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A Legacy of Performance

By Carrie Fishman

To be on stage is to escape, yet be fully present. To be in a show is to be part of a family, yet completely responsible for yourself. To be in front of a live audience is to interact with them, yet not let them feel like you're interacting with them. I had been a performer from childhood through my 20s, but I left it behind when the stressors of adulting and parenthood overtook the time I had to pursue it. However, I had a hunch that I might have a stage kid when I saw them emerge from behind the stage curtain for the first time in the Nutcracker (as a butterfly). Unexpectedly, tears poured out of my eyes. This kid was so confident, so assured, so happy, so brave as they flapped their butterfly wings and smiled. That gave me a clue that I might have a stage kid.

When Gloriana posted auditions for The Sound of Music, I knew it was our chance to be on stage together. So without even really knowing what an audition was, my 6-year-old auditioned for Gretl, the youngest Von Trapp, and I was cast as Elsa. All of a sudden my little kid was staying up until 9 and 10 at night, memorizing and rehearsing, learning blocking and choreography. Being on stage with them was a thrill I still treasure, and the magic of having a project together that we worked on, at home and in the theater, was a bond that we'll always share. We had inside jokes, special memories from backstage, onstage, and in between shows. I'll never forget the last show and the final curtain. All the kids were dancing together in pure unabashed joy as the crowd cheered. I couldn't help feeling overcome, seeing my little one with this beautiful family of brave, creative individuals; and being part of it myself.

We were in another show together (The Snow Queen), and several more separately. But the big takeaway is the legacy of performance that Gloriana offers us. You never know what you're capable of if you don't have the chance to try; and being part of a show gives so much to those in it, those who support it, and those who watch it. There is a place for everyone in the theater; and if you aren't called to perform, perhaps you may support someone in your life who may be, by volunteering, donating, and attending--let us share this legacy with you. Keep the opportunities to perform, participate, and play alive. Keep them alive for generations to come.