I couldn’t stop smiling and nodding- based on my experience, her descriptions were spot-on.
Theatre was a ticket out of my dysfunctional life. I remember standing on an elementary school stage, getting laughs as I performed a tiny skit as Little Miss Muffit. On stage, I didn’t have to be the child folks suspected was part of the witness relocation program. I got to be someone else, and people seemed to enjoy that someone.
In 7th and 8th grade, our tiny rural school had a special ed teacher who took on theatre productions. Her name was Lal Kennedy, and she got me through some of the worst years of my life, when our mother left and home devolved into chaos. Mrs. Kennedy encouraged me to play any role that interested me, so I got to be a pirate, a vampire, and more, cross-dressing and trying on accents.
I felt so free on stage, and that feeling pushed me into high school drama programs and community theatre. Today I channel my theatrical tendencies through teaching and goofing around with my kids.
But when I think back on how profoundly acting has impacted my life and personality, I feel inspired. Maybe, if time permits, I can return the favor and get involved in theatre once more. Only time will tell!
Theatre was a ticket out of my dysfunctional life. I remember standing on an elementary school stage, getting laughs as I performed a tiny skit as Little Miss Muffit. On stage, I didn’t have to be the child folks suspected was part of the witness relocation program. I got to be someone else, and people seemed to enjoy that someone.
In 7th and 8th grade, our tiny rural school had a special ed teacher who took on theatre productions. Her name was Lal Kennedy, and she got me through some of the worst years of my life, when our mother left and home devolved into chaos. Mrs. Kennedy encouraged me to play any role that interested me, so I got to be a pirate, a vampire, and more, cross-dressing and trying on accents.
I felt so free on stage, and that feeling pushed me into high school drama programs and community theatre. Today I channel my theatrical tendencies through teaching and goofing around with my kids.
But when I think back on how profoundly acting has impacted my life and personality, I feel inspired. Maybe, if time permits, I can return the favor and get involved in theatre once more. Only time will tell!
Episode 4: You Need to Act, Now
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