How theater has impacted my life for the better

               The lights shine bright, the music blasts, and the red curtain gets pulled back. Since the fourth grade, the theater has become a second home. My first show in my local church would spark a lifelong passion of acting, singing, and dancing. As I enter audition rooms, my heart beats out of my chest and my thoughts run one thousand miles per hour, but I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. Theater is my art and my creative outlet; the place where I can not only explore new characters, but also myself. Each day, there is an extra sense of energy in my steps and a push to keep going because I know that as the school bell rings at 2:45, I can make my way to another rehearsal. This reignites the spark that burns in my heart for my craft. Auditions are nerve-racking, and rehearsals can be long, but as the overture begins to play on opening night, I am assured that all of the hard work was worth it. During the times when I don’t want to practice and the days where I get tired, I still show up. Theater has to taught me consistency, and that staying true to my commitments builds character. When I am singing a song or speaking in a scene, things never fully go to plan, which has taught me to think quickly on my feet and be adaptable. Theater has built my confidence, taught me life skills, and given me the passion to create.Humans work with intention for the things we love, and as each day passes by, I am working to advance in my art of theater.