Not Quite Behind the Scenes... But in the Background

This summer my drama group's main show is Narnia: the Musical, but even though I strongly wanted to be in it, I wasn't allowed to. Granted, I did a couple smaller shows this summer, but I so wanted to be in Narnia. Of course, when one day after rehearsal for one of the smaller shows the director asked if any of us could be extras in Narnia, I immediately volunteered! So, since I didn't take the actual class, I was to be a statue, and later be brought to life by Aslan. I'm not very used to being so insignificant in a play. I mean, I don't usually have a main role, but still I always have lines! One day, she said, "Oh, I need you to stay after rehearsal to find you a dress for grown up Lucy." I was like, what? Grown up Lucy? I thought I was just a statue! So, apparently I look like an older version of the girl who plays Lucy! So we find me a dress that looks like an older version of hers, and there we go. So now, I am in Narnia, for about 10 minutes of the whole show. I would have liked to have been able to take the class, and therefore have a real part, but I didn't let that stop me from doing a little bit. A little is better than none!

Normally I would hate to be in the background. Unnoticed. I hate that feeling. But this experience has taught me something, it's not all bad to be in the back round once in a while. That way, you can learn and try new things. I can experiment with different ways to use my unique costume to improve my acting. I can practice reacting to things happening on stage around me. I can be the best and most interesting to watch extra there ever was, if I put all my effort, and don't write it off as just an insignificant part. "There are no such things as small parts, only small actors." There is so much truth in that statement! Have you ever noticed when watching a play or movie how one character captivates you and ends up being one of your favorites, even though it isn't really a main character? This happens often, and shows to the world that that actor can act, and isn't hindered by the size of the part. Chances are that after showing themselves capable in those small parts, they get "promoted" to large roles. If you show yourself faithful, doing your best, and easy to work with in the small roles, people are more likely to give you the main character one day, knowing you will not let them down.