When I moved “back home” I had no idea that our local theatre would bring me the connections I needed. Shortly after my mom died I returned to the place I think of as my home town. I’d been away for fifteen years. It’s not where my family are from. But it’s the place I called
the longest – and kept returning to.
Making friends overcoming nerves
Moving to a small town as a single adult – with or without children – it is hard to make new connections. Lucky for me, my youngest daughter wanted to audition for a part in our local community theatre production of Annie. Being a new girl in town she was especially nervous – so I told her that I’d audition with her. We were both cast in our first theatre production and had such a fun time and made many new friends and connections.
I’ve always supported my girls’ ambitions, but I especially loved supporting their interests in performing. Whether it be singing, dancing, or acting, performing is such a great way to grow – in self confidence, self acceptance, and friendship.
Since we did that first show together, my girly has continued to do more theatre, dance and singing.
I’ve been back on stage but I became involved more backstage over the years. I have lifelong friends that I have performed with in highschool, and again since returning to theatre.
Growing through connections in theatre
The thing about community theatre is that every single person involved is growing and developing as each rehearsal passes by. It is not a just a figure of speech when it is said that there are no small parts, only small actors. Choruses are the key to fantastic musicals, and often the most fun part to be a part of. Crew, from backstage to set building and props to costumes and tech, are the backbone of a show.
Every show I’ve worked on has been so different, but one thing remains a constant – the friendships.
After spending 3-6 months together in the theatre– working hard, growing, and having fun, our connections become like a family. From musicals to drama, local cultural stories, to farces and classics, every one of those shows has at least one moment that stands out. And every one of those moments involves a connection to others.
Even more than the opportunity to create something in theatre, the connections with co-creators, the connections with the audience, and most importantly the connection with self is invaluable.
I can’t think of a better way to be connected in this world than working together as a team, taking an audience to a place they will only ever experience in THAT moment.
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