Broadway Dreams: My Journey into the Theatre

Many of us have dreams that seem too ambitious to ever become a reality. For me, that dream was always about being a part of a Broadway musical. However, it has taken me years of pursuing various artistic endeavors to realize even a small part of that dream. In this article, I'll share my experiences with acting and performing, both within the realms of community theatre and on a larger stage.

High School Dreams

My journey into the performing arts began in high school, where I not only acted but also wrote and directed my own play. This experience was incredibly rewarding, as the production was a success, gaining praise and recognition from both my peers and the broader community. The camaraderie and creative freedom provided a platform for me to explore my passion for storytelling in a unique and fulfilling way.

Community Theatre: An Unforgettable Experience

During my high school days, I was involved in several community theatre productions. These experiences provided me with invaluable skills, such as stage presence, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure. One of my most memorable roles was in a local production of a classic Shakespeare play. The opportunity to bring to life a character from a beloved text reignited my love for theatre and reinforced my desire to continue pursuing this passion.

Professional Opportunities and Disappointments

Although high school theatre gave me a taste of the performing arts, it wasn’t until a few years later that I got a chance to step onto a stage in a paid capacity. I was cast in a production of Aida, a musical that had been adapted by Elton John and Tim Rice to tell the story of the Egyptian princess. Although not on Broadway, the production was staged in a prestigious venue, and I was excited to be part of it.

However, being a part of Aida was not the exciting role I imagined. I was cast as the Populace, a role that required no singing and minimal acting. While I was thrilled to be part of such a large and talented cast, the role itself was a bit anticlimactic. The experience, however, was not without its moments of excitement. We had live animals, including a massive elephant and lovely horses, all of which added to the spectacle. However, the stage had a bit of a surprise when a horse took a dump right at the entrance ramp during the dress rehearsal. While the joke was on us, the memory is still cherished among the cast.

The Unfulfilled Dream

While performing in Aida gave me a taste of professional theatre, it also highlighted the vast gap between my dreams and reality. Broadway musicals represent the pinnacle of performing arts, and being a part of something on that scale remains a distant aspiration. Despite the disappointment of not being in a more prominent role, the experience was invaluable. It taught me the importance of being a part of a team, the challenges of performing live, and the unique satisfaction of being a small cog in a larger wheel of artistic endeavor.

Conclusion

While I have not had the chance to perform in a Broadway musical, my experiences in high school, community theatre, and even in Aida have collectively shaped my journey in the performing arts. These experiences have not only reinforced my love for theatre but have also given me a platform to explore other avenues of creativity and self-expression. Whether it's writing, directing, or simply supporting my fellow performers, I am always striving to find new ways to contribute to the vibrant world of theatre.