"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Quote- Dr. Seuss.

This Sunday, I wrapped up one of the most meaningful theatrical ventures of my life. Weird how I am talking about a production of Seussical Jr. the same way that I talked about RENT last year. This production was a complete step outside of my comfort zone. People who know me think that I'm crazy-outgoing but, I am extremely shy. I walked into the audition at Boston Children's Theatre with my friend Tara, thinking that we were going to take this adventure together. Turns out that she had traveled for nothing when she realized that she could not actually audition for Anne Frank because she will be in Italy when it is being performed (lucky duck!). So instead, I walked in alone. I sang my Spring Awakening song, did my Ilse monologue, and took a step out side of my little box. A few weeks later, I stepped farther when I returned for a callback. After I was cast, rehearsals started and I was on my own. I had two almost friends from auditions/callbacks, but that was it. Who knew that I would be begging to return not even two days after it all ended for good?

I have never been involved with any sort of production outside of my little high school theatre world until now. It took me this experience to realize that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought. I don't get cast as the lead. I get the chorus roles. Chorus roles are just as important, but when you don't ever get that chance to really be there after the hard work that you have put in, it seems almost hopeless. It is now that I have realized that I can do it. This step out of my boundaries, this allowed me to grow so much as a performer and as a person. I have been in the same town for my entire life, surrounded by the most talented people I have ever met and maybe, because of this, I didn't feel like I could ever live up to them. I didn't have the confidence that I needed to make those roles because I didn't know that I could ever do it. This whole opportunity gave me the chance to show myself what exactly I was capable of.

This is my thank you. I want to thank the whole cast and creative team for working together and really being a family to me and each other over the last month. You have ALL taught me so much about myself and about friendship and about theatre arts in general. The professional atmosphere scared me a bit, but really when it comes down to it, that was what I was used to anyway. My only complaint is that I wasn't allowed to help build the set. :P I'd like to keep in touch with all of you after this is over (which it now is). I have many of your numbers and facebooks and things such as this. But I wanted you all to know that, even though its weird to say, you have truly changed my life. I leave this production with more confidence and happiness and experience than I ever have any other. I owe this growth to all of you and only hope that I have helped any of you in the slightest bit.

You don't need a big performance space and 4000 audience members to have a successful and beautiful show. You could perform on a 20'x20' stage with yellow curtains and still experience something meaningful. I know first-hand now. You could ask my friends- I had issues with some technical aspects but once we all started working together and really getting to know the show, I truly loved being there and putting on that feathery hat every day. :)

I feel like I have written way too much at this point. It would be a miracle if you read this whole thing. Thanks to those who did.
I look forward to seeing you in the summer, BCT, it has been wonderful.
Love,
Brianna
P.S. http://www.BostonChildrensTheatre.org