Home Again

Theoretically, according to an actor/performer/theater person, every stage may be considered "home". That is, if you look at it from their perspective.

I find that there are two types of performers (at high school level): those who perform in plays/musicals as an extracurricular activity or because they need an art credit, and those who perform because they love it, because they enjoy being a part of something BIG, because they tap into something magical within themselves when they do it.

I have seen both categories over the years I have been performing on stage.

When I was little (around six or seven) I joined my church's children's choir. There I spent 5 years singing and trying to enhance my vocal skills. I was in SEVERAL musicals which were done through the church (fairly well done I might add!). When I turned thirteen, I was officially too old for the children's choir. I then decided that trying out for the adult choir team or trying out for the youth group's band wouldn't be the same, so I went about a year without singing or performing.

The following year I was a freshmen in High School. During my first year in High School, I participated in the school's play (Hamelot). It wasn't as well done as the children's choir musicals, but I didn't care, I was back on stage. When I became a Sophomore, I performed in another of my school's plays (The Death and Life of Everyman). Still, not as well done as my previous years in choir, but even so, I enjoyed being back on stage.

This year, I auditioned for Seussical the Musical. Many of my friends had been in The Sound of Music the same year I was doing the Everyman play and I had heard that the homeschool organization who put it on did a stellar job. From the time I auditioned, until today (our first run through at CPAC), I have truly seen how spectacular the organization of HPA is! This musical is far more well done then any performance I have ever been a part of. The cast is beyond talented, and I can see how much other kids/teens my age love to perform on stage.

For us, the stage is not simply something we stand on. Not at all.

For us, the stage is a tool, a tool which we use to convey a message to our audience, as well as a second home. When I first walked on the stage at CPAC this afternoon, I was filled with several emotions. Excitement, anticipation, relief, joy, but also peace. As stated in one of my previous posts, everyone finds their "peace" in a different form. For me, I find my peace in a few limited ways, one of which is performing on stage. Today, I couldn't help but think to myself, "well, you're home again." It's been nearly a year since Everyman, and I must confess, I am OVERJOYED to be back on stage again. Performance week is coming up, and I couldn't be happier!

Basically, it's like this. Working with such incredible cast members and directors, coupled with getting back on the stage again, could not evoke more happiness from me than it did today.

I feel so blessed that God has given me this opportunity, to be who I am, and use my talents He has given me to the fullest, for HIS glory. I am eager to give back to Him and work my hardest, hence providing our audience with a performance they shall (hopefully) always remember!

Thanks for reading! I hope your day, reader, has been just as fantastic as mine.

~Jacob