Don't be afraid to fail

I just wanted to take a moment and review some highlights of this school year and talk about what I learned most from these experiences. Kind of my motto for this year: Don't be afraid to fail.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I didn't learn a whole lot about failure in this one, but there wasn't much risk either. Sometimes it's easier to play it safe.



I'm in the middle in blue. This is from state competition. I did an ensemble serious (which I loved and had so much fun with) and a solo audition. Solo audition is two contrasting pieces back to back under 5 minutes. I was worried about taking on a solo. But I made it to state...then semi finals....then finals!!! I was so pleased. I prayed my way through that whole competition that I would just feel as though I performed the best I could. After each round I felt really good about how I'd done. I'm pretty sure this picture was taken before they announced that I placed first (still in shock over this) but it definitely shows how grateful I was just to be in finals round with those other girls (no idea why it happened to be all girls this year but they were all SOOOOOO talented). What I learned from all of this? Try new things. Don't be afraid to fail.



LEGALLY BLONDE! Holy cow that was so much fun. I didn't want to try out but was required to as part of the Advanced Acting team. I went into the dance audition thinking "I've got nothing to lose!" So I kind of went crazy. I figured I'd be a chorus member. When I saw the cast list I almost peed my pants. I was TERRIFIED to play a lead especially one like Elle Woods. I practiced for hours every day even after long rehearsals. The night of dress rehearsal I came to the director crying and saying I couldn't do this. I wasn't good enough. I'll be forever greatful for her kind response and advice to go home and get some rest, that tomorrow would be better. What I learned? Stop worrying about what others will think. Don't be afraid to fail in their or your own eyes.

The Man Who Came to Dinner or as a dear friend of mine liked to call it MANDINGO. I actually directed this play, but I still learned. Sometimes you gotta take a backseat to be able to grow. Don't be afraid to learn from others. 

 

The Scarlet Letter. I loved this play. Even though it's sad it brought more depth to my acting. Don't be afraid to dig deep and just go for it. I had a stage kiss in this play that was kind of hard for me because I'd been friends with the guy for quite some time. Our directors made us practice that scene over and over and over one day. It was hard. A lot of Hester's character was difficult for me, but I learned not to be afraid to stretch myself even when I'd learned enough.



Last but certainly not least was Into the Woods!!! I got a smaller role but fell in love. I don't think I've ever had so much fun being somebody else! Once I let go and decided that being ugly and crazy wasn't so bad I had more fun onstage than I ever had before. Thank you so much to my teacher who saw my potential with "being ugly onstage." Don't be afraid to be silly. Either people will think it's funny or they won't. And if they don't think it's funny it'll most likely be embarrassing and then you'll have a great ice breaker story:)

Although all this was about acting this year I tried to apply it to everything else. I've decided to not be afraid of failure anymore. This is an awesome quote to kind of sum up my thoughts on this year.

“What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you.” 
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf