Freshmen Ryan Acevedo, Michaela Cardile, Lindsay Tuen, Teddy Walker, and myself embarked on one of the most tedious tasks of our lives these past few months: performing in the MTHS production of “Young Frankenstein”.
Walker said, “‘Young Frankenstein’ was a great opportunity to break out of my shell, and gave me a good experience.”
Personally, the February auditions were the scariest things I have ever had to do in my short life. Adding to the intimidation, it was my first audition for director Mr. Robert Byrnes, while some students were on their 10th or so. The fact that I was out sick all of that week with the flu was super unnerving, and I honestly did not expect to be cast in any way, shape, or form.
From the moment I walked in, I could immediately see that everybody was oozing with talent and experience.
When I saw my name on the cast list, I was so excited, yet really scared that I would not measure up to the rest of the students, and I was right. I was a lowly freshman with just two middle school shows under my belt, trying to keep up with practically professionals.
Cardile said, “It was really overwhelming at first.”
Mr. Byrnes is the person who helped us freshman, who might as well have been toddlers, learn how to survive a high school show. He really knew what he was talking about and he made memorizing music much easier. The constant jokes and reassuring words gave us the confidence to go for it and succeed.
Even so, it was extremely intimidating to be surrounded by older and wiser performers. They were all together from elementary school and knew every detail about everyone else. Walking into that without feeling isolated seemed about impossible.
The upperclassmen turned out to be a blessing in disguise. At first, they were the cause for my anxiety and fear, but ended up being the ones to make it all better.
“I was able to look up to and get advice from the upperclassman throughout the whole time and for times to come because of all the bonds I’ve made,” said Tuen.
When I forgot stage blocking or a word in the song, I could always turn to whatever sophomore, junior, or senior was standing next to me. They would graciously help me out with a smile and no judgement whatsoever. The already existent family just extended to include the freshmen like a family welcomes a newborn baby.
For such a tight-knit group of people, they were so incredibly welcoming and loving, making the transition so smooth. On the days of the show, you could feel the love in the room, and many were brought to tears when seniors shared their experiences.
Cardile said, “It’s all worth it in the end because I made memories that will last the rest of my life.”
All of the upperclassman made my time in the cast so special and exciting that I know I’ll cherish those memories forever. They all feel like older siblings to me, and now that I know them, I really look up to and am inspired by each and every one of them.
What about high school plays do you think makes the experience so phenomenal?
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