene, I finally got myself to calm down and sit still. I sat in the corner focusing in on my character. I played the little ten-year-old daughter of a woman who cheated on her husband while he was on his deathbed. My character actually sees Mom and “Mr. Nobody” getting it on and begins to question her onstage. My older sister also comes in knowing that our mom is cheating on our dad. She gives our mom sass and makes her feel guilt beyond reason. My mom ends up losing her wedding ring and actually hitting my sister. It is a powerful and moving scene that made the audience gasp and even laugh out loud.

When I stepped on stage for the first time at the beginning of my scene, a burst of adrenaline rushed through me that I have never experienced before. It felt like I actually became the character in my body, mindset, and emotions. It was an incredible feeling that took about a half hour to go away even after the show ended.

This show has opened up the door for me and allowed me to come out of my box. Acting was such a phenomenal experience; I cannot wait until the next show. I feel a sense of liberation when I am onstage. I have the opportunity to be somebody different and put on a new face. Acting in a show is an incredible art form that allowed me to experience life through somebody else’s eyes. I am glad to say it is a newly found passion of mine.