The World is My Stage

“You’re trying out for the play.”

“Huh? I haven't even decided if I want to-” My sister cuts me off.

“I don't care, you don't have a choice” She starts filling out the form. I try to snatch it away from her but she takes the paper and moves to the kitchen table, sits down and continues to write.

“Since when did you start acting like mom?” I ask her sitting down next to her, looking over her shoulder. I had just gotten home and I was starting to do homework in the living room when my sister saw the permission slip and information about trying out. I had grabbed it at school just in case but realized that I should study and focus on school more. Being in a play would be fun and all but would it really be worth my time? I didn't even like talking to other people. My sister handed the paper back.

“Just get moms signature and you'll be able to go”

“Why do you even want me to audition? There's a good chance I won't even get in.”

“Stop being so negative. Do it for me c'mon now. I always wished I could audition but always chickened out.” My sister said as she got up. “Even if you don't get in, you should at least try.”

I spent a good week practicing the song and monologue. Then the day came for auditions. I was really nervous. I walked into the school auditorium and some people were already there. I could tell that some of them already knew what they were doing and this wasn't their first time. They were talking to the director and it was obvious most of them already knew each other. I sat down and found someone I knew. We sat for a while and soon auditions started. The music director first went over the songs with the group and then dancing came. Dancing was never my strong suit so I immediately started to panic. The dance instructor showed us eight measures and gave us ten minutes to go over all of it. Those ten minutes went by so quickly. Then they called five people at a time to dance. Everyone danced so well. It was clear to see the talent they had. When they were done, they called me and 4 more girls up. I tried my best to remember all of it, but missed one tiny step during the last measure.

Performing a monologue and singing came next. I started to calm down since I was at least more comfortable with that. I was still nervous though. As people were called up one at a time, my heart rate increased. After a good 30 minutes or so of sitting and waiting, my name was finally called. I was extremely nervous. I slowly walked to where the directors were sitting and gave them my paper. “Begin when you're ready” My hands were sweaty as I gave the monologue I had practiced so hard for. Then singing. They put the soundtrack for “I need hero” and I sang for a good minute. I tried not to look so nervous and scared, so I tried to look behind them at a poster. After I was done, they all smiled at me and the music director told me I did a great job.

Everyday after, I anxiously waited for them to put the cast list up. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but I also really hoped I got in. Finally after 5 days of not being able to sleep at night and waiting 120 hours, they put the cast list up.

“Go check if your name is there,” Gerson told me as Litzy tried to push me to go check.

“No” I whined, “I'm scared.” Litzy and Gerson got up anyways and went to check. I sat at the lunch table not wanting to look back at them. What if I didn't get in? That would be so humiliating, I really wasted all that time on auditioning and waiting.

“Omg Mayra! Come here!” Litzy came back running and pulled me.

“No you idiot, I don't wanna see! Just tell me” I told her.

“Well you got in!” Litzy told me, still pulling on me to get up.

“No way” I say getting up and heading over to the cast list. A lot of people were walking away excited while others walked away disappointed. I walked up to it and searched for my name. I found it under choir ensemble. I was so happy and excited. I looked back at them and smiled.

The next couple months I went through the most exhausting, tiring, but yet fun moments in my life. Staying after on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 and Saturdays from 9 to 4, it was tiring but it was all worth it. I met some amazing and talented people. They were super outgoing and kind and made me feel like I fit in. Some dancers even helped me with the choreography. Not only that, but I also changed for the better. I became more outgoing and confident in myself. Performing was probably the best thing ever and I'll never get over the feeling. The feeling of excitement, seeing the crowd, performing and the applause. The smell of popcorn coming from the cafeteria, eating grapes backstage, and dancing offstage when our favorite song was being performed. Even the depression that comes after the show. Having to take off your costume, performing the crowd's favorite song for the last time, and singing the last note. It will forever be a feeling that I crave.