Everything you’re feeling as the summer comes to an end and you have to go back to school.
As the summer dwindles down and the sound of bouncing book bags are heard along each street, let’s break down the psychosis that hits theatre kids as they head back to school.
1. Excitement
After a long summer of watching TV – I mean spending quality time with family outdoors – you smile to think about going back to school to see friends and actually be somewhat “productive” during the day. And let’s face it, you can’t wait for rehearsals to start!
2. Regret
While reflecting on your summer, you begin to regret all the missed opportunities; whether it was not reading all those plays you wanted because you had to finish watching the fourth season of “Suits” or not going to the amusement park because your bed was too comfy (although let’s be honest, staying in bed is not usually a regret).
3. Fear
Three straight months of binge-watching Netflix shows has left you, well, brain dead, and now that you’re headed back to school you’re not too sure you’ll even remember how to read or write with a pencil (let alone remember what the date is), come the first day of school.
4. Denial
Fear drives you back into your bedroom cave as you return to the happy world of Netflix, just hoping that if you watch acting the talent will meld into your body and you’ll be ready for the auditions on the 1st day of school.
5. Anger
The fifth stage is when you go straight to “Hulk mode” after anyone even dares to mention school to you. Just keep in mind that anyone trying to bring it up has likely gone through the same stage or wants to bring it up as little as you do, so try to give them a bit of a break.
6. Dread
At this point, school (and more importantly Rehearsals) are looming large on the horizon and all you can think about is how life as you know it will cease to exist, and let’s face it, “I can’t, I have rehearsal” isn’t the greatest. The best advice for this stage is to have your two best pals, Ben & Jerry, keep you company until you progress into the seventh stage.
7. Hope
As you toss the last notebook into your shopping cart and lay out your new clothes for the first week, you realize that you can conquer school just like you finished off “Game of Thrones” in one week flat. If you stay dedicated and keep your lucky sword (pen) in hand, then you can defeat any dragon (teacher/class/audition) during the rest of the school year. Good luck and carry on, my fellow comrades!
Act Out 