Last night, my husband and I went to see our son perform in the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. He, as well as the entire cast, were marvelous!
One of the best things I think I’ve ever done was to encourage him to take drama.
High school is a difficult time for most kids, the awkwardness and shyness, and the often brutal way some kids treat others. I knew that he needed to have a release of negative frustrations and learn to come out of his shell.
I also knew that kids interested in acting develop good friendships, and that he would have fun. Learning how to act, in front of others just as self conscious as you are in the beginning, helps you learn to laugh at yourself as well as understand how fragile we all are when we make mistakes in front of others. The world seems a little lighter, and brighter – and many teens need that.
Over the past two years I’ve seen his confidence grow. While he still has some self-doubt, (he wasn’t sure he could remember all his lines in the beginning), he hung in there and as the cast became a “family”, they together created something magical. Having helped him with his part (Rev. Hale), of the script – I was transformed last night when I watched his performance.
He has a great presence on the stage. I think that if he were to choose theater as he enters college, he could become very good – maybe great!
Theater lights are not always flattering. However, they seem to favor some more than others, and fortunately, they truly favor my son. Now I know I’m his mother, but I can be harsh critic. I do know when something is beyond the ordinary, and when it’s not. I’ve seen a few plays on Broadway, and some people have it, and some don’t. I think he’s got it
I’m not blind, even in the abilities of my children. I do keep negative types of opinions to myself when I think it would hurt someone’s feelings, especially my children’s. But I can point out weaknesses with a gentle hand. And I can applaud when I think they’re great.
He’s a senior this year, and still searching for what he wants to pursue as a career. Whether he want to pursue acting as a career is totally up to him, but I do think that if he makes up his mind to do this, he will be great. Theater is still a fantastic career, and there is more to it than just acting. I think he’s a good fit for it if he wants to pursue it.
The format of this play was similar to a theater-in-round type setup. Audience on both sides, and they did the play in the middle. His was a major role in the production, with a lot of lines. This was a three hour play. Quite an achievement. Six performances. Last night was the 5th. I actually wanted to go during the last ones scheduled, as I knew, with each performance – it would get better and better.
I think their drama teacher has another play scheduled for the spring, and I can’t wait for it.
I just hope I’m not still making costumes until the actual day of the first performance!
