The Stage Actor

“Angela!” I turn around and see Mary rushing toward me. “Kyle has an allergic reaction. You are on!” She tells me out of breath. Kyle is the lead in our play of Beauty and the Beast, and I am her understudy. For a moment I just stand in place, shocked. Then I realize she is staring expectantly and it really hits me. I just got the lead in our play! A series of emotions flow through me, including worry for Kyle, excitement, and crushing nervousness. Before Mary had come the butterflies in my stomach were just sleeping, but now they are up and playing tag.

“Angela! ANGELA! Can you hear me? Earth to Angela!” Mary says, bringing me back to reality. She looks slightly exasperated. I stumble for words. “But, I’m not ready for this! I’ll mess up, or forget my line, or--” She cuts me off with a look. “Angela, we both know that out of everyone here backstage, or better yet, in this entire cast , you would make the best Bel.” She sighs. “Now go and put on your peasant's clothes and be ready for the first cue.” With that she turns and bustles away.

I half fall backwards to lean against a wall, carefull not to touch any of the wires and ropes. My mind is still trying to process the news. Me, a lead?! I blink rapidly and shake my head to try to snap myself back to our show. I have work to do. I have to get my costume on, practice my lines and songs, go over the dances, and there no time to think now.

I rush to the costume rack and throw my dress and apron on. It is 3:05, and the show starts at 4:00. I put my hair in a low ponytail, and use the rest of my hour to go over all my lines and songs. When I finished softly reciting my lines twice, and my solos three times I looked at the time. 3:45!!!! Only fifteen minutes till the play starts!!! I take a quick peek around the curtain, and I can already see a lot of people gathered, including my own family. My little sister looks up just then and waves. I wave back, she gives me a thumbs up, and turns away.

Everyone is bumping into each other backstage. I’m just half frozen, moving in slow motion. At last, Mary appears at my side and gives me a little nudge toward the stage. “This is your moment to shine. We both know you’ll do great out there” She says. She turns away, hesitates, then throws a small smile back over her shoulder and actually walks away. Deep breaths, I remind myself. Then we are thrown into darkness. As my eyes adjust I realise the it is a stage blackout, but then remember that this is my cue to walk out. I push the curtains aside. One step after the other. I reach center stage, and look out at all the shadowed faces. Piano starts, and the lights flip on. Showtime!