June 2003
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| Live Life to Its Fullest – Give ACT a Try!! Submitted by Sue Stamm 
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“I’m too old for that.” Have you ever asked yourself that question? I used to—then I realized that I was missing out on a lot of things that for some reason or another I had never done. Finally, one day I decided that I was going to miss out on too many things with that attitude; so I decided to take a chance and live life to its fullest. For example, a while back on vacation, I decided to try indoor sky diving. After my dislocated shoulder healed , I was glad I gave it a try. Another thing I had always wanted to do, but never had the courage, was audition for a play. I didn’t necessarily want a part in a play; I just wanted to be able to say that I had auditioned. The perfect time arose one fall when reading about auditions for Southern Fried Murder in the ACT newsletter. I remember casually mentioning to my husband at supper one evening that I might audition. He just shook his head. (Nothing I do surprises him anymore.) I had no idea what would be involved in an audition, and it was nothing like I expected. Since there was a lot of audience involvement in the play, instead of reading from a script we did improvisation. It was similar to the TV show “Whose Line is it, Anyway.” The audition was so much fun! I honestly can’t remember a time when I have enjoyed myself so much. You have to understand that I am a very shy person. I couldn’t talk in front of a group as small as two until I was 30. For me to get up in front of several people, most of whom I didn’t know, was very difficult; but I did it. I got to check another item off of my list. However, something happened that I didn’t count on—I got a part in the play. I was excited, but terrified. I can’t remember something that happened yesterday, how was I going to memorize lines? (And there were a lot of lines!) Would I go blank in front of an audience? I tend to be klutzy. Would I trip and fall on stage? The first thing that I discovered about community theatre was that everyone is there to help you. Everyone was wonderful! Steve VanSickle, the director, was very patient with me. He would give me directions, sometimes over and over again. (Remember the bad memory.) The other cast members helped me with the very basics. I still can’t remember if stage right is the audience’s right or mine. (The memory thing again.) The cast would help me with my lines. I never realized that not only did you have to memorize lines, you had to know what words to emphasize. That was probably the most difficult thing for me; but with everyone’s help and lots of practice, I got it. Since that first play I have become more and more involved in ACT. I have participated in two additional plays and look forward to many more. I have discovered there is something for everyone in community theatre. Putting on a production is lots of work. Even if you don’t want to be on stage, there’s a job for you. If you are like me and want to start checking things off of your “to do” list, just give any of the board members a call. You won’t regret it. Oh, by the way, I’m planning this summer’s
vacation, and I’m thinking bungee jumping! |
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