I’m finishing my sophomore year in high school. The year before I was in the fall musical and somehow managed to get a hold of a supporting role in the mainstage musical The Who’s Tommy. I played pre-pubescent boys in both of those shows. Because of some Tommy problems that I won’t detail here and because I was one of the two freshmen in the cast, I was left feeling confused, insecure, and unacquainted with my fellow actors.
This year, I wanted to start my theater career anew. I decided to enter a new realm of high school theater: Unhinged. Unhinged productions are entirely produced by students: the directing, acting, tech, costumes, you name it. I was in three out of the four Unhinged shows this year and the mainstage musical again. This was an experience entirely different from last year’s, and I am grateful to have been able to work with such wonderful people.
But now, the list you’ve all been waiting for.
10 things I learned From High School Theater that apply to all of life:
1. Don’t be intimidated by others. This is serious. It’s easy to feel intimidated by the “cool” upperclassmen who are so good you want to ask for an autograph (or at least a hug) at auditions. Many people are scared of approaching members of this theater group but do not be! Once I was in Unhinged shows acting alongside and being directed by these guys I quickly learned that they are some of the kindest, most approachable, funniest, and overall greatest people. If you shy away from these people, you’re missing out.
2. It’s not you, it’s the part. This is something that every actor – high school or otherwise — has to go through. Rejection. Being turned down for a part does not mean you’re a bad actor. You just don’t fit. DO NOT GIVE UP! Don’t do it.
3. Okay, it actually might be you. This does not mean what you think it does. Everyone has potential to be an excellent performer. This is about reputation. People will not cast you if you have a bad name. To prevent this, all you really have to do is be a decent person. Memorize lines on time, show up, don’t be rude to your directors. Common sense, really.
4. Theater secrets stay secret. Sorry, I can’t say more.
5. There is always room for improvement. Though it’s great to be confident, it’s important to remember that you can always improve on your skills. Someone who starts with no natural acting talent but works hard can do just as well, if not better, than a person who is plenty talented but doesn’t work at all.
6. Don’t look down on others. Everyone’s learning. Be nice.
7. Learn to work in chaos. It’s tech week and there’s only half of a set? Your scene partner hasn’t learned their lines? All part of high school theater. Get used to it.
8. Enjoy yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be perfect, but a production can’t be good if the people involved are not enjoying what they’re doing. Though it may be hard sometimes, have fun. You’re acting! That’s the best, right?
9. Don’t exclude others. Shows are only fun when all of the cast and crew get along. People can be ostracized enough by outsiders just for being in theater. Don’t let it happen in the cast as well.
10. Be yourself. As cheesy as it sounds, this is so true. If you’re not being yourself, it’s hard to stay relaxed and have a good time. Once you let your guard down and are able to be yourself in front of other people (see number one), high school theater can be one of the best communities to be a part of. It’s just so damn fun.
Thanks to everyone I worked with this year and a special shout out to my high school’s amazing casts and crews of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Nerd, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. I love you all.
Post by Natalie El-Hai. Natalie enjoys science and all things theater. She spends her free time reading and snuggling with her cats. She will be a sophomore at Southwest High School this fall.