The Stage by Hristina

The Stage by Hristina - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

You know that feeling when time seems to slow down? Well time seemed to stop entirely as I sat next to my fellow cast mates, who were strangers only months ago. We were waiting with anticipation for the judges to read out the name of the play that would move on to the METG One Act Festival state finals. “Congratulations to… Still Falls the Rain” said the judge. The second we heard our name called out we all jumped out of our seats and screamed. We were stunned that our student produced and written play was going to finals to compete with other schools that receive generous funding for their arts programs. Our director had told us that it does not matter how far we go with our play, all that matters is that we put on a piece that will move people. But we did not expect that this play would move us to such great heights.

A year ago I could not fathom that such an accomplishment was possible. Being a part of theater was hardly something I thought about. I was intrigued by my friends who were in the drama guild, and I thought that acting in a play would be fun, but I never imagined myself in a production. I thought that it was too late for me to join theater, that I had already missed that boat. But then I found myself onstage auditioning for the school’s fall play. I was trembling and shaking, but all the while it felt right to be onstage. So I continued to audition for the school plays, including the one act play, Still Falls the Rain.

As unreal as it was to move on to finals with my cast, it was just as thrilling to win my own award, not once, but twice for ensemble acting. Knowing that other people love seeing what I love to do is thrilling, and it makes me want to strive to improve my skills. Everyone in the production knows that feeling. We all won awards for makeup, design, set, acting, music, and production. We all received validation.

Everyone involved in Drama Club had some form or respect for, or at least, trust in one another, and for somebody who joined Drama Club much later than any other kid, it was a bit intimidating. At first, I felt like an outcast, but I truly love acting, and I quickly made new friends. I am in my element when onstage. My place of comfort is the same as it is for many thespians. Onstage is one of the emptiest places that a person could be, but when I go onstage it is anything but. I can fill the space with all of my thoughts and ideas, I can become any person or creature that is or was or that can be imagined. I can turn the stage into a busy market place, and I can blend in with the crowd. Or the stage can become an elegant house party and I can turn into the guest of honor, as I had done in Still Falls the Rain.

Creating something that other people can enjoy is my passion, whether it is a physical item, such as a painting or something intangible, such as music and acting. Since I was young, I felt the need to share with people, whether it is art, news, music, or a new skill. I was quick to tell friends about a new band that I found, and I would be transfixed by their expressions as they heard their first song. Theater has become another way to share my enthusiasm for art and self-expression. I can share my new passion and in doing so, show just how much I've changed from the shy girl who wouldn't audition if you paid her, to one who does what she loves despite her fears. Drama club helped climb out of a shell I was trapped in, and even though today I still struggle, I know I have some new-found strength.