I first got involved in theater at Irvington because I had previously done drama, mostly in middle school, and I wanted to give it a try for fun. I signed up without knowing much about theater, and it turned out to be something I really enjoyed. By the time I heard about the Cinderella production in eighth grade, I knew I wanted to be part of it, so I auditioned and kept pursuing theater through high school.

The biggest challenge at first was the time commitment, since I was involved in many extracurricular activities. Memorizing lines for bigger roles could also be tricky, but recording myself saying the lines and listening to them a few times helped. Going over a few lines each day also made it easier. From my first performance, I learned the importance of reviewing lines right before going on stage. In a previous show, I forgot three lines and had to play it off in front of the audience, and that experience taught me to stay flexible and focused while performing. Overall, these experiences helped me manage the pressure of performances and feel more prepared on stage.

I really enjoyed my character in Romeo and Juliet, even though I didn’t have much stage time. Preparing for that role was challenging because I had to develop the character myself, but it gave me time to connect with other actors and learn from them. Theater has helped me grow personally; I was shy and quiet before, but acting has made me more confident and extroverted. I’ve also learned to accept nervousness, talk with other actors, and focus on doing my best performance while having fun.

One misconception about theater is that theater kids are “weird.” I have met some people who fit that stereotype, but overall, the community is supportive, encouraging, and fun. My advice to anyone hesitant to join is to give it a try. Audition and go to callbacks even if you’re unsure about the role. The director is understanding and would let you step back if needed. Everyone auditions and supports each other. Being part of the theater has been an amazing experience.