Breaking a Leg ......Again

I got back onstage this weekend.  It's been 3 years since I've been in a show and I've really missed it.  The things that makes this particular show more monumental are

1.  This one is a selfish guilty pleasure - I've never done a show before that wasn't during a summer season run, mainly because I had my own kids' high school shows requiring me to keep the calendar clear. But now that my only connection to the school district shows will be through my friends' kids, I have a bit more freedom to do my own thing.  And it's been pretty cool to "find myself" again.

2.  Getting back onstage for myself was one of the many factors that led to  resigning my position as Drama Advisor/Director at school.  I started to get a little jealous of the opportunities I attempted to provide for my students.

3.  I am doing this show with a brand new group of people, in a completely different playhouse.  I was apprehensive to the max to step into this new venue. First, because unbelieveably to many of my acquaintances, I tend to be rather shy.  Second,  it's not a secret that in many small town theater groups, it is difficult to be the new kid. Being in theater lends itself to close knit ties - lots of shared memories and sometimes fierce competition. I have a family member who, after having relocated to another state has found it very difficult to "break in" to a local group because newcomers simply aren't welcome. That's not what I have found this month, and I am so grateful to these folks for the absolute encouragement and genuine goodwill I have experienced.  That's not to say there aren't theatrical personalities flaring from time to time....and I can honestly say, that because I am not the director this time, and because I am the new kid, I can maintain a detached position and.... I find it rather entertaining and amusing.

Some of these good people find it hard to believe that I have not played many leading roles....now what closet diva doesn't want to hear THAT?!?  :)

And the opening night tradition is to crack open champagne and load up the snack counter with all sorts of delectables! And everyone sits around and enjoys each other's company.  A truly genuine and rewarding experience - even though I can't drink the champagne.

In the midst of that socializing and sharing the other night, one of the long-standing group members came over to me and told me he hoped I would think about coming back to work with them in the future.  I said, "Ok - how about for tomorrow night's show? "  I've gotta say that that comment (his, not mine) has done more for me than all the raucous laughter and applause from the audience.

It feels so good to be "breaking a leg" again!