It All Starts In the Beginning

As this is the first time that I have enrolled in a theatre course, theatre and performance is a fairly new genre to me. Though I have yet to perform a monologue or scene before an audience, I have had a different sort of experience in performing. As a violinist, I have performed on stage but rather than conveying my emotions through words, it was through music. Although I have never been involved as an actor in any sort of theatre production I have seen the effort that it takes to put on a successful show as I have helped with painting sets as well as preparing actors in hair and makeup. Because I have attended various productions I have a vague idea of the intricacies involved in all the different sets such as those that revolve or those that display different levels.

Some of the shows that I’ve attended include our school’s fall and spring productions of Hello Dolly!, Because Their Hearts Were Pure, Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof and Scapin and outside productions of Mamma Mia and Anything Goes. What I really enjoy about these shows is the versatility of theatre and how it can portray various themes and emotions rather than being confined to a standard set of rules. This is evident as musicals like Mamma Mia and Fiddler on the Roof display themes of the family dynamic as the first focuses on the bonds between mother and daughter and the latter on maintaining the family unit despite encroaching outside influences. Contrasting these musicals is the humorous Scapin where Scapin deceives the characters for his own benefit and entertainment which demonstrates the flexibility of theatre. Another aspect of these shows that I enjoy is the uniqueness of the various costumes involved in the production and how the costumes tie into the plot and how they clearly portray each character. This is evident with how the free-flowing clothes represent Donna’s carefree character in Mamma Mia and how the minimalism of Belle’s costume in Beauty and the Beast reveals her appreciation for the simpler aspects of life and her lack of attraction for the vain Gaston.

Since I have never had any sort of theatre or performance training, I decided to broaden my perspective on the aspects of theatre so that I can enjoy a show/production with an enhanced knowledge and become an active audience member. I have come to realize that acting is only one part of theatre and that it involves many other components such as backstage work, hair and makeup, lighting, research, and more. As a result, I realized that joining IB theatre would be the best choice because I will be able to learn among lesser experienced students as myself as well as those whom theatre is second-nature. This way, I can learn the ropes of theatre at a decent and understanding pace with others who may be experiencing similar difficulties while interacting with students who have had years of theatre training and can be of great help and advice. Because of this reason, I realize that in order for me to decide whether theatre and performance is a potential passion or interest, IB theatre is a means for me to spark a hidden interest.