In high school, saying goodbye to seniors seems to take forever. Every class has a need to close with awards, final testimonies, valedictorian speeches, etc. It is not easy to let go of seniors. I get it. They are special people and are there at the doorstep of one of the biggest transitions of their life. They like to say goodbye and they like to receive goodbyes. I get it.
Well, the goodbyes have begun and each class finds me getting a bit teary eyed. After all, many have really become my children and I have been with them through 4 explosive years of growing up!
In the midst of these goodbyes we had a tee tiny showcase of some of the new freshman and sophomore talent that hadn’t yet been showcased in more formal productions. To be honest I was a bit reluctant to go back to the blackbox AGAIN to see more theatre. I mean I love it, but I would like to have a weekday evening to myself. But wouldn’t you know, one, oh so young, freshman girl simply captured my heart and surprised me with her effortless availability and attention to language. I wasn’t ready to deal with the future that night, but there it was looking at me. Much of the rest of the work that evening was fine – but she stood out. Four years and she should be magnificent Now I head home and look at my list of future productions and plan. I didn’t plan to be a theatre person that night but she did change my mind.
2 comments on “Freshman Shine”
Isn’t that always how it works though?
I’ve heard the phrase “wanna hear God laugh – tell him your plans.”
Basically, if we’re born to do something (which this clearly seems to be the case for you), you can’t help but discover opportunity even when you aren’t looking for it.
It just shows up.
Another teacher – one just doing their job may have been so focused on taking their night off. Nothing wrong with that.
But this seems to come from someplace more expansive in your case, so it’s no wonder you almost trip over talent because it’s in you to do what you’re doing.
That’s my take anyway.
I agree with Dana. Theatre is obviously your world so I’m not sure you could take a day off even if you wanted to. It’s very rewarding to be surprised like that by new talent. I hope that the next four years will be productive for you and that she will be able to develop her talents and skills at the faculty. It’s also nice that in the midst of saying goodbye you can say hello!