Challenge 12: lights, camera ...

111. Imagine yourself being an actor/actress. Tell about your feelings before the opening night of the performance where you play the title role

It is empty; the stage, the chairs, the balcony. I take a deep breath and enjoy the silence while it lasts. This moment of peace is broken by a snap of a finger, and the harsh pull of my stylist. People are frantically running around me as I am forced into a chair. Working on my hair, my face, my nails and every other aspect of my appearance is what they have been paid to do. I always dreamt of myself being “prettied” up, but as they tugged on my hair to have it perfect and the eye liner poked my eye I was brought back into reality. All of this was happening because tonight was the night, the opening night.

Everyone is in a panicked state, but it isn’t until 7pm that the show starts, we still have half an-hour to go. Is something wrong with me, why am I not feeling the same way as they are? As the beauticians clip on the necklace around my neck, they are finally satisfied with the way I turn out.  I slip on my shoes and walk over to the very stylist that snapped her finger so rudely in my face. She looks nervous and I try to calm her down. I see my co-actor walking towards us, all dressed up. The three of us talk happily, forgetting the main purpose of the night.

The main lights flash on, as I hear the seats filling in, row by row. I walk quietly to the stage curtains and peek again. It is not the same sight I saw an hour ago. The stage has all the props on it, and all the chairs are full. My stomach doesn’t feel too good, and my breathing grows heavier. I feel the same way as everybody else on the set did.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and see my mother standing behind me. She smiles reassuringly and says, “I know you’ll be great.” I feel like those words have just put more pressure on me, than I already have. Everyone is called into the meeting room where we have a short encouraging discussion, which definitely comforts me. Just before going on stage, I take a peek in the mirror and see a different me. I take a deep breath and think about all the time and effort put into this. The dress-rehearsal went well, I thought to myself, so why wouldn’t this?

I find my way in the dark, on the middle of the stage. The lights flash on, and the curtains are slowly drawn. This is my moment to shine.