There's No Business Like Show Business Anonymous

Electrifying bursts of energy flow through my veins as the excitement builds up just minutes before opening night. The lights flicker and the audience goes silent. The curtains slowly glide open as I set foot on the stage. The lights turn on and illuminate the faces of the actors as the music begins playing. A rush of exhilaration spreads through my body as I temporarily become my character.

I was drawn to the theatre when I realized that playing the roles of different characters improves my communication skills since I have to be able to read the nonverbal clues of other actors onstage. It also forces me to concentrate on what is happening onstage and react to it through my character.

Yet, the use of imagination is not the only thing that drew me into the theatre. It was also the incredible people that I came to know through these shows, some of whom are now my best friends. They always think outside the box and can have fun in any situation. There is never a dull moment when I am with them since they always have creative new ideas to keep us busy. The Oak Lawn Park District stage is like a second home to me. It is where I grew up and where I spent numerous years of my life. Of all the different groups of people from all the...