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"The musical isn't just a way to sing, act, and dance. Its a way to become a different person, gain the confidence needed for life, find a new family, and let your soul soar with new-found grace"

This quote here, was written by me, for my school year book.
It was about the musical I took part in, obviously.
The more I read it, the more it makes sense.

This year's musical was Bye-Bye Birdie. I decided to try out so that my friend, Elliot, would have a partner to try out with. I really didn't know what I was in for.
I had to learn two songs; What Did I Ever See In Him, and One Boy.
I had to learn one dace. And I had to read lines in front of the Band Director, Music Director, and Choreographer. (Holy s**t, I spelled that right!)

I wasn't expecting anything big. I was shaking the whole time. I was nervous out of my mind.
I really did expect a small part for the musical. I was a Sophomore, true, but it was my FIRST year trying out for ANYTHING like this.
I still managed to get one of the leading roles.

If you know Bye-Bye Birdie, then you know that its about Conrad Birdie (based off of Elvis) being drafted into the army. His manager, Albert Peterson, writes him a song called One Last Kiss, the last hit, and has Conrad kiss a girl, a symbol of him kissing ALL teenaged girls.

The leading roles are Albert Peterson, Rosie Alvarez, Kim MacAfee, Conrad Birdie.
I got Kim MacAfee.

A lot of people resented me for this. I was scared. I regretted joining the musical. I regretted everything about the musical.
But, I had a few solid friends who encouraged me on, told me that I got the role because I was better than them. I had a director who personally thanked me for joining this year, and kept my confidence high. With that, I became not only a new Katie, but Kim MacAfee herself.
The two people who play my parents are my family. I can tell them anything.
The girl who played my brother is one of my best friends now.
Phillip, who played Albert, always keeps me smiling, and supports me with everything.
Greg, who was Birdie, gives me a hug every day. We still make jokes about the musical, too.

I learned that while at musical practice, I'm also at home. I learned the cast is my family. I learned that all the time I spent playing games was a waste.

Because of the musical, I feel stronger and more confident as a person.
When I sing now, I sing with my whole heart, no longer staying quiet. I put all my emotion into it.
When I have problems, I know exactly who I can tell; any of them.

But, like all things, it came to an end.

Our last show was amazing.

And as the lights died down that night, as tears were shed, hugs were given, and good-bye's were exchanged, I realized that while we may not be as close as before, we were still a family. Not necessarily saying good-bye, because all the seniors would be back to visit. It was more of a family good-bye. Sure, it may be a while, but they'll come back.

Its as if our hearts are connected by strings.







And each string seems to lead back to the stage; our home away from home.

:3