Ever since our daughter could walk and talk, she has loved to sing and dance.  So many memories are forever etched into my brain of her singing at church, attending her dance classes, dressing up in her princess dress and dancing with her daddy when he got home from work.  She’s an intelligent kiddo and has a tendency to be more introverted like her dad, so she is most comfortable with a book or electronic device.  I’ve always looked for small ways to encourage her to stretch outside of her comfort zone, so when she expressed interest in being in plays/musicals, I figured it would be a win-win.  My goal was for her to have some fun, make some friends and learn what goes on behind the scenes to pull off the magic the final audience experiences.

One year ago, we allowed her to audition for the first time at a community theatre, located approximately 30-40 minutes from our home.  She is getting ready to participate in her 4th show and absolutely loves it.  Over the past year, we’ve spent A LOT of time on the road driving to/from rehearsals and shows.  Yes, the commute can get exhausting, but that commute has given she and I countless hours of deep conversations about life and most have ended in laughs.  I wouldn’t trade these conversations for anything and I’ve learned to really value the time spent with her.  She has matured so much over the past year–mental, emotional and social.  Her participation in theatre has taught her many valuable life lessons over the course of her first year.  I also like to believe our time together, our commute conversations and our laughs have helped reinforce these life lessons.  Here are 11 lessons that come to mind…

11 Valuable Life Lessons Learned Through Participation in Community Theatre:

1. Nerves Are Good.  Feeling nervous means it is important to you.  You’ve taken the time to prepare, so channel those nerves into smiles and show ’em what you’ve got!
2. Breathe. When you get nervous, your heart starts pumping and breathing gets harder.   If you aren’t aware to focus on it, you’ll find yourself in the middle of your song, gasping for air like you were just punched in the stomach.  Then, you’ll realize you tried to sing the entire song in one breath.
3. Give your best, then go with the flow.  Your audition will never go exactly as you imagined.  Your best on one day will not always be your best another day.  Ugh…This is a hard one to learn.  After working hard to prepare, the feeling of “messing up” is painful and hard to forget.  Replaying it in your mind for hours after the fact will not change anything.  Try to always learn from the experience, give your best and leave it all on the stage.
4. Keep Singing.  Sometimes we learn the hard way, through experience.  Unless the someone tells you to stop, keep singing if there is more to be sung–even if the accompanist stops playing.
5. You won’t always get cast in the show.  It’s tough not seeing your name on the list after working so hard at auditions.  But, there will be a next time if you choose to pursue.  Until then, life will go on and you will have extra time to explore other opportunities as they arise.  Parents, I think this is the toughest lesson of all because it’s hard to see your child upset.  But, as we all know, it’s part of life.  I think this lesson is best learned when they are young.
6. It’s not all about you…It’s a team effort.  I believe every child deserves their time to shine.  I also choose to believe every parent wants their kids to be successful in the activities they partake in.  But, it is important to learn how to put your individual aspirations aside and work together for the good of the team.  No role is too small.  Some team members will have bigger roles, but the magic of the story being told needs everyone’s effort.
7. Self-Control.  Mom can’t be watching you every second.  The older we get, we must make wise choices without mom looking over your shoulder.  For instance, say someone out of the kindness their heart has brought a million sugary snacks and left them as a free for all in the dressing room during the show.  This doesn’t mean you should eat a million.  Just like at home, a couple snacks are ok.  A million snacks will ALWAYS make you feel sick.  (She learned this lesson by witnessing the overindulgence of another child.)
8. Self-Discipline.  Even if you’re spending many hours doing something you love, you still have other responsibilities you may not love as much that need to be accomplished.  Get good rest.  Drink lots of water.  It is your responsibility to make arrangements with your teachers regarding make-up homework/tests if you have to miss a day of school.  If you’re too tired to get out of bed in the morning for school or can’t keep up with homework, then we will need to re-evaluate how you’re spending your time.
9. Be kind and love one another.  Not everyone you meet will think, believe or act like you and that’s the beauty of being unique.  Not everyone will like you or try to be friends with you and that’s OK.  In every situation, though, you have smiles and compliments to be given and new friends to be made.  Choose to build up people, rather than tear them down.  The world needs more builder-uppers 🙂
10. Be Yourself.  No one else in the entire world can be “you” better than you can.  God created you exactly how he wanted you to be.  If you don’t share it with the world, who will?
11. Be Brave.  Step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself.  Your limits reach much further than you can imagine.  Thank you for allowing your mom a front row seat to watch you soar.

Overall, her first year of theatre experience has been positive, full of learning, growing and making new friends.  It is definitely a commitment on the entire family’s part, but I would encourage anyone interested to give it a try.