Finding My Voice: A Journey of Stage Confidence
From the moment I could walk, the spotlight was my natural habitat. Whether it was at the piano, belting out show tunes, or dancing across the stage, I thrived under the glare of the stage lights. The audience’s scrutiny never fazed me – in fact, it fueled my performance. I could block them out and immerse myself in the music, the movement, the character I was portraying. It was just me and the art, a private exchange between the performer and their craft.
However, once I stepped off the stage, a different story unfolded. Away from the limelight, I retreated into my own mind, isolating myself from the world. This dichotomy puzzled me for years – how could I be so confident and commanding on stage, yet so timid and withdrawn in my daily life? It wasn’t until I arrived at the Musical Theater Center that I began to understand the root of this struggle and embark on a journey to find my true voice.
Embracing the Audience
When I first started performing at the Center, I was determined to maintain my tried-and-true method of blocking out the audience and focusing solely on the music. But my professors had other ideas. They insisted that I acknowledge the audience’s presence and actively engage with them during my performances.
“How was I supposed to have the audience disappear in my head after talking to them?” I remember protesting, appalled at the very notion. But my professors were adamant. “Realizing an audience is there and really connecting with them will enhance the performance,” they assured me.
It was a tough pill to swallow. For so long, the audience had been an obstacle to overcome, a distraction from the art I was creating. Now, I was being asked to embrace them, to let them in and make them an integral part of the performance. The journey was not an easy one, and honestly, it’s still ongoing. But with the support and guidance of the Center’s faculty, I’ve slowly started to break down the walls I had built around myself.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
One of the most surprising avenues of growth I’ve discovered during my time at the Center has been the creative writing program. Last semester, I took a poetry writing course where we were required to share our work with the class and be open to critiques. As someone who had always guarded her personal thoughts and emotions, this prospect terrified me.
However, something remarkable happened as I began to write and share my poems. I found that the act of expressing my most intimate feelings through art was not as scary as I had imagined. In fact, it was liberating. The more I opened myself up, the more I realized that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength – both on the stage and in life.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
The Center has pushed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. Whether it’s taking on a demanding role in a musical production, collaborating with students from different disciplines, or even stepping into a leadership position within the organization, each new experience has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and grow.
One of the most transformative moments for me was when I was asked to be a co-president of Generals Unity, a student organization that promotes diversity and inclusion. As an introvert, the idea of networking and connecting with leaders from other clubs made my palms sweat. But I knew that if I wanted to truly find my voice, I had to push past my fears and embrace these opportunities.
Embracing the Journey
The journey to becoming a confident, well-rounded performer has been a winding one, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. But through it all, the endless support and guidance of the Musical Theater Center has been my steadfast companion.
| Then | Now |
|---|---|
| I could block out an entire audience and feel like I was performing just for myself. | I actively engage with the audience, understanding that their presence can enhance my performance. |
| I was hesitant to share personal thoughts and emotions through my art. | I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength, and I now embrace the opportunity to express myself creatively. |
| I shied away from stepping out of my comfort zone, preferring the familiar safety of my own mind. | I actively seek out new challenges and opportunities to grow, both on and off the stage. |
As I look back on my journey, I’m struck by the transformation I’ve undergone. The confident, captivating performer I am today is a far cry from the timid, isolated individual I once was. And it’s all thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of the Musical Theater Center.
Embracing the Future
The road ahead may still be uncertain, but I’m no longer afraid to face it head-on. With the invaluable skills and experiences I’ve gained at the Center, I feel empowered to step into the spotlight and share my story with the world. Who knows what the future holds? But one thing is for sure: I’m ready to embrace it, one performance at a time.
