“Five minutes to places!

OH NO. This cannot be happening.

I looked around the busy classroom that served as our backstage area. Clothes, scripts, and
make-up littered desks and chairs. Some of my cast mates were drawing stick figures on the dry-erase
board, others were applying make-up, or posing for pictures in costume; but all had the same spark of
excited anticipation. All, that is, except me.

My eyes were closed, desperately hoping I could somehow sink into the wall I was leaning
against, and not come out the other side. How had I lined up for this torture? Even worse, how had I
worked hard for it? Shakespeare was not easy stuff, and yet there I was, trying to think of something-
anything- but the next two hours.

And so my mind raced back, back to where I had boarded the train of change that had traveled
at break-neck pace, only to crash and burn on the stage tonight. Change had never frightened me. When
my mother asked at the end of my sophomore year if I would like to transfer, there was no doubt in my
mind. Let the adventure begin.

There were advantages to being the new kid. You could easily get away with the “I got lost”
excuse for being late for class. You had no social expectations. Everyone was a potential lunch buddy,
study partner, car pool, teammate, best friend; and no one could deny me the same expectations. I was
a mystery to them- a blank sheet of paper that I hoped to write the name Juliet all over it.

I knew if I could bag the coveted role, I would be content. Every night I asked God for the stone
that would slay the giant. I asked for the miracle of getting the part. Apart from that, I practiced. I
printed out the audition pieces and analyzed, rehearsed, and memorized until the day finally came.

My nerves propelled me through an energetic performance that left me shaking. “Don’t let her
think you’re nervous,” the girl next to me whispered. I’m doomed.

No. I wasn’t. Six agonizing days later, the cast list appeared. There I was. My name had
somehow found itself next to hers; the name that epitomized the tragic lover, the standard for all
romantic heroines, and every girl’s dream. It was up to me to bring her to life.

It is funny how my journey to find Juliet led me to find so much more. Rehearsal was never a
chore. I relished the opportunity, not only to socialize, but also to learn and grow with my classmates. It
also carried into my school life. People I did not know offered their congratulations in the hall. Now I had
a common bond with those who had once only been classmates. Finding Juliet became so much more to
me than learning acting techniques and analyzing Shakespeare- I had found my niche in a new
environment, and learned valuable lessons on the way. I learned the value of a simple invitation to
bowling night, or even to sit with a group of friends at lunch. I had been on the outside, looking in, and
now I felt endowed with the responsibility of recognizing others like me, and pulling them in.

“Places!”
 Here goes. Swallowing a rapidly beating heart, I took my place stage-right. The Prologue began.
As I stood silently with the rest of the cast, adrenaline pumped through my veins. It would be alright.
Yes, it had to be. I was not only surrounded by a supportive cast, but friends. I was ready to do what
made me feel alive. As the Prologue ended, I headed backstage to prepare for my first scene. My fear
was replaced with pure joy and eager determination. It’s show time!