There is something about being on stage that cannot be replaced by anything else. For anyone that has acted and fallen in love with the theatre, you know the special rush of adrenaline that sweeps through you, as you prepare for whatever ride you are going to go on with each performance.
Samuel has been participating in Christian Youth Theatre since he was 6 years old. At the time, the classes were only open to ages 6 and up, and you had to be 8 before you could audition for the plays. Samuel has faithfully taken the classes and participated in the showcase performances for each class. He has enjoyed it and anxiously awaited the opportunity to audition for a play. When he turned 8 in August, he was ready. Just a few weeks later, he was going through his first audition for The Legend of Pocahontas.
Samuel is both blessed and cursed by having a "theatre mom". I am sure that as he gets down the road, he is going to think of it as more than a curse. For those that know me well, you know I have a very difficult time keeping my mouth shut. In this case, I really, really tried my best. :) Samuel is not familiar with many musicals, so as we searched for a song for him to sing for his audition, he turned down every one of my suggestions. I gave in, and let him pick a song that he knew and was comfortable with, so we broke the rules and he chose "Hard Days Night" by The Beatles (yes, Samuel is a HUGE Beatles fan, and knows the words to most of their songs). I coached him through how to "act" the song, we rehearsed and he was ready to go. He did a GREAT job on his song. While he was nervous, and you could tell his knees were a little shaky, he sang loud and clear and in near perfect pitch. He also acted the song, and did several very good moves that he came up with entirely on his own. When it came time for him to do a cold reading from the script, he did a great job as well.
When the cast list was posted, Samuel was cast in the role of a soldier. Hmmm...we weren't sure what that meant for him, but, Samuel was ok with it. A little disappointed that he wasn't going to be able to run around with a bow and arrow, but hey, he was in the play.
Having directed a children's theatre program myself in the past, I was thinking that Samuel's role would be very small - nearly insignificant given that it was his first production, he had just turned 8 and they probably needed some time to be sure that he didn't have stage fright and could handle the weeks of rehearsal and everything that the production involved. CYT only performs musicals, and the age range of the cast is 8-18 year olds, so many of the kids are high school age and have done numerous productions.
Boy was I wrong!
Samuel had a great little part! He was cast with a group of 5older boys, and they were some of the comic relief of the play. All of the soldiers had speaking parts, and were the British of the play. What a gamble the directors took on our little fellow.
Once Samuel got into rehearsals, his talent became apparent. At home, we have always known Samuel to have a flair for the dramatic...and usually not at times that make me proud (wink, wink). We have also known Samuel to be the "life of the party" and willing to perform for anyone that would give him the time of day. From songs, to stories to magic, all the world is a stage to Samuel. But, actually taking on a role and personifying it, is a completely different art. Samuel was amazing! He did such a great job of taking on the role of the soldier! We were so proud to see him snarl and stomp onto the stage, as he searched for Indians and schemed with his crew. His directors reported that he was very focused during rehearsals and was a true example to others in the cast.
And speaking of the directors....I cannot fail to mention the amazing directors that worked with these kids. Their love for theatre was made complete by their love for these kids. Samuel already knew and loved Ms. Elizabeth from church, but he came to have a whole new respect for her as he watched her piece together the play. I heard him say many times, "she's awesome!" in reference to his director. Samuel worked a great deal with "Mr. Ray" who, I think, is Samuel's new hero. Mr. Ray was tough on these kiddos, but in a way that showed them the importance to work hard and always strive to do their best. Samuel appreciated it completely and never once complained about the hard work to prepare for his role. He loved the time that he spent with Mr. Ray working on character development and perfecting his craft. It was awesome to watch Samuel throw himself into the play, and strive to do his best.
The week the play was to open, they determined that a costume change for some of the characters was impossible. There was not enough time to completely transform these girls. They needed filler - another scene. Who did they turn to? SAMUEL!
A short scene was written for Samuel, which closed with the song "Yankee Doodle Dandee". Samuel needed to turn it into 2 1/2 minutes.
Boy, did he ever. That kid milked his scene for all it was worth, and brought the house down every night. I had no idea that the audience would go NUTS like they did in every performance.
Best of all, Samuel acted like it was no big deal. All in a days work. Same kid that dropped his socks on the floor before he went to bed, was the one getting the mid-show applause, hoots and hollers. People asked for his autograph after the performances. Adults stopped him to shake his hand. But never once, on the way home, did he talk about how great he was or how great he did. We talked about Legos, or his favorite scene in the play (which was never his) or how funny/awesome/great some other kid in the show was.
I have always been a nervous actor. I can remember how my stomach would be a barrel of nerves as the house lights came down and the curtain came up. I can remember that I needed to step into the warm light and take my first breath on the stage before the nerves would slip away and I would be in my "groove". Samuel was not like that at all. Every time I asked him if he was nervous, he would shrug and say "maybe a little". Well, you couldn't tell it. It's rare to see an 8 year old boy command the stage for 2 1/2 minutes and bring on a round of thundering applause.
So, I am done bragging now. We have another actor in the house and I couldn't be more excited for him to find something that he enjoys so much and is so good at! CYT is a great program for him to be involved with. It is nice to not have to worry about the appropriateness of the material he will be performing, and their focus is on glorifying God with their talent. The kids in the cast were great, and Samuel met some wonderful older kids that are good role models. He's excited to have made more friends in CYT and can't wait to be on stage with them again.
He's having a bit of fun right now in his CYT classes - he is taking a class called CYGlee...and you can imagine what they're working on! His next audition is in the spring, and he is auditioning for WONKA - the musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He's got high aspirations right now. He is wanting to audition for the role of Charlie or Mike Tevee. He's asked to take some voice lessons to help him prepare for his audition. He's serious.
But, he says he will be happy being an Oompa Loompa. Oh, the highs and lows of the theatre. I guess there is never a good time to experience the disappointments it can bring!
It appears little brother is following in Samuel's footsteps. CYT opened classes to 4 and 5 year olds this year, and Jacob has started taking classes. His teacher told me today that Jacob has natural talent, and she's likely going to cast him as the lead in their showcase performance. As she was telling me this, Hannah was dancing down the hall in her leotard and tights. She said "looks like she's going to be your triple threat". I'm not sure I'm ready for that!
I am excited that Samuel got to his experience his first standing ovation. The thrill of the audience on their feet, showing the greatest appreciation a theatre patron can give, is the highest form of flattery to an actor.
Here are the crew of soldiers
The entire cast
Buddy, you always get a standing-o on my stage.
3 comments:
I loved reading this, Michelle! So proud of Samuel. love you guys!
He looks like a natural! What great fun!
Good job Samuel!!!
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