I could find an excuse to not do something for ANYthing. We all could. There are so many opportunities we deprive ourselves of because it’s easier to say, “tomorrow,” “not right now,” or “that would never happen.” Why do we let ourselves get away with that?! Insert: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ and ‘if you think you CAN or you think you CAN’T, you’re absolutely right.”
I haven’t been in a musical theater production in over 8 years. This is what I grew up dreaming of doing. I walked away from it on purpose and tried other singing/acting avenues. Looking back, it was just the easy way out. I was tired of rejection, I built up a wall of ‘I’m not good enough,’ and I wanted to experiment. That being said, I’m 100% glad I did that and I would encourage everyone to do the same if they are in that boat. However, you will ALWAYS circle back to the things you’re most passionate about in life. They don’t disappear. Trust me.
Currently, I don’t have it all figured out, and maybe I never will. However, I threw myself into NYC because I knew I needed to try the big city that I’ve been avoiding. I can’t even tell you if I want to be doing musical theater again or not. What I can tell you is: I had NO desire to wake up at 6 AM the other day, trek myself to Chelsea in the freezing 10 degree weather, put my name on an “unofficial” list for Broadway’s Mamma Mia only to pray to god that they would see non-equity singers, which they did.. five and a half hours later. Here’s the upside: they SAW me, I NAILED that audition, and it felt SO good!!! Nine years ago I probably wouldn’t have even gone. Heck, I almost didn’t go the other day – so why did I? Because I didn’t throw myself in NYC at the age of 30 to half ass it!!! The only way I will EVER know if I don’t want to be doing musical theater is if I audition, get a show, and see how I feel about it. Plain and simple. I mean, if you’re going to make a comeback, MAKE THE COMEBACK! Right?!
A few suggestions – if you’re underprepared for an audition it will show. Go with what you know and something you’re comfortable with. Your goal is to shine, not to look bad doing what you thought would be the better option. Don’t go with the song you picked the night before in hopes that it would be a good option. You’re more apt to do well with something you enjoy performing. Don’t stress over your hair, and your make up, and what you’re wearing – take the time to enjoy the process. Focus on the good. You’re going to be seen doing something you love to do!! Get excited!! Most importantly – GO!!! Show up. Rid your life of the excuses you tell yourself!! Those just get in the way of all your endless possibilities. It may stink to get up early and stand in zero degree weather, but flip the switch – how good will it feel for your dreams to be a reality? You are absolutely cut out for that. We all are. Break legs!!