High School Musical

Author's Note: This is an essay on my first lead role in a play. I hope you enjoy!

November 7^th  2011 was one of the most memorable nights of my life. It was the beginning of a new obsession, a new passion. It was the premiere of High School Musical Jr, I was Sharpay Evans, it was a time of learning and victory for me. It was my first real role.

Late September 2011, I found out news that would change me forever. I was in math class, not even focusing on my work. All I could think about was what name would next to Sharpay on the cast list. All day kids would say they’d have to go to the bathroom or to their locker and really just go see if the list is up yet. I was different, I didn’t want to go look. What if I didn’t get Sharpay? I’d be running out embarrassed and a crying mess. I knew eventually the news would spread and I’d hear someone say either, “I’m sorry you didn’t get Sharpay Emilee” or “Emilee! You got Sharpay!” And that’s exactly what I heard. While I was sitting in class my friend Michelle runs up and screams to me that I got Sharpay. I freaked out but at the same time this could be a horrible trick! “You better not be lying, Michelle!” I screamed as we raced out of the room, not even bothering to ask our teacher. I slowly walked down the stairs and suddenly saw what seemed like millions of eyes on me. Everyone was smiling and congratulating me. Right then and there I knew this wasn’t some horrible trick that Michelle pulled on me, I got Sharpay!

Later on in the day I couldn’t take it any longer, I had to just e-mail my mom and dad the news. They responded in all caps, freaking out. My dad even joked around and said “I know I heard it on the radio! You’re famous!” I was still in shock once I got home and couldn’t believe that this actually happened, that I was Sharpay. That night at home was awesome, my grandma was over and I was calling my family in Illinois and they all said they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The next day was our first rehearsal, we all went through the whole script as a cast. After that everything went by so quickly. November 7^th came too fast I felt like I was going to pass out from all of the pressure. The night of the premiere I was a nervous wreck! My hands were shaking and I felt like I was going to vomit right there backstage. Then I saw my family in the audience, it made me want to cry! I was so overfilled with joy, I knew I’d be great and I was going to do it for them. Our last performance came and we were all hugging before the show, we were a family. “Let’s make this our best one!” We would all say. And it was.

All of that hard work really paid off, we didn’t make one mistake in any of our shows. I really liked acting and I found out I’m pretty good at it too. This year our school in doing Annie, and I’m proud to say  I got the role of Annie! This year I’m going to work even harder and be even better! I can’t wait for the more shows to come and the casts I’ll meet.  Hopefully I’ll be acting my whole life and never stop. Acting is my not my hobby or activity, it’s my passion.