Theater

Description

According to Merriam-Webster, theater is defined as "entertainment in the form of a dramatic or diverting situation or series of events." Theater is associated with acting, singing, dancing, entertaining, and any number of other creative endeavors. The people involved in the theater are not limited to those on stage. Also integral to the experience of the show are the lighting and sound techs, choreographers, directors, stage managers, costume designers, set designers, and even the audience. All of these people come together to create a multi-faceted experience worthy of being on stage. In order to understand theater, it's critical to understand that it's a collaborative medium.

Theater productions come in all shapes and sizes. A play can be put onstage with just a single actor--you may be familiar with the concept of a one-man show--or a massive ensemble. Some are on small stages, others on large ones with moving sets and rotating stages, and some aren't on real stages at all! I once saw a production of the Scottish Play (we will not say his name here considering the title of this page) which took place in across the dozens of rooms in the James J. Hill House in Saint Paul, MN. The point is, there is a lot of freedom and creative liberty that can take place in theater. Perhaps most importantly, theater caters to the audience. Whether we intend to make them laugh, cry, dance or sing along, we do it with absolute determination and commitment to emotion and performance. It is this that attracts actors, creatives, and audiences alike and keeps them coming back for more.

My Connection

I have been singing and dancing from a young age, with dance lessons at only age three and joining choir in 2nd grade, but I only began to act when I was in middle school. My friend was very involved, and their mother acted as their agent. I couldn't believe the average person could sign up for an audition, find a monologue, and try-out. I had seen plenty of theater productions before, courtesy of my aunt--even some starring kids like me--but I didn't realize it was a pretty accessible activity. Inspired by them, I signed up for a few auditions alongside them. My first audition experience was for Alice in Wonderland, which at the time I thought was a disaster. We were taught choreography on the spot and I didn't retain any of it, which I found very embarassing considering I loved to dance. The nerves had me literally uncontrollably shaking, I was so adrenalized. I was offered a very small part but unfortunately it conflicted with some travel plans, and I didn't end up taking it. I promised myself I would go in again, and indeed I did! The first show I ever did was an abridged version of Newsies, where people swapped characters throughout. I got to play David for a few scenes, and I received kudos on my energy, dancing, and can-do attitude. It was here I realized I wanted more!

My first "real" role was playing Caliban in Shakespeare's The Tempest, which really changed my life for the better. We rehearsed every day of one of the coldest Januaries in Minnesota history, and put on a show. My friends and teachers from school came to see it. They complimented how I had really come out of my shell, and I felt very proud of the progress I had made. I also made a lot of friends during the experience! The social aspect of theater is very important to me. You make important and life-long mentorship and friendship connections.

Theater has been a great outlet for me to express my emotions and to further my already strong love for performing. I love the nerves, the shaking, the anticipation when the house lights go down and the stage lights come up. I'm thankful for how many positive experiences I've had in the theater. I think about the different periods of my life by referring to the shows I was in. When I make people laugh or cry onstage, I feel like I have impacted both myself and others.

Get Involved

So, you want to get involved in theater. Here's where to begin.

There are dozens of theater companies located across the Boston metropolitan area. Check their pages frequently for open auditions. There are websites that make finding auditions easy! For example, check out this dashboard here:

Auditioning too overwhelming at the moment? Just looking to dip your toes into the medium? Try taking a class, intensive, or camp instead. These are great ways to build your skills and confidence. Chances are you'll work on monologues, scenes, and music. Hanover Theatre and Conservatory has classes for all ages (children and adults) so don't be shy. You can find them here:

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